OWL VOLT-1 User manual

OPTICAL WAVELENGTH LABORATORIES
MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY OPTICAL FIBER TEST EQUIPMENT
O.W.L.
Visual Optical Length
Tester (VOLT)
Operations Manual
Version 1.0
November 28, 2001
OWL Part VOLT-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Functional Diagram
Diagram Descriptions
PRECAUTIONS
Safety Precautions
Operational Precautions
REQUIRED ACCESSORIES
Cleaning Supplies
Patch Cords
APPLICATIONS
Fiber Length Measurement
Visual Fiber Identification
Visual Fault Location
OPERATION
Fiber Length Measurement
Visual Fiber Identification
Visual Fault Location
MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATION PROCEDURES
Repair
Battery Replacement
Cleaning
Re-calibration
Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS
CONVERSION FACTORS
LASER WARNING / SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
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2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
5
7
7
7
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7
7
7
8
8
9
This symbol signifies a potentially dangerous operation.
This symbol signifies a tip or suggestion for ease of use.
Extreme
caution must be exercised when performing this operation.
i
SYMBOLS
Page

GENERAL
This manual describes the operation of the VOLT (Visual Optical Length Tester). The
VOLT is designed to measure the length of single mode and multi-mode fibers. It uses
a “round robin” technique for fiber measurement; i.e. it loops back two fibers in the
same fiber cable with a patch cord. The round trip time of the optical pulse is
converted to kilometers, then divided by two to give the length of the fiber cable.
There is no need to measure the length of every fiber; the length will be the same for all
fibers in the cable, so this test only needs to be run once for each cable. This technique
allows the VOLT to be very accurate (up to ± 2.5 meters).
Many network cabling standards require the fiber cable length to be recorded along
with attenuation measurements. Optical measurement of fibers provides a quick and
easy alternative to check the fiber jacket for markings or estimating the length by using
a measuring wheel, and often provides a greater degree of accuracy.
The VOLT also includes a flashing mode feature for visible fiber identification, as well
as a continuous wave mode for visible fault location.
(1) Visible Laser Transmitter
This port houses a laser diode that emits visible
light into optical fibers, either continuously or
intermittently (flashing), depending upon the
mode selected.
(2) Continuous Wave/Test Selector Switch
This 3-way switch selects between OFF (center),
length testing / fiber identification mode (left), and
continuous wave mode (right).
(3) Detector Port
This port houses a silicon detector used to receive
light from an optical fiber.
(4) Test Mode LED
This LED indicates that the tester is in length
testing / visual fiber identification mode.
(5) Continuous Wave Mode LED
This LED indicates that the tester is emitting a
continuous beam of light for visible fault location.
NOTE: During normal operation, if either LED (4
or 5) is not lit, this indicates that the battery has
insufficient power for accurate testing, and must
be replaced.
1
Functional Diagram
1 2 3
4
5
V.O.L.T.
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
RADIATION
LASER
NEVER LOOK INTO ANY LIGHT SOURCE!
Visual Optical Length Tester
Distance in Kilometers
Input
Output
O
F
F
TEST
CW
1.250

PRECAUTIONS
Safety. Extreme caution must be exercised when operating the VOLT. It produces an
ultra-bright beam of red light that can cause permanent damage to the eye with
prolonged exposure.
Whenever possible, follow these safety tips when operating the VOLT:
Do NOT look directly at the beam of light. Use your peripheral vision or view
the beam of light at an angle.
Use a sheet of paper or your hand to reflect the beam of light from the fiber
end into your range of vision.
Dim the lights in the room. This will make the beam more visible from
a distance.
Operational. In order to insure accurate and reliable readings, it is vitally important
to clean the ports on the tester, as well as the ferrules on the patch cords, before each
use. If dirt, dust, or oil are allowed to build up inside the connector, the surface of the
laser diode may become scratched, producing erroneous results. Replace the dust
caps on the tester ports and patch cords when not in use.
REQUIRED ACCESSORIES
Cleaning Supplies. Fiber ferrules, connector ports and bulkheads should be
cleaned with 99% or better isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. A can of
compressed air should be available to dry off the ferrules, and to blow dust from the
connector ports and bulkheads.
Patch Cords. Two identical patch cords are required to connect the VOLT to the
system under test, and an additional patch cord is required to loop back the two fibers
being used for the test. The connector styles on the patch cords must match the type
on the VOLT and the type of the bulkheads in the system under test.
NEVER LOOK INTO A LIGHT SOURCE OR THE END OF A
FIBER THAT MAY BE ENERGIZED BY A SOURCE!
2

APPLICATIONS
Fiber Length Measurement. The VOLT uses a “round robin” method of length
measurement. This method requires two fibers from the same fiber cable to be looped
back at one end with a patch cord. Light is injected into one of the fibers by the
transmitter and is received by the detector connected to the other fiber. The round
trip travel time is converted into length in kilometers and divided by two to arrive at the
length of the fiber cable. It is not necessary to test each fiber for length; the length
measurement applies to all fibers in the cable.
Visual Fiber Identification. The VOLT provides a flashing mode for easy visual
fiber identification. Fibers are identified by locating the fiber end with the flashing red
light on the opposite end of the fiber cable. This is useful for locating fibers that are
marked incorrectly or not marked at all.
Visual Fault Location. In Continuous Wave Mode, a steady beam of ultra-bright red
laser light is injected into the fiber. If this light encounters a break or microbend in the
fiber, the light will be redirected into the buffer. If the break or microbend is severe
enough, this light will be visible through the fiber jacket, informing the user of a break
or microbend in the fiber.
NEVER LOOK INTO A LIGHT SOURCE OR THE END OF A
FIBER THAT MAY BE ENERGIZED BY A SOURCE!
NEVER LOOK INTO A LIGHT SOURCE OR THE END OF A
FIBER THAT MAY BE ENERGIZED BY A SOURCE!
OPERATION
Fiber Length Measurement (Figure 1 - Length Testing Configuration - Page 4)
(1) On one end of the fiber cable, loop back two of the fibers with one of the patch
cords.
(2) On the other end of the fiber cable, connect one patch cord to each of the
fibers being used for the test. Connect the other end of the patch cords to the
receiver and transmitter ports on the VOLT.
(3) Power ON the VOLT into length test mode by flipping the switch to the left.
3

NOTE: If the green indicator LED does not light up, this means that the battery power insufficient
for a valid test. The battery must be replaced before continuing.
Figure 1 - Length Testing Configuration
4
V.O.L.T.
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
RADIATION
LASER
NEVER LOOK INTO ANY LIGHT SOURCE!
Visual Optical Length Tester
Distance in Kilometers
Input
Output
O
F
F
TEST
CW
1.250
Patch
Cords
Fiber
Link
Visual Fiber Identification (Figure 2 - Visual Fiber Identification Configuration -
Page 5)
(1) Connect the VOLT to the fiber you are testing via a patch cord as shown in
Figure 2.
(2) Power ON the VOLT into fiber identification mode by flipping the switch to
the left. This mode emits a flashing beam of high-intensity red light into the

fiber.
(3) Identify the fiber by looking for the flashing red light emitting from the
connector.
NEVER LOOK INTO A LIGHT SOURCE OR THE END OF A
FIBER THAT MAY BE ENERGIZED BY A SOURCE!
Figure 2 - Visual Fiber Identification Configuration
Visual Fault Location (Figure 3 - Visual Fault Location Configuration - Page 6)
(1) Connect the VOLT to the fiber you are testing via a patch cord as shown in
5
V.O.L.T.
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
RADIATION
LASER
NEVER LOOK INTO ANY LIGHT SOURCE!
Visual Optical Length Tester
Distance in Kilometers
Input
Output
O
F
F
TEST
CW
- - - -
Patch
Cord
Fiber
Link
See Page 2 for
precautions and tips
when operating in
this mode.

Figure 3.
(2) Power ON the VOLT to visual fault location mode by flipping the switch to the
right. The display will show a series of hyphens to indicate fault location
mode. If there is a fault in the fiber, red light will appear as a red glow through
the fiber jacket.
Figure 3 - Visual Fault Location Configuration
6
V.O.L.T.
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
RADIATION
LASER
NEVER LOOK INTO ANY LIGHT SOURCE!
Visual Optical Length Tester
Distance in Kilometers
Input
Output
O
F
F
TEST
CW
Patch
Cord
Fiber
Link
See Page 2 for
precautions and tips
when operating in
this mode.
Break or
Microbend

MAINTENANCE/CALIBRATION
PROCEDURES
Repair. Repair of this unit by unauthorized personnel is prohibited, and will void any
warranty associated with the unit.
Battery Replacement. The battery compartment is covered by a sliding plate on the
back of the unit. One 9v battery is required for operation.
Cleaning. For accurate readings, the optical connectors on the VOLT and the
connectors on the patch cords should be cleaned prior to attaching them to one
another. Minimize dust and dirt buildup by replacing the dust caps after each use.
Re-calibration. Due to the nature of the VOLT’s functions, re-calibration of this
unit is not necessary.
Warranty. The VOLT comes standard with a one-year factory war ranty, which covers
manufacturer defects and workmanship only.
7
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
Whitewater, WI 53190 [phone]
Visible Optical Radiation When
Power Switch Is Set To The ON
Position -- Avoid Eye
Exposure To Direct Or Scattered
Radiation
Fiber Laser: ~650 nm 2.0 mW
MODEL# VOLT-1
SERIAL# VTxxxxx
DATE: 11/27/01
POWER: 9V DC
MADE IN USA
WARNING AND
SERIAL NUMBER
INFORMATION
The serial number and model number can be
found on the back of the unit, as well as the
laser source information.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Launch Method:
Output Power:
Resolution:
Accuracy:
Measurement Range:
Battery Life:
Operating Temperature:
Storage Temperature:
Low Battery Indicator:
Connector Style:
Width:
Height:
Depth:
Weight (with battery):
Red Laser
2 milliwatts
up to 0.005 kilometers
± 2.5 meters
5 kilometers
15 hours
0 to 55°C
0 to 75°C
Ye s
ST
2.75 inches
4.94 inches
1.28 inches
154 grams
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address:
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
N9623 Hwy 12
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone:
[phone]
Web:
OWL-INC.COM

CONVERSION FACTORS
The VOLT displays fiber length in kilometers. At times it may be necessary to convert
the fiber length to a different unit of measurement. The table below provides
conversion factors for various units of measurement.
To calculate the units you need, multiply the number on the VOLT display by the
conversion factor listed in the table below:
1 kilometer
1 kilometer
1 kilometer
1000 meters
0.6214 miles
3281 feet
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Distance in Kilometers
1.250
Examples:
Here are some examples of converting the VOLT display into
different units of measurement. For these examples, let us
assume a fiber length of 1.25 kilometers as shown by the
display at right.
kilometers to meters
1.250 x 1000 = 1250 meters
kilometers to miles
1.250 x 0.6214 = 0.777 miles
kilometers to feet
1.250 x 3281 = 4101.25 feet