IDEAL INDUSTRIES OTDR User manual

IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
TECHNICAL MANUAL
IDEAL OTDR
Form number: 33-960 Series Revision: September 12, 2008

ii IDEAL
Copyright © 2008 IDEAL All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, be it
electronically, mechanically, or by any other means such as photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of IDEAL
(IDEAL).
Information provided by IDEAL is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by IDEAL for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of IDEAL.
IDEAL’s Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without
notice.
Trademarks
IDEAL’s trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence
or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
Version number: 4.0.1

Contents
OTDR iii
Contents
Certification Information ....................................................................................................... vi
1 Introducing the IDEAL OTDR ........................................................................ 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................1
Power Sources ........................................................................................................................5
Typical Applications ................................................................................................................5
OTDR Basic Principles ..............................................................................................................6
Conventions ............................................................................................................................8
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 9
Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL) ..........................................................................9
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL) .............................................................................10
Electrical Safety Information .................................................................................................10
3 Getting Started with Your OTDR ............................................................... 11
Turning the Unit On and Off .................................................................................................11
Using Menus and Keypad .....................................................................................................13
4 Customizing Your OTDR ............................................................................. 15
Selecting the Distance Units .................................................................................................15
Selecting the Language of Operation ...................................................................................16
Setting the Date and Time ....................................................................................................17
Adjusting the Brightness .......................................................................................................18
Selecting a Printer .................................................................................................................19
Configuring the Power Management Settings ......................................................................20
5 Setting Up Your OTDR ................................................................................ 21
Installing the Universal Interface (UI) ....................................................................................21
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................22
Setting General OTDR Parameters .........................................................................................23
Setting the Acquisition Parameters .......................................................................................25
Setting Analysis Parameters ..................................................................................................28
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ..................................................................................................30
Setting Macrobend Parameters .............................................................................................32
Setting Storage Parameters ..................................................................................................34

Contents
iv IDEAL
6 Testing Fibers ..............................................................................................37
Testing in Auto Mode ...........................................................................................................38
Testing in Fault Finder Mode .................................................................................................41
Testing in Manual (Advanced) Mode .....................................................................................43
Monitoring Fiber in Real Time Mode .....................................................................................46
Launch Conditions for Multimode Measurements ................................................................49
7 Managing Test Results ................................................................................51
Summary Pane ......................................................................................................................51
Events Pane ..........................................................................................................................52
Trace Pane .............................................................................................................................53
Trace Info. Pane ....................................................................................................................54
Using Markers .......................................................................................................................56
Using Zoom Controls ............................................................................................................57
Printing Test Results ..............................................................................................................59
Opening Trace Files ...............................................................................................................60
Saving Files ...........................................................................................................................61
Checking Available Memory ..................................................................................................63
Creating Folders ....................................................................................................................63
Copying, Renaming, or Deleting Files and Folders ................................................................64
Transferring Results to a Computer .......................................................................................66
8 Using Your OTDR as a Light Source ............................................................71
Activating/Deactivating a Light Source .................................................................................72
Modulating the Source Signal ..............................................................................................73
9 Maintenance ................................................................................................75
Cleaning UI Connectors ........................................................................................................76
Recharging Main Batteries ....................................................................................................78
Replacing Batteries ...............................................................................................................79
Recalibrating the Unit ...........................................................................................................80
Upgrading the IDEAL OTDR Software ...................................................................................81
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................83
10 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................85
Solving Common Problems ...................................................................................................85
Obtaining Online Help ..........................................................................................................88
Customer Support and Technical Assistance .........................................................................89
Transportation ......................................................................................................................91

Contents
OTDR v
11 Warranty ..................................................................................................... 93
General Information .............................................................................................................93
Liability .................................................................................................................................93
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................94
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................95
IDEAL Service Centers Worldwide .........................................................................................96
A Description of Event Types ........................................................................ 97
Span Start ............................................................................................................................97
Span End .............................................................................................................................97
Continuous Fiber .................................................................................................................98
End of Analysis ....................................................................................................................99
Non-Reflective Event ..........................................................................................................100
Positive Event .....................................................................................................................101
Launch Level ......................................................................................................................102
Fiber Section ......................................................................................................................103
Reflective Event (Possible Echo) .........................................................................................104
Echo ..................................................................................................................................105
Merged Reflective Event ....................................................................................................106
Reflective Event .................................................................................................................108
Index .............................................................................................................. 109

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

Certification Information
OTDR vii
DECLARATION OF CONFORMANCE
Ideal Industries Limited
Unit 3, Europa Court
Europa Boulevard
Westbrook
Warrington
Cheshire
WA5 7TN
United Kingdom
Declare that the following product(s):
IDEAL 33-960 Series handheld OTDR with all accessories
to which this declaration relates are in conformity with the following standard(s) or other
normative document(s):
EN 55022:1998/A2:2003 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio
Disturbance Characteristics of Information
Technology Equipment
EN 60825-1:1994/A2:2001 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment
classifications, requirements, and user´s guide
EN 61326:1997/A3:2003 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control
and Laboratory Use – EMC Requirements
following the provisions of the following European Community Directives:
89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility and 72/23/EEC Low Voltage Safety.
Issued on 1st of July, 2008
For and on behalf of Ideal Industries at the above address
Tony Kumeta,
European General Manager
Ideal Industries Limited
Unit 3, Europa Court
Europa Boulevard
Westbrook
Warrington
Cheshire
WA5 7TN
United Kingdom
www.europe.idealindustries.de

OTDR 1
1 Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
The IDEAL OTDR is a compact handheld OTDR optimized for access/FTTx
network testing. The unit can be equipped with optional power meter,
visual fault locator (VFL), and fiber inspection probe.
Main Features
³Test can be started by pressing a single key
³Possible to test with acquisition duration as short as 5 seconds
³One or two OTDR ports (singlemode, multimode, or filtered
wavelength)
³Screen optimized for outdoor use
³USB ports (host and client)
AC adapter/charger connector
Battery charge
status LEDs (one per battery)
RJ-45 connector
Shoulder strap eyelet
Stand
Display
Keypad

Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
2IDEAL
Main Features
Note: Ports and connectors on your unit may differ from the illustration.
On some models only:
Singlemode OTDR port for
in-service testing
OR
Multimode OTDR port
Power meter detector port
(optional)
Visual fault locator port
and soft cap (optional)
Singlemode OTDR port
Infrared port (for printer)
USB host port
(for data transfer using memory drive)
Inspection probe
connector
USB client port
(for data transfer via ActiveSync)

Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
OTDR 3
Main Features
Other test utilities:
³Visual fault locator to inspect or identify fibers (optional)
³Video fiber inspection probe (optional)
³Power meter (optional)
Safety label and serial number
(under the stand)
Battery compartment
(two rechargeable batteries)
Quick reference labels

Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
4IDEAL
Main Features
Other useful characteristics:
³Customizable test thresholds with visual pass/fail analysis
³Memory for 500 OTDR traces and possible data transfer to a computer
³Energy-saving features: automatic backlight or unit shutdown
³Multilingual graphical user interface
³Comprehensive online help available from each function and Quick
Reference labels affixed to back of unit
³Data post-processing: You can install the OTDR Viewer software
(provided on the installation CD) on a computer to view and analyze
OTDR traces. You can access more features such as:
³customized printout
³batch printing
³conversion of traces to many formats such as Telcordia or ASCII.

Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
OTDR 5
Power Sources
Power Sources
The unit operates with the following power sources:
³AC adapter/charger (connected to standard power outlet—indoor use
only). Compatible car outlet adapter available upon request.
³Two lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (automatically take over if you
disconnect the AC adapter/charger). Battery recharge is automatic
when the AC adapter/charger is connected.
Typical Applications
You can use the OTDR for several applications, such as:
³Short-link testing
³Service activation
³Fault finder
³Troubleshooting (dark and live fibers)

Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
6IDEAL
OTDR Basic Principles
OTDR Basic Principles
An OTDR sends short pulses of light into a fiber. Light scattering occurs in
the fiber due to discontinuities such as connectors, splices, bends, and
faults. An OTDR then detects and analyzes the backscattered signals. The
signal strength is measured for specific intervals of time and is used to
characterize events.
The OTDR calculates distances as follows:
where
c = speed of light in a vacuum (2.998 x 108m/s)
t = time delay from the launch of the pulse to the reception of the
pulse
n = index of refraction of the fiber under test (as specified by the
manufacturer)
Distance c
n
---t
2
---
×=
Distance

Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
OTDR 7
OTDR Basic Principles
An OTDR uses the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection to
measure the fiber condition, but the Fresnel reflection is tens of thousands
of times greater in power level than the backscatter.
³Rayleigh scattering occurs when a pulse travels down the fiber and
small variations in the material, such as variations and discontinuities
in the index of refraction, cause light to be scattered in all directions.
However, the phenomenon of small amounts of light being reflected
directly back toward the transmitter is called backscattering.
³Fresnel reflections occur when the light traveling down the fiber
encounters abrupt changes in material density that may occur at
connections or breaks where an air gap exists. A very large quantity of
light is reflected, as compared with the Rayleigh scattering. The
strength of the reflection depends on the degree of change in the index
of refraction.
When the full trace is displayed, each point represents an average of many
sampling points. You will have to zoom to see each point (see Using Zoom
Controls on page 57).
Microprocessor
Pulse
generator
Avalanche
photodetector (APD)
Display
Reflections coming
back to the OTDR
Set of
instructions
Light pulses Light pulses
Analog-to-digital
converter (A/D)
Returned signal
Analyzed signal
Laser
diode
Optical
coupler
OTDR
port
Fiber

Introducing the IDEAL OTDR
8IDEAL
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this manual, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.

OTDR 9
2 Safety Information
Laser Safety Information (Units without VFL)
Your instrument is a Class 1M laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10. Invisible laser
radiation may be encountered at the output port.
The product is safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation
but it may be hazardous if you use optics within a diverging or collimated
beam. Do not view directly with optical instruments.
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure or impair the protection provided by
this unit.
Affixed to back
(under the stand)

Safety Information
10 IDEAL
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL)
Laser Safety Information (Units with VFL)
Your instrument is a Class 3R laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10. It is potentially
harmful in direct intrabeam viewing.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 3R source:
Electrical Safety Information
The AC adapter/charger provided with this unit (14.4 W/9 V) is specifically
designed to work with your IDEAL OTDR.
WARNING
Use the AC adapter/charger indoors only.
Any other AC adapter/charger or power source
(for example, car outlet) must output at least 12 W.
Affixed to back
(under the stand)
Indicated on
connector panel

OTDR 11
3 Getting Started with Your
OTDR
Turning the Unit On and Off
When you turn the unit on, you may use it immediately under normal
conditions.
When the unit is turned off, it keeps the following parameters in its internal
memory:
³Test parameters
³User-defined thresholds
³Regional, LCD, and energy-saving settings
³Saved test results
IMPORTANT
If you remove batteries (and the AC adapter/charger is
disconnected), the unit will turn off without saving the above
elements.

Getting Started with Your OTDR
12 IDEAL
Turning the Unit On and Off
There are two ways to turn off the IDEAL OTDR
³Suspend: the next time you turn your unit on, you will quickly return to
your work environment.
³Shutdown: completely cuts power to the unit; the unit will perform a
complete restart routine the next time you use it. You should perform a
shutdown if you do not intend to use your unit for a week or more.
To turn the unit on:
Press Pwr. The unit initializes for a few seconds and displays the OTDR
Parameters pane.
To enter the suspend mode:
Hold down the Pwr key for about two seconds. Release the key as soon as
you hear a beep.
To perform a shutdown:
Hold down the Pwr key for about five seconds. You will hear a first beep;
release the key after you hear a second beep.