Black Box TS725A User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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INFORMATION
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FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
NOVEMBER 2000
TS725A
FO726
FO727
FO728
Fault Finder

2
FAULT FINDER
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.
EC Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that the Fault Finder,
manufactured in the United States of America, meets the intent of the directive
89/336/EEC for electromagnetic compatibility. Compliance was demonstrated to
the following specifications as listed in the official Journal of the European
Communities:
EN 50081-1, Emissions: EN 55022 Radiated, Class B
EN 55022 Conducted, Class B
EN 60555-2 Power Harmonics
EN 50082-1, Immunity: IEC 801-2 Electrostatic Discharge
IEC 801-3 RF Radiated
IEC 801-4 Fast Transients
IEC 801-5 Surge

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FAULT FINDER
Specifications
Light Source — 635-nm red laser diode and monitor, with multi-quantum well
structure
Central Wavelength — Nominal: 635 nm; Range (typical): 630 nm to 640 nm
Spectral Width — < 2 nm
Peak Power Output* — Into SMF-28 fiber, CW or MOD output mode: 1.0 mW
(0 dBm) maximum, 316 µW (-5 dBm) minimum
Maximum Emitted Power — 5 mW
MOD Output Frequency — < 3 Hz, approximate
Power Requirements — (2) 1.5-volt alkaline batteries
Battery Life — 24 hours in solid mode; 48 hours in blinking mode
Connector Interface — 2.5-mm “quick connect” port (APC-type ferrule coupling
efficiency reduced by > -3 dBm), or snap-on connector adapters
CDRH — Class 3a
Operating Temperature — 14 to 122°F (-10 to +50°C)
Storage Temperature — -40 to +140°F (-40 to +60°C)
Humidity — Up to 95% relative humidity, noncondensing
Size — 1" x 9" (2.54 x 22.9 cm)
Weight — 7 oz. (199 g) with batteries and pouch
*Within specified ambient environment of +20°C to +25°C; APC-type ferrule coupling efficiency reduced by
> -3 dBm; Output power with beam collimator may exceed 1 mW. Product complies with CDRH Class II, 1-mW
maximum without collimator accessory and IEC 825-1: 1993, 5-mW maximum

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FAULT FINDER
Introduction
The Fault Finder is a pocket-sized instrument for finding problems in fiber cabling.
It uses a stabilized, high-output 635-nm laser diode that runs up to 24 hours in
continuous mode, or 48 hours in blink mode, from two AA alkaline batteries.
The Fault Finder can clearly locate breaks and bending losses in optical fibers up
to 3 km in length. A rotary switch on the instrument lets you select between
continuous wave (CW) and a blink (MOD) mode that increases viewing contrast,
or switch the instrument off with one hand. A universal “quick connect” output
port enables convenient temporary coupling with all 2.5-mm fiberoptic connectors.
The instrument can also be used with optional Fault Finder ST, SC, or FC snap-on
connector adapters, which permit secure coupling with these industry-standard
fiber optic interfaces.
When you order the Fault Finder, you’ll receive the unit, a nylon carrying pouch,
this instruction manual, and (2) 1.5-volt alkaline batteries. There are also optional
ST, SC, and FC adapters for the Fault Finder available separately.

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FAULT FINDER
Battery Installation/Replacement
The Fault Finder is shipped without the batteries installed. The two AA-size
alkaline batteries shipped with the instrument must be installed before use. Do not
use non-alkaline or rechargeable batteries in the instrument.
NOTE
If the LED indicator appears dim during operation, it is time to replace
the batteries in the unit.
To install or replace the batteries, follow the steps below and refer to the
illustration above.
1. Make sure the rotary switch is in the OFF position.
2. Unscrew the end cap by turning it counterclockwise, then remove the used
batteries, if any.
3. Insert two new AA-size alkaline batteries positive end first, as shown in the
illustration above.
4. Replace the end cap, turning it clockwise to tighten it in place.
End cap
AA-size
batteries

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FAULT FINDER
Operation
Controls and Indicators
Using the 2.5-mm “Quick Connect” Output Port
1. Insert the ferrule of a fiber optic connector into the “quick connect” output
port, ensuring that it seats completely. You should always clean the endface of
the connector before inserting it in the quick connect output port.
2. Rotate the switch to the desired operating mode by moving it to the right. The
first position puts the instrument in continuous wave (CW) mode. The second
position puts the instrument in blink (MOD) mode. The LED indicator on the
unit will light steadily in CW mode. It will blink in MOD mode.
3. See the Applications section for instructions on tracing faults in optical fibers.
Fault Finder Snap-On Connector Adapters
Optional Fault Finder snap-on connector adapters are available for ST, SC, and FC
fiberoptic connectors. These adapters fasten securely to fiberoptic connectors and
prevent them from pulling loose from the instrument. To use a snap-on connector
adapter with the Fault Finder, follow the steps below.
1. Select the appropriate Fault Finder snap-on connector adapter and press it
firmly over the quick connect output port.
2. Insert the connector under test into the adapter and secure it. Most fiberoptic
connectors are secured by turning the outer sleeve clockwise.
3. Rotate the switch to the desired operating mode.
4. See the Applications section for instructions on tracing faults in optical fibers.
Rotary switch
Dust cap
Optional snap-on
connector adapter
LED indicator
End cap
“Quick connect” output port

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FAULT FINDER
NOTE
Standard snap-on connector adapters cannot be used on the Fault
Finder, as they are larger in diameter.
WARNING!
Do not look directly into the output port when the instrument is ON.
Never use a viewing instrument, such as a magnifier or microscope, to
view the free end of any optical fiber connected to the Fault Finder. The
use of viewing instruments on active fibers can focus an intense laser
beam onto the retina of the eye, resulting in permanent damage or
blindness. Always aim the free end of an active fiber at a non-reflective
surface.
Applications
The Fault Finder is designed to quickly locate breaks in optical fibers. Any
interruption in continuity will be indicated by red light escaping from the fiber.
Light can also escape from the fiber if it is stressed or bent too tightly. In either
case, escaping light is a sure sign of a problem.
Dirty connectors
Microbend loss
Break in fiber
Continuity Check

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FAULT FINDER
The Fault Finder can also be used to check the condition of ceramic ferrules. A
fiber break inside, or past, the ferrule will make it glow, as shown above. If the
entire connector glows, it is definitely bad.
A glowing ferrule can also indicate a bad endface polish. If the endface polish is
bad, light in the fiber will be reflected internally and will be visible through the
ferrule, as shown above.

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FAULT FINDER
Cleaning
Cleaning the Output Port
Cleaning all connectors before coupling them to the Fault Finder ensures proper
maintenance of the output port and laser lens. Always cover the output port with the
dust cap when you’re not using the Fault Finder.
If binding or stickiness is felt when inserting connectors into the output port, the
ceramic sleeve should be cleaned. Insert a cleaning wand (not included) into the
output port until it stops. Twist the wand, remove it, and discard. Do not reuse the
cleaning wand.
Cleaning the Laser Lens
If the intensity of the light output decreases considerably, despite the batteries
being in good condition, the laser lens is probably dirty. Loose dirt can be removed
by applying suction to the output port.
NOTE
Do not blow air into the output port to remove dirt particles. Doing so
will only pack the dirt and make it harder to remove.
If the lens is extremely dirty, flush out the output port with a small amount of
reagent-grade isopropyl alcohol, then apply gently suction to remove any
remaining dirt. Make sure that all residual alcohol has evaporated before resuming
testing.