EXFO FIP-500 User manual

User Guide
Fiber Inspection Scope
FIP-500
www.EXFO.com

ii FIP-500
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of EXFO Inc.(EXFO).
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However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
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its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
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Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without
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or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
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Where applicable, the Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered
trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by
EXFO Inc. is under license. Other third party trademarks and trade names
are those of their respective owners.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
Patents
The exhaustive list of patents is available at EXFO.com/patent.
Version number: 2.0.0.1

Contents
Fiber Inspection Scope iii
Contents
Regulatory Information ..........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope ......................................... 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................1
Available Configurations .........................................................................................................4
LED Indicators Description ......................................................................................................5
Battery Status Icon Description ...............................................................................................7
Power Sources ........................................................................................................................8
Technical Specifications ..........................................................................................................9
Conventions ............................................................................................................................9
2 Safety Information ..................................................................................... 11
General Safety Information ...................................................................................................11
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit ......................................................................................13
Electrical Safety Information .................................................................................................14
3 Getting Started with Your Unit ................................................................. 17
Turning on Your Unit ............................................................................................................17
Turning off Your Unit ..........................................................................................................18
Configuring Your Unit at First Startup ..................................................................................19
Understanding the Inspection Screen ...................................................................................21
Changing Your Unit’s SmarTip ..............................................................................................22
Changing Your Unit’s Optical Head ......................................................................................26
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................30
Temperature Management ...................................................................................................32
4 Setting up Your Unit .................................................................................. 33
Adjusting Display Brightness .................................................................................................33
Adjusting the Date and Time ................................................................................................34
Configuring the Sleep Mode .................................................................................................36
Reverting to Factory Settings ................................................................................................38
5 Inspecting Fiber Ends ................................................................................. 41
Selecting the Connector and Interface Types ........................................................................41
Selecting the Fiber Type ........................................................................................................44
Inspecting Fiber Ends ............................................................................................................47
Navigating Through Multi-Fiber Captures .............................................................................48
Displaying or Hiding the Overlay ...........................................................................................50
Turning on or Turning off the Flashlight ...............................................................................51

Contents
iv FIP-500
6 Working with the EXFO Exchange Application .........................................53
Installing the EXFO Exchange Application on Your Smart Device ..........................................53
Establishing or Closing a Connection With a Smart Device Via the Bluetooth Technology ....54
Enabling or Disabling the Wireless Communication ..............................................................59
Working With a Wireless Network ........................................................................................62
7 Maintenance ................................................................................................67
Cleaning Lenses ....................................................................................................................68
Cleaning the Touchscreen .....................................................................................................78
Battery Maintenance Recommendations ..............................................................................79
Recharging the Battery .........................................................................................................81
Replacing the Battery ............................................................................................................84
Upgrading Software .............................................................................................................91
Recycling and Disposal .........................................................................................................92
8 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................93
Solving Common Problems ...................................................................................................93
Restoring Your Unit to Normal Operation .............................................................................96
Accessing the Online Documentation ...................................................................................99
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................101
Sharing Information With the Technical Support Group .....................................................102
Viewing System Information ...............................................................................................105
Transportation ....................................................................................................................108
9 Warranty ....................................................................................................109
General Information ...........................................................................................................109
Gray Market and Gray Market Products ..............................................................................110
Liability ...............................................................................................................................111
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................111
Certification ........................................................................................................................111
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................112
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................113
Index ...............................................................................................................115

Regulatory Information
Fiber Inspection Scope v
Regulatory Information
Canada and USA Electromagnetic Interference
Regulatory Statement
Electronic test and measurement equipment is exempt from FCC part 15,
subpart B compliance in the United States of America and from ICES-003
compliance in Canada. However, EXFO Inc. makes reasonable efforts to
ensure compliance to the applicable standards.
The limits set by these standards are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the user documentation, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
European Electromagnetic Compatibility
Regulatory Statement
Warning: This is a class A product. In a domestic environment, this product
may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to
take adequate measures. Your product is suitable for use in industrial
electromagnetic environments.

Regulatory Information
vi FIP-500
General Wireless Compliance Related Information
Your unit comes with internal wireless modules for which the information
hereafter applies:
This product does not contain any wireless user-serviceable components.
Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate
warranty and all applicable regulatory certifications and approvals.
Canada and USA Wireless Compliance Related
Information
Your unit comes with internal wireless modules for which the information
hereafter applies:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This device complies with Innovation, Sciences and Economic
Development Canada license-exempt RSS standards.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference
and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Use in Specific Environments:
The use of wireless products in hazardous locations is limited by the
constraints posed by the safety directors of such environments.
The use of wireless products on airplanes is governed by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA).
The use of wireless products in hospitals is restricted to the limits set
forth by each hospital.
Do not operate a portable transmitter near unshielded blasting caps or
in an explosive environment.

Regulatory Information
Fiber Inspection Scope vii
Radiation Exposure Statement:
The product complies with the US/Canada portable RF exposure limit
set forth for an uncontrolled environment and is safe for intended
operation as described in this user documentation.
Further RF exposure reduction can be achieved if the device can be
kept as far as possible from the user’s body.
RF Function and Frequency Range:
Your unit is designed to operate in the Bluetooth and WLAN 2.4 GHz bands,
and at 13.56 MHz for NFC/RFID.
The information about the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi frequency bands is as
follows:
Bluetooth: Between the frequencies 2402 MHz - 2480 MHz.
The output power is 11.7 dBm typical.
Wi-Fi: Channels 1 through 11 - Between the frequencies 2412 MHz -
2462 MHz.
The maximum output power is 18.5 dBm.

Regulatory Information
viii FIP-500
European Wireless Compliance Related
Information
Your unit is designed to operate in the Bluetooth and WLAN 2.4 GHz bands,
and at 13.56 MHz for NFC/RFID.
The information about the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi frequency bands is as
follows:
Bluetooth: Between the frequencies 2402 MHz - 2480 MHz.
The output power is 11.7 dBm typical.
Wi-Fi: Channels 1 through 13 - Between the frequencies 2412 MHz -
2472 MHz.
The maximum output power is 18.5 dBm.
This is a 2.4 GHz wideband transmission system (transceiver), intended for
use in all EU member states and EFTA countries.
Local Restrictions on 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11d,
802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac Radio Usage
Due to the fact that the frequencies used by 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11d,
802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac wireless LAN devices may not yet be
harmonized in all countries, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11d, 802.11g, 802.11n,
and 802.11ac products are designed for use only in specific countries, and
are not allowed to be operated in countries other than those of designated
use. As a user of these products, you are responsible for ensuring that the
products are used only in the countries for which they were intended and
for verifying that they are configured with the correct selection of
frequency and channel for the country of use.

Regulatory Information
Fiber Inspection Scope ix
European Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, EXFO declares that the radio equipment type “FIP-500” is in
compliance with European Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following
Internet address: www.exfo.com/en/resources/legal-documentation.
Note: Information such as the FCC and IC numbers is available directly from your
unit. From the main menu, tap Settings and then Regulatory. The
information is listed on the Regulatory screen.

Fiber Inspection Scope 1
1 Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber
Inspection Scope
The FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope is a portable video microscope used to
inspect optical fiber and cable ends. Its built-in 2.4-inch capacitive
touchscreen and quick-change SmarTips facilitate the examination of
patchcord connectors and also hard-to-reach connectors on the back of
patch panels and bulkhead adapters.
Main Features
Ergonomic design
2.4-inch capacitive touchscreen directly on unit allowing standalone
measurements
Fast auto focus, auto centering, auto acquisition and auto analysis
Quick change of SmarTips
Designed to support both single-fiber and multi-fiber connectors
Visual feedback
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connectivity
Easy software updates

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
2FIP-500
Main Features
CAUTION
The optical head of your unit contains precision components. To
ensure optimum protection when you do not use the unit or during
transportation, cover the optical head with the provided protective
cap.
Side view
Power (on/off) button
Eyelet for protective cap
Dual-function LED
(inspection status/flashlight)
Touchscreen
Trigger for captures
Eyelet for hand strap
Optical head
SmarTip (inspection tip)
Battery LED

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
Fiber Inspection Scope 3
Main Features
Back view
Touchscreen

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
4FIP-500
Available Configurations
Available Configurations
Several configurations are available for the fully automated and wireless
FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope:
Configuration Description
SF To inspect single-fiber connectors.
MF To inspect both single- and multi-fiber connectors.
Bottom view
USB 2.0 Type-C connector for battery charging
(see Power Sources on page 8)

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
Fiber Inspection Scope 5
LED Indicators Description
LED Indicators Description
Your unit is equipped with a battery LED and a dual-function LED.
Battery LED
The battery LED, located next to the power button, on the side of your unit,
provides you with information about the battery status.
The table below indicates the possible statuses.
Unit Status Meaning
Connected to an
external power
source
Off The external power source does not
provide sufficient power to charge the
battery.
Blue The battery is fully charged.
Blue, blinking – slow
blinking
The battery is charging.
Blue, blinking – fast blinking The battery charge has been
interrupted, possibly because the unit
may not be within the recommended
charging temperatures. For more
information, see Equipment Ratings on
page 15.
Red, fast blinking Charge or temperature error.
Red, steady for 5 seconds The battery level is too low to start the
unit.
White The unit is starting up.
Not connected to
an external
power source
Off The unit is not connected to an external
power source.
Red, steady for 5 seconds The unit is off and the battery level is
too low to start the unit.
White The unit is starting up.

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
6FIP-500
LED Indicators Description
Dual-Function LED
The dual-function LED is located just above the trigger used for captures,
on the front of your unit. It can indicate the status of the inspection or be
used as a flashlight to help you see the connectors you have to inspect in
darker environments (see Turning on or Turning off the Flashlight on
page 51).
The table below indicates the possible statuses.
Status Meaning
Blue The unit is ready and operational.
The flashlight feature is disabled.
Blue, blinking The capture process is in progress.
Green, steady for 5 seconds The analysis found no defects or scratches exceeding
the pass criteria.
Red, blinking for 5 seconds The capture process could not be completed
successfully. Follow the instructions on the screen.
The auto-focus operation has timed out.
There is a mismatch between the number of fibers
found and the selected multi-fiber connector layout.
Red, steady for 5 seconds The analysis found defects or scratches that do not
meet the pass criteria.
White The unit is ready and operational.
The flashlight feature is enabled.

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
Fiber Inspection Scope 7
Battery Status Icon Description
Battery Status Icon Description
The battery status icon is shown in the upper right corner of the title bar. It
complements the information provided by the unit’s LED.
Icon Meaning
The portion of the icon that appears in white in the title
bar (in gray here) reflects the current battery level.
A red icon indicates that the battery level is running
low and that you should connect the unit to a power
outlet.
A flash symbol indicates that the unit is connected to
an external power source.

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
8FIP-500
Power Sources
Power Sources
The Fiber Inspection Scope operates with the following power sources:
Indoor use only: USB power adapter connected to a power outlet
(fastest way to charge the battery).
Note: The standard USB ports of a computer cannot power your unit or charge its
battery while the unit is on. If you connect your unit to such a USB port with
the USB cable, the unit will still consume battery power. If the unit is off
when you connect it to the USB port of a computer, its battery could charge,
but slowly.
Note: If you have a vehicle equipped with dedicated USB charging ports, you
could connect your unit to one of these ports to charge the battery. The
actual results will vary with each vehicle. You could also use a certified USB
power bank (portable charger) to charge your unit.
Indoor and outdoor use: One lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery
(battery that automatically takes over if you disconnect the unit from its
external power source).
Possible to switch from an external power source to battery power or
vice versa without affecting operation.
The battery recharges automatically when the unit is connected to an
external power source.
Note: When the ambient temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F) or when it reaches or
exceeds about 40 °C (104°F), the battery can either charge more slowly
than usual, or not charge at all, depending on the internal temperature of
your unit.
Note: You can replace the battery yourself (see Replacing the Battery on page 84).
For more information, see Electrical Safety Information on page 14.

Introducing the FIP-500 Fiber Inspection Scope
Fiber Inspection Scope 9
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
To obtain this product’s technical specifications, visit the EXFO Web site at
www.exfo.com.
Conventions
Before using the product described in this guide, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.