DATACOM TEXTRON FiberLive R Series User manual
Warranty Statement
The FiberLive is warranted against defects in materials
and workmanship within a period of two (2) years follow-
ing the date of purchase of the instrument.
Any instrument claimed to be defective during the war-
ranty period should be returned to Datacom Textron’s
Factory Service Center. See below for information on
contacting Datacom Textron.
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING OUT OF THE
SALE OF A FIBERLIVE LIGHT DETECTOR, INCLUD-
ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICU-
LAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE
ABOVE STATED TWO (2) YEAR PERIOD. DATACOM
TEXTRON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF
USE OF THE INSTRUMENT OR OTHER INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EXPENSES OR
ECONOMIC LOSS.
Some states and countries do not allow limitations on
how long implied warranties last or the exclusions or lim-
itation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
have other rights which vary from state to state.
Datacom Textron certifies that this instrument was thor-
oughly tested and found to meet its published specifica-
tions when shipped from the factory.
FiberLive™ is a registered trademark of Datacom
Textron.
Division of Greenlee Textron
Subsidiary of Textron, Inc.
11001 31st Place West
Everett, WA 98204 U.S.A.
Phone: (800) 468-5557 or (425) 355-0590
FAX: (425) 290-1600
Internet: www.datacom.textron.com
© Copyright 1999 by Datacom Textron
Printed in the U.S.A.
U.S. Patent No. 5,612,780
Wavelength range 630nm to 1600nm
Detector composition PIN type germanium (Ge)
Sensitivity -55dBm (3nW) to
+25dBm (300mW)*
Optical interface Direct connection to bare
or connectorized fibers,
such as ST, SC, FC-PC,
SMA, DIN, and E2000.
No special adapter
required.
Power source Two AA-size alkaline
batteries
Battery life One year (typical)
Output indicators Pass/Fail LED
Audible signal
Environmental:
Operating temp. -15°C to +55°C
Storage temp. -25°C to +70°C
Relative humidity 0% to 90%
(non-condensing)
Drop, shock, vibration Bellcore TR-NWT-001319
Case material ABS plastic
Weight 120 grams (4.2 oz)
with batteries
Dimensions 142.24 (5.6) x 43.18 (1.7)
x 33.02 (1.3) mm (inches)
Product Specifications
FiberLive
™
Light Detector
User Manual
Series
Press and Release
Test
* 630nm sensitivity is < -40dBm.
Product Description
The FiberLive, by Datacom Textron, is a compact
and rugged detector of visible and invisible light
energy produced by LED and laser sources.
The FiberLive is intended for field service person-
nel and technicians who require a simple handheld
instrument capable of quickly sorting-out live and
dark fibers in the 630 to 1600nm range. At wave-
lengths above 700nm, light energy cannot be seen
by the human eye.
This patented instrument uses a unique optical
interface that works with both connectorized and
bare fibers. The detector port of the FiberLive con-
sists of a patented light blocking curtain and an
optical funnel (light trap) that are the basis for its
wide dynamic sensitivity range—from -55dBm
(3nW) to +25dBm (300mW). The design also allows
for light identification under ambient conditions.
The FiberLive has a single control—a push-button
test switch. If light within the specified wavelength
range is detected after the switch is pressed, the
instrument illuminates a yellow-amber LED indica-
tor and beeps for three seconds.
A second, green, LED indicates the condition of the
two AA-size alkaline batteries that power the instru-
ment. Users can expect the batteries to last a full
year under typical field conditions.
97-0510-41 Rev. A
Basic Operation
1) Insert the free end of the fiber under test into the
detector port of the FiberLive.
2) Press the Test button. If the batteries are good,
the green LED will illuminate, indicating that the
battery power is sufficient to perform a measure-
ment.
3) Release the Test button.
4) If the yellow-amber LED illuminates and the unit
beeps, the inserted fiber is transmitting light.
Ambient Light Suppression
The FiberLive detector port is fitted with a light
blocking curtain made up of numerous small bris-
tles that suppress ambient light and ensure accu-
rate tests. Over time, these bristles can wear out,
allowing ambient light to enter the optical funnel.
Excessive light leakage past the curtain will cause
false readings. To test the effectiveness of the light
blocking curtain, do the following:
Hold the FiberLive with the detector port pointing
towards a strong light source, such as a desk lamp
or the sun. Press the Test button. If the yellow-
amber LED lights up and the instrument beeps,
ambient light is leaking into the optical funnel. The
light curtain assembly needs replacement. Please
refer below to the Technical Support and Service
section for assistance.
Battery Replacement
The FiberLive is shipped ready to use, with the bat-
teries already installed. When exhausted, the two
AA-size alkaline batteries that power the unit are
easily replaced after removing the rear half of the
instrument case.
To replace the batteries, do the following:
1) Slide the rubber bumpers off both ends of the
instrument. The bumpers fit tightly, so be careful not
to tear them. Do not use tools or sharp instruments
to pry off the bumpers or damage will result.
2) Loosen the screw on the back of the FiberLive by
turning it counter-clockwise with a standard screw-
driver. This screw is captive to prevent loss.
3) Lift off the rear half of
the instrument case. The
batteries will now be
exposed. Replace them,
making sure that that the
polarity is correct (see dia-
gram). Do not use non-
alkaline or rechargeable
batteries in the instrument.
FRONT
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Technical Support and Service
Datacom Textron offers unlimited free technical
support for your FiberLive light detector. If you have
any questions or comments about your instrument,
contact your local service representative, distribu-
tor, or call Datacom Textron and ask for technical
support. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific
time, Monday through Friday. The phone numbers
and internet address are:
U.S.A. and Canada (800) 468-5557
(425) 355-0590
International (425) 355-0590
FAX (425) 290-1600
Internet www.datacom.textron.com
You may wish to e-mail your question to our web
site. A Datacom Textron Technical Support
Representative will review all messages received
and respond appropriately. The FAX and web site
are available 24 hours a day.
4) Reassemble the FiberLive by reversing this pro-
cedure, then check the functioning of the instru-
ment by pressing the Test button. The green LED
should illuminate. If not, remove the rear cover and
make sure the batteries are correctly installed.
