Black Box FOLTIB User manual

BL A C K B O X®
Identifies optical test tones and live traffic
without disconnecting a live system.
Indicates if there is a signal or traffic and shows the signal direction.
Basic Live Traffic Identifier
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax
724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
Customer
Support
Information
FOLTIB

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND
INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy,
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation
of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)
Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca de la
tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.

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NOM Statement
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe
colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios
de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks
of BB Technologies, Inc.
Corning is a registered trademark of Corning, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged
to be the property of the trademark owners.
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: Never look directly into optical outputs or a fiber while the equipment is
on. Invisible and visible laser beams may damage your eyes.
Do not short-circuit the AC adapter/charger terminal and the batteries.
Excessive electrical current may cause personal injury due to fumes,
electric shock, or equipment damage.
Connect the AC power cord to the equipment and wall socket properly.
When you insert the AC plug, make sure there is no dust or dirt on the
terminals and both plugs are fully seated.
WARNING: If the AC plug is not connected properly, fuming, electric shock, or
equipment damage might occur and may result in personal injury.
Do not operate the equipment near hot objects, in hot environments, in
dusty/humid atmospheres, or when condensation is present on the
equipment. This may cause electric shock, product malfunction, or poor
performance.

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Table of Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................6
1.1 Optical Specifications.......................................................................... 6
1.2 General Specifications ........................................................................6
2. Overview................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Introduction........................................................................................ 7
2.2 What’s Included .................................................................................7
3. Operation.................................................................................................. 8
4. Using the Basic Live Traffic Identifier ......................................................... 9
4.1 Display and Controls........................................................................... 9
4.1.1 Front (Panel Board) ....................................................................9
4.1.2 Back and Side .......................................................................... 11
4.2 Powering On the Unit ...................................................................... 11
4.3 Detecting Traffic ............................................................................... 13
4.4 Detecting Frequency......................................................................... 14
4.5 Signal Intensity ................................................................................. 15
4.6 Self-Calibrating ................................................................................. 15
5. Maintenance ........................................................................................... 16
Appendix. Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 18
A.1 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 18
A.2 Shipping and Packaging................................................................... 18

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
1. Specifications
1.1 Optical Specifications
Included Plungers: H 0.9 for bare fibers, H 0.25 for tightly buffered fibers,
H 3.0 for jacketed fibers
Detecting Sensitivity: ≤50 dBm
Detector Type: InGaAa 2pcs
Recognizable Signal Type: CW, 270 Hz ±5%, 1 kHz ±5%, 2 kHz ±5%
Recognizable Wavelength Range: 900 nm–1650 nm
Table 1-1. Sensitivity (minimum recognizable optical power intensity in the fiber).
Sensitivity 1310 nm (typical) 1550 nm (typical)
Continuous wave -20 dBm -30 dBm
2 kHz modulated wave detection -10 dBm -18 dBm
1 kHz modulated wave detection -10 dBm -18 dBm
270 Hz modulated wave detection -10 dBm -18 dBm
1.2 General Specifications
Temperature Tolerance: Operating: +14 to +122° F (-10 to +50° C);
Storage: -4 to +158° F (-20 to +70° C)
Power: (2) AA batteries (not included)
Size: 1.4"H x 2.4"W x 7.9"D (3.6 x 6.2 x 20.2 cm)
Weight: 0.59 lb. (0.27 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The Basic Live Traffic Identifier is an inexpensive, portable instrument designed to
identify optical test tones and live traffic without disconnecting a live system.
Simply clamp the FOLTIB onto a fiber and the instrument will indicate if there is a
signal or traffic and show the signal direction. It can detect a variety of optical
tones: 270 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz.
Use the FOLTIB with both 0.25-/0.09-mm bare fiber and 3-mm jacketed fiber.
When testing jacketed fibers, the slim design of the FOLTIB allows easier access to
a splice tray where the amount of workspace is limited. The clamping trigger fits
the natural motion of the operator’s hand. The instrument is ruggedly constructed
and reliable.
2.2 What’s Included
Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing or
damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
• Main unit
• Plungers (H 0.9 mm, H 0.25 mm, H 3.0 mm)
• Carrying case
• (2) 1.5-V alkaline batteries (AA)
• Quality check report
• This user’s guide on CD-ROM

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
3. Operation
Batteries
The FOLTIB identifier is powered by two 1.5-V AA batteries. There is a low-battery
indicator on the panel board. It lights if there is not enough power supplied to the
FOLTIB. If this happens, replace the batteries with new ones. To replace the
batteries, remove the battery plate on the back side of the unit with a Philips
screwdriver.
Figure 3-1. Replacing the battery.
NOTES:
1. Use 1.5-V alkaline batteries. The low-battery indicator may light if you use
rechargeable batteries.
2. To eliminate the possibility of acid leakage, remove the batteries if the unit will
not be used for a long time.
Philips
screwdriver

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Chapter 4: Using the Basic Live Traffic Identifier
4. Using the Basic Live Traffic Identifier
4.1 Display and Controls
4.1.1 Front (Panel Board)
Figure 4-1 shows the front-panel board. Table 4-1 describes its components.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Figure 4-1. Front-panel board.

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
Table 4-1. Front-panel board components.
Number Key/Indicator Function
1 Plunger Choose from H 0.25 mm, H 0.9 mm,
and H 3.0 mm adapters.
2 Fiber groove Place the tested fiber in this slot.
3 No signal indicator Lights when there is no signal in the tested
fiber.
4 Left traffic indicator Lights if the signal in the tested fiber is from
right to left.
5 Right traffic indicator Lights if the signal in the tested fiber is left to
right.
6 Signal intensity Shows the signal intensity level. A higher inten-
sity means a stronger signal.
7 2-kHz indicator Lights if the wave frequency is 2 kHz.
8 1-kHz indicator Lights if the wave frequency is 1 kHz.
9 270-Hz indicator Lights if the wave frequency is 270 Hz.
10 Low-battery indicator Lights when there is not enough power.
11 Adjusting button Used to self-calibrate the identifier.

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Chapter 4: Using the Basic Live Traffic Identifier
4.1.2 Back and Side
Figure 4-2 shows the back and side of the Basic Live Traffic Identifier. Table 4-2
describes its components.
1 Serial number
2 Clamping trigger
3 Battery plate
Figure 4-2. Back and side view.
4.2 Powering on the Unit
Gently insert the tested fiber into the groove at the top of the identifier. Pull the
clamping trigger slowly to press the fiber against the optical assembly. The
identifier powers on when the detector plunger closes and the fiber is in the
correct position. See Figures 4-3 and 4-4.

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
NOTE: Be careful when placing the fiber in the provided slot. Do not force the
fiber into the position. Misaligning the fiber may induce optical losses above
what the specification demonstrates.
Figure 4-3. Insert the tested fiber into the groove.
Figure 4-4. Press the fiber slowly against the optical assembly.

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Chapter 4: Using the Basic Live Traffic Identifier
4.3 Detecting Traffic
If the tested fiber is carrying a signal, a traffic indicator lights to show the
direction, left or right. See Figures 4-5 and 4-6.
Figure 4-5. Signal traveling right to left.
Figure 4-6. Signal traveling left to right.
When no signal is present or the signal to be tested is too weak for the identifier
to detect, the No Signal indicator lights. See Figure 4-7.
Figure 4-7. No signal indicator.

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
4.4 Detecting Frequency
If the tested fiber is carrying a 2 kHz, 1 kHz, or 270 Hz modulated wave, the
respective modulation indicator lights and the identifier makes a buzzing sound.
Figure 4-8. Modulation indicator.
NOTE: The identifier might not recognize the frequency correctly if the signal is
too weak or the frequency is not stable.

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Chapter 4: Using the Basic Live Traffic Identifier
4.5 Signal Intensity
The signal intensity indicator on the front-panel board lights to tell you how
strong the signal is. There are five LEDs aligned vertically. If more LEDs light, the
signal is stronger.
Figure 4-9. Signal intensity indicators.
4.6 Self-Calibrating
The identifier might need to be adjusted if you haven’t used it for while or if the
temperature or light conditions change suddenly. Change the plunger to the
H 0.25 type, pull the clamping trigger, then press the ”Adjust” key for less than
two seconds to start the self-calibration, which lasts about 10–30 seconds. When
it finishes, the identifier makes a buzzing sound and the “No Signal” indicator
blinks.

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
5. Maintenance
1. The FOLTIB identifiers are tested with cleaned Corning®SMF-28TM/SMF-D pure
non-dispersion coated fiber. If you use different brands or types of fiber with
various coating colors, the testing performance will be affected.
2. Do not bend the fiber excessively. This may cause the unit to misjudge traffic or
might even break the fiber.
Figure 5-1.
Figure 5-2.

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Chapter 5: Maintenance
3. Keep the optical receiver clean and use cleaning oil when testing bare fiber to
achieve the best performance.
4. To clean the optical assembly, remove the clamp and gently clean the prism
and optical windows using cleaning pads and cleaning oil. Do not immerse the
plunger assembly in alcohol.
Figure 5-3.

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Basic Live Traffic Identifier
Appendix. Troubleshooting
A.1 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your Basic Live Traffic Identifier is malfunctioning, do not
attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact
Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:
• the nature and duration of the problem.
• when the problem occurs.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or
make it worse.
A.2 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Basic Live Traffic Identifier:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are returning the unit, make sure you include everything you received
with it. Before you ship for return or repair, contact Black Box to get a Return
Authorization (RA) number.

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NOTES

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FOLTIB, rev. 1