OWL Silicon ZOOM 2 User manual

Optical Wavelength Laboratories
OPERATIONS GUIDE
Silicon ZOOM 2 OPTICAL POWER METER
Model Numbers:
ZO2S
ZO2SV
Optical Wavelength Laboratories (OWL)
Phone: [phone]
Whitewater, WI 53190
Internet: OWL-INC.COM
N9623 Old Hwy 12
OWL-INC.COM
Revision 2.1
August 27, 2021
OWL

i
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Applications 2
Introduction
About This Manual 1
Before You Begin 1
Patch Cord Testing 2
Visual Fault Location (optional with model #: ZO-2SV) 2
Active Equipment Optical Power Measurements 2
Precautions 3
Operational 3
Attenuation (Optical Loss) Measurements 2
Connector 3
Charger Port 4
2.5mm Universal Connector Port 4
LCD Display 4
Active Equipment Power Measurement 5
Description 2
Patch Cable Testing 7
Fiber Continuity Testing 2
Silicon ZOOM 2/Dual OWL MM Test Kit (P/N: KIT-Z2-D285xx) 9
Product Label 3
User Controls 4
Test Procedures
Quick Reference Guides
Fiber Continuity 6
Safety 3
Check MM Reference Cables with a Dual OWL MM Light Source 8
Operation/Maintenance
General Features 4
Maintenance and Calibration Information 18
Link Budget Calculation Worksheet
Optional VFL Port 12
Contact Information 18
Visual Fault Location 13
Cleaning the Optional VFL Port 17
Specifications 18
Cleaning the Detector Port 16
Appendices
Universal Port 15
Optional Upgrade Information 19
Visual Fiber Identification 14

1
INTRODUCTION
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
All personnel testing optical fibers should be adequately trained in the field of fiber optics before using any fiber optic test equipment.
4) determining the correct link budget to pass or fail by
Fiber optic testers vary from other types of test equipment due to issues such as:
3) "zeroing" or referencing of power levels
Valuable information about fiber optic testing can also be gathered from reading printed literature carefully or by thoroughly reading
supplied operations manuals.
1) standards-based testing
Complete understanding of each of these issues is critical for performing proper fiber optic tests.
2) proper fiber optic test procedures (FOTPs)
If the user is not completely familiar with testing fiber optics, they should seek competent training. Such training can be acquired from
a variety of sources, such as local hands-on training classes.
Throughout this manual you will find various symbols that assist with understanding the procedures outlined in this manual. Below is
a list of these symbols and a short description of their purpose:
Shows a helpful tip that will make a procedure go more smoothly
Tells the user some useful information about the successful completion of a procedure
Warns the operator of a potentially dangerous condition
ABOUT THIS MANUAL

2
INTRODUCTION
APPLICATIONS
Visual Fault Location (optional with model #: ZO-2SV). Visual fault locators (VFLs) are an important and helpful tool for
troubleshooting optical fiber links. The two main functions of a VFL are fault location of potential problems in a fiber directly behind a
patch panel, and visual fiber identification (helpful for verifying polarity of a system).
Fiber Continuity Testing. Continuity can be measured with the Silicon ZOOM 2 by placing a calibrated light source on one end of
the fiber and the Silicon ZOOM 2 on the other end. This is also a simple way to measure the attenuation of the fiber.
Active Equipment Optical Power Measurements. Active equipment should be measured periodically for correct power levels.
The transmitters in this equipment have a known power value. The Silicon ZOOM 2 can be directly attached to this equipment via a
patch cord to check whether the transmitter is within the manufacturer’s specified power range.
Patch Cord Testing. Fiber links that are producing incorrect results may have bad patch cords. The Silicon ZOOM 2 can be used to
test the attenuation of a patch cord to see if it is usable, or should be replaced.
Below is a list of test and measurement applications that can be performed using the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter. The
procedure for each one of these applications is covered in detail in this manual.
Attenuation (Optical Loss) 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.
The Silicon ZOOM 2 includes a 2.5mm universal connector, which is compatible with many popular fiber connectors, such as ST, SC,
and FC. A1.25mm universal connector port can be purchased for an additional charge that allows for connection to LC, MU, and other
SFF connectors.
The Silicon ZOOM 2 is a very economical option for measuring the optical power of multimode fibers at 850nm. The Silicon ZOOM 2
is NIST traceable, and is calibrated 650, 850, and 980nm. Reference values used for optical loss readings are stored for each of
these wavelengths.
Its user-friendly interface includes two push-buttons: one for power and wavelength selection, and one for setting references and
toggling between dBm (optical power) and dB (optical loss).
The Silicon ZOOM 2 is ideal for fiber optic professionals who need to quickly measure the loss in their fiber optic links and do not
require data point storage.
For an additional charge, the Silicon ZOOM 2 can include a precision-coupled visual fault locator optimized for fiber optics. An optical
ball lens placed near the laser output focuses the light for optimum input into fiber optic cables, and special current-limiting electronics
prevents laser burnout (a common problem with pen-style laser pointers), increasing the life of the VFL.
This manual describes the operation of the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter. ZOOM stands for Zeroed Output Optical Meter.
DESCRIPTION

3
INTRODUCTION
PRECAUTIONS
Safety - Exercise caution when working with any optical equipment. High-intensity fiber optic laser sources output potentially
dangerous high energy invisible light, and could cause serious, irreparable damage to the eye. Thus, it is recommended to NEVER
look into the connector port of a light source or the end of a fiber.
Operational - It is important to keep connector ferrules and optical connector ports clean. If dirt, dust, and oil are allowed to build up
inside connector ports, irreparable damage may occur to the optics inside the port. For best results, replace dust caps after each use.
Connector - if you have the optional Visual Fault Locator installed, do NOT insert APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors into the
VFL port on your Silicon ZOOM 2 as this may damage the angled ferrule on the APC connector.
On the back of each Silicon ZOOM 2 series optical power meter is a label similar to the one shown below containing model number,
serial number, power requirements, and special cautionary information. If the unit is enclosed in its protective boot, the boot must be
removed to view this label.
PRODUCT LABEL
MADE IN USA
MODEL# ZO-2SV
SERIAL# ZV23019
Conforms to the Harmonized
Eu ro pe an S ta nd ar ds EN
61326-1 and EN 61010-1.
POWER: 5V DC, 1A
MADE IN USA
MODEL# ZO-2S
SERIAL# ZO23019
Conforms to the Harmonized
Eu ro pe an S ta nd ar ds EN
61326-1 and EN 61010-1.
POWER: 5V DC, 1A

GENERAL FEATURES
4
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL FEATURES
Optional VFL Port - As an option, a Visual Fault Locator (VFL) can be
installed.
Universal Detector Port - includes 2.5mm ferrule adapter cap for ST,
SC, and FC. A1.25mm ferrule adapter cap for LC sold separately..
Backlit LCD Display - shows optical power/loss levels, power units,
wavelength, and battery status.
- SINGLE PRESS: change wavelength; BRIEF HOLD: toggle
backlight status; LONG HOLD: power unit ON or OFF.
USB Charger Port - re-charges internal Lithium Polymer battery with
supplied USB charger and cable.
- SINGLE PRESS: toggle between dBm, dB, and uW units;
HOLD: set the reference for the selected wavelength.
UNITS
ZERO
3
2
4
5
6
4
56
DETECTOR
USB
13
2
Model #:
ZO-2SV
Model #:
ZO-2S

5
TEST PROCEDURES
ACTIVE EQUIPMENT POWER MEASUREMENT
Power on the transmitter port according to manufacturer
instructions, if necessary.
Some transmitters have a diagnostic mode where the output is continuously at its maximum power. This
eliminates the need to compensate 3dB for digital data transmission. Consult the active equipment
manufacturer’s operations guide for more information.
Receive Power Measurement
Monitor the reading on the screen for a few seconds. This reading may fluctuate if the output signal is made up of digital
zeroes (0) and ones (1). In this case, estimate the average power level. To calculate maximum output power, add 3 dB to
the average power level.
The Silicon ZOOM 2 may also be used to measure optical power levels from
a transmitter through an installed link to ensure that the Receive power at
the far end is within manufacturer specifications.
Follow the same steps as above, except the Silicon ZOOM 2 must be
connected to the active equipment under test through the installed link as
shown at right.
Direct Transmitter Output Power Measurement
(1 or 2) one-meter patch cable(s) – (ensure proper connector type and fiber type)
Required Accessories
To measure the output power from a transmitter, use the following steps:
Connect the Silicon ZOOM 2 to the transmitter port on the active
equipment under test, as shown at right.
Press to power on the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power
meter, if necessary.
Determine the output wavelength of the active equipment, then
press until the wavelength on the Silicon ZOOM 2 matches.
Active Equipment
Transmitter Power
Measurement
Receive Power
Measurement
12345678910 11 12 12345678910 11 12
dBm
-28.48. .
i850
nm
dBm
-28.48. .
i850
nm

6
TEST PROCEDURES
FIBER CONTINUITY
Press to power on the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter,
if necessary.
Checking for Fiber Continuity
(2) one-meter patch cables – (ensure proper connector type and fiber type)
The Silicon ZOOM 2 can be used to verify continuity of a fiber link, or can be
used to trace an optical fiber if the fibers are not properly labeled. Use the
following procedure to test either multimode and singlemode cables.
Press until the wavelength on the Silicon ZOOM 2 matches
the output wavelength of the light source.
Take the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter to the opposite end of the link under test, and connect into the first port. If the
Silicon ZOOM 2 does not detect any optical power, the display will read “LO”. Continue connecting to subsequent optical
ports until the Silicon ZOOM 2 display shows an optical power reading.
If none of the ports display an optical power reading, then it is likely that there is a major connectivity problem with the link,
and further troubleshooting is necessary to determine the nature of the problem.
Required Accessories
Connect a fiber optic light source to the network port under test as
shown a t right . Power on t he light source accord in g to
manufacturer instructions.
12345678910 11 12 12345678910 11 12
FIBER CONTINUITY
MEASUREMENT
SC connectors shown here;
connector style may vary
LIGHT SOURCE
CONNECTOR PORTS
Do NOT insert APC connector
into either light source port
dBm
-28.48. .
i850
nm

7
TEST PROCEDURES
PATCH CABLE TESTING
(2) fiber optic adapters/couplers – (ensure proper connector type)
Patch Cable Insertion Loss
Patch cables should be tested periodically to ensure that they are okay to
use for testing. Use the following procedure to test both multimode and
singlemode patch cables.
Press and hold for approximately 2 seconds to set the
reference. The ZOOM 2 will change to show loss in ‘dB’, and the
loss value should be very close to 0.00 dB.
Connect the Silicon ZOOM 2 to a fiber optic light source using the
3-jumper reference method as shown at right. Power on the light
source according to manufacturer instructions.
Remove the center cable as shown at right.
(3) one-meter patch cables – (ensure proper connector type and fiber type)
Press until the wavelength on the Silicon ZOOM 2 matches the output wavelength of the light source.
Setting a reference is commonly referred to as
“zeroing”.
Required Accessories
If testing at more than one wavelength, this
p r o c e d u r e m u s t b e p e r f o r m e d f o r e a c h w a v e l e n g t h
separately.
Insert a patch cable under test between the two fiber optic
adapters/couplers, then record the loss value in ‘dB’.
Press to power on the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter,
if necessary.
Repeat steps and for each patch cable being tested.
UNITS
ZERO
3-jumper Reference
Method Setup
Insertion Loss Test
SC connectors shown here;
connector style may vary
LIGHT SOURCE
CONNECTOR PORTS
Do NOT insert APC connector
into either light source port
SC connectors shown here;
connector style may vary
LIGHT SOURCE
CONNECTOR PORTS
Do NOT insert APC connector
into either light source port
dB
-2. .0.00
i850
nm

8
TEST PROCEDURES
LIGHT SOURCE MODEL NUMBERS:
DO2-85xx
Checking Silicon ZOOM 2 Series Optical Power Meters
For Proper Operation
USING OWL DUAL OWL 850 MULTIMODE SOURCES
Checking Silicon ZOOM 2 Series Optical
Power Meters for Proper Operation
USING A DUAL OWL 850 MULTIMODE LIGHT SOURCE
NOTE: the wavelength and measurement units may be different
from the display at right.
NOTE: it is recommended to thoroughly clean and inspect all
patch cord connectors before making any connection.
STEP 3 - Set the Silicon ZOOM 2 to ‘dBm’
Press on the Silicon
ZOOM 2 until the measurement
units read ‘dBm’ as shown at
right. You may need to press the
button several times.
Connect the Silicon ZOOM 2 and Dual OWL 850 together with an
orange multimode patch cable as shown below.
Press to power on the
Silicon ZOOM 2.
STEP 1 - Connect Silicon ZOOM 2 and Dual OWL
850
STEP 2 - Power ON the Silicon ZOOM 2
After a few seconds, the Silicon
ZOOM 2 display should read
‘LO’, and will appear similar to
the diagram shown at right.
U N IT S
Z E R O
dBm
.8. . .8lo
i850
nm
dBm
.8. . .8lo
i850
nm
NOTE: the following steps are only required if the optical power
reading on the Silicon ZOOM 2 is too low.
STEP 7 - Replace the patch cable
Press to power on the
Dual OWL.
Press on the Silicon
ZOOM 2 until the wavelength
display shows ‘850nm’ as
shown at right. You may need
to press the button several
times.
STEP 4 - Set Silicon ZOOM 2 to 850nm
STEP 5 - Power ON the Dual OWL 850
STEP 6 - Check optical power
The power reading that appears
on the Silicon ZOOM 2 display
will depend upon cable type.
Consult the table below for a list
of acceptable power readings.
Th e 850n m indicat or LED
should now be lit as shown at
right.
If the problem still exists after patch cable replacement, there
may be some debris, such as dust, dirt, or finger oil, that has
collected on the connector endface or in the equipment optical
ports.
Thoroughly clean and inspect the optical ports of the ZOOM 2
and the Dual OWL 850, as well as the fiber connector endfaces,
according to the brochures that have been included with this kit.
Several cleaning cycles may be required.
The easiest way to troubleshoot low power levels is to try another
patch cable. Over time, patch cables can wear out or become
damaged the more they are used for optical loss testing.
Replacing the patch cable usually fixes the problem.
STEP 8 - Clean patch cables and optical ports
If the power level is still too low, even after a thorough cleaning
and inspection and patch cable replacement, contact OWL
technical support at 262-473-0643 for more information.
dBm
.8. . .8lo
850
nm
dBm
.20.00
-
850
nm
Core Size
62.5/125 µM
50/125 µM
Replace at
-21.00 dBm
-24.00 dBm
Acceptable Power Level
-19.0 to -21.0 dBm
-22.0 to -24.0 dBm
SC connectors shown here;
connector style may vary
LIGHT SOURCE
CONNECTOR PORTS
Do NOT insert APC connector
into either light source port

9
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES
Optical Power Meter: Silicon ZOOM 2
Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL 850
PART 2 set a reference for the wavelength(s) used during fiber link measurement;
PART 3 check the additional power meter test cable; and
PART 4 take measurements.
EQUIPMENT PORTS
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Other link configurations may require the user to adjust their test procedure accordingly.
Figure 1 shows the ports used during this procedure. These ports may vary depending upon the model of equipment.
Note: this procedure assumes the fiber cable under test is properly installed with a patch panel at each end of the link, which allows
technicians to use the industry-recommended 1-jumper reference method.
There are four main parts to performing an insertion loss test:
Thank you for your purchase of this OWL fiber optic test kit. Included in this kit is a Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter and a Dual
OWL 850 multimode fiber optic light source. This quick reference guide provides instructions for performing a fiber optic insertion loss
test.
PART 1 gather accessories;
Universal detector port
Ÿ 1.25mm (LC)-sold separately
Ÿ2.5mm (SC, ST, FC)
Available adapter caps:
When testing, install the cap that
matches the l ink under test
850nm multimode source port
Available connector options: SC, ST
Reference cable must include this
connector type (SC or ST)
Do NOT insert APC connector
into light source port
FIGURE 1 – Test Equipment Ports
Silicon ZOOM 2
Optical Power Meter
Dual OWL 850
multimode light source
FIBER LINK
FIGURE 2 – Patch panel on both ends

10
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES
Optical Power Meter: Silicon ZOOM 2
Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL 850
PART 1 ACCESSORIES REQUIRED FOR THIS PROCEDURE–
Please note: accessories will vary based on factors such as core size (62.5/125 vs. 50/125), test equipment connector type, and
patch panel connector type. The diagram below should help visualize when selecting the correct accessories to use.
A helpful video regarding choosing patch cables is available on OWL’s website:
https://owl-inc.com/videos/htm/concepts/c1011.htm
Silicon ZOOM 2
Dual OWL 850
(SC or ST)
DETECTOR
FIGURE 3 – Required Accessories
50/125 µm 62.5/125 µm
Diameter
Wraps
0.9 in. 0.7 in.
5 5
DETECTOR NOTE:
For testing LC patch panels, install the 1.25mm adapter cap
For testing SC, ST, or FC patch panels, install the 2.5mm
adapter cap
REFERENCE CABLE (Œ) & MANDREL ()
– OR –
EF
EF MODE CONTROLLER CABLE ()
62.5/125 – 0.7” mandrel
50/125 – 0.9” mandrel
MATING SLEEVE (Ž)
TEST CABLE ()

PART 2 SET REFERENCE–
Press and hold to set the reference for 850nm.
The Silicon ZOOM 2 display should change to show readings in ‘dB’, and the power reading should be
approximately 0.00 dB (Figure 7). This indicates that the meter and light source have been successfully
“zeroed” at 850nm.
Press to power on the Silicon ZOOM 2.
Press to set the Silicon ZOOM 2 to the 850nm wavelength.
Connect the Silicon ZOOM 2 and Dual OWL 850 together using the mandrel-wrapped patch cable (Œ&) as shown in Figure
5.
Press to power on the Dual OWL 850. The 850nm indicator LED should be lit by default.
Note: if Encircled Flux compliance is required, use the Encircled Flux Mode Controller Cable instead ().
The Silicon ZOOM 2 should read approximately -20.00 dBm for 62.5/125 OM1 fibers, or around -23.00
dBm for 50/125 OM2/3/4 fibers (Figure 6).
U N IT S
Z E R O
REFERENCE CABLE (Œ) & MANDREL ()

FIGURE 5 – Connect meter and source with reference cable
dBm
. . .20.00
-
850
nm
FIGURE 6
dBm
.2. .0.00
850
nm
FIGURE 7
Œ

11
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES
Optical Power Meter: Silicon ZOOM 2
Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL 850
PART 3 CHECK ADDITIONAL TEST CABLE–
Disconnect the mandrel-wrapped reference cable from the detector port on the Silicon ZOOM 2.
Do NOT allow the reference cable to unwrap from the mandrel until testing is complete
Ž  Ž
Connect the mating sleeve ( ) to the reference cable, then connect the additional test cable ( ) between the mating sleeve ( )
and the Silicon ZOOM 2 (Figure 8).
Verify the insertion loss of the patch cable and mating sleeve. This number should be as low as possible, but in ideal conditions
should not exceed 0.5 dB.
Remove the mating sleeve (Ž) from between the test cables. NOTE: the meter will read LO or a very low power level when
disconnected from the source.
Do NOT disconnect the reference cable from the Dual OWL 850 light source until testing is complete
REFERENCE CABLE (Œ)
& MANDREL ()

FIGURE 8 – Connect meter and source with reference cable
Œ
MATING SLEEVE (Ž)
TEST CABLE ()
REFERENCE CABLE (Œ)
& MANDREL ()

FIGURE 9 – Remove mating sleeve
Œ
TEST CABLE ()
PART 4 TAKE READINGS–
Take the Dual OWL 850 and the mandrel-wrapped cable to one end of the link under test, and take the Silicon ZOOM 2 and its
cable to the other end.
Connect the Silicon ZOOM 2 and Dual OWL 850 to the link
under test (Figure 10).
Disconnect the patch cables from both ends of the patch panel
and move to the next port on the patch panel.
Record the reading for the current fiber under test.
Repeat and for each fiber in the cable under test until all
fibers have been tested.
12345678910 11 12 12345678910 11 12
FIGURE 10
Taking
Readings
SC connectors shown here;
connector style may vary
LIGHT SOURCE
CONNECTOR PORTS
Do NOT insert APC connector
into either light source port

! toggle through the VFL modes using the above steps until the VFL turns off.
There are three modes for the optional VFL port, which toggle in the following order: off, continuous, and flash. The VFL will be off
when the power meter is first powered on.
Press several times until ‘VFL’ appears in the lower right-hand corner of the display. ‘VFL’ will
appear after ‘980nm’.
As an option, a Visual Fault Locator (VFL) can be installed into the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter in place of the charger port.
The VFL is an invaluable troubleshooting tool with two important uses:
Visual Fiber Identification. Optical fibers can be visually identified by connecting the VFL port to the fiber under test, then inspecting
the far end for red light exiting the fiber connector.
Operation of the Optional Visual Fault Locator (VFL) Port
While ‘VFL’ is shown on the wavelength display, do not press any buttons for approximately 3 seconds .
This will toggle the VFL to the next mode, and then automatically return to the ‘850nm’ wavelength.
To maintain the current VFL mode while scrolling through the list of wavelengths, press the button again before 3 seconds have
elapsed.
To toggle the VFL mode:
Visual Fault Location. Faults, such as breaks or microbends, can be located in the near end of the fiber link under test (within a few
feet). When the bright red laser encounters a fault, the light is deflected into the fiber jacket, producing a glow at the point of the fault.
The VFL port can be turned off two different ways:
! power off the meter completely, or
12
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
OPTIONAL VFL (visual fault locator) PORT
dB
.2. .2.00
-
VFL

The optional VFL port in the Silicon ZOOM 2 VFL can be used as a troubleshooting tool to determine if there are breaks, micro-bends,
or any other anomalies causing excessive loss within the first few feet of the fiber under test located in the splice tray. The bright red
laser injects high-intensity red laser light into the near-end connector. If this light encounters any anomalies, such as a break or a
micro-bend, the light is deflected into the fiber jacket, producing a red glow at the point of the anomaly.
Follow the steps below:
Connect the VFL port to the fiber under test. The VFL port is located on the left-hand side, as shown in the diagram below. It
is recommended to use a fiber patch cable as shown below to avoid handling the fragile jacketed fiber in the splice tray.
do NOT insert an APC (Angled Physical Contact) connector in to the VFL port as this could damage the
angled ferrule on the APC connector.
Power on the VFL. See page 18 for instructions on operating the VFL port.
Inspect the splice tray for anomalies. Optical fiber jackets are differently colored, making it is difficult to see red light shining
through, so for best results, it is recommended to keep the room light at a minimum.
13
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
VISUAL FAULT LOCATION
ST connectors shown here;
connector style may vary
dBm
. . .20.00
-
850
nm

The optional VFL port in the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter can help take the guesswork out of identifying ports in a fiber patch
panel or checking polarity of a duplex connector. Connect the VFL port to one end of a fiber link, and the high-intensity, precision-
coupled red laser diode will allow the user to visually identify the port by the presence of a red glow emitting from the connector on the
other end, allowing for visual port identification of fiber optic links up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away.
Follow the steps below:
To assist with viewing of the light exiting the connector, hold a piece of white paper in front of the
connectors. This will sufficiently diffuse the light for safe viewing.
Power on the VFL. See page 18 for instructions on operating the VFL port.
Inspect the far-end connectors for the red light exiting the connector.
Connect the VFL port to the fiber under test. The VFL port is located on the left-hand side, as shown in the diagram below. It
is recommended to use a fiber patch cable as shown below to avoid handling the fragile jacketed fiber in the splice tray.
do NOT insert an APC (Angled Physical Contact) connector in to the VFL port as this could damage the
angled ferrule on the APC connector.
the laser light exiting the fiber is very bright and could cause damage to your eye if viewed directly!
14
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
VISUAL FIBER IDENTIFICATION
Symbolic
Fiber
Link
ST connectors shown here;
connector style may vary
dBm
. . .20.00
-
850
nm

Universal Port
Additionally, some connectors use a 1.25mm ferrule. The flexible universal port system on the Silicon ZOOM 2 allows the user to
remove the 2.5mm adapter and place a 1.25mm adapter (which can be purchased separately as an option) for connection to LC, MU,
and other SFF connectors which use the 1.25mm ferrule.
Please call 262-473-0643 with any questions you may have about the universal port, or any other of our fiber optic test products.
Take extra care when inserting SC connectors into the 2.5mm universal port as the spring-loading action of the SC connector may
cause improper insertion. Call OWL at [phone] with any questions.
The Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter contains a universal connector port which allows for coupling to any fiber optic connector
that uses a 2.5mm ferrule (e.g. ST, SC, FC, etc.).
What gives this port its flexibility is that only the ferrule is inserted into the port. Since there is no latching mechanism to speak of, any
2.5mm ferrule connector can be inserted into the same port without having to swap adapter ports. There is no longer the need to
purchase or maintain additional adapter caps for each different connector type.
Use of SC Connectors with 2.5mm Universal Port
This detector port is designed so that the cone of acceptance falls completely onto the detector, regardless of how the connector may
turn, twist, or wiggle in the port. Because of this, you can be assured that the connection will always produce an accurate reading as
long as it is inserted completely into the port (see the diagram below).
15
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
UNIVERSAL PORT
2
1 mm detector
2.5 mm
ferrule
62.5/125 µm core
2.5 mm
connector
port

Required accessories:
A) Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or better)
B) Round wooden toothpick with sharp point
(NOTE: do not use a metal pin or needle since metal
will scratch the surface of the detector)
C) Cotton swab
D) Jeweler’s loupe (10x magnification recommended)
E) Compressed Air (not shown)
Place a small amount of cotton from the swab onto the wooden
toothpick as shown at right.
Wet the cotton toothpick tip with the isopropyl alcohol.
Remove the adapter cap from the power meter detector port.
USING GREAT CARE, gently insert the cotton toothpick tip into the detector port.
WARNING! BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN INSERTING THE
TOOTHPICK INTO THE DETECTOR PORT. THERE IS A VERY THIN
GLASS WINDOW THAT WILL EASILY BREAK WITH TOO MUCH
PRESSURE.
Using as little pressure as possible, rotate the cotton toothpick tip in the detector port to clear away any dust or dirt that has
accumulated on the detector.
Use the jewelers loupe to inspect the detector end face.
Using light pressure from the compressed air, blow out the detector port.
If dust or dirt are still present, repeat steps until the detector port is free of
debris.
If no dust or dirt is found, replace the adapter cap on the detector port and cover the detector port with the dust cap.
16
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE DETECTOR PORT
A
B
C
D

This cleaning procedure applies to the optional VFL port on the Silicon ZOOM 2 optical power meter. For more information about
cleaning the DETECTOR port on the Silicon ZOOM 2, see page 23.
Required Accessories:
= Isopropyl alcohol (91% or better)
= In-adapter fiber optic cleaning accessories, such as 2.5mm cleaning swabs or 2.5mm HUXCleaner™
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: WHEN INSPECTING AN OPTICAL PORT, NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
INTO THE PORT WITHOUT SUFFICIENT EYE PROTECTION. THE OPTICAL PORT MAY BE ENERGIZED WITH
POWERFUL INVISIBLE RADIATION THAT IS HARMFUL TO THE HUMAN EYE.
IT IS ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO USE AN LCD-BASED FIBER INSPECTION SCOPE, WHICH CAN INSPECT
OPTICAL PORTS AND FIBER ENDFACES WITHOUT EXPOSING THE EYE TO HARMFUL OPTICAL RADIATION.
INVISIBLE LIGHT IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS SINCE THE EYE IS NOT AWARE OF EXPOSURE TO HARMFUL
INVISIBLE ENERGY, AND BECOMES INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS WITH PROLONGED EXPOSURE.
Below are procedures for “wet” cleaning and “dry” cleaning. For best results, a combination of these cleaning methods is
recommended.
= Compressed Air (optional)
= In-adapter fiber optic inspection scope (200x magnification or greater recommended)
TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE TO OPTICAL ENERGY, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO POWER OFF
EQUIPMENT BEFORE INSPECTING OPTICAL PORTS.
17
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE OPTIONAL VFL PORT
“WET” CLEAN PROCEDURE
Wet the tip of a 2.5mm cleaning swab with isopropyl
alcohol.
Blow dry the optical port with the compressed air. If
compressed air is not available, allow 2 minutes for
the alcohol to evaporate.
Inspect the optical port with the in-adapter fiber optic
inspection scope to ensure the port is clear of
obstructions.
Carefully insert the wet tip of the swab into the optical
port.
Clean out the optical port according to the directions
provided with the swabs.
If the port is still dirty, another round of cleaning will be
necessary. You may also want to use a combination of “wet”
and “dry” cleaning to achieve best results.
“DRY” CLEAN PROCEDURE
Carefully insert a dry 2.5mm cleaning swab or a
2.5mm HUXCleaner™ into the optical port.
Clean out the optical port according to the directions
that came with the cleaning accessories.
Inspect the optical port with the in-adapter fiber optic
inspection scope to ensure the port is clear of
obstructions.
If the port is still dirty, another round of cleaning will be
necessary. You may also want to use a combination of “wet”
and “dry” cleaning to achieve best results.

Warranty. The Silicon ZOOM 2 comes standard with a two-year factory warranty, which covers manufacturer defect and
workmanship only.
Repair. Repair of this unit by unauthorized personnel is prohibited, and will void any warranty associated with the unit.
Cleaning. For accurate readings, the optical connectors on the Silicon ZOOM 2 and the connectors on the patch cords should be
cleaned prior to attaching them to each other. Minimize dust and dirt buildup by replacing the dust caps after each use.
Calibration. It is recommended to have Optical Wavelength Laboratories calibrate this unit once per year.
18
APPENDICES
SPECIFICATIONS
NIST Traceable:
Weight:
Low Battery Indicator:
Detector Type:
Accuracy:
Linearity:
Resolution:
Battery Life:
Operating Temperature:
Calibrated Wavelengths:
Storage Temperature:
Measurement Range:
Measurement Units:
Connector Type:
Size:
Silicon
Yes
1
± 0.20 dB
up to 1000 hours (Lithium Polymer)
2.5mm Universal
dBm; uW (absolute)
650, 850, 980nm
1
± 0.25 dB
0.01 dB
2.75”W x 4.94”H x 1.28”D
-30 to 70º C
116g
1) 0 to -45 dBm
Yes
dB (relative)
+5 to -60 dBm
-10 to 55º C
CONTACT INFORMATION
MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATION INFORMATION
Phone:Address:
Optical Wavelength Laboratories, Inc.
N9623 US Hwy 12
Whitewater, WI 53190
Internet:
OWL-INC.COM262-473-0643