Microtest SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source User manual

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 1
SimpliFiber
TM
USER GUIDE
ENGLISH
A Guide to using the Microtest SimpliFiberTM to
install, manage, and troubleshoot single-mode
and multimode fiber cabling systems.
SimpliFiberTM accurately measures power loss of
single-mode and multimode fiber optic cabling.
It features automatic wavelength detection,
storage of test results, and PC database support
in an easy-to-use low cost design.
C OPYRIGHT © 1999 M ICROTEST , I NC . A LL RIGHTS RESERVED

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 2
Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction............... 5
The Simple Fiber Solution....................................5
The SimpliFiber Kit...............................................6
The SimpliFiber Accessory Kits ...........................7
SimpliFiber Meter .............................................8
SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source...........................9
SimpliFiber 1310 Source................................10
SimpliFiber Meter ...............................................11
Using the Keypad...........................................11
Reading the Display .......................................12
SimpliFiber Source.............................................14
Using the Keypad...........................................14
LED Indicators................................................15
Calibration ..........................................................16
Technical Support ..............................................16
Product Versions ................................................18
Chapter 2 - Measuring Loss...... 19
The Reference Value .........................................19
The Reference Methods.....................................20
Method A ........................................................21
Measuring Loss using Method A....................22
Method B ........................................................23
Measuring Loss using Method B....................24
Method C........................................................25
Measuring Loss using Method C ...................27

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 3
Saving Results ...................................................28
Viewing Results..................................................29
Deleting Results .................................................29
Uploading to a PC ..............................................30
Chapter 3 - Measuring Power ... 31
Measuring Power ...............................................31
Appendix A - Technical Specifica-
tions........................................... 33
SimpliFiber Meter ...............................................33
SimpliFiber Source.............................................35
Accessories........................................................36
Appendix B - Error Messages ... 37
Err 1 - Invalid Reference value...........................37
Err 2 - UNDER or OVER limit.............................37
Err 3 - Memory is full, cannot save result...........37
Err 4 - No results are stored in memory. ............38
Err 5 - Wavelength cannot be changed. ............38
Err 6 - Calibration is expired...............................38
Err 7 - Communication error between SimpliFiber
Meter and PC. ....................................................38
Err 8 - Connection error between SimpliFiber and
PC ......................................................................39

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 4

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 5
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The Simple Fiber Solution
Welcome to the Microtest family of fiber optic
installation, test and diagnostic products.
SimpliFiber is a high quality fiber optic cabling
test tool for easy and rapid identification of failure
points in a fiber network. It consists of two units:
SimpliFiber Meter and SimpliFiber Source.
SimpliFiber Meter, the optical power meter, and
SimpliFiber Source, the optical light source,
address the challenges of installing, managing,
and troubleshooting multimode and single-mode
fiber cabling systems.
The SimpliFiber850/1300 Source provides a
consistent dual wavelength light that allows you
to quickly and accurately assess the perfor-
mance of fiber optic transmission paths and
equipment. It also supplies a modulated signal
for use with fiber identifiers.
The SimpliFiber Meter measures the power of
light emerging from the fiber. By measuring
optical power, SimpliFiber Meter verifies the
proper installation and operations of fiber optic

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 6
components, such as fiber optic hub modules,
repeaters, and adapter cards.
SimpliFiber also helps to identify faulty patch
cables, failing splices, or bad couplers and
connectors by measuring signal loss.
The SimpliFiber Meter can be used with any
source operating at 850, 1300, 1310, or 1550.
The SimpliFiber 850/1300 or 1310 Source can
be used with any power meter.
A hinged cover protects the units connector(s). It
also allows the units to be propped up during
use.
The SimpliFiberKit
Microtest’s SimpliFiber kit contains the SimpliFiber
Meter and SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source units.
The kit includes the optical cleaning supplies that
are needed to keep fiber connectors and adapt-
ers free from contamination.
The Microtest SimpliFiber kit contains:
• SimpliFiber Meter
• SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source
• A soft carrying case
• Four AA alkaline batteries (two for each unit)
• Fiber cleaning supplies
• ScanLink Software

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 7
• A communication cable to connect to the PC
• Registration Card and User Guide
The SimpliFiberAccessory Kits
Microtest’s SimpliFiber Meter allows you to use
different light sources.
SimpliFiber 1310 Source, an additional source kit
for the verification of single-mode fiber at
1310nm is sold separately.
SimpliFiber 1310 Source is an active laser
source that work with SimpliFiber Meter to verify
optical cable transmission quality.
SimpliFiber Meter will recognize all SimpliFiber
Sources and set the appropriate wavelength.

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 8
SimpliFiber ST or SC
optical receiver port
Powers SimpliFiber ON or OFF.
SHFT in conjunction with other keys executes
extended functions. REF sets the Reference.
λ increases the wavelength from 850nm to 1300nm
to 1310nm to 1550nm. SHFT + dBm switches the mode
between dBm and dB.
SAVE saves test results. SHFT + DEL deletes results.
DB-9 Serial Connector allows
attachment of a serial cable for
interface with PC-based
software (ScanLink).
SimpliFiber Meter

SimpliFiber ENGLISH -
Powers SimpliFiber Source ON or OFF.
AUTO senses the wavelength currently used by
SimpliFiber.
MOD allows you to toggle between continuous and
modulated lightsource
λturns on the 850nm or 1300nm output when cable is
moved from one port to the other.
SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source
850 nm ST or SC
connector port 1300 nm ST or SC connector port

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 10
Powers SimpliFiber Source ON or OFF.
AUTO senses the wavelength currently used by
SimpliFiber.
MOD allows you to toggle between continuous and
modulated lightsource
SimpliFiber 1310 Source
1310 nm ST or SC
connector port

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 11
SimpliFiber Meter
The SimpliFiber Meter interface consists of an
LCD display and a keypad.
Using the Keypad
Use the SimpliFiber Meter keypad to select the
functions necessary to test and troubleshoot
fiber optic cabling. Each key performs at least
two functions. When multiple keys are required
to activate a function, press and hold each key in
the order shown below.
When turned on, SimpliFiber Meter will
flash the LCD power up test and then resume
the test mode that was last executed. To con-
serve battery life SimpliFiber Meter will turn off
automatically when no signal is detected and no
key has been used for 60 minutes.
Press this button to shift to the upper key
functions dB/m and DEL). When activated the
word SHFT is displayed.
Press and hold this button to set the Reference.
Press this button until SHFT is displayed, press it
again to display the reference value.
Press this button to change the wavelength
(λλ
λλ
λ). The sequence is: 850nm, 1300nm, 1310nm,
and 1550nm. Use this function only when

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 12
connecting to a lightsource other than SimpliFiber
Source. When using SimpliFiber 850/1300 or
1310 Sources in AUTO mode, the wavelength
will be detected automatically.
+ Use these buttons to change the
mode between Power Meter (dBm) and Loss
Meter (dB).
Press this button to display the next
available position where a test can be saved.
Press and hold this button to SAVE test results.
Press and then press and hold to
DELETE the last saved test result.
Press and then press to VIEW the last
saved test result.
Reading the Display
The display is operational when all LCD icons
appear as shown below.

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 13
If no icons appear when the unit is in operation,
check the batteries for correct installation or
install new batteries.
Measure at 850nm wavelength
Measure at 1300nm wavelength
Measure at 1310nm wavelength
Measure at 1550nm wavelength
Align units, set Reference
Send SimpliFiber in for Calibration
Low Battery power
Error occurred
Successful operation
Negativevalue
Loss measurement value displayed
Power measurement value displayed
Current reference value being stored
Result or Error message

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 14
SimpliFiber Source
The SimpliFiber Source is an active and intelli-
gent light source that works with SimpliFiber
Meter to verify optical cable transmission quality.
The SimpliFiber 850/1300 is an LED light source.
The SimpliFiber 1310 Source is a laser light
source.
WARNING:
When using SimpliFiber 1310 Source, vis-
ible and/or invisible laser radiation could be
present.
Avoid direct exposure to the beam.
Using the Keypad
When turned on the SimpliFiber Source will
light the LED of the last active transmission
mode.
Press AUTO and SimpliFiber Meter will
automatically sense the current SimpliFiber
Source wavelength. When using SimpliFiber
Meter and SimpliFiber Source, AUTO mode
should always be selected, so that SimpliFiber
Meter can automatically determine the λλ
λλ
λof the

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 15
transmitted light.
The transmitted light can be operated
continuously or modulated. When measuring
power, use the continuous light source. When
identifying fiber cables with an identifier, use the
2kHz modulated mode.
Press MOD to toggle between continuous and
modulated lightsource. When Continuous Wave
is selected, the LED will show a steady light;
when 2kHz (modulated) is selected, the LED
will blink.
Use this feature with all third party power meters.
(SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source) Press λλ
λλ
λ
(Lambda) to manually switch the wavelength
between 850 nm and 1300 nm. Connect the
launch cable to the appropriate port.
LED Indicators
SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source has 5 red LED
indicators. The following describes the LED
activity:
LED Name Description
850nm transmitting at 850nm wavelength
1300nm transmitting at 1300nm wavelength
AUTO SimpliFiber Meter is auto-sensing the
wavelength of SimpliFiber Source

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 16
CW/2kHz Steady for continuous light source;
flashing for modulated light source,
Low Batt Time to replace AA batteries
SimpliFiber 1310 Source has 4 red LED indica-
tors. The following describes the LED activity:
LED Name Description
1310nm transmitting at 1310nm wavelength
AUTO SimpliFiber Meter is auto-sensing the
wavelength of SimpliFiber Source
CW/2kHz Steady for continuous light source;
flashing for modulated light source,
Low Batt Time to replace AA batteries
Calibration
The SimpliFiber Meter should be calibrated
annually with specialized Microtest equipment.
Contact Microtest Technical Support for informa-
tion on calibration and service requirements.
Technical Support
Note: All connectors and fiber end faces need to
be clean prior to testing. Use the appropriate
optical cleaning supplies to keep connectors and
couplers free from contamination.

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 17
If you have technical questions, you may contact
Microtest Technical Support by phone, fax, or e-
mail.
Note: Before calling Technical Support, please
have your product version number available.
Americas and Asia Pacific:
1-800-NET-FIXR (1-800-638-3497) (U.S. and Canada only)
1-800-419-8991 (FAX) (U.S. and Canada only)
1-602-952-6494 (FAX)
[email protected] (E-mail)
www.microtest.com/support (Web Support)
If the 1-800 service is not available, please
contact your local authorized Microtest reseller.
Greater Europe, Middle East, and Africa:
[phone] (Voice),
[phone] (FAX)
[email protected] (E-mail)
For new product information:
World Wide Web: http://www.microtest.com
[email protected] (E-mail for U.S.)
[email protected] (E-mail for Europe)
For the latest cable installation, international
standards, and conformance techniques:
World Wide Web page at http://
www.cabletesting.com

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 18
Product Versions
To display the Product Version, turn SimpliFiber
Meter off.
Hold the key down while pressing the
key.
Release both keys.
The Product Version will be displayed as shown
below.
WARNING: DURING OPERATION, TEST-
ING, OR MAINTENANCE OF A FIBER OP-
TIC SYSTEM, NEVER LOOK INTO AN AC-
TIVE FIBER OPTIC CABLE. INFRARED
RADIATION MAY BE PRESENT AND PER-
MANENT EYE DAMAGE CAN RESULT.

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 1
Chapter 2 - Measuring
Loss
Loss measures the signal degradation in a fiber
optic cable. SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source injects
a signal into the fiber cable and SimpliFiber
Meter measures the received signal at 850nm or
1300nm.
Described in this chapter are the procedures for
measuring loss in a fiber optic cable plant using
SimpliFiber Meter and SimpliFiber Source.
Three different test methods are explained; they
vary in the way the launch cables are connected
when the reference value is determined.
The Reference Value
Accurate repeatable measurements of optical
power and signal loss are fundamental for the
installation and maintenance of fiber optic
cabling.
To make an accurate measurement, you need to
know the loss of your attached launch cable and
the power being transmitted.

SimpliFiber ENGLISH - 20
The reference value must be stored before a
loss measurement can be calculated. SimpliFiber
requires the reference value to compensate for
the signal loss in the launch cable. This value is
then automatically subtracted from the actual
measured value to determine cable plant loss.
Note: The launch cable used to set the refer-
ence value should be the same type as the
cables to be tested: 50/125, 62.5/125, or single-
mode .
IMPORTANT
All connectors and fiber end faces should
be cleaned prior to testing.
The Reference Methods
There are three recognized methods for refer-
ence determination. Reference diagrams will
show how to establish a reference for each
method.
It is very important that the connections are not
disturbed after the reference value is estab-
lished. To assure that the effects of the connec-
tors and launch cables are “zeroed out”, follow
the instructions closely. Note: When a connector
is removed and then reattached, it is unlikely to
go back into the exact same position. As a result,
measurements will change slightly when connec-
tions are made or broken.