Microtest SimpliFiber 850/1300 Source User manual

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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• 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.

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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

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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

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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