EXFO FIP-400 User manual

User Guide
Fiber Inspection Probe
FIP-400
Advanced Test Equipment Rentals
www.atecorp.com 800-404-ATEC (2832)
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ii FIP-400
Copyright © 2008 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering 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 Electro-Optical Engineering 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.
Version number 1.0.0.

Contents
Fiber Inspection Probe iii
Contents
Certification Information ....................................................................................................... iv
1 Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe ......................................... 1
Probe ......................................................................................................................................1
Probe Tips ...............................................................................................................................2
FIP Viewer (Optional) ..............................................................................................................3
LED Description ......................................................................................................................4
USB Adapter (Optional) ..........................................................................................................5
Conventions ............................................................................................................................6
2 Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe ...................................................... 7
Selecting the Language of Operation .....................................................................................7
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast .........................................................................................8
Configuring the Default Storage Parameters ..........................................................................9
Configuring the Fiber Inspection Probe Button .....................................................................11
Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip ..............................................................................12
3 Inspecting Fiber Ends ................................................................................. 15
Inspecting Fiber Ends with the FIP Viewer ............................................................................15
Inspecting Fiber Ends with a Computer ................................................................................16
4 Maintenance ............................................................................................... 23
Charging the Battery in The FIP Viewer .................................................................................24
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................24
5 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 27
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site ..........................................................................30
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................31
Transportation ......................................................................................................................32
6 Warranty ..................................................................................................... 33
General Information .............................................................................................................33
Liability .................................................................................................................................34
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................34
Certification ..........................................................................................................................34
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................35
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................36
A Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 37

Certification Information
iv FIP-400
Certification Information
F.C.C. Information
Electronic test equipment is exempt from Part 15 compliance (FCC) in
the United States. However, compliance verification tests are
systematically performed on most EXFO equipment.
 Information
Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European
Union. The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity
requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control equipment.
This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union
Directive and Standards.

Fiber Inspection Probe 1
1 Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber
Inspection Probe
The FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe is a portable video microscope used to
inspect fiber ends. Unlike traditional microscopes, the FIP-400 facilitates
the examination of patchcord connectors and also hard-to-reach
connectors on the back of patch panels and bulkhead adapters.
Probe
The FIP-400 is designed to be an intuitive, easy-to-use piece of equipment.
This video microscope is used for inspecting fiber ends.
³The focus knob can be turned in either direction to focus the image.
³The zoom button allows you to shift between two levels of
magnification.
³The freeze/capture button is used together with portable units such as
the FOT-930 and the AXS-100. You can also use it with the EXFO USB
adapter and your computer or your FTB-400. It allows you to freeze and
unfreeze the video, and to capture and store images on your computer.
³The retaining nut holds tips securely in place, ensuring they are always
fastened in the correct position.
³The fold out clip at the back of the probe allows you to hang the probe
when you are not using it.
The probe comes equipped with a protective cap that fits over basic tips;
therefore, you do not need to remove the tip before putting the cap on.
Focus knob
Retaining nut Zoom button
(optional)
Fold out clip
Freeze/capture button

Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe
2FIP-400
Probe Tips
Probe Tips
The FIP-400 comes with two interchangeable tips but other models are
also available.
The tips included with the Fiber Inspection Probe are used to inspect flat
polish (PC) 2.5 mm connectors. One tip allows you to inspect patchcords
(pigtails, male connectors) for SC, FC, and ST connectors. The other tip is
used for examining SC and FC bulkhead adapters or patch panel adapters
(female).
Other tip models are available for various bulkhead adapters and
patchcord connectors including multifiber types. For more information
about tips and their use, visit the EXFO Web site at www.EXFO.com.

Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe
Fiber Inspection Probe 3
FIP Viewer (Optional)
FIP Viewer (Optional)
You can use the FIP Viewer with your Fiber Inspection Probe to inspect a
fiber end. The unit operates with an AC charger/adapter or a
lithium-ion battery.
On/Off button
AC charger/adapter connector
(indoor use only)
Probe connector
Contrast and
brightness keys
Battery status LED
Operation status LED
Stand

Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe
4FIP-400
LED Description
LED Description
The two LEDs located on the front of the FIP Viewer provides you with the
status of your unit.
Operation status LED
Battery status LED
Note: If the battery is not full, the AC charger/adapter can support the operation
and charge the battery at the same time.
LED Status
Green Probe connected
Flashing red Probe not connected
LED Status
Green Full battery and AC
charger/adapter connected
Flashing green Charging battery
Yellow Low battery
Red Battery error

Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe
Fiber Inspection Probe 5
USB Adapter (Optional)
USB Adapter (Optional)
The USB adapter is used to connect the probe to a computer or a unit not
equipped with a 8-pin connector. It allows you to view probe images on
your computer screen or on an inspection unit equipped with a built-in
screen. You can also capture and store these images on your computer to
document your work.
Note: You can use a USB adapter 1.1 if your unit or computer is not compatible
with the USB adapter 2.0.
³The Capture button on the USB adapter serves the same function as
the capture button on the probe.
³The Status LED on the USB adapter will be green when the probe, USB
adapter, and computer are properly connected and the software is
running.
Probe connector
USB connector Capture button
Operation status LED

Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe
6FIP-400
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this manual, you should understand
the following conventions:
Note: The screen shots found in this user guide were made on a computer
running Windows XP. Appearance of the application may vary for other
operating systems.
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.

Fiber Inspection Probe 7
2 Setting up Your Fiber
Inspection Probe
Selecting the Language of Operation
You may display the user interface in one of the available languages
(default is English). Values are kept in memory when you turn off the unit.
To select a new interface language:
1. From the To ols menu, select Language Settings.
Modify the settings.
2. Click OK.

Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe
8FIP-400
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast
You can adjust brightness and contrast for video.
To adjust brightness or contrast:
1. From the Tools menu, select Options.
2. From the Fiber Probe tab, move the brightness or contrast sliders to
adjust the values.
Note: The resolution of the video and captured images is set to 640x480. This
value cannot be modified.
3. Click OK.

Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe
Fiber Inspection Probe 9
Configuring the Default Storage Parameters
Configuring the Default Storage Parameters
You can define the storage parameters such as the default file format, the
filename and the default folder corresponding to your needs.
Each time you save an image, the application suggests a file name based
on autonaming settings and a default file format (BMP, JPG, PNG, or GIF).
The file name of the images consists of a prefix and a sequential number.
You can define the file name prefix but the application will automatically
set the sequential number, starting from 0001. For example, if the prefix is
defined as “Image”, the saved image files will be automatically named as
Image0001, Image0002, Image0003, etc.
To set the storage parameters:
1. From the Tools menu, select Options.
2. Select the Image File Format tab.
3. If necessary, from the Default File Format list, select the desired file
format.

Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe
10 FIP-400
Configuring the Default Storage Parameters
4. In the Filename Prefix box, enter the desired file name.
5. If you want to confirm the file name each time you click Capture,
select Display “Save As” dialog box when capturing the image.
OR
If you don’t want to confirm, clear the check box.
6. From Default Folder, select the location to save images.
7. Click OK.

Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe
Fiber Inspection Probe 11
Configuring the Fiber Inspection Probe Button
Configuring the Fiber Inspection Probe Button
Instead of having to use the freeze and capture features from the
application, you can configure the button located on your Fiber Inspection
Probe to automatically perform one of the following actions:
³Freeze: Interrupt the video to view the image. Pressing this button
again will return to video.
³Capture: Interrupt the video to save the image without stopping the
live video.
³Freeze and capture: Captures the video into an image file and freezes
the video. Pressing the probe button again will return to video.
To configure the Fiber Inspection Probe button:
1. From the Tools menu, select Options.
2. From the Fiber Probe tab, check boxes corresponding to the desired
behavior.
3. Click OK to confirm.
Note: The capture button on the USB adapter will follow the same setting.

Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe
12 FIP-400
Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip
Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip
You can use various tips depending on the type of connector you are
inspecting. For more information about tips you can use, visit the EXFO
Web site at www.exfo.com.
To change a tip:
1. Untighten the probe’s retaining nut.
2. Remove the tip.
3. Insert a new tip.
4. Adjust the tip to the notch.
5. Retighten the retaining nut.

Fiber Inspection Probe 15
3 Inspecting Fiber Ends
Inspecting Fiber Ends with the FIP Viewer
You can connect the Fiber Inspection Probe to the FIP Viewer to view and
inspect fiber ends.
To inspect fiber ends:
1. Install a probe tip (see Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip on
page 12).
2. Insert the fiber into the probe tip.
3. Connect the probe to the FIP Viewer.
4. Press the On/Off button for approximately 2 seconds to turn on the FIP
Viewer.
5. Adjust the image to have the best view of the fiber end.
6. If the fiber end is dirty, remove it from the probe, clean it and
reinspect it.
7. Once you are satisfied with the inspection, go to the next fiber or turn
off the FIP Viewer.
WARNING
Never look directly into a live fiber. It could cause serious eye
damage. Always use your FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe.
IMPORTANT
The battery in the FIP Viewer must be fully charged before the first
use. For more information, see Charging the Battery in The FIP
Viewer on page 24.

Inspecting Fiber Ends
16 FIP-400
Inspecting Fiber Ends with a Computer
Inspecting Fiber Ends with a Computer
You can connect the Fiber Inspection Probe to a computer via a USB
adapter to view and inspect fiber ends.
You must connect the Fiber Inspection Probe to your computer before
starting the application. If you start the application before connecting the
probe, you will have to restart it for the probe to be detected.
To start the application:
1. Connect your Fiber Inspection Probe to the USB adapter, and then
connect the USB adapter to your computer.
2. Install one of the dedicated probe tips to match the connector to
inspect (see Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip on page 12).
3. Start the Fiber Inspection Probe application from your computer.
To exit the application:
³Click .
OR
³From the File menu, select Exit.

Inspecting Fiber Ends
Fiber Inspection Probe 17
Inspecting Fiber Ends with a Computer
To inspect fiber ends:
1. Install a probe tip (see Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip on
page 12).
2. Insert the fiber into the probe tip.
3. Connect your Fiber Inspection Probe to the USB video adapter, and
then connect the USB video adapter to your computer.
4. Start the Fiber Inspection Probe application from your computer.
5. Adjust the image to have the best view of the fiber end.
6. If the fiber end is dirty, remove it from the probe, clean it and
reinspect it.
7. Once you are satisfied with the inspection, go to the next fiber or turn
off the unit.
WARNING
Never look directly into a live fiber. It could cause serious eye
damage. Always use your FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe.

Inspecting Fiber Ends
18 FIP-400
Inspecting Fiber Ends with a Computer
Freezing Video
You can freeze the video and save the image you see on screen.
To freeze the video:
³From the Tools menu, select Freeze.
OR
³From the toolbar, click Freeze.
OR
³Press the button on your Fiber Inspection Probe if it has been
configured as such (see Configuring the Fiber Inspection Probe Button
on page 11).