Fluke DTX Compact OTDR User manual

PN 2823896
May 2007
©2007 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
DTX Compact OTDR™
Optical Time Domain Reflectometry Modules
Users Manual

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke Networks product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The
warranty period for the mainframe is one year and begins on the date of purchase. Parts, accessories, product repairs and services are
warranted for 90 days, unless otherwise stated. Ni-Cad, Ni-MH and Li-Ion batteries, cables or other peripherals are all considered parts
or accessories. The warranty extends only to the original buyer or end user customer of a Fluke Networks authorized reseller, and does
not apply to any product which, in Fluke Networks’ opinion, has been misused, abused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged
by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Fluke Networks warrants that software will operate substantially in
accordance with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke Networks
does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke Networks authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but have no
authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke Networks. Warranty support is available only if product is
purchased through a Fluke Networks authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke Networks
reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is
submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke Networks warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke Networks option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or
replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke Networks authorized service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke Networks authorized service center to obtain return authorization information,
then send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB destination). Fluke
Networks assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation
prepaid (FOB destination). If Fluke Networks determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident
or abnormal condition of operation or handling, or normal wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke Networks will provide an
estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to the
Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE
NETWORKS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING
LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty
is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision.
4/04
Fluke Networks
PO Box 777
Everett, WA 98206-0777
USA

i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Overview of Features ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
Registration ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Contacting Fluke Networks .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Safety Information ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Installing the DTX Compact OTDR Module ......................................................................................................................... 4
Using the Cradle .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Software Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
OTDR Module Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cleaning Connectors and Adapters ..................................................................................................................................... 8
OTDR Test Settings ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Using the OTDR ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15
About Launch and Receive Fibers and Launch Compensation ................................................................................... 16
Running the OTDR Test ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Viewing the OTDR Trace ............................................................................................................................................... 22
Using the Visual Fault Locator ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Inspecting the OTDR Ports ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Cleaning the OTDR Ports ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Certifications, Compliance, and Regulatory Information ................................................................................................... 30

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
ii
Index ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

iii
List of Figures
Figure Page
1 Installing the OTDR Module .......................................................................................................................... 5
2 Using the Cradle............................................................................................................................................. 6
3 OTDR Module Features.................................................................................................................................. 7
4 Equipment for the OTDR Test ....................................................................................................................... 15
5 Connecting the OTDR to Installed Fiber (no receive fiber).......................................................................... 18
6 Connecting the OTDR to Installed Fiber (with receive fiber) ...................................................................... 19
7 Connecting the OTDR to Spooled Cable....................................................................................................... 20
8 OTDR Results Screen ...................................................................................................................................... 21
9 OTDR Trace Screens (launch compensation disabled).................................................................................. 22
10 Typical OTDR Trace Features ......................................................................................................................... 24
11 Equipment for Using the Visual Fault Locator ............................................................................................. 27
12 Using the Visual Fault Locator....................................................................................................................... 28
13 Cleaning the OTDR Ports ............................................................................................................................... 29

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
iv

1
DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Overview of Features
The optional DTX Compact OTDR™Optical Time Domain
Reflectometry modules are used with a DTX Series
CableAnalyzer™to locate and characterize reflective and loss
events in optical fibers. The modules offer the following
features:
• Automated OTDR trace and event analysis help you
locate and analyze reflective and loss events on
multimode (850 nm and 1300 nm; 50 μm and 62.5 μm)
and singlemode (1310 nm and 1550 nm; 9 μm) fiber.
• Display OTDR results in summary format, as a table of
events, or as an OTDR trace. PASS/FAIL results are based
on factory-installed limits or limits you specify.
• Visual fault locator helps you locate breaks, bad splices,
bends, and check fiber continuity and polarity.
Registration
Registering your product with Fluke Networks gives you
access to valuable information on product updates,
troubleshooting tips, and other support services. To register,
fill out the online registration form on the Fluke Networks
website at www.flukenetworks.com/registration.

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
2
Contacting Fluke Networks
www.flukenetworks.com
[e-mail]
[phone]
• Australia: 61 (2) 8850-3333 or 61 (3) 9329 0244
• Beijing: 86 (10) 6512-3435
• Brazil: 11 3044 1277
• Canada: 1-800-363-5853
• Europe: [phone]
• Hong Kong: 852 2721-3228
• Japan: 03-3434-0510
• Korea: 82 2 539-6311
• Singapore: [phone]
• Taiwan: (886) 2-227-83199
• USA: 1-800-283-5853
Visit our website for a complete list of phone numbers.
Safety Information
Table 1 describes the international electrical symbols used on
the tester and in this manual.
Table 1. International Electrical Symbols
WWarning or Caution: risk of damage or
destruction to equipment or software. See
explanations in the manual.
XWarning: Risk of electric shock.
*Warning: Class 1 laser (OUTPUT port). Risk of
eye damage from hazardous radiation.
jThis equipment not for connection to public
communications networks, such as active
telephone systems.
~Do not put products containing circuit boards
into the garbage. Dispose of circuits boards in
accordance with local regulations.

Safety Information
3
WWarning*
To avoid possible eye damage caused by
hazardous radiation and to avoid possible fire,
electric shock, or personal injury:
• Never look directly into optical connectors. Some
sources produce invisible radiation that can
permanently damage your eyes.
• Never run any tests that activate the OTDR or
VFL outputs unless a fiber is attached to the
port.
• Do not use magnification to view the optical
outputs without proper filtering.
• Use of controls, adjustments, or procedures not
stated herein might result in hazardous radiation
exposure.
WCaution
To avoid damaging the tester or cables under test,
to avoid data loss, and to ensure maximum
accuracy of test results:
• Turn off the tester before attaching or removing
modules.
• Leave the module bay covers in place when a
module is not installed.
• Use proper cleaning procedures to clean all fiber
connectors before every use. Neglecting this
step or using improper procedures can cause
unreliable test results and may permanently
damage the connectors.
• Cover all connectors with protective caps when
not in use.
• For modules that support two wavelengths,
never run a test with a fiber connected to the
unused port. Reflections from the fiber can
affect measurements on the port being used.
• Never connect the OTDR port to an optical
source. Doing so can damage the OTDR receiver.
• Never connect the OTDR to an active network.
Doing so causes unreliable test results and can
disrupt network operations.
• Avoid touching reflective surfaces (such as
metal) to the end of a fiber cable plugged into
the OTDR when the OTDR is operating. An open
fiber connector end face has about a 4%
reflection. Holding a reflective surface near the
connector end face may cause much greater than
a 4% reflection, which may damage the
photodetector in the OTDR.

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
4
• Read the instructions for splice machines before
using the OTDR to monitor splicing procedures.
The OTDR can interfere with the light injection
detection techniques used by some splicers.
Installing the DTX Compact OTDR
Module
WCaution
To avoid damaging the DTX mainframe or the
OTDR module and to ensure proper operation:
• Turn off the tester before removing or attaching
modules.
• Leave the module bay cover in place when a
module is not installed.
To install the module, refer to Figure 1 and do the following:
A Turn off the tester.
B Remove and discard the standard bail.
C Install the bail included with the DTX Compact OTDR
module. This new bail has a keyed hole at the bottom
where the OTDR module locks onto the bail.
D Remove the module bay cover or the module currently
attached to the tester.
E Slide the OTDR module onto the tester.
F Push the locking pin into the keyed hole in the bail;
then turn the pin 1/4 turn to the right to lock the
module onto the bail.

Installing the DTX Compact OTDR Module
5
amd157f.eps
Figure 1. Installing the OTDR Module
TALK
MONITOR
SAVE
SPECIAL
FUNCTIONS
SETUP
AUTO
TEST
SINGLE
TEST
A
B
C
DE F
1/4
OFF

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
6
Using the Cradle
Figure 2 shows how to use the cradle to stand the tester up
on a flat surface when a DTX Compact OTDR module is
attached.
amd165.eps
Figure 2. Using the Cradle
Software Requirements
The following software supports the DTX Compact OTDR
module. Software upgrades are available on the Fluke
Networks website.
• DTX software: version 2.0 or higher.
• LinkWare™software: version 3.0 or higher.
See the DTX CableAnalyzer Users Manual for instructions on
updating the tester’s software.
Notes
Update the software with the OTDR module
attached to the tester.
If your tester’s software version is lower than 2.0,
you will need to do the software update procedure
twice.

OTDR Module Features
7
OTDR Module Features
Figure 3. OTDR Module Features
amd155f.eps
WWarning*
Never look directly into optical output
connectors (Aand B). Some sources produce
invisible radiation that can permanently
damage your eyes.
A OTDR ports for singlemode (left) and multimode (right) fiber.
The ports have removable SC connector adapters with
protective caps.
B Visual fault locator (VFL) output with universal fiber connector
and protective cap. The connector accepts 2.5 mm ferrules.
C Laser safety label (shown below):
amd156f.eps

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
8
Cleaning Connectors and Adapters
Always clean and inspect fiber connectors before making
connections. Use fiber optic solvent and optical-grade wipes
or swabs to clean connectors as follows:
Cleaning Bulkhead Connectors
1 Touch the tip of a fiber optic solvent pen or swab soaked
in solvent to a lint-free dry wipe or fiber cleaning card.
2 Touch a new, dry swab to the solvent spot on the wipe
or card. Push the swab into the connector, twist it
around 3 to 5 times against the end-face, then remove
and dispose of the swab.
3 Dry the connector with a dry swab by twisting it around
in the connector 3 to 5 times.
4 Inspect connectors with a fiber microscope, such as the
Fluke Networks FiberInspector™Video Microscope
before making connections.
Cleaning Fiber Adapters
Periodically clean fiber adapters with a swab and fiber optic
solvent. Dry with a dry swab before use.
Cleaning Connector Ends
1 Touch the tip of a fiber optic solvent pen or swab soaked
in solvent to a lint-free dry wipe or fiber cleaning card.
2 Wipe the connector end-face across the solvent spot,
then back and forth once across the dry area of the
wipe or card.
Note
Some connector styles, such as VF-45, may require a
different cleaning method.
Always cover unused connectors with protective caps. Clean
caps periodically with a swab or wipe and fiber optic solvent.

OTDR Test Settings
9
OTDR Test Settings
To access the OTDR test settings described in Table 2 (except
the Auto/Manual setting),
turn the rotary switch to SETUP; then select Fiber OTDR. Use
BC to move among the tabs of settings.
Table 2. OTDR Test Settings
-continued-
Setting Description
Auto/Manual Press LChange Test from the main Autotest screen. In Auto mode, the tester selects certain
settings based on the length and overall loss of the cabling. Manual mode lets you select the settings
to optimize the trace for displaying specific events.
Job settings Before running a test you will save, you may want to set up a storage location and enter Operator,
Site, and Company names. See the DTX CableAnalyzer Users Manual or Technical Reference Handbook
for details.
OTDR Port Select Multimode or Singlemode to view or edit those settings.
Test Limit The tester compares the OTDR test results to the selected test limit to produce PASS/FAIL results. You
can select factory-installed limits or custom limits. Selecting Custom lets you create a test limit. See the
Technical Reference Handbook for details.
Fiber Type Select a fiber type that is appropriate for the fiber you will test. You can select factory-installed fiber
types or custom types. Selecting Custom lets you create a fiber type. See the Technical Reference
Handbook for details.

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
10
Table 2. OTDR Test Settings (cont.)
Setting Description
Wavelength You can test cabling at one or all the wavelengths supported by the installed module and the selected
test limit.
Note
If you select the dual-wavelength setting, be sure to select a fiber type and test limit that
supports both wavelengths.
Launch
Compensation Lets you remove the effects of launch and receive fibers from OTDR results. See page 16.
Testing From The cable end where the tester is located. Based on this setting, the tester labels OTDR results as End
1or End 2 to indicate which end of the cabling you tested.
End 1, End 2 Names you assign to the ends of the cabling. The names are saved with OTDR results.
Fiber
Characteristics When Fiber Characteristics is set to User Defined, the nand Backscatter values can be edited by the
user. When the Fiber Characteristics is set to Default, the tester uses the values defined in the current
Fiber Type.

OTDR Test Settings
11
Table 2. OTDR Test Settings (cont.)
-continued-
Setting Description
nIndex of refraction, which is used to calculate length. The default nvalues defined in the fiber types
are suitable for most applications. Minor differences between the default nand a fiber's actual n
usually do not make enough difference in length to fail a fiber. Increasing ndecreases measured
length.
Backscatter Backscatter is the backscatter coefficient, which indicates the amount of light the fiber reflects back
to the OTDR (using a 1 ns pulse). This value is used to calculate event reflectance for OTDR tests.
Enter the backscatter coefficient of the fiber under test, if known.
Range
(Manual OTDR
mode only)
The range setting determines the maximum distance shown on the trace. Select the range that is
nearest to, but not less than, the distance to the event you want to study. If the tester does not
correctly identify the end event, run the OTDR test again using the next higher range.
Manual: Lets you select the range.
Auto: The tester selects the range that is nearest to, but not less than the end of the fiber. These
ranges are not limited to the fixed ranges provided.

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
12
Table 2. OTDR Test Settings (cont.)
Setting Description
Averaging Time
(Manual OTDR
mode only)
The averaging time sets the number of measurements averaged together to create the final trace.
Longer times reduce noise on the trace which increases dynamic range and accuracy and reveals
more details, such as smaller non-reflective events. Shorter times decrease test time, but produce a
noisier trace with less dynamic range and decreased visibility of events.
Auto: Adjusts the test parameters for a typical test time of 15 seconds per wavelength. This setting is
used for Auto OTDR mode and is the default for Manual OTDR mode.
Auto Test Time: Adjusts the test parameters for a typical test time of 5 seconds per wavelength. This
setting speeds up testing but provides less accuracy and increased deadzones.
Auto Deadzone: Adjusts the test parameters to minimize deadzones, which reveals more detail in
and around reflective events. This usually takes longer than testing with Auto or Auto Test Time
selected.
Testing with Auto, Auto Test Time, or Auto Deadzone selected can take up to 3 minutes per
wavelength, depending on the fiber's characteristics.
Manual time selections: Lets you set the test time to 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 3 minutes
per wavelength. The tester adjusts the test parameters to meet the selected time.

OTDR Test Settings
13
Table 2. OTDR Test Settings (cont.)
-continued-
Setting Description
Pulse Width
(Manual OTDR mode
only)
The pulse width affects the deadzones of the trace and the dynamic range.
Narrower pulses let you see more detail in and around reflective events and help you see events
that are close together (hidden events). However, narrower pulses limit the OTDR’s range and
produce traces with more background noise between events. With narrower pulses, you may not
be able to distinguish small loss events from the noise on the trace. The backscatter level may be
so low that it does not appear on the trace.
Wider pulses raise the backscatter level, which lets you measure longer fibers and provides a
better signal-to-noise ratio around events. This helps you see smaller loss events and measure their
loss more accurately, but increases the deadzones of events.
Auto: The tester selects the narrowest pulse that still reveals loss events.

DTX Compact OTDR Modules
Users Manual
14
Table 2. OTDR Test Settings (cont.)
Setting Description
Loss Threshold
(Manual OTDR mode
only)
User Defined lets you set the threshold (in decibels) for reporting loss events. Events at or above
the threshold are included in the event table. The range for this setting is 0.01 dB to 1.50 dB
inclusive.
For smaller threshold values (0.01 dB to 0.3 dB), the tester reduces noise on the trace by taking
more measurements for averaging or by using wider pulse widths. Therefore, smaller values may
increase test times or deadzones on the trace.
Auto sets the threshold to the default value of 0.15 dB.
Note
Setting a loss threshold does not guarantee that all events at or above the threshold will
be found. The fiber's characteristics or using a manual Averaging Time or Pulse Width
may also limit which events are found.
If the loss threshold is set to less than 0.15 dB, the tester may find many false events due to
inherent imperfections in the fiber.