Fluke DTX-MFM User manual

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM
Fiber Modules
Users Manual
PN 2142235
April 2004, Rev. 1 11/04
© 2004 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Fluke Networks DTX-1800 DTX-GFM Specs
Provided by www.AAATesters.com

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
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uct 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
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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 author-
ity to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke Networks. Warranty support is available only if product is purchased
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Fluke Networks' warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke Networks' option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replace-
ment 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
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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
Accessing the Technical Reference Handbook ............................................................ 2
Additional Resources for Cable Testing Information.................................................. 2
Unpacking ..................................................................................................................... 3
DTX-MFM Multimode Fiber Modules...................................................................... 3
DTX-GFM Multimode Fiber Modules ...................................................................... 3
DTX-SFM Singlemode Fiber Modules...................................................................... 4
Safety Information........................................................................................................ 4
Getting Acquainted ...................................................................................................... 6
Installing and Removing Fiber Modules ................................................................. 6
Physical Features ...................................................................................................... 7
Essentials for Reliable Fiber Test Results...................................................................... 8
Cleaning Connectors and Adapters......................................................................... 8

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
ii
About Setting the Reference .................................................................................. 9
Using Mandrels for Testing Multimode Fiber ........................................................ 10
Testing Your Patch Cords ........................................................................................ 11
Fiber Test Settings ........................................................................................................ 12
Certifying Fiber Cabling ............................................................................................... 17
Autotest in Smart Remote Mode............................................................................ 17
Autotest in Loopback Mode ................................................................................... 22
Autotest in Far End Source Mode........................................................................... 28
Using the Visual Fault Locator..................................................................................... 33
Monitoring Optical Power ........................................................................................... 36
Options and Accessories............................................................................................... 39
Maintenance................................................................................................................. 42
Replacing Fiber Patch Cords......................................................................................... 42
Using the Smart Remote with an OptiFiberCertifying OTDR.................................. 42
Certification, Compliance, and Regulatory Information............................................ 43
Appendix A: Test Method Reference Tables............................................................... A-1
Index

iii
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Installing and Removing Fiber Modules ............................................................................. 6
2. Fiber Module Features......................................................................................................... 7
3. Wrapping a Patch Cord Around a Mandrel........................................................................ 11
4. Example of How to Determine the Number of Adapters Setting ..................................... 14
5. Equipment for Testing in Smart Remote Mode ................................................................. 17
6. Smart Remote Mode Reference Connections (Modified Method B)................................. 19
7. Smart Remote Mode Test Connections (Modified Method B)........................................... 21
8. Equipment for Testing in Loopback Mode......................................................................... 23
9. Loopback Mode Reference Connections (Modified Method B) ........................................ 25
10. Loopback Mode Test Connections (Modified Method B) .................................................. 27
11. Equipment for Testing in Far End Source Mode ................................................................ 28
12. Far End Source Mode Reference Connections (Modified Method B)................................ 31
13. Far End Source Mode Test Connections (Modified Method B).......................................... 32
14. Equipment for Using the Visual Fault Locator ................................................................... 33
15. Using the Visual Fault Locator............................................................................................. 35
16. Equipment for Monitoring Optical Power.......................................................................... 36
17. Connections for Monitoring Optical Power ....................................................................... 38

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
iv

1
DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Overview of Features
The DTX-MFM, DTX-GFM, and DTX-SFM fiber modules
are used with a DTX Series CableAnalyzer to test and
certify fiber optic cabling installations. The fiber modules
offer the following functions and features:
•Measures optical power loss and length on dual-
fiber cabling. The DTX-MFM tests multimode cabling
at 850 nm and 1300 nm. The DTX-SFM tests
singlemode cabling at 1310 nm and 1550 nm. The
DTX-GFM features a VCSEL LED for testing
multimode cabling at 850 nm and 1310 nm for
Gigabit Ethernet applications.
•Each module transmits both wavelengths (850 nm
and 1300 nm, 850 nm and 1310 nm, or 1310 nm and
1550 nm).
•Provides pass/fail results based on industry-standard
limits.
•Visual fault locator helps you locate breaks, bad
splices, bends, and check fiber continuity and
polarity.
•FindFiberfunction helps you identify and verify
fiber connections.
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-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
2
Contacting Fluke Networks
Note
If you contact Fluke Networks about your tester,
have the tester's software and hardware version
numbers available if possible.
www.flukenetworks.com
[email protected]
[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: [phone]
•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.
Accessing the Technical Reference
Handbook
The DTX Series CableAnalyzer Technical Reference
Handbook provides additional information on the tester
and the fiber modules. The handbook is available on the
DTX CableAnalyzer Product CD included with your
modules and on the DTX CableAnalyzer product page on
the Fluke Networks website.
Additional Resources for Cable
Testing Information
The Fluke Networks Knowledge Base provides answers to
common questions about Fluke Networks products, along
with articles on cable testing techniques and technology.
To access the Knowledge Base, log on to
www.flukenetworks.com, then clickknowledge base at
the top of the page.
The website cabletesting.com provides articles on testing,
documentation, and standards, answers to common
questions about cable testing, a glossary, and other
reference information.

Unpacking
3
Unpacking
The fiber modules come with the accessories listed below.
If something is damaged or missing, contact the place of
purchase immediately.
DTX-MFM Multimode Fiber Modules
•Two DTX-MFM Fiber Modules for testing at 850 nm
and 1300 nm
•Two SC/SC adapters
•Four 62.5/125 µm multimode patch cords, 2 m, SC/SC
•Two 62.5/125 µm multimode patch cords, 0.3 m, SC/SC
•Two gray mandrels for 62.5 /125 µm fiber with 3 mm
jackets
•DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules Users Manual
•DTX CableAnalyzer Product CD
•LinkWare Software CD
DTX-GFM Multimode Fiber Modules
•Two DTX-GFM Fiber Modules for testing at 850 nm
and 1310 nm (for Gigabit Ethernet applications)
•Two SC/SC adapters
•Four 50/125 µm multimode patch cords, 2 m, SC/SC
•Two 50/125 µm multimode patch cords, 0.3 m, SC/SC
•DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules Users Manual
•DTX CableAnalyzer Product CD
•LinkWare Software CD

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
4
DTX-SFM Singlemode Fiber Modules
•Two DTX-SFM Fiber Modules for testing at
1310 nm and 1550 nm.
•Two SC/SC adapters
•Four 9/125 µm singlemode patch cords, 2 m, SC/SC
•Two 9/125 µm singlemode patch cords, 0.3 m, SC/SC
•DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules Users Manual
•DTX CableAnalyzer Product CD
•LinkWare Software CD
Note
The patch cords provided are suitable for testing
SC-terminated links. Other patch cords are
required for other connector types or 50 /125
µ m
fiber. Many are available as accessories from
Fluke Networks.
Safety Information
WX Warning
To avoid possible fire, electric shock, or personal
injury read the safety information given in the
DTX Series CableAnalyzer Users Manual.
W*Warning: Class 1 and Class 2 Laser
Products
To avoid possible eye damage caused by
hazardous radiation:
•Never look directly into optical connectors. Some
sources produce invisible radiation that can
permanently damage your eyes.
•Keep the fiber module’s OUTPUT port covered
with a dust cap or keep a patch cord attached.
The OUTPUT port may be active even when a
test is not in progress. Covering the port reduces
the risk of accidental exposure to hazardous
radiation.
•Never start a test or activate the OUTPUT port or
VFL port without first connecting a fiber to the
port you will use.

Safety Information
5
•Never look directly into the visual fault locator
output. Momentary exposure to the locator’s
output will not damage your eyes; however,
direct, long-term exposure is potentially
hazardous.
•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.
Caution
To avoid damaging the tester or cables under
test, to avoid data loss, and to ensure maximum
accuracy of test results:
•Leave the module bay covers in place when the
fiber modules are not installed.
•Turn off the tester before attaching or removing
modules.
•When using the fiber modules, 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.
•Use a Fluke Networks FiberInspector Video
Microscope to periodically inspect the fiber
module’s OUTPUT connector for scratches and
other damage.
•Do not use a video microscope to inspect the
fiber module’s INPUT connector. This connector
has different dimensions than the OUTPUT
connector, and may be damaged by a fiber
inspection probe.

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
6
Getting Acquainted
The following sections introduce the fiber modules’
features.
Installing and Removing Fiber Modules
Figure 1 shows how to install and remove the fiber
modules.
Caution
Leave the module bay covers in place when the
fiber modules are not installed.
Caution
Turn off the tester
before attaching or
removing modules.
amd34f.eps
Figure 1. Installing and Removing Fiber Modules

Getting Acquainted
7
Physical Features
AButton for activating the visual fault locator (B) and output port (D). See
“Using the Visual Fault Locator” on page 33 and “Autotest in Far End Source
Mode” on page 28.
BUniversal fiber connector (with dust cap) for the visual fault locator output.
The connector accepts 2.5 mm ferrules. The LED below the connector
indicates the locator’s mode (continuous or blinking).
CSC input connector with dust cap. Receives optical signals for loss, length,
and power measurements.
DSC output connector with dust cap. Transmits optical signals for loss and
length measurements.
The LED below the connector is red when the output is transmitting the
module’s shorter wavelength, and green for the longer wavelength.
A
BCE
D
amd64f.eps
W*Warning
Never look directly into optical
output connectors (Band D).
Some sources produce
invisible radiation that can
permanently damage your
eyes.
ELaser safety label (shown at right).
amd128i.eps
Figure 2. Fiber Module Features

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
8
Essentials for Reliable Fiber Test
Results
To get reliable fiber test results, you must follow proper
cleaning and referencing procedures and, in some cases,
use mandrels during testing.
Cleaning Connectors and Adapters
Always clean and inspect fiber connectors before making
connections. Use 99 %-pure isopropyl alcohol and
optical-grade wipes or swabs to clean connectors as
follows:
•Connector ends: Wipe the end of the ferrule with a
swab or wipe lightly moistened with alcohol. Dry
with a dry swab or wipe.
Note
Use a 2.5 mm foam swab for cleaning the
tester’s optical connectors.
•Bulkhead connectors: Dip the tip of a foam swab in
alcohol; then touch the swab to a dry wipe. Touch a
new, dry swab to the alcohol spot on the wipe. Push
the swab into the connector; twist it around 3 to 5
times against the endface, then remove and dispose
of the swab. Dry the connector with a dry swab by
twisting it around in the connector 3 to 5 times.
•Inspect connectors with a fiber microscope, such as
the Fluke Networks FiberInspector Video Microscope
before making connections.
Periodically clean fiber adapters with a swab and alcohol.
Dry adapters with a dry swab before use.
Always cover unused connectors with dust caps or plugs.
Clean dust plugs periodically with a swab or wipe and
alcohol.

Essentials for Reliable Fiber Test Results
9
About Setting the Reference
The reference serves as the baseline power level for loss
measurements. Regular referencing helps account for
minor variations in source power and connection
integrity. Also, since the reference is the baseline for
measurements, the losses of the patch cords and adapters
used during referencing are excluded from test results.
Note
Turn on the tester and smart remote and let
them sit for 5 minutes before setting the
reference. Allow additional time if the modules
have been stored above or below ambient
temperature.
You should set the reference at these times:
•At the beginning of each day using the remote end
setup (Figures 7 through 13) you will use that day.
•Anytime you reconnect a patch cord to the module’s
output or other source.
•Anytime the tester warns you that the reference is
out of date.
•Anytime you see a negative loss measurement. (See
the Technical Reference Handbook for more
information.)
You must set the reference at these times:
•Anytime you change the fiber module in the tester
or smart remote.
•Anytime you start using a different smart remote.
•Anytime you change the Test Method in Setup.
•Twenty-four hours after the reference was
previously set.
Reference values should not change by more than a few
tenths of a dB from day to day. Larger changes may
indicate a problem with the patch cords or connections.
See the sections on Smart Remote, Loopback, and Far
End Source modes for details on setting the reference for
each mode.

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
10
Using Mandrels for Testing Multimode Fiber
You should use mandrels when testing multimode fiber
with the DTX-MFM fiber modules. Mandrels can improve
measurement repeatability and consistency. They also
allow the use of LED light sources to certify 50 µm and
62.5 µm fiber links for current and planned high bit-rate
applications, such as Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit
Ethernet.
WCaution
Do not use mandrels when testing with the
DTX-GFM fiber modules.
The gray mandrels included with the DTX-MFM are
compliant with TIA/EIA-568-B for 62.5 µm fiber with a
3 mm jacket. Mandrels for 50 µm fiber are available from
Fluke Networks. Refer to the appropriate standard for
mandrel requirements if you follow other standards.
Table 1 shows a partial list of mandrel requirements for
TIA and ISO standards.
Figure 3 shows how to wrap the fiber around a mandrel.
Place mandrels on the tester’s output fibers, as shown in
Figures 6 through 13.
In the reference and test connection diagrams shown on
the tester, mandrels are indicated by a loop in the fiber.
Table 1. TIA/EIA-568-B.1 and ISO/IEC TR 14763-3 Mandrel Requirements
Fiber
core size Standard
Wraps Around
Mandrel
Mandrel Diameter for
250 µm Buffered Fiber
Mandrel Diameter for 3 mm
(0.12 in) Jacketed Cable
50 µm TIA/EIA-568-B.1 7.1 5 25 mm (1.0 in) 22 mm (0.9 in)
ISO/IEC TR 14763-3 6.22 5 15 mm (0.6 in) 15 mm (0.6 in)
62.5 µm TIA/EIA-568-B.1 7.1 5 20 mm (0.8 in) 17 mm (0.7 in)
ISO/IEC TR 14763-3 6.22 5 20 mm (0.8 in) 20 mm (0.8 in)

Essentials for Reliable Fiber Test Results
11
Wrap 5 times
in grooves
Place top wrap
in groove under
retainer
Right:
no bends
at retainer Wrong:
bends at
retainer
amd67f.eps
Figure 3. Wrapping a Patch Cord Around a Mandrel
Testing Your Patch Cords
You should test your patch cords before each job. Use
another set of known-good patch cords to set a
reference and run an Autotest on each patch cord. Use
Smart Remote mode to test two patch cords at a time, or
Loopback mode to test one patch cord. See pages 17 and
22 for details on running these tests. For SC/SC patch
cords, you can also use the method described in
TIA/EIA TSB140.

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
12
Fiber Test Settings
Table 2 describes the test settings that apply to fiber
cabling.
To access the fiber test settings turn the rotary switch to
SETUP; then select Fiber. Use BC to see different tabs.
Table 2. Fiber Test Settings
Setting Description
SETUP > Fiber >
Fiber Type
Select a fiber type that is appropriate for the type you will test. Selecting Custom lets you create a
fiber type. See the Technical Reference Handbook for details.
SETUP > Fiber >
Test Limit
Select the appropriate test limit for the job. The tester compares the fiber test results to the
selected test limit to produce PASS or FAIL results. Selecting Custom lets you create a test limit. See
the Technical Reference Handbook for details.
SETUP > Fiber >
Remote End Setup
Use Smart Remote mode for testing dual-fiber cabling.
Use Loopback mode for testing patch cords and cable spools.
Use Far End Source mode with an optical source for testing individual fibers.
-continued-

Fiber Test Settings
13
Table 2. Fiber Test Settings (cont.)
Setting Description
SETUP > Fiber >
Bi-Directional
When enabled in Smart Remote or Loopback mode, the tester prompts you to swap the test
connections halfway through the test. The tester can then make bi-directional measurements for
each fiber at each wavelength (850 nm/1300 nm, 850 nm/1310 nm, or 1310 nm/1550 nm).
SETUP > Fiber >
Number of Adapters
SETUP > Fiber >
Number of Splices
If the selected limit uses a calculated loss limit, enter the number of adapters and splices that will be
added to the fiber path after the reference is set. Figure 4 shows an example of how to determine
the Number of Adapters setting.
Only limits that use maximum values for loss per km, loss per connector, and loss per splice use a
calculated limit for overall loss. For example, limits for fiber backbones use a calculated loss limit.
SETUP > Fiber >
Connector Type
Select the type of connector used in the cabling. This setting affects only the diagrams shown for
reference connections. If the cabling's connector type is not listed, use General.
-continued-

DTX-MFM/GFM/SFM Fiber Modules
Users Manual
14
One adapter in each path.
Example of Smart Remote mode test connections
PASS
TEST
FAIL
PASS
TEST
FAIL
Loss of reference adapters
removed during referencing.
Measurement includes loss of
2 adapters in each path.
NUMBER OF ADAPTERS setting = 2
Smart Remote mode reference connections
amd65f.eps
Figure 4. Example of How to Determine the Number of Adapters Setting (singlemode example; mandrels not used)