Black Box FOOBL User manual

BL A C K B O X®
Detects fault locations in single-mode fiber optic
cable and displays the exact distance on the LCD.
This palm-sized unit is lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to operate.
Optical Break Locator
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
FOOBL

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Optical Break Locator
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 and Safety Information
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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Optical Break Locator
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB
Technologies, 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
2. Overview................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Introduction........................................................................................ 7
2.2 What’s Included .................................................................................7
2.3 Features..............................................................................................7
3. Powering the Unit..................................................................................... 8
3.1 Batteries ............................................................................................. 8
3.2 AC Operation .....................................................................................8
4. Operation..................................................................................................9
4.1 Parts of the Optical Break Locator......................................................9
4.2 Key Functions ................................................................................... 10
4.3 LCD................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Before Using the Optical Break Locator ............................................ 11
4.5 Using the Keys.................................................................................. 11
4.5.1 Group Refractive Index Setting................................................ 12
4.5.2 Test Operation......................................................................... 12
4.5.3 Test Result Checking ............................................................... 12
4.5.4 Reading Data from a PC ......................................................... 12
4.5.5 Using the AC Adapter ............................................................. 12
5. Maintenance ........................................................................................... 13
Appendix. Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 14
A.1 Problems/Causes/Solutions............................................................... 14
A.2 Calling Black Box.............................................................................. 15
A.3 Shipping and Packaging................................................................... 15

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1. Specifications
Battery Capability: Up to 15,000 measurements
Emitter Type: LD
Event Detection Point: First one
Fiber Type: 9/125-µm single-mode fiber
Wavelength: 1550 ±20 nm
Maximum Power Output: 100 mW
Type of Event: Refractive event
Maximum Measuring Distance: 80.7 miles (130 km)
Measuring Accuracy: ±(0.8 m + 0.001% x measuring distance)
Measuring Dead Zone: 9.6 ft. (3 m)
Connectors: PC interface: (1) Mini USB
Temperature Tolerance: Operating: +4 to +122° F (-10 to +50° C);
Storage: -4 to +140° F (-20 to +60° C)
Humidity Tolerance: 0 to 85%, noncondensing
Power: 5-VAC adapter or (4) AA batteries
Size: 4.5"H x 2.5"W x 1.2"D (11.4 x 6.4 x 3.1 cm)
Weight (without Batteries): 0.62 lb. (0.28 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The Optical Break Locator is a high-performance fiber fault locator used to detect
a fiber fault location in single-mode fiber and display the exact
distance on the LCD. The unit is palm-sized, lightweight, easy to carry, and simple
to operate. Use it for fiber installation, detection, and maintenance.
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
• Quality check report
• Carrying case
• (2) NiMH batteries, (type AA)
• This user’s guide on CD-ROM
2.3 Features
• Small, compact unit is lightweight and is easy to carry
• Reliable high-technology chip accurately detects fiber fault location
• USB interface
• Includes (2) NiMH (AA) rechargeable batteries

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Optical Break Locator
3. Powering the Unit
3.1 Batteries
When the battery power is almost out, a low-battery indicator LED will blink
continuously. Replace the batteries or plug in the AC adapter to charge batteries.
Make sure that you turned the unit on before charging the batteries. Unplug the
AC adapter when the batteries are fully charged.
If the unit will not be used for a long time, remove the batteries to prevent acid
from leaking.
3.2 AC Operation
If you will use the unit mainly at one location, for example, in a laboratory or test
department, use the AC adapter to power it instead of batteries. The unit has a
DC input jack on the left side of the tester. Plug the AC adapter’s output cable in
there. When the AC adapter is plugged in, the AC indicator on the LCD will be
displayed.
NOTES:
1. Power is supplied by the AC adapter when it’s plugged in even if the battery is
installed. The battery is not displayed on the screen when the AC adapter is
plugged into the unit.
2. Make sure the operating voltage of the AC adapter/charger is the same as the
local AC line voltage.

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Chapter 4: Operation
4. Operation
4.1 Parts of the Optical Break Locator
The instrument panel is divided into two parts: the LCD display and the operation
keys.
The unit has an FC/PC fiber connector.
LCD display
Operation keys
5
6
1
3
2
7
4
FC connector
(interchangeable)
Figure 4-1. The Optical Break Locator.
4.2 Key Functions
The Optical Break Locator’s keys are described in Table 4-1.

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Optical Break Locator
Table 4-1. Keypad functions.
Number Key Function
1 P o w e r : Press this key to power on the unit. The unit will turn
off automatically if no keys are pressed for ten minutes. The
unit will turn on with the auto-off function deactivated when
you press the key for longer than two seconds. If you press
the key for longer than two seconds when the unit is pow-
ered on, the unit will shut down.
2 Cancel: Press this key to exit the current working states.
3 Test: Press this key to start a test.
4 Backlight: Press this key and release it in less than two sec-
onds, and the backlight will turn on. But if you don’t press
another key within 30 seconds, the backlight will automati-
cally turn off. To deactivate the auto-off function
for backlight, press the key for longer than three seconds.
5 OK: Press to confirm the current function and make sure the
data is saved to the correct position.
6 Up, Down arrow key.
7 Press these keys to switch between the storage function and
the refactive rate setting function. These keys also function as
left and right arrow keys.

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Chapter 4: Operation
4.3 LCD
Figure 4-2 illustrates the LCD display panel.
Refractive index
Refractive rate
Results display
Units in meters
Power on/off
AC adapter
Battery charge
Storage position
Storage position sign
Active laser indicator
Figure 4-2. LCD display panel.
4.4 Before Using the Optical Break Locator
1. Make sure the fiber connector is clean before testing.
2. If the batteries need to be recharged, use the charger.
3. Cover the fiber connector with the protective dust cap when it is not in use.
4. Do not connect the laser source to this instrument directly. Optical sensors might
be damaged.
5. Make sure the test fibers are securely connected before testing. You can’t
pull out the fiber during testing because the refractive effects may damage
the instrument.
WARNING: Do not look directly into the light pulse generated by the instrument.
Your eyes might be damaged.
4.5 Using the Keys
To turn the instrument on and off:
1. Press the “ON/OFF” key for less than two seconds to power on the unit.

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Optical Break Locator
2. Press the “ON/OFF” key for more than two seconds to power off the unit.
To activate the auto-off function:
The unit powers off if no keys are pressed in ten minutes. Press the “ON/OFF”
key for about two seconds to power on the unit with the auto-off function
deactivated.
To turn the backlight on and off:
1. Press the “BACKLIGHT” key for less than two seconds, and the backlight key
will turn on and then off in 30 seconds.
2. Press the “BACKLIGHT” key for longer than two seconds to deactivate the
auto-off function.
4.5.1 Group Refactive Index Setting
Press the “LEFT arrow” or “RIGHT arrow” key on the panel to enter setting mode.
“M” flashes to save the setting. “N” blinks to set the group refractive index
setting.
Press the “CANCEL” button to exit this setting mode.
4.5.2 Test Operation
The LED blinks and the instrument starts working when you press the “TEST”
button. The laser icon stops blinking when the test is complete. It then displays
the test result in meters. The “M” blinks. Press “OK” to save all the data to the
current position or press “LEFT” key to enter the storage option position. Press the
“UP” or “DOWN” button to choose the new save position, then press “OK” to
confirm. During the test, press the “CANCEL” key to exit the setting mode. The
unit saves up to 20 events.
4.5.3 Test Result Checking
Press the “LEFT/RIGHT” key on the panel, and the “M” blinks. The save options
blink one at a time. Choose the result by pressing the “UP/DOWN” arrow keys.
The corresponding result will be shown automatically in the screen.
4.5.4 Reading Data from a PC
A USB icon dsiplays on the screen when a USB device is connected to the instru-
ment. Read the data via the simulation software.
4.5.5 Using the AC Adapter
An adapter icon displays in the screen, and the battery icon disappears from the
screen when the AC adapter is connected to the instrument. A battery icon
displays when the AC adapter is not connected to the instrument.

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Chapter 5: Maintenance
5. Maintenance
1. Clean the fiber connector and the connecting flange on a regular basis.
2. Use standard fiber connectors when testing.
3. When the unit is not in use, place the dust cap on the connector to prevent it
from being scratched or becoming dirty.
4. Make sure that the operating voltage of the AC adapter/charger is the same as
the local AC line voltage.
5. To eliminate the possibility of acid leakage, remove the batteries if the unit will
not be used for a long time.

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Optical Break Locator
Appendix. Troubleshooting
A.1 Problems/Causes/Solutions
Problem: The unit won’t turn on or off.
Possible Causes:
1. No power input.
2. The battery is exhausted.
3. The battery is installed in reverse.
Solution:
1. Plug in the battery or AC power adapter.
2. Charge the battery.
3. Re-install battery.
4. If the unit still doesn’t work, return it to Black Box (for details, see Section A.2).
Problem: The unit goes on and off sometimes, but not always.
Possible Cause: Low battery.
Solution: Charge the battery or use the AC power supply.
Problem: Measurement is not accurate.
Possible Causes:
1. The connector is contaminated.
2. The connector does not fit properly.
Solution:
1. Clean the dust from the connector with an alcohol-dipped thin cotton swab.
2. Re-install the connector.
Problem: Error display is on.
Possible Causes:
1. The environment is humid.

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Appendix: Troubleshooting
2. A magnetic field is present.
3. Metal dust is in the environment.
Solutions:
1. Try later when the humidity is lower.
2. Move away from the magnetic field.
3. Dust may have damaged the main board.
Problem: Keypad short circuit.
Solution: Replace the keypad. (Return the unit to Black Box.)
A.2 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your Optical Break Locator 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.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Optical Break Locator:
• 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.

BL A C K B OX®
Black Box Tech Support: FREE! Live. 24/7.
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FOOBL, rev. 1