Noyes OFL 100 Mini-OTDR User manual

Operations Manual
for the
OFL 100 Mini-OTDR
Rev.F
January 13, 1999
PartNumber:OFL1-00-1000
Noyes OFL-100 LR Specs
Provided by www.AAATesters.com

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Contents Page
1.0 General Information...........................................................................................................1
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Precautions .............................................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Recommended Accessories .................................................................................................................. 2
2.0 Functional Description ......................................................................................................3
2.1 Panel Buttons & Connector Ports .......................................................................................................... 4
3.0 OFL 100 Operation.............................................................................................................6
3.1 Power-Up Sequence................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.1 HR and MM Models ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.1.2 LR Models ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.3 DM and DS Models ......................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Selecting Operational Parameters ......................................................................................................... 8
3.2.1 HR, LR and MM Models.................................................................................................................. 8
3.2.2 DM and DS Models ....................................................................................................................... 11

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Contents Page
3.3 VerifyingTest Conditions ...................................................................................................................... 14
3.3.1 HR, LR and MM Models................................................................................................................ 14
3.3.2 DM and DS Models ....................................................................................................................... 15
3.4 Locating the End of the Fiber ............................................................................................................... 16
3.4.1 HR, LR and MM Models................................................................................................................ 16
3.4.2 DM and DS Models ....................................................................................................................... 17
3.5 Plotting a Trace ...................................................................................................................................... 18
3.5.1 HR, MM, DM and DS Models ........................................................................................................ 18
3.5.2 LR Models ..................................................................................................................................... 19
3.6 Saving aTrace in the OFL 100 .............................................................................................................. 21
3.6.1 MM and HR Models ...................................................................................................................... 21
3.6.2 LR Models ..................................................................................................................................... 22
3.6.3 DM and DS Models ....................................................................................................................... 22
3.7 Saving aTrace to a PC........................................................................................................................... 24
3.7.1 HR and MM Models ...................................................................................................................... 24
3.7.2 LR Models ..................................................................................................................................... 24
3.7.3 DM and DS Models ....................................................................................................................... 24
3.8 Scanning for Events .............................................................................................................................. 26
3.8.1 HR, MM, DM and DS Models ........................................................................................................ 26
3.8.2 LR Models ..................................................................................................................................... 27

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Contents Page
4.0 Maintenance andTrouble Shooting ................................................................................29
4.1 Repair And Calibration.......................................................................................................................... 29
4.2 Battery Maintenance.............................................................................................................................. 29
4.3 Optical Connector Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 30
4.4 Getting Technical Support .................................................................................................................... 30
5.0 Warranty Information.......................................................................................................31
5.1 Exclusions .............................................................................................................................................. 31
5.2 Warranty Registration ........................................................................................................................... 31
5.3 Returning Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 31
Appendix A: OFL 100 Specifications...................................................................................32
Appendix B: RS-232 Pin Designations for PC Cable..........................................................33

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1
1.0 General Information
Thank you for purchasing the Noyes Fiber Systems OFL 100
OTDR. The OFL 100 is designed to be a rugged, reliable,
portable test instrument having the many features required to
measure and maintain fiber optic networks. Its’ easy “one
button” operation provides event location, length
measurements, splice loss measurements, and trace
documentation. This instrument utilizes standard OTDR
(Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) technology to make
measurements. When used with an optional thermal printer or
with the supplied PCPLOT3 software it will provide complete
fiber network documentation and trace analysis.
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection
This instrument has been carefully packed in accordance with
standard shipping procedures. Should damage be observed
as a result of shipment, or if any of the following items are not
included, please notify Noyes Fiber Systems at 603-528-7780
or 800-321-5298.
• OFL 100 OTDR
• Carrying Case
• User Guides
• AC Power Adapter
• Serial Cable
• Warranty Registration Card
• Trace Recording Note pads
• PCPLOT3 Trace Analysis Software diskettes
1.2 Precautions
Use care when working with any optical transmission
equipment. It is good practice to avoid looking directly at the
outputofanyopticalfibersorsources. Referto yourcompany’s
safety procedures when working with optical systems.

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CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
The OFL 100 is a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
It is important to keep all optical connections and surfaces free
fromdirt,oils,orothercontaminantstoensureproperoperation.
Proper cleaning techniques must be performed on fiber
connectors, connector adapters, etc., before conducting any
test procedures that are outlined in this manual. Please refer
tothesection on maintenance formoreinformationoncleaning
methods. Scratched or contaminated connectors can reduce
systemperformance. Alwaysreplaceprotectivedust capswhen
available.
1.3 Recommended Accessories
Jumper cables are required to interface the OFL 100 to the
fiber under test (be certain the jumper cables used are the
same core/cladding size as the fiber under test). One end of
the jumper cable must interface to the front panel connector on
the OFL 100. The other end can be any number of styles,
allowing connection to different systems. Various cable styles
and lengths are available from Noyes Fiber Systems.
A supply of industry approved optical cleaning pads would be
helpful to maintain optical connectors. Also, a can of filtered
compressed air is useful for blowing contaminates out of
connector adapters.

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2.0 Functional Description
Using standard optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR)
techniques, the OFL 100 transmits a short pulse of light down
theopticalfiber and examinesthe reflections coming back. The
reflections are known as backscatter. The OFL 100 interprets
these reflections and determines event losses, distances and
the fiber end. Optical time domain reflectometry allows the
user to identify problems on a system while having access to
only one end of the fiber.
• Event Location
The OFL 100 can be used to automatically locate events using
the SCAN command, or manually by using the PCPLOT3
software. Each event location will be displayed along with the
event magnitude measured in dB.
• End Detection
TheOFL 100 can beusedto measure the lengthofaninstalled
cable. Itis also useful to verify cablelengthsprior to installation.
• Fiber Trace Documentation
TheOFL100providesOTDRtracedocumentationviatheserial
port. Directplottingoftracesis possiblebyconnectingathermal
printer. The OFL 100 can be connected toapersonalcomputer
for computer storage of traces. For more information on the
availablePC featuresplease refertothePCPLOT3user’sguide.

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2.1 Panel Buttons & Connector Ports
Please refer to the front panel drawing to the right when
becoming familiar with the OFL 100.
1. Optical Port - The optical port allows connection to various
fiberoptic jumper cables. Tocleantheoptical connector please
refer to the maintenance section.
2. AC Adapter Input - The OFL 100 is designed to operate
continuously with the AC adapter plugged in. Depending upon
model the OFL 100 will operate for approximately 4-6 hours
from a fully charged battery. A “LOW BATT” message will
appear in the display when the battery voltage is low. The AC
adapter should be inserted at this time.If it is not, the OFL 100
will still operate for up to one hour before shutdown occurs.
Please note that the AC adapter will have a blue band wrapped
around the end of the cord corresponding to the blue dot on
the OFL 100.

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3. Serial Port- A DB9 connector is providedforthe downloading
oftracestoanexternalprinter or PC.Please refertothe section
3.7 for more information.
4. Soft Arrow Keys - These keys “point” to the words displayed
in the bottom row of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). By
pressing these keys you select the function, or parameter
displayed above it. Because the meaning of the soft keys may
change from screen to screen they will be referred to by the
function or parameter displayed above the key. For example:
In the above display, if the manual says “Press SETUP”, you
should press the soft arrow key below the word “SETUP”.
5. Power Key - Pressing the ‘POWER’ key will turn the unit on
or off. See section 3.1 for more information on the events that
occur during power up.
6. Menu Key - At anytime during the operation of the OFL 100
you may choose to return back to the main menu by selecting
this key.
Main Menu
7. Display - The OFL 100 incorporates a 2 x 20 Alphanumeric
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for listing menu selections and
displaying fiber information.
[MENU] [ ]
SETUP [ac] LOCATE
[MENU] [ ]
SETUP [ac] LOCATE

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NOYES FIBER OFL-100
X.XXxx — Self test — MODEL OFL-100LR
X.XXxx — Self test —
PERFORMING CHKSUM
{MENU} [ < 100 m ]
SETUP LOCATE
3.0 OFL 100 Operation
3.1 Power-Up Sequence
3.1.1 HR and MM Models
Press ‘POWER’.The following screen will appear.
This screen shows the model number, and internal software
revision (shown here as X.XXxx) while performing self-test
diagnostics. This screen will be displayed for about 2 seconds
then it will change to two rows of solid blocks. Next, the unit
checks its internal memory for errors.
The unit will then display the main menu:
3.1.2 LR Models
Press ‘POWER’.The following screen will appear.
This screen shows the model number and internal software
revision (shown here as X.XXxx) while performing self-test
diagnostics. Thisscreenwillbedisplayedforabout 10 seconds
then it will change to the main menu screen.
[MENU] [ ]
SETUP [ac] LOCATE

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PERFORMING CHKSUM
NOYES FIBER OFL-100
X.XXxx — Self test —
FIB[ ] BATT [ ]
SETUP #[
XX ] LOCATE
SOME RECORD(S) BAD
NEXT
RAM CHKSUM FAILED
PLEASE PERFORM SETUP
3.1.3 DM and DS Models
Press ‘POWER’ and the following screen will appear.
This screen shows the model number and internal software
revision (shown here as X.XXxx) while performing self-test
diagnostics. This screen will be displayed for about 2 seconds
then it will change to two rows of solid blocks. Next, the unit
checks its internal memory for errors.
If no errors occur, the main menu screen will appear.
If the OFL 100 detects an error in the trace data stored in its
internal memory, it will display the screen shown below. The
‘NEXT’key must be pressed before the unit will proceed to the
main menu. In this situation, it is advised that you transfer the
stored data to a PC before storing more fiber records (traces).
Refer to section 3.7 for more information on saving a trace to a
PC. Then, clear the unit’s memory to remove the corrupted
records. The OFL 100 is now ready to measure and store
more fiber records. Note: Viewing the saved records with the
PCPLOT3 software will allow you to determine which records
are not corrupt and which are corrupted.
Analternativescreenmayappearduring the startupprocedure.
If this occurs, then check the setup options following this
message.

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NO TRACES STORED
TRANSFER ALL TRACES?
NEXT YES
If during the start up procedure the following screen appears,
an error in the internal optics has occurred and will require
repair. Refer to section 5.3 for more information on returning
equipment.
OPTICS FAILURE
NEEDS MAINTENANCE
3.2 Selecting Operational Parameters
TheOFL100providesa number of user adjustableparameters,
allowing customization for optimum performance. These
parameters are stored in memory and will remain even after
the unit is shut off. The following sections will explain about
each SETUP screen for the different OFL 100 models.
3.2.1 HR, LR and MM Models
From the Main Menu, selecting ‘SETUP’ provides a series of
internal operational parameters.
The OFL 100 will display the following screen. If ‘YES’ is
selected the unit will search the memory for stored traces.
Selecting ‘NEXT’ will return you to the next setup parameter.
If there are no traces stored the display will show the following
and then will automatically return to the main menu:
or
NO TRACES TO SEND
NEXT
If there are traces stored in memory the following screen is
displayed. Selecting ‘YES’ will allow you to transfer all stored
traces to a PC. Before selecting ‘YES’ please refer to the
PCPLOT3 user’s guide for more information on transfering
traces. Selecting ‘NO’ will return you to the main menu.

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CLEAR STORAGE MEMORY
NEXT YES
SET EVENT THRESHOLD:
NEXT X.XXdB
INDEX OF REFRACTION:
NEXT 1.4710
The screen will change to:
The OFL 100 is now transferring all traces stored in memory.
The screen will change to:
The Set Event Threshold option allows you to select the
threshold level that the unit will use during operation.
Press the arrow key below the dB value to toggle through the
available thresholds. The available thresholds (shown above
as X.XX) are 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, and 4.00 dB.
Selecting ‘NEXT’ will change the screen to the next setup
parameter.
This screen allows you to change the Index of Refraction from
1.4000 to 1.6999. The fourth digit to the right of the decimal
point will be underscored. This number can be edited by
pressing the arrow key below the refraction value. The
underscored number will increment from 0 to 9, and back to 0.
TRANSFERRING TRACE
1 of 1
Refer to the Clear Storage Memory section on the next page
for theYES option on this screen.
Selecting ‘NEXT’ from either the Transfer All Traces or Clear
Storage Memory options above will change the screen to the
next setup parameter.
SEND TRACES TO PC
YES NO

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CLEAR STORAGE MEMORY
NEXT YES
ARE YOU SURE?
NO YES
PERFORMING CHKSUM
CLEARING MEMORY
MEMORY CLEARED
NEXT
The right arrow key will toggle the measurement units between
meters and feet.
Selecting ‘NEXT’ will change the screen to the next setup
parameter:
Selecting ‘NEXT’ will return you to the Main Menu.
Selecting ‘YES’ will change the screen to:
Selecting ‘NO’will return you to the Main Menu.
Selecting ‘YES’ will change the screen to:
and / or
A few moments later the screen display will change to;
and all previously stored traces are deleted. Selecting ‘NEXT’
will return to the Main Menu.
SET DISPLAY UNITS :
NEXT METERS
When the digit is at the desired value selecting‘NEXT’will shift
the underscore marker one digit to the left. This process is
repeateduntilall digits have been selected.(NOTE: Thetenth’s
place can only be a 4, 5, or 6, and the whole number “1”cannot
be edited).
Selecting ‘NEXT’ a fourth time will change the screen to the
next setup parameter.

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SEND RECORDS TO PC:
NEXT YES
(DUAL) SENDING
X OF X
CLEAR STORAGE MEMORY
NEXT YES
AREYOU SURE?
NO YES
PERFORMING CHKSUM:
3.2.2 DM and DS Models
From the main menu, selecting ‘SETUP’ provides a series of
internal operational parameters. The first screen is shown in
the next column. IfYES is selected and there are no records in
the internal memory, a message, NO RECORDS STORED,
will appear and the main menu screen will follow.
If there are previously stored records, selecting YES allows
you to transfer all stored records to computer (For more
information on record transfer please refer to the PCPLOT3
user’s guide). The screen will change to:
Note:
X of X representsthenumberofrecordstobetransferred.
The OFL 100 is now transferring all records stored in memory.
When complete, the screen will change to:
If the YES option is selected, the screen will change to:
If the NO option is selected, the setup screens will continue.
Selecting ‘YES’, all previously stored records will be deleted
and the screen will change to:
A few moments later, the next setup screen will follow.

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SET EVENT THRESHOLD:
NEXT
X.XX dB
SET INDEX AT XXXnm:
NEXT 1.4776
SET INDEX AT XXXXnm:
NEXT 1.4719
SET TEST WAVELENGTH:
NEXT DUAL
Selecting ‘NEXT’from either the Send Records to PC or Clear
Storage Memory screens, will change the screen to the next
setup parameter.
TheSetTestWavelength option providesthe user with a choice
between
single wavelength operation or d ual-wavelength
operation . After selecting the desired wavelength with the right
arrowkey,select‘NEXT’toadvanceto the nextsetupparameter.
The Set Event Threshold option allows the user to select the
threshold level that the unit will use during operation. Press
the right arrow key below the dB value to toggle through the
thresholds. The available thresholds (shown here as X.XX )
are 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, and 4.00 dB.
Selecting ‘NEXT’ will change the screen to the next setup
parameter.
This screen allows the user to change the Index of Refraction
from1.4000to1.6999. Thefourthdigittotheright ofthedecimal
point will be underscored. This number can be edited by
pressing the arrow key below the refraction value. The
underscored number will increment from 0 to 9 and back to 0.
When the digit is at the desired value, selecting ‘NEXT’ will
shift the underscore marker one digit to the left. This process
isrepeateduntilall digits havebeenselected.NOTE: Thetenth’s
place can only be a 4, 5, or 6, and the whole number “1”cannot
be edited. The same procedure must be followed for the next
screen involving the index at other wavelength.

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SET DISPLAY UNITS :
NEXT METERS
AUDIBLE BEEPER IS:
NEXT ON
Selecting‘NEXT’againwill change the screen to thenextsetup
parameter.
The right arrow key will toggle the measurement units between
meters and feet.
Selecting ‘NEXT’ will change the screen to the next setup
parameter.
Theright arrowkeywilltogglebetweenonandoff. Ifthebeeper
is on
the unit will beep after various commands or when a task
is complete.
Selecting ‘NEXT’ the main menu screen will appear.

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{MENU} [ < XXXm ]
SETUP LOCATE
Should the display show less than 9 blocks in models HR and
LR or 8 blocks in MM models, then the front panel connection
maybe contaminated and shouldbechecked. Ifafter cleaning,
there are still less than the specified number of blocks showing
then there may be an event of excessive loss near the launch
such as a break in the fiber or a poor splice.
If the display indicates < 50 m for MM models, < 100 m for HR
models, or < 1000 m for LR models , as shown above as
<XXXm, the unit is not seeing any fiber beyond these specified
lengths. This could indicate a poor launch condition or fiber
break within 50, 100 or 1000 meters of the specified unit.
The OFL 100 will still measure the fiber end on lengths less
than 50, 100 or 1000 meters respectively, but will not give an
indication of front end connection quality.
The OFL 100MM and HR models will measure distances as
short as 10 meters (reflective). The OFL 100LR models will
measure distances as short as 50 meters (reflective).
3.3 VerifyingTest Conditions
Beforemaking any measurements youshouldprepareajumper
cable by inspecting and cleaning the fiber ends. Connect the
OFL 100 to the fiber under test with the jumper cable.
3.3.1 HR, LR and MM Models
The number of blocks displayed in the main menu, as shown
below,indicatesthequalityofthelaunch condition or connection
to the system. For the greatest range, the display bar graph
shouldshowtenblocks,each blockrepresentingapproximately
1 dB of operating range.
TheOFL100willstillmeasurefiberwhentherearefewerblocks
but its range will be significantly shortened.
Alternately the display will read:
[MENU] [ ]
SETUP [ac] LOCATE

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FIB[ ] BATT [ ]
SETUP #[
XX ] LOCATE
FIB[<50m] BATT [ ]
SETUP #[
XX ] LOCATE
3.3.2 DM and DS Models
The number of blocks displayed in the main menu, as shown
below, indicates the quality of the launch condition, or
connection to the system. For the greatest range, the display
bar graph should show four blocks next to FIB. Each block
represents approximately 2 dB of operating range.
Shouldthedisplayshowless than 2blocks,then the front panel
connection may be contaminated and should be checked. If
after cleaning, there are still less than 2 blocks showing, an
event of excessive loss may be near the launch such as break
in the fiber or a poor splice.
TheOFL100willstillmeasurefiber when there are fewerblocks,
but its range will be significantly shortened.
If the display indicates <50 m, the unit is not seeing any fiber
beyond 50 meters.This could indicate a poor launch condition
or fiber break within 50 meters of the unit.
The unit will still measure the fiber end on lengths less than 50
meters, but will not give an indication of front end connection
quality.
The OFL 100DM models will measure distances as short as
10 meters (reflective). The OFL 100DS models will measure
distances as short as 25 meters (reflective).