Fluke OF-500 OptiFiber User manual

PN 1779484
September 2002, Rev. 7 10/10
©2002-2010 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
OF-500 OptiFiber®
Certifying OTDR
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
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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
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Copyright ©1995-1998 Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler

i
Contents
Title Page
Overview of Features ................................................................................................... 1
Accessing the Technical Reference Handbook ........................................................... 2
Registration .................................................................................................................. 2
Contacting Fluke Networks ......................................................................................... 3
Unpacking ..................................................................................................................... 4
Model OF-500-01 ..................................................................................................... 4
Model OF-500-02 ..................................................................................................... 4
Model OF-500-03 ..................................................................................................... 5
Model OF-500-10 ..................................................................................................... 5
Model OF-500-13 ..................................................................................................... 6
Model OF-500-15 ..................................................................................................... 6
Model OF-500-35 ..................................................................................................... 7
Model OF-500-45 ..................................................................................................... 8
Safety Information ....................................................................................................... 9
Powering the Tester .................................................................................................... 12
Charging the Battery .............................................................................................. 12
Checking the Battery Status ................................................................................... 12

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
ii
Changing the Language .............................................................................................. 14
Removing and Installing the Module ......................................................................... 14
Verifying Operation ..................................................................................................... 15
Basic Features ............................................................................................................... 16
Front Panel Features ............................................................................................... 16
Side and Top Panel Features ................................................................................... 18
The HOME Screen .................................................................................................... 20
Using the Setup Menus ........................................................................................... 22
Using the Online Help ............................................................................................. 24
Fiber ID Options ....................................................................................................... 24
Checking the Tester’s Status ........................................................................................ 25
Preparing to Save Tests ................................................................................................ 26
Cleaning and Inspecting Fiber Connectors and Adapters .......................................... 27
Cleaning Bulkhead Connectors .............................................................................. 27
Cleaning Fiber Adapters ......................................................................................... 27
Cleaning Connector Ends ........................................................................................ 27
Testing Your Reference Test Cords and Launch Fiber ................................................ 28
Using the OTDR ............................................................................................................ 28
About Launch and Receive Fibers .......................................................................... 28
Selecting Auto or Manual OTDR Mode ................................................................. 29
OTDR Connection Quality ....................................................................................... 30
Running the OTDR Test ........................................................................................... 31
Comparing OTDR Traces ......................................................................................... 38
Cleaning the OTDR Connector ............................................................................... 39
Using the ChannelMap Function ................................................................................. 40
Using the FaultMap Function ...................................................................................... 46
Using the FiberInspector Option ................................................................................. 52
Using the Loss/Length Option ..................................................................................... 57

Contents
iii
About Smart Remotes ............................................................................................. 57
Changing the Connector Adapter .......................................................................... 58
Cleaning the Loss/Length Connectors .................................................................... 60
Cleaning the Loss/Length OUTPUT Connector ................................................. 60
Cleaning the Loss/Length and Power Meter INPUT Connector ....................... 60
About Setting the Reference .................................................................................. 61
Setting the Number of Adapters and Splices ........................................................ 62
Using Mandrels for Testing Multimode Fiber ....................................................... 64
Testing in Smart Remote Mode .............................................................................. 66
Testing in Loopback Mode ..................................................................................... 72
Testing in Far End Source Mode ............................................................................. 78
Using the Visual Fault Locator ..................................................................................... 83
Using the Power Meter Option ................................................................................... 86
Overview of Memory Functions .................................................................................. 90
Memory Capacity and Card Sizes Supported ......................................................... 90
Clearing the Internal Memory ................................................................................ 91
About LinkWare and LinkWare Stats Software ......................................................... 91
Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 92
Updating the Tester’s Software ............................................................................. 92
Updating via the USB or Serial Port .................................................................. 93
Updating via a Memory Card Created with LinkWare .................................... 94
Copying Settings Between Testers ......................................................................... 95
Optical Connector Care .......................................................................................... 95
Replacing Reference Test Cords and Launch Fibers .............................................. 95
Replacing the Battery ............................................................................................. 96
Cleaning ................................................................................................................... 96
Storage ..................................................................................................................... 96
Calibration ............................................................................................................... 97

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
iv
Options and Accessories .............................................................................................. 97
If Something Seems Wrong ......................................................................................... 97
Getting Help ............................................................................................................ 97
Signs of a Bad OTDR Connector ............................................................................. 100
Specifications ................................................................................................................ 101
Environmental and Regulatory Specifications ....................................................... 101
OTDR Specifications for OFTM-561xB Multimode Modules ................................. 102
OTDR Specifications for OFTM-573x Singlemode Modules .................................. 105
Power Meter Specifications .................................................................................... 109
Loss/Length Specifications ...................................................................................... 111
Visual Fault Locator Specifications (OFTM-573x Modules) ................................... 115
Power ....................................................................................................................... 116
Traceable Calibration Period .................................................................................. 116
Certifications and Compliance ................................................................................ 116
Memory for Test Results ......................................................................................... 116
Serial Interfaces ....................................................................................................... 117
Keyboard Port .......................................................................................................... 118
Video Port for FiberInspector Probe ...................................................................... 118
Dimensions (with module and battery installed) .................................................. 118
Weight (with module and battery installed) ......................................................... 118
Display ...................................................................................................................... 118
Fan ............................................................................................................................118
FiberInspector Probe Specifications ....................................................................... 119
Regulatory Information .......................................................................................... 120
Index ............................................................................................................................. 121

v
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Battery Pack Features........................................................................................................... 13
2. Removing the Module ......................................................................................................... 15
3. Front Panel Features ............................................................................................................ 16
4. Side and Top Panel Features................................................................................................ 18
5. Home Screen for OTDR with Loss/Length Option .............................................................. 20
6. The SETUP Screen ................................................................................................................. 22
7. OTDR Port Connection Quality Gauge................................................................................ 30
8. Equipment for OTDR Testing............................................................................................... 31
9. Connecting the OTDR to Installed Fiber (no receive fiber)................................................ 33
10. Connecting the OTDR to Installed Fiber (with receive fiber) ............................................ 34
11. Connecting the OTDR to Spooled Cable............................................................................. 35
12. OTDR Trace Screen ............................................................................................................... 36
13. Cleaning the OTDR Connector ............................................................................................ 39
14. Equipment for ChannelMap Testing................................................................................... 41
15. ChannelMap Test Connections............................................................................................ 43
16. ChannelMap Diagram Features........................................................................................... 44
17. Equipment for FaultMap Testing ........................................................................................ 47

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
vi
18. FaultMap Test Connections ................................................................................................. 49
19. FaultMap Diagram Features ................................................................................................ 50
20. Equipment for FiberInspector Tests .................................................................................... 53
21. Using the FiberInspector Probe ........................................................................................... 55
22. FiberInspector Image Examples ........................................................................................... 56
23. SC, ST, LC, and FC Connector Adapters............................................................................... 58
24. Changing the Connector Adapter....................................................................................... 59
25. Example of How to Determine the NUMBER OF ADAPTERS Setting................................ 63
26. Wrapping a Reference test cord Around a Mandrel.......................................................... 65
27. Equipment for Loss/Length Testing in Smart Remote Mode............................................. 66
28. Smart Remote Mode Reference Connections..................................................................... 69
29. Smart Remote Mode Test Connections............................................................................... 71
30. Equipment for Loss/Length Testing in Loopback Mode..................................................... 73
31. Loopback Mode Reference Connections............................................................................. 75
32. Loopback Mode Test Connections....................................................................................... 77
33. Equipment for Loss Testing in Far End Source Mode......................................................... 78
34. Far End Source Mode Reference Connections.................................................................... 81
35. Far End Source Mode Test Connections.............................................................................. 82
36. Equipment for Using the Visual Fault Locator.................................................................... 83
37. Using the Visual Fault Locator............................................................................................. 85
38. Equipment for Power Meter Tests ...................................................................................... 87
39. Connections for Monitoring Optical Power........................................................................ 89
40. Traces Showing Good and Bad OTDR Connectors.............................................................. 100
41. Event and Attenuation Deadzone Measurement Methods............................................... 106

1
OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Note
While this manual describes specific operating
procedures for the OptiFiber tester, the fiber test
methods described are provided only as guidelines.
Your test methods may vary.
Overview of Features
The OF-500 OptiFiber®Certifying OTDR (hereafter referred
to as the tester) is a hand-held Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer (OTDR) that locates and characterizes
reflective and loss events in multimode and singlemode
fibers. The tester is optimized for use on the shorter fiber
runs typically installed in premises (building and campus)
networks. Typical test ranges are up to 7 km at 1300 nm for
multimode fiber and up to 60 km for singlemode fiber.
The tester offers the following features:
• Automated OTDR trace and event analysis help you
identify and locate faults on multimode (850 nm and
1300 nm; 50 µm and 62.5 µm) and singlemode
(1310 nm and 1550 nm; 9 µm) fiber.
• Displays OTDR results in summary format, as a table of
events, or as an interpretive OTDR trace. PASS/FAIL
results are based on factory-installed limits or limits you
specify.
• ChannelMap™function provides an intuitive diagram
of the connectors and segment lengths in a channel.
• FaultMap™function provides an intuitive diagram of
connections that might be bad.
• Optional FiberInspector™Video Probe lets you inspect
fiber endfaces and save the images.

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
2
• Optional modules add visual fault locator (OFTM-57xx
only), power meter, and loss/length test set functions to
the standard OTDR.
• Interchangeable connector adapters on the input ports
of the loss/length modules allow ISO-compliant
reference and test connections with a variety of
connector types.
• Saves hundreds of test results on a removable memory
card or in internal memory.
• Context-sensitive online help gives you quick access to
operating instructions and fiber troubleshooting
information.
• LinkWare™software lets you upload test results to a PC
and create professional-quality test reports. The
LinkWare Stats option generates browsable, graphical
reports of cable test statistics.
Accessing the Technical Reference
Handbook
The OF-500 OptiFiber Technical Reference Handbook
provides additional information on the tester. The handbook
is available on the OptiFiber Product CD included with your
tester and on the OptiFiber product page on the Fluke
Networks website.
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.

Contacting Fluke Networks
3
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
[e-mail]
[phone]
• Australia: 61 (2) 8850-3333 or 61 (3) 9329 0244
• Beijing: 86 (10) 6512-3435
• Brazil: 11 3759-7600
• Canada: 1-800-363-5853
• Europe: [phone]
• Hong Kong: 852 2721-3228
• Japan: 03-6714-3117
• Korea: 82 2 539-6311
• Singapore: 65-6799-5566
• Taiwan: (886) 2-227-83199
• USA: 1-800-283-5853
Visit our website for a complete list of phone numbers.

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
4
Unpacking
The OF-500 OptiFiber packages come with the accessories
listed below. If something is damaged or missing, contact the
place of purchase immediately.
Model numbers followed by a “/50M” include
50/125 µm accessories instead of 62.5/125 µm accessories
Model OF-500-01
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5610B multimode OTDR module
• 62.5/125 µm multimode launch fiber (gray zipper),
100 m, SC/SC
• Protective carrying case for tester
• Carrying strap
• Memory card
• USB cable for PC communications
• AC adapter
• Users Manual
• Product Manuals CD
• LinkWare Software CD
Model OF-500-02
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5611B multimode OTDR module with power
meter option
• 62.5/125 µm multimode launch fiber (gray zipper),
100 m, SC/SC
• Two 62.5/125 µm multimode duplex reference test
cords, 2 m, SC/SC
• Two gray mandrels for 62.5/125 µm fiber with 3 mm
jackets
• Protective carrying case for tester
• Carrying strap
• Memory card
• USB cable for PC communications
• AC adapter
• Users Manual
• Product Manuals CD
• LinkWare Software CD

Unpacking
5
Model OF-500-03
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5730 singlemode OTDR module
• 9/125 µm singlemode launch fiber (yellow zipper),
130 m, SC/SC
• Protective carrying case for tester
• Carrying strap
• Memory card
• USB cable for PC communications
• AC adapter
• Users Manual
• Product Manuals CD
• LinkWare Software CD
Model OF-500-10
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5612B multimode OTDR module with power
meter and loss/length options
• OFTM-5352 FiberInspector Video Probe (250X/400X)
with adapter tip kit
• 62.5/125 µm multimode launch fiber (gray zipper),
100 m, SC/SC
• Two 62.5/125 µm multimode duplex reference test
cords, 2 m, SC/SC
• Two gray mandrels for 62.5/125 µm fiber with 3 mm
jackets
• Protective carrying case for tester
• Carrying strap
• Soft carrying case for accessories
• Memory card
• USB memory card reader
• USB cable for PC communications
• AC adapter
• Users Manual
• Product Manuals CD
• LinkWare Software CD

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
6
Model OF-500-13
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5732 singlemode OTDR module with power
meter and loss/length options
• DTX Smart Remote with DTX-SFM2 singlemode fiber
module and interchangeable SC adapter
• OFTM-5352 FiberInspector Video Probe (250X/400X)
with adapter tip kit
• 9/125 μm singlemode launch fiber (yellow zipper),
130 m, SC/SC
• Two 9/125 µm singlemode duplex reference test cords,
2 m, SC/SC
• Carrying strap
• Hard carrying case for tester
• Soft carrying case for accessories
• Memory card
• USB memory card reader
• USB cable for PC communications
• AC adapter
• Users Manual
• Product Manuals CD
• LinkWare Software CD
Model OF-500-15
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5612B multimode OTDR module with power
meter and loss/length options
• DTX Smart Remote with DTX-MFM2 multimode fiber
module and interchangeable SC adapter
• OFTM-5352 FiberInspector Video Probe (250X/400X)
with adapter tip kit
• 62.5/125 µm multimode launch fiber (gray zipper),
100 m, SC/SC
• Two 62.5/125 µm multimode duplex reference test
cords, 2 m, SC/SC
• Two gray mandrels for 62.5/125 µm fiber with 3 mm
jackets
• OptiFiber carrying strap
• Smart Remote carrying strap
• Soft carrying case for accessories
• Hard carrying case for tester
• Memory card
• USB memory card reader
• USB cable for PC communications
• Mini-B USB cable for OptiFiber Smart Remote

Unpacking
7
• Two AC adapters
• OptiFiber Users Manual
• OptiFiber Product Manuals CD
• Smart Remote Users Manual
• Smart Remote Product CD
• LinkWare Software CD
Model OF-500-35
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5612B multimode OTDR module with power
meter and loss/length options
• OFTM-5732 singlemode OTDR module with power
meter and loss/length options
• OFTM-5352 FiberInspector Video Probe (250X/400X)
with adapter tip kit
• 62.5/125 µm multimode launch fiber (gray zipper),
100 m, SC/SC
• 9/125 µm singlemode launch fiber (yellow zipper),
130 m, SC/SC
• Two 62.5/125 µm multimode duplex reference test
cords, 2 m, SC/SC
• Two gray mandrels for 62.5/125 µm fiber with 3 mm
jackets
• Two 9/125 µm singlemode duplex reference test cords,
2 m, SC/SC
• Carrying strap
• Soft carrying case for accessories
• Hard carrying case for tester
• Memory card
• USB memory card reader
• USB cable for PC communications
• AC adapter
• Users Manual
• Product Manuals CD
• LinkWare Software CD

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
8
Model OF-500-45
• OF-500 OptiFiber tester with battery pack
• OFTM-5612B multimode OTDR module with power
meter and loss/length options
• OFTM-5732 singlemode OTDR module with power
meter and loss/length options
• DTX Smart Remote with DTX-MFM2 multimode fiber
module and interchangeable SC adapter
• DTX-SFM2 singlemode fiber module and
interchangeable SC adapter
• OFTM-5352 FiberInspector Video Probe (250X/400X)
with adapter tip kit
• 62.5/125 µm multimode launch fiber (gray zipper),
100 m, SC/SC
• 50/125 µm multimode launch fiber (aqua zipper),
100 m, SC/SC
• 9/125 µm singlemode launch fiber (yellow zipper),
130 m, SC/SC
• Two 62.5/125 µm multimode duplex reference test
cords, 2 m, SC/SC
• Two 50/125 µm multimode duplex reference test cords,
2 m, SC/SC
• Two red mandrels for 62.5/125 µm fiber with 3 mm
jackets
• Two gray mandrels for 62.5/125 µm fiber with 3 mm
jackets
• Two 9/125 µm singlemode duplex reference test cords,
2 m, SC/SC
• Carrying strap
• Protective carrying case for accessories
• Hard carrying case for tester
• Protective carrying case for tester
• Memory card reader
• Memory card
• USB cable for PC communications
• Two AC adapters
• Users Manual
• Product Manuals CD
• LinkWare Software CD

Safety Information
9
Safety Information
Table 1 shows the international electrical symbols used on
the tester or in this manual.
Table 1. International Electrical Symbols
WWarning: Class 1 and Class 2 Laser
Products*
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 tester’s
outputs unless a fiber is attached to the output.
• Do not open the case; no user-serviceable parts
are inside.
• Do not modify the tester.
• 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.
• Use only the ac adapter provided to charge the
battery or power the tester.
• Do not use the tester if it is damaged. Inspect
the tester before use.
XWarning: Risk of fire, electric shock, or
personal injury.
WWarning or Caution: Risk of damage or
destruction to equipment or software. See
explanations in the manuals.
*Warning: Class 1 (OUTPUT port) and Class 2
(VFL port) lasers. Risk of eye damage from
hazardous radiation.
~Do not put products containing circuit boards
into the garbage. Dispose of circuit boards in
accordance with local regulations.
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS MERCURY.
DISPOSE OF THIS PRODUCT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL
REGULATIONS.
Hg

OF-500 OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Users Manual
10
• If this equipment is used in a manner not
specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
WCaution
To avoid damaging the tester or cables under
test and to avoid data loss:
• Always turn the tester off before removing or
installing a module.
• Never connect the OTDR port to an optical
source. Doing so can damage the OTDR receiver.
• Never connect the tester to an active network,
except when using the power meter. Doing so
causes unreliable test results and can disrupt
network operations.
• If the tester shows an error because the power
reading is too high, immediately disconnect the
source from the tester. The tester is not designed
for measuring higher power levels, such as
produced by CATV, optical amplifiers, and
cellular systems.
• 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.
• 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 OTDR and
loss/length option’s OUTPUT connectors for
scratches and other damage.