Black Box CertiFiber TS655A User manual

NOVEMBER 2000
TS655A
RX2 TX1
ON/OFF
F1 F2
Escape
SETUP
Power Meter
SOURCE
Enter
Shift
AUTOTEST
SET REFERENCE
PAGE UP
PAGE DOWN
CertiFiber
CertiFiber
CertiFiber™
CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
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 [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]

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.
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 a 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.
3
NOM STATEMENT

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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CONTENTS
1. Specifications ............................................ 7
2. Introduction ........................................... 10
2.1 The Complete Fiber Solution ......... 10
2.2 Standard Features ........................... 11
2.3 The CertiFiber Illustrated ............... 12
2.4 The CertiFiber Main Unit ............... 14
2.4.1 The User Interface ................ 14
2.4.2 The Keypad ........................... 15
2.5 The CertFiber Remote .................... 17
2.5.1 The LEDs .............................. 17
2.5.2 The Keypad ........................... 18
2.6 The Unit’s Batteries ........................ 19
2.7 Displaying Product Information
About CertiFiber .......................... 19
2.8 Editing with CertiFiber ................... 20
2.9 Getting Started ................................ 21
2.10 Display Contrast.............................. 22
2.11 Calibrating CertiFiber ................... 23
3. Configuration ......................................... 24
3.1 Autotests ........................................... 24
3.1.1 Selecting an
Autotest Standard ............... 24
3.1.2 Editing Autotests ................... 25
3.1.3 Test Mode............................... 27
3.1.4 Job Names .............................. 28
3.2 Length Measurements:
Meters vs. Feet............................... 29
3.3 Time/Date ........................................ 29
3.4 Owner’s Name ................................. 31
3.5 Fiber GRI ......................................... 32
3.6 Language ......................................... 33
3.7 Upload to PC ................................... 33
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS (continued)
4. Operation: Automatic Measurements ...... 34
4.1 Setting the Reference ...................... 34
4.1.1 In Normal Operation ............ 34
4.1.2 In Loopback Mode ................ 36
4.2 Regular Autotesting ......................... 37
4.2.1 The Autotest Results
Screen .................................. 41
4.2.2 Saving a Autotest ................... 42
4.2.3 Viewing Results ..................... 43
4.2.4 Storing Results ....................... 46
4.2.5 Deleting Results ..................... 47
4.2.6 Uploading Results to a PC .... 48
4.2.7 Printing Results ..................... 49
4.2.8 Sample Autotest-
Certification Report ........... 49
4.3 Loopback-Mode Autotesting ........... 52
5. Operation: Manual Measurements ....... 54
5.1 Power Loss ....................................... 54
5.2 Loopback .......................................... 55
5.3 Light Source .................................... 56
5.3.1 Local ...................................... 56
5.3.2 Remote ................................... 58
6. Troubleshooting ..................................... 59
6.1 Calling Black Box ............................ 59
6.2 Shipping and Packaging ................. 60
Appendix: PASS/FAIL Criteria .................... 61
Legal Information ........................................ 62
CERTIFIBER™
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1. Specifications
Compliance — CE
Standards — LAN: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet v. 2
Interfaces —
Fiberoptic: Multimode;
Serial: TIA-574 (DB9) subset of TIA RS-232, DCE
Standards Autotested Against — TIA-568-A,
ISO 11801, ATM155, ATM155SWL, ATM622,
10BASE-F, 100BASE-F, 100BASE-SX,
100BASE-LX, FDDI, Fiber Channel, Token Ring,
or user-defined
Autostest Results Reported — 850- and 1300-nm
loss, pass/fail margin, and optical link budget;
length; propagation delay; and overall pass/fail
analysis, all for each of the two attached fibers
Wavelengths — 850 and 1300 nm
Transmit Level — Greater than –20 dBm for both
850 and 1300 nm
Dynamic Range —
Loss: +3 to –55 dBm;
Length: 1 to 2000 m (3 to 6562 ft.);
Propagation delay: 10 to 10,000 ns
Resolution —
Power/loss: 0.01 dB/dBm;
Length:1mor1ft.;
Propagation delay: 1 ns
Accuracy/Linearity — ±0.25 dBm
7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications

Optical Link Budget — Automatically calculated
based on measured length, number of mated
connections, number of splices, and user-selected
standard to be tested against
Internal Memory — Nonvolatile flash RAM for
storing autotest results for as many as 1000 fibers
User Controls —
ScanLink PC software (on included 3.5" PC-
format diskette);
All others front-mounted:
Main unit:
(12) Pushbuttons for power and test options;
Remote:
(2) Pushbuttons for power and battery test
Indicators —
All front-mounted:
Main unit: (1) 640-x-128-pixel graphical LCD;
Remote: (4) LEDs for pass/fail and wavelength
Connectors —
Fiberoptic: (2) ST female with indium gallium
arsenide (InGaAs) photodiodes;
Serial: (1) DB9 female
Leads Supported — DB9: All
Power —
Both main unit and remote:
From (3) AA batteries (included)
Battery Life — Varies depending on use and
battery quality; on average, long enough to test at
least 500 cables
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Temperature Tolerance —
Operating: 32 to 113˚ F (0 to 45˚ C);
Storage: –4 to 140˚ F (–20 to 60˚ C)
Humidity Tolerance —
Operating: 5 to 90% noncondensing;
Storage: 5 to 95% noncondensing
Size —
Both main unit and remote:
7.1"H x 3.1"W x 1.6"D (18 x 7.9x4cm)
Weight —
Main unit: 14.9 oz. (0.9 lb., 422 g, 0.4 kg);
Remote: 13.4 oz. (0.8 lb., 380 g, 0.4 kg)
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CHAPTER 1: Specifications

2. Introduction
2.1 The Complete Fiber Solution
CertiFiber™ is an advanced handheld
certification tool for fiber links, and is designed
to be the complete solution for professional
cable installers, service providers, and network
administrators.
With the push of a button, CertiFiber
certifies two multimode fibers simultaneously at
both wavelengths.
Rather than just providing a number,
CertiFiber analyzes the fiber link and
determines whether cabling and network
standards are met.
The CertiFiber main unit and CertiFiber
Remote have an optical source that provides a
consistent calibrated dual-wavelength light.
The level of light injected into or emerging
from the fiber network can be measured at any
point so that the performance of fiberoptic
transmission paths and equipment can be
accessed quickly and accurately.
The CertiFiber helps you identify faulty
patch cables, failing splices, and bad couplers
and connectors.
CertiFiber also accurately tests the link’s
propagation delay, which is then used to
calculate length.
CertiFiber incorporates a graphical user
interface, display, menus, arrow keys and
descriptive menu options that guide you
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quickly and easily through the completely
automated process of certifying or trouble-
shooting fiberoptic cabling systems.
2.2 Standard Features
•Certifies a duplex fiber link (two fiber
cables) simultaneously.
•Measures Optical Power Loss in the
direction of data transmission for both
multimode wavelengths on two fiber
cables without changing connectors.
•Measures Length and Propagation Delay
for a dual fiber cable.
•Makes bidirectional measurements for
duplex fiber links.
•Utilizes preprogrammed test templates to
easily certify fiberoptic cabling to industry
or network standards.
•Pinpoints the margin available on the
tested cable above and beyond the
PASS/FAIL requirements.
•Stores a thousand autotest results in
memory with user-friendly alphanumeric
names, job names, and unique time- and
date-stamps.
• Transmits light continuously or modulated.
•Downloads stored test results to a
computer database for printing and
professional record management.
• Includes a custom-tailored, non-removable
impact cover for added protection.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction

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2.3 The CertiFiber Illustrated
Figure 2-1 below and Figure 2-2 on the next page show
the CertiFiber main unit and the CertiFiber Remote in
detail and point out their indicators and controls.
Figure 2-1. The CertiFiber main unit.
CertiFiber adapter ports:
Receive 2 Transmit 1
The functions
performed by
keys F1 and
F2 vary
depending on
the screen
being
displayed.
Graphical
LCD panel
The Escape
key exits the
current display
or function;
Shirt + Escape
opens the
SETUP
screen.
Press the
Autotest key to
perform tests,
or Shirt +
Autotest to set
the reference.
Press the Shift key
together with other keys
for extended functions.
Use the Arrow
keys to
navigate
among the
displays.
Press Enter to
execute a command.
Use the Power
Meter key for
nonautomated
measurements;
Shift + Power
Meter activates
the unit’s light
source.

13
Figure 2-2. The CertiFiber Remote.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
CertiFiber Remote adapter ports:
Receive 1 Transmit 2
Press the
Battery Test
key to get a
rough idea
how much life
is left in your
batteries.
Test
PASS/FAIL
LEDs.
The Wave-
length LEDs
show which
fiber wave-
length (850
or 1300 nm)
is currenty
selected.

2.4 The CertiFiber Main Unit
CertiFiber’s user interface has plenty of
graphical elements. It consists of an LCD
display, quick-access menus, arrow keys, and
descriptive menu options that simplify
certifying and troubleshooting fiber cabling
systems. Here’s a quick introduction to the
keypad keys:
ON/OFF
When turned ON, CertiFiber will display its
opening screen. To save battery power,
CertiFiber will turn off automatically after
10 minutes without activity.
Escape
Press Escape to return to the previous screen.
Power Meter
Press Power Meter to manually measure power
and loss at either the 850-nm or 1300-nm
wavelength. (Refer to Section 5.1 .)
Autotest
Press Autotest to measure cable length, to
measure power loss, and to obtain a PASS/FAIL
analysis against a selected standard. (Refer to
Section 4.2 .)
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Shift
To execute one of CertiFiber’s extended
functions, press Shift along with Autotest,
Power Meter, Escape, or one of the arrow keys.
Enter
Press Enter to execute the current screen
command.
Arrow Keys
The up and down arrows in the display area
indicate that more information is available by
pressing the up- or down-arrow keys. Press
Shift and use the up- and down-arrow keys for
page-up and page-down navigation. Use the
left or right arrow key to move left or right
within a string of characters for editing
purposes.
+ = Source
In addition to the fully automated test
functions, CertiFiber can be operated in a
manual mode. Press Shift + Power Meter to
quickly transform CertiFiber into a manual
light source. Source Mode also allows you to
change the light source from steady to
modulated. (Refer to Section 5.2 .)
15
CHAPTER 2: Introduction

+ = Set Reference
Press Shift + Autotest to set the Reference
value for calculating the loss measurement.
(Refer to Section 4.1 .)
+ = Setup
Press Shift + Escape to configure (customize)
CertiFiber. From any screen, press Shift +
Escape to quickly return to the Setup menu.
(Refer to Chapter 3 .)
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2.5 The CertiFiber Remote
The CertiFiber Remote is an active and
intelligent far-end device that works with the
CertiFiber main unit to verify optical-cable
transmission quality. All information is
processed and transferred to the main unit.
Both units provide a consistent, calibrated light
source that increases the ease and effectiveness
of fiberoptic testing.
2.5.1 T HE LED S
The CertiFiber Remote has four LED
indicators:
LED Name Color Description
RX1 PASS/FAIL red Fiber 1 has failed
green Fiber 1 has passed
TX2 PASS/FAIL red Fiber 2 has failed
green Fiber 2 has passed
850nm* green CertiFiber Remote is
transmitting at 850nm
1300nm* green CertiFiber Remote is
transmitting at 1300nm
* Press and hold the Battery button.
The LEDs also show the results of a battery test
(which you run by pressing the Battery
button):
RX1 and TX2 LEDs red Low Battery < 10%
TX2 LED red Battery 10 to 25%
RX1 LED green Battery 25% to 75%
RX1 and TX2 LEDs green Good Battery > 75%
RX1 and TX2 LEDs* yellow Part 1 of Two Way
Autotest completed
*Switch fiber connectors: RX2 to TX1, TX1 to RX2, RX1 to
TX2, TX2 to RX1.
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CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2.5.2 T HE K EYPAD
ON/OFF (CertiFiber Remote)
When you turn it on, CertiFiber Remote will
flash the LCD power-up sequence. To save
battery power, CertiFiber Remote will turn off
automatically after 30 minutes without activity.
Battery (CertiFiber Remote)
CertiFiber Remote has a battery-level indicator
that allows you to check the battery if
CertiFiber Remote is not connected to the
CertiFiber main unit. Press the Battery button
to illuminate the RX1 and TX2 LEDs on the
CertiFiber Remote unit. If both LEDs blink
red, the batteries are low and should be
replaced. If the LEDs blink green, the remote
unit’s batteries are good and testing can
proceed.
CertiFiber and CertiFiber Remote each require
three AA alkaline batteries. If CertiFiber and
CertiFiber Remote will be stored for more than
one month, the batteries should be removed.
To conserve battery life, CertiFiber will turn off
automatically when no key has been used for
10 minutes.
NOTES
CertiFiber and CertiFiber Remote will not function
properly with carbon batteries. Alkaline batteries are
required.
Stored Autotests and setup parameters are stored in
flash memory. They are not affected by the battery
status.
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19
2.6 The Unit’s Batteries
To check CertiFiber’s battery:
1. Connect the CertiFiber to the Remote
unit using a launch cable.
2. Turn both units on.
3. Press F2 to display the About screen. This
screen displays CertiFiber and CertiFiber
Remote’s remaining battery power
(“Battery”), as well as other info (see the
next section).
To change batteries, slide off the battery cover
located on the back of each unit. Replace the
three AA alkaline batteries and position the
replacements according to the display in the
battery case.
2.7 Displaying Product Information About CertiFiber
To have CertiFiber display information about
itself, connect the main and remote units using
a duplex cable. Then take these steps:
1. Turn both units on.
2. Press F2 to display the
About screen. This screen,
shown at right, displays
the serial numbers of the
CertiFiber and CertiFiber
Remote, as well as their
software (“S/W”) and hard-
ware (“H/W”) revision
levels and their remaining
battery power (“Battery”).
CHAPTER 2: Introduction

3. Press Escape to return to the Setup
screen.
2.8 Editing with CertiFiber
You can edit some of the fields on several of
CertiFiber’s screens. For example, the owner
and company names, the Autotest name, and
certain numeric values can be edited. Editable
fields can contain up to 12 alphanumeric and
special characters. To edit a field, take these
steps:
1. Open a screen that
contains an editable field
and press Edit to display
the Edit screen. This
screen, shown at right,
contains the field you
want to edit and a
“character wheel.” The
first character in the
editable field will be
highlighted.
2. To enter a new name or number press F2
(Delete) to delete the character at the
cursor. To clear the entire field, repeat
this step as often as necessary.
3. Use the up- or down-arrow key to scroll
through the characters (letters, numbers,
and special characters).
4. Spin the wheel to the character you want
to select.
5. Press Enter to select a non-alphabetic
character or to select an alphabetic
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YOUR_CO

21
character as a lowercase letter, or press
Shift + Enter to select an alphabetic
character as an uppercase letter. The
highlight will move to the next position in
the field automatically. If you make a
mistake, press F2 (Delete) to erase the
character and back up.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 until the field is
completed.
7. Press F1 (OK) or Escape to exit the Edit
screen.
2.9 Getting Started
With CertiFiber, you can certify a fiber link in
seconds using the one-button Autotest. To run
an Autotest, take these steps (see Section 4.2
for more detailed information):
1. Set the reference value (refer to
Section 4.1 ).
2. Remove the covers from the
ST connectors on the CertiFiber and
CertiFiber Remote.
CAUTION!
Both units come with covers on their ST connectors to
protect the connectors from dirt and other foreign
matter. Keep the connectors covered when the units
are not in use. This helps to ensure that contaminants
do not affect test measurements.
3. Attach the cable to be tested to CertiFiber
and CertiFiber Remote’s ST connectors.
Run one fiber from RX2 to TX2, the
other from TX1 to RX1.
CAUTION!
Improperly polished or manufactured fiber-connector
ferrules can damage the CertiFiber’s transmit LED. To
avoid out-of-warranty repairs, please use cables with
clean, properly polished ST connectors.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction