OWL MPO User manual

OWL-INC.COM
Revision 1.0 Optical Wavelength Laboratories (OWL)
N9623 Old Hwy 12
Internet: OWL-INC.COM
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: [phone]
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
OPERATIONS GUIDE
MPO OPTICAL SWITCHES

2
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cleaning the Optical Ports 16
Contact Information 17
Warranty Information 17
Activating Bluetooth Pairing 16
Introduction
Optical Ports 6
About This Manual 3
Precautions 5
Appendices
Specifications 6
Before You Begin 3
Product Label 5
Description 4
OTDR Testing 7
VFL Testing 8
General Features 6
Light Sources 9
Power Meters 10
Test Procedures
Applications
Testing MPO Cables 11
Operation/Maintenance
Re-charging the Device Battery 17

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.
Fiber optic testers vary from other types of test equipment due to issues such as:
1) standards-based testing
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.
Valuable information about fiber optic testing can also be gathered from reading printed literature carefully or by thoroughly reading
supplied operations manuals.
3) "zeroing" or referencing of power levels
4) determining the correct link budget to pass or fail by
2) proper fiber optic test procedures (FOTPs)
Complete understanding of each of these issues is critical for performing proper fiber optic tests.
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
Warns the operator of a potentially dangerous condition
Tells the user some useful information about the successful completion of a procedure
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
3

INTRODUCTION
OWL optical switches enable fiber optic technicians to use their traditional single-fiber testers, such as OTDRs, VFLs, power meters,
TM
and light sources to conveniently test 12-fiber MPO/MTP cabling without the need for bulky, confusing, and expensive breakout
cables or cassettes. Models are available for multimode or singlemode fibers.
MPO optical switches act as a sort of “traffic cop”, re-directing the optical signal from the input port to a specific MPO channel. MPO
channel selection is manually controlled via channel up / channel down buttons, allowing users to target specific MPO channels to be
tested. Channel number is indicated by a bright, easy-to-read 7-segment LED display.
The MPO optical port is covered by a shuttered dust cover, in order to prevent debris from collecting in the MPO port.
The optical switches are powered by a re-chargeable Lithium Polymer battery, allowing for hours of continuous use on a complete 12
charge. The battery is charged via supplied USB charger and cable, and a battery indicator LED indicates low battery and charging
status.
OWL optical switches are also equipped with Bluetooth, allowing them to communicate wirelessly with certain Bluetooth-enabled
OWL power meters and OTDRs. While in AUTO mode, the OWL tester will tell the MPO switch to the next MPO channel to test.
DESCRIPTION
4

INTRODUCTION
PRECAUTIONS
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.
Input Connector - Do NOT insert APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors into the input port of the MPO switch as this may
damage the angled ferrule on the APC connector.
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.
On the back of each DataCenter 12 MPO Optical Switch are labels similar to the one shown below containing model number, serial
number, power requirements, and special cautionary information.
PRODUCT LABEL
MADE IN USA
MODEL# MPO-OSW
SERIAL# OSWS9999
Conforms to the Harmonized
European Standards EN
61326-1 and EN 61010-1.
POWER: 5V DC, 1A
DataCenter 12
MPO Optical Switch
5

Bluetooth Status LED
Channel Selection LED - bright, easy-to-read 7-segment LED
indicates which switch channel is currently in use
MPO Cable Port - allows connection to 12-fiber MPO cable under
test; includes shuttered dustcap to minimize debris buildup; fibers are
numbered 1-12 from right to left (see diagram at right)
Charger Port - charges internal Lithium Polymer re-chargeable
battery via supplied USB cable and charger
Device Port - allows connection from single-port test device such as
OTDR, power meter, light source, or VFL; SC
Battery / Charger Status LED
Channel Selection Buttons - used to manually set the switch
channel (1-12)
Bluetooth Enable Button - used to pair the optical switch, and set up
auto channel switching, with certain Bluetooth-enabled OWL testers
Power Button - power ON/OFF the device
GENERAL FEATURES
DATACENTER 12 SERIES
MPO OPTICAL SWITCH
(MODEL #s: MPO-OSW-M12; MPO-OSW-S12)
6
Storage Temperature
Dimensions
Operating Temperature
Weight
Battery Type
Battery Life
Display Type
GENERAL
Lithium Polymer
7-segment LED
-40 to 85° C
10 ounces (284 g)
2.87” x 4.42” x 1.25”
up to 12 hours continuous use
-5 to 70° C
Fiber Type
Single-fiber Port
MPO Port
Channel Insertion Loss (typical @ 850nm)
Channel Insertion Loss (typical @ 1300nm)
Wavelength Range
Fiber Type
Wavelength Range
Single-fiber Port
Channel Insertion Loss (typical @ 1310nm)
MPO Port
Channel Insertion Loss (typical @ 1550nm)
SC/APC
<1.4 dB
<1.7 dB
Singlemode
1310nm & 1550nm
12-fiber MPO (APC)
<1.0 dB
SC/UPC
50/125µm multimode
12-fiber MPO (UPC)
<1.0 dB
850nm & 1300nm
SPECIFICATIONS
MULTIMODE SWITCH SPECIFICATIONS (MPO-OSW-M12)
SINGLEMODE SWITCH SPECIFICATIONS (MPO-OSW-S12)
112
Channel
numbering

OTDR TESTING
APPLICATIONS
7
STEP 3 Set the MPO switch to the MPO channel that corresponds to the specific MPO fiber to be tested. Usually this will be MPO
switch Channel 1 when testing all of the fibers in the MPO cable
Testing 12-fiber MPO cables with an OTDR and DataCenter 12 MPO Optical Switch
STEP 1 Power ON both the OTDR and the MPO Switch.
STEP 2 Connect the OTDR and optical switch to the MPO cable under test using the accessories as shown below.
SC/UPC-SC/UPC patch cable (ensure correct fiber type)
25-meter MPO OTDR launch cable (ensure correct fiber type; use Type B)
MPO adapter (Type B)
OPTIONAL: if you want to include the far end MPO connector in the OTDR test, attach another MPO adapter ( ) and MPO OTDR
launch cable ( )to the end of the MPO cable under test
However, based on the polarity of the MPO cable under test, please be aware that the fibers may or may not be numbered the same on
the opposite end of the MPO cable. Take this into account when testing in the opposite direction.
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until all fibers in the MPO cable have been tested.
IMPORTANT NOTE: the MPO cable under test will typically be tested from the right-most fiber (Channel 1) to the left-most (Channel
12) as seen from the perspective of the near-end MPO connector.
STEP 4 Run the OTDR test, and save the results.
STEP 5 Press the UP arrow button ( ) to change to the next channel.
25-METER MPO
LAUNCH CABLE
(TYPE B)
MPO ADAPTER
(TYPE B)
MPO CABLE UNDER TEST
112
1
12

VFL TESTING
8
Testing 12-fiber MPO cables with a Visual Fault Locator and DataCenter 12 MPO Optical Switch
STEP 1 Power ON both the VFL and the MPO Switch.
SC/UPC-SC/UPC patch cable (ensure correct fiber type)
STEP 2 Connect the VFL and optical switch to the MPO cable under test using the accessories as shown below.
STEP 3 Set the MPO switch to MPO switch Channel 1
IMPORTANT NOTE: based on what type of MPO cable is being tested, the light from MPO Channel 1 will appear in different places at
the far end. This is helpful to visually verify the polarity of the cable under test. See diagram below for common standards-based MPO
polarity arrangements.
For example, when the MPO optical switch is set to Channel 1, the light will be seen on Fiber 1 for Type A, Fiber 12 for Type B, and
Fiber 2 for Type C.
STEP 4 Press the UP arrow button ( ) to change to the next channel.
MPO CABLE UNDER TEST
112
Key Up Key Down
Type A (Straight)
Key Up Key Up
Type B (Reversed)
Key Up Key Down
Type C (Pairs Flipped)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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11
10
9
8
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2
1
1
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8
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12
1
2
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5
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12
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2
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5
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12
1
2
3
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5
6
7
8
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12
APPLICATIONS

LIGHT SOURCES
9
STEP 2 Connect the light source and optical switch to the MPO cable under test using the accessories as shown below.
SC/UPC-SC/UPC patch cable (ensure correct fiber type)
For example, when the MPO optical switch is set to Channel 1, the light will exit on Fiber 1 for Type A, Fiber 12 for Type B, and Fiber 2
for Type C.
STEP 3 Set the MPO switch to MPO switch Channel 1
IMPORTANT NOTE: based on what type of MPO cable is being tested, the light from MPO Channel 1 will appear in different places at
the far end. See diagram below for common standards-based MPO polarity arrangements.
STEP 4 Press the UP arrow button ( ) to change to the next channel.
Testing 12-fiber MPO cables with a Single-port Light Source and DataCenter 12 MPO Optical Switch
STEP 1 Power ON both the light source and the MPO Switch.
MPO CABLE UNDER TEST
112
Key Up Key Down
Type A (Straight)
Key Up Key Up
Type B (Reversed)
Key Up Key Down
Type C (Pairs Flipped)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
To MPO Power Meter
or a second MPO switch
connected to a standard
single-port power meter
APPLICATIONS

POWER METERS
10
STEP 1 Power ON both the power meter and the MPO Switch.
Testing 12-fiber MPO cables with a Single-port Light Source and DataCenter 12 MPO Optical Switch
STEP 2 Connect the power meter and optical switch to the MPO cable under test using the accessories as shown below.
SC/UPC-SC/UPC patch cable (ensure correct fiber type)
STEP 3 Set the MPO switch to MPO switch Channel 1
IMPORTANT NOTE: based on what type of MPO cable is being tested, the light from MPO Channel 1 will appear in different places at
the far end. See diagram below for common standards-based MPO polarity arrangements.
For example, when the MPO optical switch is set to Channel 1, the light will be seen on Fiber 1 for Type A, Fiber 12 for Type B, and
Fiber 2 for Type C.
STEP 4 Press the UP arrow button ( ) to change to the next channel.
MPO CABLE UNDER TEST
112
Key Up Key Down
Type A (Straight)
Key Up Key Up
Type B (Reversed)
Key Up Key Down
Type C (Pairs Flipped)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
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5
6
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12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
From MPO Light Source
or a second MPO switch
connected to a standard
single-port light source
APPLICATIONS

OVERVIEW
TEST PROCEDURES
11
Fiber OWL 7 series power meters are configured with MPO testing capability.
MPO testing requires:
2) FIBER OWL 7 METER, MPO SOURCE, AND MPO SWITCH
REQUIRED ACCESSORIES
For best results, use the 3-jumper reference method (which requires the cables and adapter shown below)
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
TEST SAVE
LOSS
FIBER#1
ACME CORP / HQ WEST
M=COMPUTER ROOM I=NETWORK HUB 3
Length: 100m WAVE: xxx 1310
EIA/TIA 568C.3 CON: 2X
INDOOR SM SPL: 2 XENTER
-0.24
1310nm
dB
-0.23
1550nm
dB
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
TEST SAVE
LOSS
FIBER#1
ACME CORP / HQ WEST
M=COMPUTER ROOM I=NETWORK HUB 3
Length: 100m WAVE: xxx 1310
EIA/TIA 568C.3 CON: 2X
INDOOR SM SPL: 2 XENTER
-0.24
1310nm
dB
-0.23
1550nm
dB
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
UNPINNED-TO-UNPINNED
TYPE B
MPO ADAPTER TYPE B
NOTE: for automatic channel switching to function properly, the Bluetooth connection
between the switch and the meter must be set up. The Fiber OWL 7 must also have a
Bluetooth module installed.
To set up Bluetooth connection:
MENU > UTILITIES MENU > BLUETOOTH SETUP
Power on both devices, then press OSW button. Pairing takes around 30-35 seconds.

GATHER LINK SETUP INFORMATION
TEST PROCEDURES
12
Location Building or geographic area where the fiber link is located
Fiber Type Type of fiber used in the link under test; options may vary based on chosen cabling standard
(see appendix for a fiber type diagram)
Injector End End of the fiber link where the light source unit will be used
RUN NAME – naming of fiber test results within the job to uniquely identify individual fiber strands
To make the setup process go more smoothly, have the following information ready in advance.
LINK NAME – general information about the job (user-definable)
Meter End End of the fiber link where the meter unit will be used
Standard not required, since LOSS MODE does not determine PASS/FAIL
TEST CORD TYPE – defines inter-connection loss at the very ends of the fiber link .where the test equipment connects in
(patch panels, wall outlets) – Options: REFERENCE-grade or STANDARD-grade
Testing MPO cables uses a similar setup procedure to LOSS mode (see LOSS MODE - CONFIGURE JOB PARAMETERS) to set up
the meter for MPO loss testing.
Project Name of the overall project
FIBER TEST MODE – how to go about testing the fiber link
Test Mode LOSS
SOURCE PORT refers to the type of test cord attached to the light source
OPM PORT refers to the type of test cord attached to the optical power meter
LINK INFORMATION – physical configuration of the link under test
Connections Number of inter-connections in the middle of the link under test (patch panels, other mating
sleeves) NOT including the connections at the far end of the link
Splices Number of splices in the link under test; can be either fusion or mechanical splices
Reference Method 1-jumper reference method
ENCIRCLED FLUX – is EF compliance required for this test: YES or NO (only required for multimode testing)
Consult cabling standard documentation or end user requirements to determine if EF compliance is required; if
so, special mode controller cables will be required for setting the optical reference (aka “zeroing”).
Number The starting fiber strand number in the link. The number will be automatically
incremented as the test results are saved.
Name The name used to identify the group of individual fiber strands in the link
TESTING MPO CABLES

SET REFERENCE - 3-JUMPER REFERENCE METHOD
TEST PROCEDURES
13
The meter screen will begin populating with reference levels for all fibers at all available wavelengths.
Press the UNITS button to view test results in dB (LOSS) mode if necessary.
1) Once all the job parameters have been entered, connect the units together as shown on the display, and make sure all the units are
powered on, and the light source is set to AUTO mode.
TESTING MPO CABLES
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
UNPINNED-TO-UNPINNED
TYPE B
MPO ADAPTER TYPE B
SWITCH
MPO SC SC
MPO
METER
SOURCE
Using your test reference
cables, please connect the meter
and source as shown and
press any key to proceed.
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
UNPINNED-TO-UNPINNED
TYPE B
MPO ADAPTER TYPE B
TEST LENGTH ZERO SAVE
LOSS
MPO OM3
MPO LOSS / OWL
M=ER R=WA
MPO dB Power @ m OPM OLS
PORT 850nm 1300nm
01 0.00 0.00
2 0.00 0.000
3 0.00 0.000
4 0.00 0.000
5 0.00 0.000
6 0.00 0.000
7 0.00 0.000
8 0.00 0.000
9 0.00 0.000
10 0.00 0.00
11 0.00 0.00
12 0.00 0.00
N/A BY: --.--
MPO ‘B’
EIA/TIA 568C.3 CON: 2 SPL: 0
50.0um CS1 LEN: 0m
1
HELP ENTER

TAKE LOSS MEASUREMENTS
TEST PROCEDURES
14
2) Remove the center (unpinned-to-unpinned) cable
3) Insert the next cable under test, then press TEST.
The screen will begin populating with loss measurement data.
TESTING MPO CABLES
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
MPO ADAPTER TYPE B
TEST LENGTH ZERO SAVE
LOSS
MPO OM3
MPO LOSS / OWL
M=ER R=WA
MPO dB Power @ m OPM OLS
PORT 850nm 1300nm
01 0.00 0.00
2 0.00 0.000
3 0.00 0.000
4 0.00 0.000
5 0.00 0.000
6 0.00 0.000
7 0.00 0.000
8 0.00 0.000
9 0.00 0.000
10 0.00 0.00
11 0.00 0.00
12 0.00 0.00
N/A BY: --.--
MPO ‘B’
EIA/TIA 568C.3 CON: 2 SPL: 0
50.0um CS1 LEN: 0m
1
HELP ENTER
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
MPO ADAPTER TYPE B
TEST LENGTH ZERO SAVE
LOSS
Testing...
MPO LOSS / OWL
M=ER R=WA
MPO dBm Power @ OPM OLS
PORT 850nm 1300nm
01 -0.51 -0.98
2 -0.48 -0.760
3 -0.01 -0.520
4 -0.20 -0.480
5 -0.010 -20.89
6 0 -19.03 -20.73
7 0 -19.31 -21.36
8 0 -19.11 -21.17
9 0 -19.57 -20.91
10 -19.42 -20.96
11 -18.98 -21.36
12 -19.76 -21.07
N/A BY: --.--
MPO ‘B’
EIA/TIA 568C.3 CON: 2 SPL: 0
50.0um CS1 LEN: 0m
1
HELP ENTER

TAKE LOSS MEASUREMENTS
TEST PROCEDURES
15
4) Review the test results for all fibers.
TESTING MPO CABLES
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
MPO ADAPTER TYPE B
TEST LENGTH ZERO SAVE
LOSS
MPO OM3
MPO LOSS / OWL
M=ER R=WA
MPO dB Power @ m OPM OLS
PORT 850nm 1300nm
01 0.00 0.00
2 0.00 0.000
3 0.00 0.000
4 0.00 0.000
5 0.00 0.000
6 0.00 0.000
7 0.00 0.000
8 0.00 0.000
9 0.00 0.000
10 0.00 0.00
11 0.00 0.00
12 0.00 0.00
N/A BY: --.--
MPO ‘B’
EIA/TIA 568C.3 CON: 2 SPL: 0
50.0um CS1 LEN: 0m
1
HELP ENTER
STORE TEST RESULTS
To test additional MPO cables, repeat steps 2 through 5 for each MPO cable to test and document.
To view the stored test results, see “WORKING WITH STORED DATA”.
5) Press SAVE to store the test results, then modify the run name if necessary.
Optical Switch
MPO OWL
Optical Source
MPO OWL
AUTO
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
PINNED-TO-PINNED
TYPE B
MPO ADAPTER TYPE B
TEST LENGTH ZERO SAVE
LOSS
MPO OM3
MPO LOSS / OWL
M=ER R=WA
MPO dB Power @ m OPM OLS
PORT 850nm 1300nm
01 0.00 0.00
2 0.00 0.000
3 0.00 0.000
4 0.00 0.000
5 0.00 0.000
6 0.00 0.000
7 0.00 0.000
8 0.00 0.000
9 0.00 0.000
10 0.00 0.00
11 0.00 0.00
12 0.00 0.00
N/A BY: --.--
MPO ‘B’
EIA/TIA 568C.3 CON: 2 SPL: 0
50.0um CS1 LEN: 0m
1
HELP ENTER

The MPO optical switch contains a Bluetooth module that can pair with certain Bluetooth-enabled OWL test devices for the purpose of
automatically switching the MPO switch channel.
STEP 1 Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the optical switch. The green indicator LED will begin flashing.
Once the devices have been paired successfully, the OWL test device will be able to automatically control the MPO channel switching.
The indicator LED will blink slowly when switching the MPO channel.
STEP 2 Initiate the Bluetooth pairing procedure on the OWL device.
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
ACTIVATING BLUETOOTH PAIRING
16
Required Accessories:
= SC port: 2.5mm cleaning swabs or one-click cleaner
= MPO port: MPO one-click cleaner
= Compressed Air (optional)
= Fiber optic inspection scope (400x magnification or greater recommended) with SC port probe tip and MPO port probe tip
CLEANING THE OPTICAL PORTS

APPENDICES
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address:
N9623 US Hwy 12
Whitewater, WI 53190
Optical Wavelength Laboratories, Inc.
Phone:
OWL-INC.COM
Internet:
262-473-0643
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 MPO optical switch and the connectors on all fiber cables should be
cleaned prior to attaching them to each other. Minimize dust and dirt buildup by replacing the dust caps after each use.
Warranty. The MPO optical switch comes standard with a two-year factory warranty, which covers manufacturer defect and
workmanship only.
MAINTENANCE AND CALIBRATION INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
17
RE-CHARGING THE DEVICE BATTERY
To avoid damage to the unit or harm to the user, only use approved battery chargers.
Battery charger electrical specifications:
The Lithium Polymer battery in the optical switch is re-charged through the USB port.
A battery charger and USB cable is supplied for this purpose.
The device can either be recharged using the battery charger or a computer USB port.
INPUT: 100-240V AC 50-60Hz
OUTPUT: DC 5.0V 100mA +/- 5%