EXFO Optical Power Expert User manual

User Guide
Optical Power Expert
PX1
www.EXFO.com

ii PX1
Copyright © 2019 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form,
be it electronically, mechanically, or by any other means such as
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of EXFO Inc. (EXFO).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
EXFO’s Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without
notice.
Trademarks
EXFO’s trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence
or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
Patents
Feature(s) of this product is/are protected by one or more of: US patent
8,576,389 and equivalent patents pending and/or granted in other
countries; US patent 9,170,173; US patent 9,571,186; US patent 10,014,935;
and other pending utility and design patents.
Version number: 1.0.0.1

Contents
Optical Power Expert iii
Contents
Regulatory Information ..........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert ................................................. 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................1
Available Options ....................................................................................................................3
LED Indicator Description .......................................................................................................4
Battery Status Icon Description ...............................................................................................5
Power Sources ........................................................................................................................6
Temperature Management .....................................................................................................7
Technical Specifications ...........................................................................................................7
Conventions ............................................................................................................................8
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 9
General Safety Information .....................................................................................................9
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit .......................................................................................11
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL) .............................................................................12
Electrical Safety Information .................................................................................................13
3 Optical Power ExpertSetting up and Using Your PX1 .............................. 17
Turning on Your Unit .............................................................................................................17
Turning off Your Unit ............................................................................................................18
Understanding the Main Window .........................................................................................19
Configuring the Auto-Off Value ............................................................................................20
Adjusting Brightness .............................................................................................................22
Adjusting the Date and Time ................................................................................................23
Changing the Power Units ....................................................................................................25
Changing Wavelengths .........................................................................................................27
Working With Pass/Fail Thresholds ........................................................................................28
Nulling Electrical Offsets .......................................................................................................31
Setting Reference Values on Your PX1 ..................................................................................32
Measuring Power or Loss ......................................................................................................34
Switching Between Power and Loss Measurements ..............................................................36
Using the VFL ........................................................................................................................37
Reverting to Factory Settings ................................................................................................39
4 Managing Test Results ............................................................................... 43
Viewing Measurements ........................................................................................................43
Deleting Measurements (Clearing Data) ...............................................................................44

Contents
iv PX1
5 Maintenance ................................................................................................47
Cleaning Detector Ports ........................................................................................................48
Cleaning VFL-Type Connectors ..............................................................................................49
Cleaning the Touchscreen .....................................................................................................50
Recharging the Battery .........................................................................................................50
Replacing the Battery ............................................................................................................52
Upgrading the Application ...................................................................................................62
Recalibrating the Unit ...........................................................................................................64
Recycling and Disposal .........................................................................................................65
6 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................67
Solving Common Problems ...................................................................................................67
Accessing the Online Documentation ...................................................................................68
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................70
Viewing System Information .................................................................................................71
Transportation ......................................................................................................................73
7 Warranty ......................................................................................................75
General Information .............................................................................................................75
Liability .................................................................................................................................75
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................76
Certification ..........................................................................................................................76
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................77
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................78
Index .................................................................................................................79

Regulatory Information
Optical Power Expert 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 certified for (or is suitable for) use
in industrial electromagnetic environments.

Regulatory Information
vi PX1
General Wireless Compliance Related Information
Your unit comes with an internal wireless module (adapter) and antenna
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 an internal wireless module (adapter) and antenna
for which the information hereafter applies:
³This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
³This device complies with Innovation, Sciences and Economic
Development Canada license-exempt RSS standards.
³Operation 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:
³The use of wireless products in hazardous locations is limited by the
constraints posed by the safety directors of such environments.
³The use of wireless products on airplanes is governed by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA).
³The use of wireless products in hospitals is restricted to the limits set
forth by each hospital.

Regulatory Information
Optical Power Expert vii
Radiation Exposure Statement:
³The 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.
³Further 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®2.4 GHz bands, channels
0 through 80, 2400 MHz – 2480 MHz.
European Wireless Compliance Related
Information
Your unit is designed to operate in the Bluetooth®2.4 GHz bands.
The information about the Bluetooth®bands is Channels 0 through 80
-2400 MHz - 2480 MHz.
The output power is 4 dBm typical.
This device is a 2.4 GHz wideband transmission system (transceiver),
intended for use in all EU member states and EFTA countries, except in
France and Italy where restrictive use applies.
In Italy, the end-user should apply for a license at the national spectrum
authorities in order to obtain authorization to use the device for setting up
outdoor radio links and/or for supplying access to telecommunications
and/or network services.
This device may not be used for setting up radio links in France, and in
some areas the RF output power may be limited to 10 mW EIRP in the
frequency range of 2454 - 2483.5 MHz. For detailed information, the
end-user should contact the national spectrum authority in France.

Regulatory Information
viii PX1
European Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, EXFO declares that the radio equipment type “Wideband Data
Transmission” 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.
Japanese Technical Conformity Mark for Radio
Law
This equipment contains specified radio equipment that has been certified
to the Technical Regulation Conformity Certification for Japan, under the
Radio Law.
Japan Wireless Compliance Related Information
Your unit is designed to operate in the Bluetooth®2.4 GHz bands.
The information about the Bluetooth®bands is Channels 0 through 80,
2400 MHz – 2480 MHz.
The output power is 4 dBm typical.
R201-180924

Optical Power Expert 1
1 Introducing the PX1 Optical
Power Expert
The PX1 Optical Power Expert is an ultra-simple and ultra-fast tool that
allows you to measure optical signal power or link loss values and store
them at the touch of a button.
Pocket-sized and rugged, the PX1 is designed for extensive use in the field.
It has a high capacity data storage for test results. When it comes to fiber
tracing, the PX1 can detect four different tones emitted from a sources:
270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz and 2 kHz.
The unit comes with built-in expertise with automation that avoids human
error (smart features such as auto-wavelength recognition and switching).
The Pro configuration includes a visual fault locator that emits light in three
different modes (continuous, slow blink and fast blink) to trace fibers and
identify breaks and macrobends.
Main Features
Your PX1 includes the following features:
³Color display
³Capacitive touchscreen
³Power and storage buttons for quick action
³Rechargeable battery
³Operates with USB power, even when charging battery and you can
switch between the two modes without affecting operation
³Optional VFL

Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert
2PX1
Main Features
Front panel
Touchscreen
Power (on/off) button
Detector port
VFL (optional)
Store button
Battery status LED

Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert
Optical Power Expert 3
Available Options
Available Options
Several options are available for the Optical Power Expert:
Option Description
PX1-S Entry model (11 calibrated wavelengths) with standard range of 10 to
-70 dBm.
PX1-H Entry model (11 calibrated wavelengths) with high-power range of 26 to
-50 dBm.
PX1-PRO-S High end model (45 calibrated wavelengths) with VFL option and
standard range of 10 to -70 dBm.
PX1 PRO-H High end model (45 calibrated wavelengths) with VFL option with
high-power range of 26 to -50 dBm.
Top panel
Bottom panel USB 2.0 Type-C connector for
battery charging
VFL (optional)
Detector port

Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert
4PX1
LED Indicator Description
LED Indicator Description
The LED indicator, located between the two buttons, provides you with
information about the battery status.
Unit Status Meaning
Connected to an
external power
source
On The battery is charging and the power
level is equal to 95 % or more.
Blinking – slow The battery is charging and the power
level is below 95 %.
Blinking – fast An error occurred. This could mean a
charger error, that the temperature is
too high, or that the battery power is too
low.
Not connected to
an external
power source
Off The unit is not charging and there are
no errors.

Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert
Optical Power Expert 5
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 black 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 charging.

Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert
6PX1
Power Sources
Power Sources
The Optical Power Expert operates with the following power sources:
³Indoor use only: USB power adapter connected to a power outlet
(fastest way to charge the battery).
Note: The standard USB ports of a computer can power your unit or charge its
battery, but it will be slower than if you are using the adapter.
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.
³Indoor and outdoor use: One lithium-ion (Li-ion) or one
lithium-polymer (Li-Po) rechargeable battery (main battery that
automatically takes over if you disconnect the unit from its external
power source). You can switch from an external power source to
battery power or vice versa without affecting operation. The real-time
clock is also powered by the battery; should the unit be fully
discharged however, the real-time clock will retain the date and time
values for a few days (typically a little over a week) until you recharge it
again.
Note: You can replace the main battery yourself (see Replacing the Battery on
page 52), but this will reset the real-time clock.
Note: When the ambient temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F) or when it reaches or
exceeds about 45 °C (113°F), the main battery can either charge more
slowly than usual, or not charge at all, depending on the internal
temperature of your unit.
For more information, see Electrical Safety Information on page 13.

Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert
Optical Power Expert 7
Temperature Management
Temperature Management
The internal temperature of your unit will vary with the ambient
temperature. Your unit has been designed to adapt its behavior as
necessary to regulate its temperature. For this reason, in high-temperature
conditions, you could receive warning messages. If the temperature keeps
rising and reaches the limit: your unit will turn off as self-protection.
For more information on the effects of temperature on battery charging,
see Power Sources on page 6.
Technical Specifications
To obtain this product’s technical specifications, visit the EXFO Web site at
www.exfo.com.
IMPORTANT
For optimum performance of your unit:
³Ensure that it remains within the recommended operation and
storage temperatures (see Equipment Ratings on page 14).
³Avoid leaving your unit in an overheated vehicle. You may have
to let your unit cool down before being able to use it.
³Ensure that your unit is normally protected from direct sunlight
(during use and storage).

Introducing the PX1 Optical Power Expert
8PX1
Conventions
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.

Optical Power Expert 9
2 Safety Information
General Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments and procedures, namely for
operation and maintenance, other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure or impair the protection
provided by this unit.
WARNING
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
WARNING
Use only accessories designed for your unit and approved by EXFO.
For a complete list of accessories available for your unit, refer to its
technical specifications or contact EXFO.

Safety Information
10 PX1
General Safety Information
IMPORTANT
Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturers of any
accessories used with your EXFO product. It may contain
environmental and/or operating conditions limiting their use.
IMPORTANT
When you see the following symbol on your unit , make sure
that you refer to the instructions provided in your user
documentation. Ensure that you understand and meet the required
conditions before using your product.
IMPORTANT
When you see the following symbol on your unit , it indicates
that the unit is equipped with a laser source, or that it can be used
with instruments equipped with a laser source. These instruments
include, but are not limited to, modules and external optical units.
IMPORTANT
Other safety instructions relevant for your product are located
throughout this documentation, depending on the action to
perform. Make sure to read them carefully when they apply to your
situation.

Safety Information
Optical Power Expert 11
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit
One or more of the following symbols may also appear on your unit.
Symbol Meaning
Direct current
Alternating current
The unit is equipped with an earth (ground) terminal.
The unit is equipped with a protective conductor terminal.
The unit is equipped with a frame or chassis terminal.
On (Power)
Off (Power)
OR On/off (Power)
Fuse

Safety Information
12 PX1
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL)
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL)
Your instrument is in compliance with standard IEC 60825-1 :2014.
Laser radiation may be encountered at the optical output port.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 2 source:
Located at the
back of the unit