Greenlee 920XC-13A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Read and understand all of the instructions
and safety information in this manual
before operating or servicing this tool.
DOC-0920-MANUAL REV B © 2007 Greenlee Textron Inc. 10/07
Order part no. 52026943 REV 2
920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C
Handheld OTDRs

2Greenlee / A Textron Company
Table of Contents
Preface 5
Description.................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Purpose of This Manual................................................................................................................ 5
Warranty........................................................................................................................................ 5
Important Safety Information 6
Section 1. Introduction 9
Section 2. Basic Operation 11
Instrument Interface Description ................................................................................................ 11
Use of Batteries........................................................................................................................... 12
Auto Off Mode....................................................................................................................... 12
Recharging ............................................................................................................................. 12
Keypad Functions ....................................................................................................................... 13
Section 3. Basic OTDR Information 15
Principle of OTDRs .................................................................................................................... 15
Basic Denition and Classication of Events............................................................................. 15
Reection Events ................................................................................................................... 15
Non-reection Events............................................................................................................. 16
Inspection of Events............................................................................................................... 16
Measurement Application ........................................................................................................... 16
Measurement Contents........................................................................................................... 16
Trace Analysis........................................................................................................................ 16
Trace Display Screen .................................................................................................................. 17
Trace Display Window........................................................................................................... 17
Information Window .............................................................................................................. 18
Measurement Trace Parameters......................................................................................... 18
Events List......................................................................................................................... 18
Marker A/B Information.................................................................................................... 19
Fiber Information .............................................................................................................. 19
Menu Bar and Icons ............................................................................................................... 20
Parameter Conguration ........................................................................................................ 20
Denitions of Measurement Parameters ........................................................................... 21
Range Conguration ......................................................................................................... 21
Pulse Width Conguration ................................................................................................ 22
Average Time Conguration ............................................................................................. 23
Wavelength Conguration (920XC-20C only) ................................................................. 23
Measurement Mode Conguration.................................................................................... 24
VFL Conguration (920XC-20C only)............................................................................. 24
Length Units...................................................................................................................... 25
Index of Refraction (IOR) Conguration.......................................................................... 25
Scatter Coefcient Conguration...................................................................................... 26
Non-reection Threshold Conguration ........................................................................... 26

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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Reection Threshold Conguration.................................................................................. 27
End Threshold Conguration............................................................................................ 27
Delete File ......................................................................................................................... 28
Time Conguration ........................................................................................................... 28
Auto Off Conguration ..................................................................................................... 29
Language Conguration.................................................................................................... 29
Contrast Adjustment of LCD............................................................................................. 30
Color Mode Setting ........................................................................................................... 30
Default Setting................................................................................................................... 31
Help ................................................................................................................................... 31
Battery Recharge Status.............................................................................................................. 32
Section 4. Trace Measurement and Processing of Existing Traces 33
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Instructions .............................................................................. 33
Trace Measurement..................................................................................................................... 34
Setup....................................................................................................................................... 34
Auto Trace Measurement ....................................................................................................... 34
Manual Trace Measurement................................................................................................... 35
Live Trafc Warning .............................................................................................................. 35
Reasons for Trace Measurement Failures .............................................................................. 35
Information Window................................................................................................................... 36
Switching between Information Window Items..................................................................... 36
Reviewing Events List ........................................................................................................... 36
Reviewing Marker A/B Information...................................................................................... 36
Switching between Marker A/B ........................................................................................ 36
Information between Marker A/B ..................................................................................... 36
Zoom a Trace .............................................................................................................................. 36
Zoom out Trace Horizontally................................................................................................. 36
Zoom in Trace Horizontally................................................................................................... 36
Zoom out Trace Vertically...................................................................................................... 37
Zoom in Trace Vertically........................................................................................................ 37
Zooming Shortcuts................................................................................................................. 37
Re-analyze a Trace...................................................................................................................... 37
Save a Trace ................................................................................................................................ 37
Browse Saved Traces .................................................................................................................. 38
Upload Saved Traces................................................................................................................... 39
Alter Measurements in Realtime Testing (920XC-20C only) .................................................... 40
Section 5. Calibration and Maintenance 41
Calibration Requirements ........................................................................................................... 41
Maintenance and Replacement of Batteries................................................................................ 41
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................... 42
Before Cleaning ..................................................................................................................... 42
Cleaning Interfaces and Connectors....................................................................................... 42
Tools for Cleaning Interfaces and Connectors .................................................................. 42
Procedure for Cleaning Interfaces and Connectors........................................................... 42
Table of Contents

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Section 6. Specifications 43
Section 7. Trace Viewer Software 45
Software Installation ................................................................................................................... 45
Computer System Requirements............................................................................................ 45
Installation.............................................................................................................................. 45
Software GUI.............................................................................................................................. 46
Graphical User Interface (GUI) ............................................................................................. 46
Menu, Tool Bar, and Status Bar ............................................................................................. 47
File (F)............................................................................................................................... 47
Edit (E) .............................................................................................................................. 47
View (V)............................................................................................................................ 48
Window (W)...................................................................................................................... 48
Help (H)............................................................................................................................. 48
Information Subwindows....................................................................................................... 49
Trace Display Window ...................................................................................................... 49
Events List Window .......................................................................................................... 49
Parameter Window ............................................................................................................ 50
Fiber Section Information Window................................................................................... 51
Fiber Chain Information Window ..................................................................................... 51
Software Functions ..................................................................................................................... 52
Upload Trace Data.................................................................................................................. 52
Browse Traces........................................................................................................................ 52
Tool Bar............................................................................................................................. 52
Open Trace File ................................................................................................................. 53
Zoom in and out of Trace .................................................................................................. 53
Review Trace Information................................................................................................. 53
Save Trace.............................................................................................................................. 55
ASCII Format Output............................................................................................................. 55
Edit Optical Fiber Information............................................................................................... 55
Revise Events List.................................................................................................................. 56
Add Event.......................................................................................................................... 56
Revise Event...................................................................................................................... 56
Delete Event ...................................................................................................................... 56
Printing................................................................................................................................... 57
Printing Options ................................................................................................................ 57
Printing Setup.................................................................................................................... 57
Printing Preview................................................................................................................ 58
Printing .............................................................................................................................. 59
Batch Edit.......................................................................................................................... 59
Batch Print......................................................................................................................... 60
Batch Print Preview........................................................................................................... 61
Exit Software.......................................................................................................................... 62
Appendix A. Quick Reference Guide and Menu Shortcuts 63
Table of Contents

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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Preface
Description
The Greenlee berTOOLS™ 920XC instruments are handheld Optical Time Domain
Reectometers (OTDRs) for measuring the specications of single-mode optical ber.
The 920XC-13A measures optical ber at 1310 nm.
The 920XC-15A measures optical ber at 1550 nm.
The 920XC-20C measures optical ber at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
Included with the 920XC instruments are the following:
USB and serial data transfer cables
Power adapter
Trace Viewer software installation disk
Instruction manual
Soft carrying case
Safety
Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of Greenlee tools and equipment. This instruction
manual and any markings on the tool provide information for avoiding hazards and unsafe
practices related to the use of this tool. Observe all of the safety information provided.
Purpose of This Manual
This instruction manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe operation and
maintenance procedures for the Greenlee 920XC handheld OTDRs.
Keep this manual available to all personnel. Replacement manuals are available upon request at no
charge.
Warranty
Greenlee Textron Inc. warrants to the original purchaser of these goods for use that these products
will be free from defects in workmanship and material for one year. This warranty is subject to
the same terms and conditions contained in Greenlee Textron Inc.’s standard one-year limited
warranty.
For all Test Instrument repairs, contact Customer Service at 800-642-2155 or 760-598-8900 and
request a Return Authorization.
For items not covered under warranty (such as items dropped, abused, etc.), a repair cost quote is
available upon request.
Note: Prior to returning any test instrument, please check replaceable batteries or make sure the
battery is at full charge.
All specications are nominal and may change as design improvements occur.
Greenlee Textron Inc. shall not be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.
berTOOLS is a trademark of Greenlee Textron Inc.
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Important Safety Information
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Immediate hazards which, if not avoided, WILL result in severe injury or death.
Hazards which, if not avoided, COULD result in severe injury or death.
Hazards or unsafe practices which, if not avoided, MAY result in injury or property damage.
Read and understand this material before operating or servicing this
equipment. Failure to understand how to safely operate this tool could result
in an accident causing serious injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits could result in severe injury or death.
Class 3 appliance
This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards or unsafe practices which could result
in an injury or property damage. The signal word, dened below, indicates the severity
of the hazard. The message after the signal word provides information for preventing or
avoiding the hazard.

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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Important Safety Information
The 920XC instruments are laser devices
conforming to the requirements of
CDRH, CFR 1040, Subchapter J. While
there is no potential for eye damage due
to unaided direct exposure, users should
always avoid looking directly into the
output port. The use of optical viewing
instruments, such as microscopes,
magniers, etc., should always be
avoided. The use of such devices around
active bers can focus an intense beam
of light energy onto the retina of the eye,
which can result in permanent damage.
Electric shock hazard:
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere such as in the presence of ammable gases or
fumes.
Before applying power, verify that the unit is set to match the available line voltage.
Failure to observe this warning could result in severe injury or death.
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Laser hazard:
When performing measurements on ber optic systems, avoid eye exposure to any open-
ended bers, optical connectors, optical interfaces, or other sources because they may be
connected to active laser transmitters.
Do not look into the optical port when a source is turned on.
Avoid looking at the free end of a test ber, i.e., the end not connected to the instrument.
If possible, direct the free end toward a non-reective surface.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury.
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Electric shock hazard:
Fuse replacement should be performed by Greenlee qualied personnel.
Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse holders.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.
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8Greenlee / A Textron Company
Important Safety Information
Electric shock hazard:
Do not expose batteries to re or intense heat. Do not open or mutilate batteries. Avoid
touching the electrolyte in the batteries, which is corrosive and may cause damage to eyes
or skin.
Do not open the case of the unit for any reason. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
Use this unit for the manufacturer’s intended purpose only, as described in this manual.
Any other use can impair the protection provided by the unit.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury and may damage the unit.
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Instrument damage hazard:
Make sure that the optical ber or cable is not in use and there is no laser beam in
the ber before testing with this unit.
Do not leave the unit in direct sunlight or near direct sources of heat.
Protect the unit from strong impacts or shock.
Do not immerse the unit in water or store in areas with high humidity.
When necessary, clean the case, front panel, and rubber cover with a damp cloth.
Do not use abrasives, harsh chemicals, or solvents.
Replace the protective dust cap when the unit is not in use.
Store the unit and interface adapters in a cool, dry, and clean place.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury and may damage the unit.
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Electric shock hazard:
Do not expose the unit to extremes in temperature or high humidity. Refer to
“Specications.”
Turn the unit off, disconnect from power, and make sure the laser source is off before
cleaning.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury and may damage the unit.
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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Section 1. Introduction
Greenlee’s 920XC handheld OTDRs can make an assessment of one single optical ber or a whole
optical ber chain. In addition, the user can directly observe loss and events distribution of an
optical ber chain.
The 920XC tools check the transmission quality of optical ber through the measurement of
backscatter. Standard organizations like the International Telecom Union (ITU) dene backscatter
as an effective analysis means to measure optical ber loss. Backscattering is also the only
effective way of connector inspection, which can be applied to measure the length of optical ber.
The 920XC OTDRs operate by reviewing events in optical ber (for example, irregularities and
connectors). These tools can help identify irregularities in optical ber, locate them, and measure
their attenuation, relevant loss, and homogeneity.
These tools are easy-to-use, small, and compact with large LCD displays and graphical interfaces.
They can save and transfer the measurement curves data to a PC by using the provided Trace
Viewer software for further analyzing, reporting, and printing.
Basic applications:
Measure the length of optical ber and cable.
Measure the distance between two points on optical ber and cable.
Locate faults and ruptures of optical ber and cable.
Display distribution curve of optical ber and cable loss.
Measure attenuation coefcient of optical ber and cable.
Measure loss between two points on optical ber and cable.
Measure loss of tie-ins.
Measure reection of reection events of optical ber and cable.
For a specic event (transmission quality changed due to faults caused by fusion splicing,
connector, bending, etc.), the following measurements can be carried out:
For each event: Distance, loss, and reection.
For each section of optical ber: Length and loss of dB or dB/unit length.
For the whole optical ber chain: Length and loss of dB.
Additional features:
Large LCD display with auto or manual adjustment of contrast.
Backlight LCD display supports night operation.
Easy operation with trace graphic display.
Trace storage function.
RS-232 and USB data upload ports.
Trace Viewer software for analyzing and reporting previously stored data.
Auto off function to conserve battery life.
DC/AC power supply.
Auto recharging.
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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Section 2. Basic Operation
This section describes the basic operation of the 920XC instruments. Specic operations are
explained in detail in Section 3 of this manual.
Instrument Interface Description
Figure 2-1. Interface Panel
Charge Indicator: When lit, measurement power is charging.
Power Indicator: When lit, measurement power is on.
AC Power Jack: Power adapter jack requirements are 13.8 VDC at 1.2 A.
Data Transfer Ports: USB and RS-232 interfaces to transfer saved traces in the instrument to
a PC for further analysis with Trace Viewer software (provided).
Fiber Optic Output for OTDR and VLS (visual fault locator): Connector is used for the
OTDR interface.
Invisible Laser Caution: Do not look directly at the optical output or stare at the laser beam.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
CHARGE
OTDR
POWER
VLS
RS-232
USB
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12 Greenlee / A Textron Company
Use of Batteries
The 920XC tools use a NiMH battery.
Auto Off Mode
The instrument will enter auto off mode when there is insufcient power during operation.
The low power icon will be displayed on the LCD.
If unused for a long time, causing insufcient power, the instrument will enter auto off
mode several seconds after powering on in order to protect the batteries in case of excessive
discharging. The internal battery should be recharged immediately through the adapter.
Recharging
Perform a quick charge rst, and then switch to trickle charge after the voltage reaches a
predened gure. Quick charge temperature is 5 °C to 45 °C (41 °F to 113 °F), and trickle
charge temperature is 0 °F to 55 °C (32 °F to 131 °F). Battery will not be fully charged or may
be damaged if the charging temperature is beyond the above range, which may shorten battery
life.
A quick charge takes 3 hours.
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Section 2

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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Keypad Functions
Figure 2-2. 920XC Keypad
1. On/Off: Press to turn power on or off to the instrument.
2. Run/Stop:
Under GUI, press to start measurement.
While testing, press to stop measurement.
3. Enter:
Under GUI, press to conrm the current operation.
Use with the Shift key to browse down the events list.
4. pq (up and down) arrows:
Move menu bar in menu operation.
Highlight the icon to be selected.
Adjust parameter in parameter conguration.
Use with the Shift key to zoom out or zoom in trace vertically.
5. tu (left and right) arrows:
Select parameter to be adjusted in parameter conguration.
Move marker left or right in trace operation.
Turn page while in Help submenu.
Use with the Shift key to zoom out or zoom in trace horizontally.
6. arrow:
Read Help menu when power on.
Cancel the current operation.
Exit menu conguration.
Switch between information windows.
Use with the Shift key to browse up the events list.
7. Shift:
Under GUI, press to return a trace to original size without any zoom.
Activate the integration function by pressing this key together with other keys.
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Basic Operation

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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Section 3. Basic OTDR Information
Principle of OTDRs
An OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reectometer) is a measurement instrument for identifying
optical ber transmission features. The OTDR is used to measure the overall attenuation of a
ber optic link and to provide details relating to the position of each event in that link. Events
include splices, connectors, bends, and optical components. Its non-destructive, single-ended
connection and rapid measurement have made the OTDR an indispensable tool for manufacturing,
construction, and maintenance of optical ber links.
The faults and heterogeneity of optical ber itself cause Rayleigh scattering of light transmitted in
optical ber. Part of the light pulse is scattered in the reverse direction, and this is called Rayleigh
backscattering, which actually provides attenuation details relating to ber length.
Information relating to distance is obtained through time information (thus “time domain” in the
name OTDR). Fresnel reection occurs at the boundary between two media of different IOR (for
example, connections of faults, connectors, or optical ber end). This reection is used to locate
the discontinuous points on optical ber. The magnitude of reection depends on the difference
between IOR and the smoothness of boundary.
An OTDR sends out a light pulse into the optical ber and receives reections of events and
backscattering power of the pulse in time. Locations will be displayed on the LCD. The y-axis is
the dB value of backscattering power, and the x-axis is the distance.
Basic Definition and Classification of Events
Events refer to any abnormal points causing attenuation or sudden change of scattering power
besides the normal scattering of optical ber, which include losses such as bending, connections,
and ruptures.
Event points displayed on the LCD are abnormal points that cause traces to deviate from a straight
line.
Events can be classied as reection events or non-reection events.
Reflection Events
When some pulse energy is scattered, reection events occur. When reection events occur, a peak
is displayed on the trace (Figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1. Reection Event

16 Greenlee / A Textron Company
Non-reflection Events
Non-reection events occur at certain points where there is some optic loss but no light scattering.
When non-reection events occur, a power drop shows on the trace (Figure 3-2).
Figure 3-2. Non-reection Event
Inspection of Events
The 920XC OTDR sends a light pulse into the optical ber to be inspected, receives returning
light signals, and starts calculating the event distance. The farther the distance is, the longer the
time needed for scattered light to be received by the instrument. Event distance can be calculated
according to the time of receiving events signals.
Through the inspection of scattered signals, properties of optical ber, connectors, and tie-ins can
be identied.
Measurement Application
The 920XC instruments display power relating to the distance of returning signals. This
information can be used to identify the main properties of an optical ber chain.
Measurement Contents
Event location (distance), end, or rupture of optical ber chain.
Attenuation coefcient of ber.
Loss of a single event (for example, one optic tie-in), or total loss from upper end to end.
Range of a single event like reection of connectors (or grade of reection).
Auto measurement of cumulative loss of a single event.
Trace Analysis
The trace analysis of the 920XC OTDR is fully automatic. The trace locates:
Reection events of connections and mechanical tie-ins.
Non-reection events.
End of optical ber.
Through scanning the rst loss event that is larger than the end threshold, identies the end of
optical ber.
Events list: Event type, loss, reection, and distance.
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Section 3

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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Trace Display Screen
The trace displays on the 920XC screen (Figure 3-3).
Figure 3-3. Trace Display Screen
Trace Display Window
This window displays the trace after one measurement.
Denition of trace: After one measurement, the reection power diagram will be displayed as a
distance function. This diagram is referred to as trace.
The trace of the 920XC displays measurement results in a graphic form. The y-axis represents the
power while the x-axis represents the distance (Figure 3-4).
Figure 3-4. Traces and Coordinates
Basic OTDR Information

18 Greenlee / A Textron Company
Information Window
The contents of this window are measurement parameters, events list, marker A/B, and analysis
parameters.
Measurement Trace Parameters
Important measurement and analysis parameters are displayed in the information window
(Figures 3-5a and 3-5b).
For denitions and congurations of items in Figure 3-5a (average time, sample distance, range,
IOR, wavelength, and pulse width) as well as denitions of items in Figure 3-5b (date, reection
threshold, non-reection threshold, end threshold, and scattering coefcient), refer to “Parameter
Conguration” in this section of the manual.
Events List
The events list indicates the location of events inspected. Any dened posts will be displayed in
the events list (for example, a non-reection event such as a fusion splice or a reection event such
as a connector) (Figure 3-6).
Figure 3-6. Events List
No.: Event sequence number.
Four types of events: begin end; reection event; ber end; attentuation event.
Location: Distance from beginning point to event.
Re.: Magnitude of reection.
Ins.L.: Loss of inserted event.
Attn.: Attenuation characteristic from one event point to the current event.
Cum.L.: Cumulative loss, calculating from beginning point to the current event.
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Figure 3-5a. Measurement Trace Parameters Figure 3-5b. Analysis Trace Parameters
Section 3

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920XC-13A • 920XC-15A • 920XC-20C Instruction Manual
Marker A/B Information
A marker is used to mark and analyze a single event, trace section, and distance. Distance,
attenuation, and loss at a marker or between markers will be displayed in marker information
(Figure 3-7).
Figure 3-7. Marker A/B Information
The following parameters are measured between marker A and B. Changing either marker will
change the record accordingly.
A-B: Distance between two markers.
2Pt. Loss: Loss between two markers; power difference between two markers.
2Pt. Atten: 2 points loss of unit length.
The specic operations of the above items are explained in more detail later in this manual.
Fiber Information
Fiber information includes total attenuation, length, and loss of the tested ber (Figure 3-8).
Figure 3-8. Fiber Information
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Basic OTDR Information

20 Greenlee / A Textron Company
Menu Bar and Icons
No. Icons Description
1Parameter conguration
2Save le
3Open le
4Re-analyze the trace
5Zoom out trace horizontally
6Zoom in trace horizontally
7Zoom out trace vertically
8Zoom in trace vertically
9Switch between markers
10 Review events list upward
11 Review events list downward
12 Battery power indicator
Notes:
Under the Help menu, only numbers 1 and 3 are operational.
In the process of measurement, all functions on the menu bar will be disabled.
Numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are tools for trace analysis. Numbers 10 and 11 are tools for
reviewing events list.
Number 1 is explained in the next section, “Parameter Conguration.”
Parameter Configuration
Correct parameter conguration is necessary for accurate measurements.
Use pand qto highlight (i.e., parameter conguration on the menu bar), and then press
Enter (Figure 3-9). Press to exit.
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Figure 3-9. Parameter Conguration
Section 3