OWL Fiber OWL IIC+ User manual

Fiber OWL II+ / Fiber OWL IIC+
Optical Power Meter
Operations Manual
Firmware Version 2.0
OWL Part# FO-2+, FO-2C+
February 5, 2002
OW L TM
ptical avelength aboratories
MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY OPTICAL FIBER TEST EQUIPMENT

Table of Contents
Preface ii
Unit 1 - Introduction
Description 1-1
Applications 1-1
General Features 1-2
Keyboard Entry Method 1-2
Modes of Operation 1-2
Unit 2 - Simple Meter
Overview 2-1
Operation
Power ON 2-1
Power Units Supported by the Fiber OWL 2-2
Wavelengths Supported by the Fiber OWL 2-2
“Zeroing” the Fiber OWL in Simple Meter Mode 2-2
Monitor Mode 2-3
Meter Configuration Menu 2-3
Power OFF 2-3
Unit 3 - Certification Meter
Overview 3-1
Operation
Power ON 3-1
Fiber Certification 3-1
Edit a Link 3-1
Configure a User-Defined Standards 3-2
Power Units Supported by the Fiber OWL 3-4
Wavelengths Supported by the Fiber OWL 3-4
Store Data Points 3-4
Fiber Link Menu 3-5
Stored Readings Menu 3-6
Option 1: VIEW/EDIT/PRINT 3-6
Option 2: PRINT RANGE 3-7
Option 3: DELETE RANGE 3-7
Option 4: DOWNLOAD DATA 3-7
OWL Reporter Download 3-7
Manual Download 3-7
Option 5: ERASE ALL DATA 3-8
Meter Properties Menu 3-8
Option 1: Set Company Information 3-8
Option 2: Adjust LCD Contrast 3-8
Option 3: Set a Custom Wavelength 3-8
Option 4: Set Custom Wavelength to Default 3-8
Option 5: Auto Shutdown Feature 3-8
Take Readings 3-8
Unit 4 - Appendices
Appendix A - Decibel Review 4-1
Appendix B - Dynamic Range Review 4-2
Appendix C - Glossary 4-3
Appendix D - Fiber OWL Specifications 4-6
Appendix E - Warranty Information 4-6
Appendix F - Cleaning and Care Instructions 4-7
Appendix G - Supplies 4-8
Appendix H - Supported Cabling Standards 4-8
Appendix I - Link Budget Calculation Worksheet 4-9

PREFACE
This question has been asked many times before and will be asked well into the future. The mentality of some cable installers is: "If I
hook it up and it works, then my work here is done." However, with network communications becoming so important to organizations,
speed and reliability are major priorities being placed on the building's network cabling plant. Just because the cable works when it is
plugged into active equipment, this doesn't mean that the cable will support future high-speed upgrades. Even if the fiber termination
looks perfect in a fiber-scope, there is still a question of performance that needs to be addressed.
Standards organizations such as the TIA or the ISO/IEC provide performance standards that the cabling plant must adhere to in order
to support high-speed protocols such as Gigabit Ethernet. Fiber can be tested against these standards, ensuring that it is able to
handle the high amount of traffic with a maximum amount of reliability.
These standards organizations also provide standards for administration of the cabling plant (most notably the EIA/TIA-606). These
standards require a fiber link to be certified; that is, a report must be generated from appropriate test equipment for tracking and
auditing purposes. These reports can also be used as verification of compliance to performance standards in case a question comes
up about the quality of an installation. These signed documents cover the installer from liability provided that the link meets specified
performance standards.
Our optical fiber power meters are designed with these standards in mind because we understand the importance of qualifying your
fiber installations with standards-compliant test equipment. The meter you have just purchased also prints professionally formatted
reports showing the conformity to these popular industry standards. You can print out these reports as a record of the original
conformity to quality set by the standards. These documents signed by all associated parties may prove valuable in any future disputes
concerning the installation.
Why Use An Optical Fiber Power Meter?
Checking Your Fiber OWL Firmware Version
This manual is written for the Fiber OWL firmware version 2.00 and later. It is not valid for previously released Fiber OWL versions.
Follow the instructions below to verify your firmware version.
.................
.............
SN:FO21XXX
V2 00a.
Company Name
Company Phone
Serial Number
Firmware Version
1) Press to start up the meter.
2) After the owl flies across the initial boot-up screen, your display should look like the diagram below. This screen only
remains viewable for approximately 2 seconds.
If the firmware version is not V2.00 or later, check our website at OWL-INC.COM for the correct version of the manual.
ON
ii

UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION
The Fiber OWL is a high accuracy, high resolution, microprocessor controlled, optical power meter. The meter has a wide dynamic
range making it ideal for both single and multi-mode fiber testing.
TM
It has an attractive handheld case made from high impact Valox plastic, a large, backlit, graphic, liquid crystal display, and 18-key
keypad for easy data entry. The universal fiber adapter accepts both ST, SC, and FC connectors. It will operate for over 200 hrs on a
standard 9v battery and has built in auto shutdown.
The Fiber OWL includes a built-in link wizard that helps you easily calculate the allowable loss for the fiber runs that you will be
measuring. The meter stores physical fiber information for up to eight links. Link information includes: link name, date, fiber type, fiber
length, connectors, splices, temperature, and calculated or entered reference power values for six wavelengths. In addition the meter
will store up to 900 measured data points with labels. Each value includes the fiber type and link.
The stored information can be selectively viewed, edited (measured again), printed, or deleted. The meter will print formatted reports
of selected stored data directly using the built in serial port, or all of the stored data can be downloaded to a computer spreadsheet or
our free OWL Reporter software to produce professional-looking formatted certification reports.
Description
The Fiber OWL can be used for several applications. A listing of these applications and their descriptions follows:
Attenuation Measurements - After a fiber cable has been installed and terminated, it must be tested to determine if the fiber is
installed according to standards and specifications. A comparison of the actual power measurement and the reference value
determines if the installation will PASS or FAIL.
Fiber Network Certification Using Various Cabling Standards- The Fiber OWL uses a loss wizard that is used for fiber certification
against several cabling standards. The user is prompted to choose a standard, which allows the Fiber OWL to calculate a certification
reference value for that standard and store it in the meter. As the user stores data points in the meter using the loss wizard, the actual
power level of the link is also stored. The data is then downloaded into our OWL Reporter software, where the actual power value is
compared to the reference value. Certification reports can be printed out with details or summaries of the fibers being certified.
Fiber Continuity Testing- Continuity can be measured with the Fiber OWL by placing a calibrated light source on one end of the fiber
and the Fiber OWL on the other end. This is also a simple way to measure the attenuation of the fiber.
Patch Cord Testing - Fiber links that are producing incorrect results may have bad patch cords. The Fiber OWL can be used to test the
attenuation of a patch cord to see if it is usable, or should be thrown out.
Active Equipment Optical Power Measurements - Active equipment needs to be measured periodically for correct power levels
and stability. The transmitters in this equipment have a known power value. The Fiber OWL can be directly attached to this equipment
via a patch cord to check whether the transmitter is stable and is within the manufacturer’s specified power range.
Applications
1-1

2.5mm UNIVERSAL ADAPTER PORT - accepts all standard 2.5mm ferrule connectors
(ST, SC, FC).
COMPUTER PORT - port for downloading data from the meter to a PC via serial cable.
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) - displays power readings, menus, and information
necessary for operation of the meter. The elements of the display are discussed in the
appropriate units.
FUNCTION KEYS - activate the options on the Function Options Menu.
ALPHA NUMERIC KEYS - enter letters, numbers, and symbols into field prompts.
MENU KEY - used to enter the menu system.
DONE KEY - activates certain menu options.
BACK LIGHT KEY - toggles the LCD back light ON or OFF.
ON/OFF KEYS - turns the meter ON or OFF.
BATTERY INDICATOR LED - indicates when the battery no longer has enough power to
operate reliably. When this LED is lit, it is time to replace the battery.
General Features
BATTERY
ON OFF
BACK
LIGHT
8 9
F1 F2 F3
MENU
DONE
6
PQR
1 2 3
4 5
7
ABC GHI
MNOJKL
STU VWX YZ[
DEF
0
.-/
FiberOWL
Optical Power Meter
-20 45
.
_____________________
POWER
UNITS |
| STORE
VALUE |
| WAVE
LENGTH
dBm
ABS
82
68%
850nm
FBR:00
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
3
4
5
67
8
9
10
Several screens in the Fiber OWL menu system require the user to enter some input, e.g. a fiber length measurement or a descriptive
name for a fiber run. This feature allows the Fiber OWL to become more user-friendly.
ALPHA-NUMERIC FIELDS. These fields allow the user to enter either a number, a letter, or a special character. This is accomplished by
pressing and holding the key until the desired character appears. When the key is released, the cursor automatically advances to the
next position.
NUMERIC FIELDS. These fields are for numeric input only, e.g. fiber length, user-defined reference values, etc. The cursor will
automatically advance once a number key is pressed. EXCEPTION: some numeric operators may be required, such as the minus sign,
or a decimal point. Special characters reside under the key. In this case, they are treated like alpha-numeric fields.
Press the key when character input is complete.
DONE
0
.-/
Keyboard Entry Method
Modes of Operation
As an added convenience, the Fiber OWL has been designed to operate as two different types of meters: Simple Meter and
Certification Meter.
SIMPLE METER. Simple Meter is used for simple optical power or attenuation measurements, and when fiber certification and data
storage is not necessary. Users may set up temporary reference values for each wavelength for quick PASS/FAIL readings. Simple
Meter is covered in more detail in Unit 2.
CERTIFICATION METER. Certification Meter offers a user-friendly and powerful fiber optic network certification tool. Fibers can be
certified against one of many popular national or international cabling standards, as well as against user-defined standards. Up to
900 data points can be stored for download into a PC. OWL Reporter software organizes and formats these data points, and prints
them into professional-looking certification reports. Certification meter is covered in more detail in Unit 3.
1-2
UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION

UNIT 2 SIMPLE METER
Simple Meter is a mode within the Fiber OWL that allows the user to quickly and easily display the attenuation of a fiber link. This mode
is used when only the most basic functions are required: fiber loss measurement, optical power measurement, and fiber link
monitoring.
Overview
-20 45
.
_____________________
UNITS |ZERO |WAVE
dBm
ABS
82
68%
850nm
Operation
1) Press the button.
2) After a few seconds, you will be prompted to choose an operating mode. When “SIMPLE METER” is highlighted press to
select.
3) You are now ready to take fiber measurements.
ON
F2
Power On
dBm (ABS)
dB (REL)
µW (ABS)
850nm
980nm
1300nm
1310nm
1480nm
1550nm
Power
Measurement
Power Units
Temperature
Battery Life
Wavelength
F1 F2 F3
Toggle
Power
Units
ZERO
Current
Wavelength
Toggle
Wave
Lengths
Display Diagram
2-1

Measurements can be taken for six different wavelengths in the Fiber OWL. These wavelengths are 850, 980, 1300, 1310, 1480, and
1550nm. All but 1480nm are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The user may toggle through
these wavelengths by pressing .
F3
This function allows the user to set references for each wavelength for fiber attenuation
testing.
After connecting a light source to the Fiber OWL:
1. Toggle the wavelength until it matches the wavelength of the source.
2. Press to zero the meter. The user will be prompted to verify the set reference.
3. Press either to set the reference, or to abort.
NOTE: When using laser sources, allow the laser to warm up according
to the manufacturer specifications to ensure accurate references.
NOTE: You may also zero the meter by pressing .
Operation, cont.
Power Units
Wavelengths
“Zeroing” the Fiber OWL in Simple Meter mode
The Fiber OWL is capable of displaying power readings in three different units. The user may toggle through these units by pressing
:
dBm (ABS) - This is an absolute (ABS) power measurement. It shows how much optical power is being received by the photodetector
in decibels referenced to a milliwatt (dBm).
dB (REL) - This is a relative (REL) power measurement. It shows the amount of optical power being received by the photodetector
relative to a user-defined reference power (i.e. “zeroing” the meter). If a reference value has been set, toggling to REL mode will show
the user how much optical power is being lost in the link.
µW (ABS) - This is an absolute (ABS) power measurement. It shows the amount of optical power being received by the photodetector
in microwatts, or millionths of a watt.
F1
-20 45
.
_____________________
UNITS |ZERO | WAVE
dBm
ABS
82
68%
850nm
F2
F2
F1 F3
0
_-/
2-2
UNIT 2 SIMPLE METER

Operation, cont.
Meter Config Menu
Meter properties can be configured from the Meter Config Menu. Press to enter the
menu.
COMPANY INFO This option allows the user to change the company name and
company telephone number.
LCD CONTRAST This option adjusts the LCD contrast for better readability.
CUSTOM WAVELENGTH This option allows the user to configure the Fiber OWL
<1>COMPANY INFO
<2>LCD CONTRAST
<3>CUSTOM WAVELENGTH
<4>DEFAULT WAVELENGTH
MENU
METER CONFIG MENU
with a light source wavelength that is not supported by the Fiber OWL. The custom wavelength must be between 700nm and 1700nm.
DEFAULTWAVELENGTH This option resets the default wavelength to 1480nm if a custom wavelength has been configured.
AUTO SHUTDOWN - This options allows the user to toggle the Auto Shutdown feature between ON and OFF. By default, Auto
Shutdown is ON, and is approximately 10 minutes.
TEST SERIAL PORT - This option is used to diagnose problems with the serial cable included with the meter. If the meter cannot
download to the PC, this option tests the meter’s serial port and download cable. If these tests run okay, there may be a problem with
the PC’s COM ports.
NOTE: setting the custom wavelength temporarily overwrites 1480nm wavelength.
1
ABC
2
DEF
3
GHI
4
JKL
Power OFF
Press to shut down the Fiber OWL. The user will be prompted to verify shutdown.
OFF
Monitor Mode sends absolute power measurements in a comma delimited format to
the serial port in real time. A terminal program is required to view data in real time.
To enter Monitor Mode, press .
Monitor Mode
-20 45
.
_____________________
UNITS |ZERO | WAVE
dBm
ABS
82
68%
850nmMonitoring...
5
MNO
2-3
UNIT 2 SIMPLE METER
<5>AUTO SHUTDOWN
5
MNO
<6>TEST SERIAL PORT
6
PQR

UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER
Certification Meter allows the user to store data points for the purpose of certifying fiber links against known industry cabling standards;
EIA/TIA 568, ISO/IEC 11801, and Gigabit Ethernet are some examples. A user-friendly link configuration wizard is provided to enter
fiber link parameters, which is used to calculate reference values for easy PASS/FAIL readings.
The Fiber OWL is capable of certifying up to 900 data points with user-configurable fiber labels, and can certify eight separate fiber
links against one of ten pre-defined standards or two user-defined standards.
Data points are downloaded into our free OWL Reporter Windows-compatible software for organizing data points and printing
professional-looking certification reports.
Overview
MAIN MENU
<1>LINK WIZARD
<2>FIBER LINK MENU
<3>STORED READINGS
<4>METER PROPERTIES
<5>TAKE READINGS
Operation
1) Press the button.
2) After a few seconds, you will be prompted to choose an operating mode. When “CERTIFICATION METER” is highlighted,
press to select.
3) You are now at the MAIN MENU. All operations in CERTIFICATION METER branch from this menu. NOTE: you may also
press at any time to enter the MAIN MENU.
ON
F2
Power On
MENU
Fiber Certification
NOTE: Any time one of these fiber characteristics changes, a new link must be configured.
The link wizard uses these characteristics to calculate a reference value which all fibers included in the link are measured against.
1) Press to start the LINK WIZARD.
2) At the STORED LINKS menu, highlight the link name you wish to use. The currently loaded link is denoted by an asterisk. If you have
already configured a link, continue to Step 3. Otherwise, press to edit the selected link.
EDIT LINK
2a) Give the link a descriptive name. Press to edit the name. Press to continue.
2b) Enter the date of the test. Press to enter the date. Press to continue.
2c) When the name and date have been entered, press to return to the STORED LINKS menu.
3) Press to load the selected link. If the CONFIGURE LINK screen appears, choose option . The other options are for
advanced users only. For instructions on options 2 & 3, see the section on CONFIGURE LINK from the FIBER LINK menu.
4) Scroll through the list of standards, and highlight the standard you wish to use. If you wish to use a pre-defined standard,
1
ABC
F3
F1
DONE
DONE
DONE
F2
3-1
The following steps outline the procedure for setting up the Fiber OWL for fiber
certification. This process begins with running the Link Wizard.
Definition of a link: In the Fiber OWL, a link is defined as any number of fibers, or fiber
runs, that all have the same set of fiber characteristics from one end to the other; typically
begin together and end together; and follow the same pathway. These characteristics
include fiber length, fiber type, connector loss, and splice loss, as well as the cabling
standard being used for fiber certification.
F2
1
ABC

continue to step 5. Otherwise, highlight one of the user-defined standards and press to edit the chosen user-defined standard.
CONFIGURE USER-DEFINED STANDARD
--Selected wavelengths for user-defined standards are denoted by asterisks. Up to two wavelengths may be selected.
4a) Highlight the first wavelength you wish to use, and press to select.
4b) Enter the attenuation characteristics (dB per kilometer) for 62.5 um multi-mode fiber, and press to continue.
4c) Enter the attenuation characteristics (dB per kilometer) for 50.0 um multi-mode fiber, and press to continue.
4d) Enter the attenuation characteristics (dB per kilometer) for inside plant single mode fiber, and press to continue.
4e) Enter the attenuation characteristics (dB per kilometer) for outside plant single mode fiber, and press to continue.
4f) Enter the loss per connector (dB), and press to continue.
4g) Enter the loss per splice (dB), and press to continue.
4h) Press to select the second wavelength, if desired. Otherwise, press to continue to Step 5.
4i) Repeat steps 4b to 4g for the second wavelength. When completed, press to continue.
5) Press to select the fiber standard.
6) Press to select the type of fiber you will be testing.
7) Enter the length of the fiber you are testing in meters and press to continue.
8) Enter the number of connector pairs in the link you are testing and press to continue.
9) Enter the number of splices in the link you are testing and press to continue.
10) You will be prompted to connect a light source for the chosen standard’s first wavelength. Press once the appropriate
light source is attached.
NOTE: the same wavelength cannot be chosen twice.
NOTE: the number of
connector pairs must be the same for both wavelengths.
NOTE: the number of splices must be
the same for both wavelengths.
NOTE: Make sure that the source is stable by allowing it sufficient time to warm up.
NOTE: In order to maintain the integrity of the reference you are setting, it is critical to leave the patch
cord connected to the light source. Disconnection of a patch cord from a light source will invalidate your
reference due to the inaccuracies in aligning the light source with the fiber core.
NOTE: In order to set an accurate reference for multi-mode fibers at 850 or 1300nm, the user must
wrap the reference patch cord around a mandrel, which is similar to a wooden dowel. The mandrel should be
approximately 1/2” in diameter, and the patch cord should be wrapped at least 5 times around the mandrel.
The mandrel is necessary for stripping off the optical energy that does not normally travel down the fiber link.
If this energy is not removed from the reference value, your fiber readings will be too low, and may cause the
link to appear as if it was failing.
11) The settings you just entered will appear on the display.
SOURCE POWER (dBm) - actual power your light source is emitting.
100 Meters (dB) - attenuation value associated with the length and type of fiber you
entered. At times, an asterisk will appear here. This means that the length for the standard has
been exceeded.
Fiber Certification, cont.
DONE
DONE
DONE
DONE
DONE
DONE
F3
DONE
DONE
F2
F2
DONE
DONE
DONE
DONE
F3
F2
SOURCE POWER
100 Meters
00 CON 00 SPL=
REFERENCE PWR
850nm 62.5um MM
WAVE
LENGTH
TYPE/
LENGTH
CONN/
SPLICE
|
|
|
|
______________________
=
=
=-20.24
-00.38
+00.00
-20.62
00 CON 00 SPL (dB) - attenuation value of the connectors and splices you entered.
REFERENCE PWR (dBm) - source power plus fiber attenuation plus connector and splice attenuation. This is the PASS / FAIL
threshold.
850nm - wavelength that the reference is being set for.
62.5 um MM - fiber type that the reference is being set for.
3-2
UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER

From this screen, the user is given to opportunity to change link characteristics in the case of input error.
11a) To change the fiber type or fiber length press . The user will be asked to repeat steps 6 and 7, and will be
prompted to connect a light source as in step 10.
11b) To change the number of connectors or splices, press . The user will be asked to repeat steps 8 through 10.
12) If the chosen standard allows or requires the user to test at a second wavelength, press . The user will be asked to verify the
setting of the first wavelength’s reference, then will be prompted to connect a light source for the second wavelength (see step 10).
Otherwise, skip to step 13.
13) Press to continue. The user will be asked to verify the setting of a wavelength reference.
13a) If a reference has been previously set for this link, the user will be prompted to replace the old value with the recently set
reference.
13b) If the chosen standard allows a second wavelength, the user will be given the option of setting a reference for that
wavelength.
14) The user will be given the option to either begin storing data points with the recently configured link (press ), or return to the
main menu (press ).
Fiber Certification, cont.
DONE
F1
F3
3-3
UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER
F3
F1
F2
dBm (ABS)
dB (REL)
µW (ABS)
850nm
980nm
1300nm
1310nm
1480nm
1550nm
Power Units
Temperature
Battery Life
Wavelength
F1 F2 F3
Toggle
Power
Units
Store
Data
Points
Toggle
Wave
Lengths
Display Diagram
-20 45
.
_____________________
UNITS | STORE | WAVE
dBm
ABS
82
68%
850nm
Power
Measurement
FBR:00
FIBER LINK #1
Fiber Link Name
Fiber ID

Measurements can be taken for six different wavelengths in the Fiber OWL. These wavelengths are 850, 980, 1300, 1310, 1480, and
1550nm. All but 1480nm are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The user may toggle through
these wavelengths by pressing .
F3
Power Units
Wavelengths
The Fiber OWL is capable of displaying power readings in three
different units. The user may toggle through these units by
pressing :
dBm (ABS) - This is an absolute (ABS) power measurement. It
shows how much optical power is being received by the
photodetector in decibels referenced to a milliwatt (dBm).
dB (REL) - This is a relative (REL) power measurement. It shows
the amount of optical power being received by the
photodetector relative to the reference set by the Link Wizard.
REL mode is used to display PASS or FAIL, shows the user how
much the link is passing or failing by, and shows the amount of
F1
Store Data Points
Once the user has configured a fiber link using the Link Wizard, readings may be stored in the meter. Disconnect the patch cord from
the meter, and take the light source, with the reference patch cord still attached, to the other end of the fiber links you are testing. Set
the meter and the light source to the same wavelength. Once this is done, follow the steps below.
1) Press to begin storing a value.
2) You may be prompted to enter a label. This label is provided to give the set of fibers you are testing a descriptive name. For
example, there are three patch panels with 24 fibers in each to be tested. You could name the first one PP-A, the second one PP-B, and
the third one PP-C. There is no need to enter the fiber number (e.g. Fiber01, Fiber02, etc.) The Fiber OWL automatically appends a
two-digit auto-incremented number to the end of the fiber label you enter. In our example, for Patch Panel A, the data points would
begin with PP-A00 and end with PP-A23. If you wish to have your data points start at 01, save dummy data for data point 00, then
delete it once it is downloaded into OWL Reporter.
There are two scenarios where you will be prompted to enter a label name: A) if this is the very first data point for this link, or B)
if the auto-increment number reaches 00 again (i.e. if you have saved 100 data points for this label). For Scenario B, (SAVE) is
disabled, and you will not be allowed to save data points until the label has been changed. It is suggested to put the first digit of the set
of hundreds immediately after the fiber label (e.g. PP-A0 for data points PP-A000 to PP-A099, and PP-A1 for data points PPA-100
through PPA-199). If you are planning to save more than 100 data points for a single fiber label, this labeling scheme is highly
recommended for proper data sorting in OWL Reporter software.
F2
F3
3-4
UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER
- 2 45
.
_____________________
UNITS | STORE | WAVE
dB
REL
82
68%
850nm
FBR:00
FIBER LINK #1
PASS BY 1.24
loss in the link.
This display will only appear in REL mode after the link wizard has been run and configured with a standard. The large number (-2.45)
shows the actual loss in the link, and PASS BY 1.24 tells the user if the link passes or fails according to the standard and by how much
in dB. In this example, 2.45 dB is being lost across the link, and has a PASS margin of 1.24 dB.
µW (ABS) - This is an absolute (ABS) power measurement. It shows the amount of optical power being received by the photodetector
in microwatts, or millionths of a watt.

wavelengths associated with the chosen standard (e.g. 850nm and 1300nm for TIA-568B).
TYPE - the currently selected link’s fiber type.
dBm - the absolute power in dBm being received by the detector. This number is compared to the reference value to
determine if the link passes or fails; i.e. if this number is less than the reference value, the link fails, or if it is greater, the link passes.
850nm - the currently selected wavelength.
PRINT DATA - sends the data point to the serial port in a printable format.
EDIT NAME - repeat step 2. Use this function if you reach 00 on the auto-increment number, or if you wish to start a
new label. Using the example on the previous page, if you have completed testing the fibers in Patch Panel A, you will move on to Patch
Panel B. In this case you would EDIT NAME to say PP-B. Your auto-increment numbers would then be PP-B00 to PP-B23.
SAVE - saves the data point in memory and returns you to the power reading display.
Press to save the data point. Repeat steps 1 and 3 for each data point you are saving for this Fiber Link.
Pressing after completing these options will return the user to the FIBER LINK MENU.
VIEW LINK CONFIG - views the parameters that are used to calculate the link
reference value(s) when set with the Standards Wizard. The display at the right shows a typical
link configuration screen.
FIBER LINK #1 - the link name.
TIA-568B / CAN-T529 - the standard used.
LENGTH - length of the fiber link in meters.
2 CONN 0 SPLICES - number of connector pairs and splices in the link.
WAVELENGTHS: shows which wavelengths have references set. In the example,
Store Data Points, cont.
Press to continue.
3) The screen at right shows the pertinent information about the data point you are storing.
FIBER LINK #2 - the fiber link chosen during Link Wizard.
NAME - the fiber label chosen in step 2, with the two digit auto-increment number
appended at the end. If you are storing data for multiple wavelengths, this label applies to all
FIBER LINK #2
NAME = FBR:00
TYPE = 62.5um MM
dBm = -22.05 850nm
DATA
PRINT EDIT
NAME SAVE
_____________________
|
|
|
|
FIBER LINK MENU
Option 2 from the MAIN MENU takes the user to the FIBER LINK MENU.
LOAD/EDIT LINK - edit the name and date of a link and/or load the link. See Steps 2
and 3 in the section on Fiber Certification. Loading a link that already has data stored for it will
cause the meter to resume storing where it previously left off.
CONFIGURE LINK - set the link properties and reference values prior to storing data for that link. Remember to connect a
light source to the meter prior to setting a reference. After selecting the link to configure, there are three configuration options.
Option 1 is the same as running the Standards Wizard. Consult the section on Fiber Certification for instructions.
Option 2 allows the user to set a Manual Reference for each wavelength. This reference can be set one of two ways:
LINK BUDGET - the user is prompted to enter the maximum amount of loss (in dB) that the link is allowed to lose.
This number is then added to the light source power to arrive at the reference value.
MANUAL REF - the user is prompted to enter the reference value (in dBm) manually.
Option 3 allows the user to ZERO out the light source; i.e. set the light source power as the reference value.
NOTE: options 2 and 3 should only be used if the user has a firm grasp on how to calculate link budgets and
manual references.
FIBER LINK MENU
<1>LOAD/EDIT LINK
<2>CONFIGURE LINK
<3>VIEW LINK CONFIG
<4>DELETE LINK
<5>PRINT LINK
F2
F3
DONE
FIBER LINK #1
TIA-568B / CAN-T529
FIBER = 62.5um MM
LENGTH = 1000 METERS
2 CONN 0 SPLICES
WAVELENGTHS:
850nm 1300nm
3-5
UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER
F1
F2
F3
F3
DONE

TYPE=M6 - fiber type code.
NEXT NAME - toggles through all of the Run Labels for all stored links. Toggling between run labels brings up the very first data
point for that run label.
NEXT RUN - toggles through all of the run numbers associated with the current run label. The wavelength does not change when
toggling through run numbers.
NEXT WAVE - toggles through the wavelengths associated with the current run label and number.
PRINT - sends the current data point to the serial port in a printable format.
EDIT - sends the user back out to Immediate Mode to re-test the current run. Editing the current run overwrites the old power
reading for the current run. This allows you to re-test a fiber without having to change any of the other data point information. When
the new data point is saved, the user must re-enter the STORED READINGS menu.
FIBER LINK MENU, Cont.
850nm and 1300nm have reference values set for this link.
DELETE LINK - allows the user to clear out the properties and all data points set for the selected link.
PRINT LINK - sends the link properties to the serial port in a printable format.
STORED READINGS MENU
Once you have your data stored in the meter’s memory, there are several things you can do with
them. We have already discussed downloading the data into our OWL Reporter software. This is
by far the easiest way to manage your data and to format it into a professional looking report.
The Fiber OWL can also manipulate this stored data without the use of OWL Reporter. Stored
readings can be dumped out to the on-board serial port to a PC terminal program, or printed to a
serial printer.
STORED READINGS
<1>VIEW/EDIT/PRINT
<2>PRINT RANGE
<3>ERASE READINGS
<4>DOWNLOAD DATA
BYTES FREE = 1792
VIEW/EDIT/PRINT - You may view, edit, or print any record.
PRINT RANGE - Print a range of values based on the current fiber label.
DELETE READINGS - delete a range of stored readings, or all stored readings.
DOWNLOAD - Download data points into OWL Reporter, or in comma-delimited format to a terminal program.
BYTES FREE - Shows how many bytes remain for data storage. The meter has 1792 bytes of storage. This amount of RAM is sufficient
to store up to 900 data points.
If, at any time, there are no data stored in the meter, a notification screen will appear telling the user there is “NO STORED READINGS”
and will return to the STORED READINGS menu.
At any time while at the STORED READINGS menu, press to return to the MAIN MENU.
Press . This screen displays the information about a stored data point.
ACME - link name.
FBR:00 - fiber label and two-digit auto-increment number.
1300nm - wavelength.
-22.04dBm - absolute power level.
ACME
FBR:00 1300nm
-22.04dBm
0 = PRINT 5 = EDIT
_____________________
NEXT | NEXT | NEXT
NAME | RUN
62.5um MM
| WAVE
F1
F2
F3
0
.-/
5
MNO
STORED READINGS MENU - OPTION 1: VIEW/EDIT/PRINT
1
ABC
DONE
3-6
UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER

Selecting from the STORED READINGS menu brings you to the DELETE READINGS screen. This
screen allows you to select fiber labels and delete all of the associated data points.
ACME - fiber link name.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to download the data points before erasing the
data. Data erased this way cannot be retrieved from the meter in any way.
NAME: - fiber label name.
DELETE ALL - deletes all stored readings from the meter. The user is then asked to verify deletion of all readings. After this
command is executed, you will be returned to the STORED READINGS menu.
DEL - delete all data points pertaining to the current run label.
--> - scroll through all run labels for all stored fiber links.
STORED READINGS MENU - OPTION 2: PRINT RANGE
Selecting from the STORED READINGS menu brings you to the PRINT RANGE screen. This screen
allows you to print selected data to the serial port in a printable format.
ACME - fiber link name.
NAME: - fiber label name.
PRINT ALL - prints all data points. After this command is executed, you will be returned to the
STORED READINGS menu.
ACME
NAME: FBR:
_____________________
PRINT
ALL PRINT -->
||
2
DEF
F1
F2
F3
PRINT - print all data points pertaining to the current run label.
--> - scroll through all run labels for all stored fiber links.
STORED READINGS MENU - OPTION 3: DELETE READINGS
ACME
NAME: FBR:
_____________________
DEL
ALL DEL -->
|
|
3
GHI
F1
F2
F3
Selecting from the STORED READINGS menu brings you to the DOWNLOAD OPTIONS screen.
This screen allows you to select the method of data download.
USE OWL REPORTER.- this option allows the user to download data points into our OWL Reporter
certification report software. Follow the directions on the screen for OWL Reporter download:
1) Press to begin.
2) Connect the meter to your PC via the supplied download cable.
3) Run OWL Reporter on your PC. NOTE: You must have OWL Reporter 2.0 or greater to download from this version of
the Fiber OWL.
4) Click the download button on the OWL Reporter software screen.
5) Once all the data points are downloaded, you should see DOWNLOAD COMPLETE flash for a second. You will
then be returned to the STORED READINGS menu.
MANUAL DOWNLOAD - this option allows the user to download data points to a PC in comma-delimited format. This data can be
imported into a standard database or spreadsheet program.
NOTE: a Fiber OWL full of data will take up to 2 minutes to download into OWL Reporter.
NOTE: if the PC cannot create a connection to the meter, a dialog box will appear in OWL Reporter.
Check the cable connections and try again. If this problem persists, press to ABORT DOWNLOAD and
contact OWL Tech Support for assistance.
STORED READINGS MENU - OPTION 4: DOWNLOAD DATA
DOWNLOAD OPTIONS
4
JKL
<1>USE OWL REPORTER
<2>MANUAL DOWNLOAD
1
ABC
F1
3-7
UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER
|
|
||

Press to enter METER PROPERTIES.
COMPANY INFO change the company name and company telephone number.
LCD CONTRAST adjust the LCD contrast for better readability.
CUSTOM WAVELENGTH configure the Fiber OWL with a light source wavelength that is
STORED READINGS MENU - OPTION 4: DOWNLOAD, Cont.
1) Connect the meter to your PC via the supplied download cable.
2) Open a terminal program on your PC. You will need to configure the COM settings, and set the program for data
capture. Consult the appropriate manual for instructions.
3) Once the PC is connected and configured for text capture. Press to begin the download.
4) The terminal window will display the data as it is downloaded. Once the data stops scrolling, end the data capture.
F1
METER PROPERTIES MENU
4
JKL
not supported by the Fiber OWL. The custom wavelength must be between 700nm and 1700nm. NOTE: setting the custom
wavelength overwrites 1480nm wavelength.
DEFAULTWAVELENGTH resets the default wavelength to 1480nm if a custom wavelength has been configured.
AUTO SHUTDOWN
Press to return to the MAIN MENU.
allows the user to toggle the Auto Shutdown feature between ON and OFF. By default, Auto Shutdown is
ON, and is approximately 10 minutes.
TEST SERIAL PORT - This option is used to diagnose problems with the serial cable included with the meter. If the meter cannot
download to the PC, this option tests the meter’s serial port and download cable. If these tests run okay, there may be a problem with
the PC’s COM ports.
1
ABC
2
DEF
3
GHI
4
JKL
DONE
5
MNO
TAKE READINGS
This option returns the user to the power reading display screen for the purpose of storing additional data points in the currently loaded
link.
If you are resuming data storage on a fiber link after a period of inactivity, use thisoption to store data points. This will allow the user to
resume data storage without having to run a completely new Fiber Link Wizard.
Keep in mind that if any characteristics of the fiber link change, then a new Fiber Link Wizard must be run.
3-8
UNIT 3 CERTIFICATION METER
6
PQR
<1>COMPANY INFO
<2>LCD CONTRAST
<3>CUSTOM WAVELENGTH
<4>DEFAULT WAVELENGTH
METER CONFIG MENU
<5>AUTO SHUTDOWN
<6>TEST SERIAL PORT

UNIT 4 APPENDICES
Your Fiber OWL meter has a decibel(dB) range that spans 75dB. The whole purpose of your meter is to measure light
energy in decibels. But what exactly is a decibel? It is not uncommon for a technician to be using an optical power meter
and not understand what a decibel really is. If you struggle a little with this review, you will find the concept not so
threatening.
This is what happens when we test a link: we send light of a specified wavelength from a stable light source down the fiber
optic cabling. The meter then captures this light and measures it. As light travels down this path, however, its photons
encounter impurities, connector gaps, and even the glass atoms themselves. All of these factors cause attenuation in the
fiber. If there is too much attenuation, your fiber optic link will fail, because it does not have enough power to trigger the
circuitry in the active receiver equipment. No communications can occur in this scenario.
Simply put, a decibel is a measure of the ratio of the power received at the end of a link relative to the power you started
with, which is known. This fraction calculates the relative power. This calculation is similar to test scores or percentages.
If test results were kept in percent or fractions, the average person wouldn’t have difficulty in grasping the concept of
decibels. Unfortunately, in scientific measurement, graphing power measurements has become too cumbersome due to
their wide range of possible values; a person would need to paste lots of sheets of graph paper together to plot these power
functions by hand. So scientists came up with a little trick to “squeeze” the graph down to a more presentable size. The
trick uses logarithms (logs). Logs are fairly simple -- most of us have already encountered logs in pre-algebra class. They
didn’t seem so important then, but they are important to the understanding of decibels. Logs expressed in Base 10 are just
a way to state how many zeros there are in a number.
For example, log(10)=1, log(100)=2, log(1000)=3. Notice the pattern. Logs simply express how many places there
are after the first number. Let’s work with a number that isn’t 10, 100, or 1000. For instance the log(2014)=3.304.
Notice that 2014 has three digits beyond the first, thus the “3” in the 3.304. Also notice how it relates to the “3” in
log(1000)=3. Remember, logs are a tool we use to “squeeze” our measurements down so they will fit on graph paper.
Power is measured in Watts (W), therefore:
Mathematicians and scientists must have noticed that the shrinking effect of the graph was a little excessive. Logs in optical
decibels get multiplied by 10. Thus we finally have:
Remember: Decibels are simply the ratio of the power received by the receiver over the power sent out by the light
source at the start of link.
=
x100
Relative power out as a %
Amount of optical power left over at the end of the link
Amount of optical power at the beginning of the link
Appendix A - Decibel Review
RELATIVE POWER IN dB
END OF LINK
BEGINNING OF LINK
=
10 LOG( W
W)
RELATIVE POWER AS
A POWER OF 10
END OF LINK
BEGINNING OF LINK
=
LOG( W
W)
=
RELATIVE POWER AS
A POWER OF 10
LOG( )
Amount of optical power left over at the end of the link
Amount of optical power at the beginning of the link
4-1

There are other decibels to consider. The decibel we previously described is”dB” is called relative. This is because it is a
ratio as was explained. With ratios there is no way to tell what absolute value we had at the start or end of a link. To solve
the problem we can always reference our optical power to a fixed value of one milliwatt (1 mW). One milliwatt of power
will replace the denominator of our equation.
So when we are given a value of absolute power in dBm we know that it is the power relative to 1 mW
and we can calculate the actual power in mW if necessary. We can also compare values in dBm to each
other because they are relative to the same reference (1mW). However, we cannot compare values in dB
to each other because we do not know if they are relative to the same reference.
Appendix A - Decibel Review, cont.
ABSOLUTE POWER IN dB
END OF LINK
=
10 LOG( W
1 mW )
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the decibel, we can begin to study the dynamic range feature of the Fiber
OWL. The dynamic range of the Fiber OWL is +5 to -70 dBm (or +25 to -70 dBm, but what exactly does this mean?
Dynamic range is defined as the difference between the minimum and maximum power levels that a photodetector can
reliably sense, and still maintain acceptable accuracy. In the case of the Fiber OWL, the dynamic range is 75dB.
Any power level reaching the detector that is greater than +5 dBm is too powerful to accurately measure. Likewise, any
power level below -70 dBm will be too weak to be sensed.
Power levels within the dynamic range produce acceptable readings. It is interesting to note that the Fiber OWL remains
accurate over the upper 96% of the 75 dB dynamic range and then gets progressively worse as the power levels drop off.
The limits of dynamic ranges depend on certain factors. The minimum level depends on the sensitivity of the receiver. The
sensitivity of the receiver can be increased by using different materials, such as germanium (Ge) or indium/
gallium/arsenide (InGaAs). The characteristics of these materials allows the detector to be responsive at lower power
levels. The maximum level depends on both the size of the receiver area , and also the amplifier used.
Appendix B - Dynamic Range Review
Absorption. The loss of power in an optical fiber, resulting from conversion of optical power into heat and caused principally by
impurities, such as transition metals and hydroxyl ions, and also by exposure to nuclear radiation.
Acceptance Angle. The half-angle of the cone within which incident light is totally internally reflected by the fiber core. It is equal to
arcsin (NA).
Attenuation. A general term indicating a decrease in power from one point to another. In optical fibers, it is measured in
decibels per kilometer at a specified wavelength.
Appendix C - Glossary
4-2
UNIT 4 APPENDICES

Bandwidth. The transmission capacity of a system.
Buffering. 1. A protective material extruded directly on the fiber coating to protect the fiber from the environment (tight
buffering). 2. Extruding a tube around the coated fiber to allow isolation of the fiber from stresses on the cable (loose
buffered)
Buffer Tubes. Loose-fitting covering over optical fibers used for protection and isolation.
Bundle. Many individual fibers contained within a single jacket or buffer tube. Also, a group of buffered fibers
distinguished in some fashion from another group in the same cable core.
Cladding. The outer concentric layer that surrounds the fiber core and has a lower index of refraction.
Connector. A mechanical device used to provide a means for aligning, attaching, and achieving continuity between fibers.
Consolidation Point. A location for interconnection between horizontal cables that extend from building pathways and
horizontal cables that extend into work area pathways.
Core. The central, light-carrying part of an optical fiber; it has an index of refraction higher than that of the surrounding
cladding.
Cross-Connection. A connection scheme between cabling runs, subsystems, and equipment using patch cords or jumpers
that attach to connecting hardware on each end.
Decibel (dB). In fiber optics, a standard logarithmic unit for the ratio of the power that was received over the power that
was originally sent.
dBm. Decibel referenced to a milliwatt.
dBµ. Decibel referenced to a microwatt.
Detector. An optoelectronic transducer used in fiber optics for converting optical power to electric current. In fiber optics,
usually a photodiode.
Diffraction. The bending of radio, sound, or light waves around an object, barrier, or aperture edge.
Dispersion. A general term for those phenomena that cause a broadening or spreading of light as it propagates through
and optical fiber. the three types are modal, material, and waveguide.
Entrance Facility. An entrance to a building for both public and private network service cables including the entrance point
at the building wall and continuing to the entrance room or space.
Equilibrium Mode Distribution (EMD). The steady modal state of a multimode fiber in which the relative power distribution
among modes is independent of fiber length.
Appendix C - Glossary, cont.
4-3
UNIT 4 APPENDICES

Equipment Room. A centralized space for telecommunications equipment that serves the occupants of the building.
Equipment housed herein is considered distinct from a telecommunications closet because of its nature or complexity of
the equipment.
Frequency. Of a periodic wave, the number of identical cycles per second. Usually expressed in Hertz.
Fresnel Reflection. The reflection that occurs at the planar junction of two materials having different refractive indices;
Fresnel reflection is not a function of the angle of incidence.
Graded-index Fiber. An optical fiber whose core has a nonuniform index of refraction. The core is composed of
concentric rings of glass whose refractive indices decrease from the center axis. The purpose is to reduce modal dispersion
and thereby increase fiber bandwidth.
Horizontal Cross-Connect (HC). A cross-connect of horizontal cabling to other cabling, e.g., horizontal, backbone,
equipment.
Index of Refraction. The ration of the velocity of light in free space to the velocity of light in a given material.
Insertion Loss. The loss of power that results from inserting a component, such as a connector or splice, into a previously
continuous path.
Interconnection. A connection scheme that provides for the direct connection of a cable to another cable or to an
equipment cable without a patch cord or jumper.
Intermediate Cross-Connect (IC). A cross-connect between the main cross-connect and the horizontal cross-connect in
backbone cabling.
Laser. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A light source producing, through stimulated emission,
coherent, near monochromatic light. Lasers in fiber optics are usually solid-state semiconductor types.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED). A semiconductor diode that spontaneously emits light from the PN junction when forward
current is applied.
Main Cross-Connect (MC). The cross-connect in the main equipment room for connecting entrance cables, backbone
cables, and equipment cables.
Material Dispersion. Dispersion resulting from the different velocities of each wavelength in an optical fiber.
Modal Dispersion. Dispersion resulting from the different transit lengths of different propagating modes in a multimode
optical fiber.
Mode. A possible path followed by light rays.
Appendix C - Glossary, cont.
4-4
UNIT 4 APPENDICES