Control System Connections –fiber optic tether
Systems equipped with a fiber optic tether employ a fiber bundle running down the middle of the tether to
transmit communications and video to and from the vehicle. The fiber bundle is typically terminated inside
the winch and comes out as two fiber connectors (which look like small BNC connectors) underneath the
bearing box.
Here are some basic rules for handling fiber optic cables and connectors to ensure system performance:
•When not connected, always keep the fiber optic patch cables capped to protect the ends from dirt
and contamination. Keep the connectors on the interface box and winch capped for the same
reason.
•When caps are removed, immediately place them in a clean zip-lock bag to keep the caps free
from dirt and contamination.
•Don’t let the ends of the patch cable contact or strike any surfaces. Contact may scratch or chip
the end.
•Avoid touching the exposed end with your fingers. This will leave oil residue and may cause a
decrease in signal strength.
•The minimum bend radius for a fiber optic cable is about 2 inches [50mm]. Sharper bends may
degrade the signal. If a very sharp bend or kink occurs –don’t worry – these typically don’t break
the cable; they just cause signal loss until the bend or kink is straightened out.
•If tie-wraps are used to constrain a fiber patch cable, leave them loose –do not overtighten. Tie-
wraps can cause sharp local bends which degrade the signal.
•If you regularly connect and disconnect fiber optic cables, we strongly suggest you obtain a fiber
connector cleaning kit.
Top –End cable connections for a fiber optic system:
1. Connect the power supply to the interface box using the supplied interface cable. Ensure the
locking collars are screwed on all the way.
2. Connect the keyboard/monitor/mouse/system speakers to the computer. These are standard
computer connections.
3. Using equipment power cords, connect the monitor, computer, interface box and system power
supply to the 20-Amp power bar. Note that the power bar will only accept equipment power
cords. The input cord on the power bar can be changed depending on the input voltage and
location.
4. Connect the tether (or deck cable from the winch or reel) to the interface box as illustrated below.
5. Connect the fiber optic cables from the winch to the interface box. Match connectors 1 & 2 on the
winch to the same connector number on the interface box. Follow the fiber optic handling
guidelines given above.
6. Connect the SD-1 (standard definition #1) output to the video capture card in the computer. This
is the system Rear Video.
7. Connect the HD-SDI output to the computer HD-SDI video capture card. This is the system front
High Definition Camera.
8. Connect the USB to a computer USB-2 port. This is vehicle communications.
