Textron Greenlee 915FS User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Read and understand all of the instructions
and safety information in this manual
before operating or servicing this tool.
Register this product at www.greenleecommunications.com
52079877 REV 2 © 2017 Greenlee Textron Inc. 11/17
915FS
Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
2
Table of Contents
Preface 3
Important Safety Information 4
Section 1. Identification 9
Section 2. Operation 11
Setup............................................................................................................................11
Splice Mode .................................................................................................................12
Fiber Preparation..........................................................................................................13
Splicing Procedure.......................................................................................................15
Heating Protection Sleeve............................................................................................16
Cooling Tray .................................................................................................................17
Splice-on Connectors ..................................................................................................17
Upgrading Software .....................................................................................................17
Button Functions..........................................................................................................18
Appendixes ..................................................................................................................18
Section 3. Menu Operation 19
Splice Mode Menu (S–Mode).......................................................................................21
Heater Mode Menu (H–Mode)......................................................................................24
Maintenance.................................................................................................................26
Splice Set .....................................................................................................................29
Data Save.....................................................................................................................30
Set ................................................................................................................................32
Section 4. Specifications 37
Section 5. Troubleshooting 38
Appendix A. 915FS Fusion Splicer Cleaning 43
Appendix B. Practice Splicing 46
Appendix C. Greenlee Splice-on Connectors 48

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
3
Preface
Description
The Greenlee Communications 915FS Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer is intended to fuse
bers, resulting in low splice loss and long-term stable splices. Splice loss depends on
certain conditions such as ber preparation, splicing parameters, and ber condition.
The 915FS fusion splicer uses an active cladding alignment technology in which
alignment of the ber is performed in all three axis. This allows the technician to
complete fusion splices with low splice losses as with core alignment splicers and far
surpassing the performance of V-Groove splicers.
The 915FS is perfectly suited for all FTT(x) and P2P applications.
Contents List
• 915FS fusion splicer
• 250 micron adapter pair
• 900 micron adapter pair
• SC/LC splice-on connector adapter
• Spare electrodes (one pair)
• AC adapter (power supply) with line cord
• Battery pack (installed in 915FS)
• Carry case with strap
• 1.5 mm hex wrench
• Plastic tweezers
• Cooling tray
• Electrode polisher with 10 polishing strips
• Cleaning brush
• USB cable
• Oven adapter for SOC
• User manual
Safety
Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of Greenlee tools and equipment.
Thisinstruction manual and any markings on the tool provide information for avoiding
hazards and unsafe practices related to the use of this tool. Observe all of the safety
information provided.
Purpose of This Manual
This instruction manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe operation
and maintenance procedures for the Greenlee Communications 915FS Optical Fiber
Fusion Splicer.
Keep this manual available to all personnel. Replacement manuals are available upon
request at no charge at www.greenleecommunications.com.
All specications are nominal and may change as design improvements occur. Greenlee Textron Inc. shall not
be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.
berTOOLS is a trademark of Textron Innovations Inc.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
4
Important Safety Information
General
Use this unit for the manufacturer’s intended purpose only, as described in this manual.
Any other use can impair the protection provided by the unit. Do not use the splicer on
live bers.
Environmental Conditions
This tool is designed to operate at a maximum relative humidity of 95% and at altitudes
up to 5000 m (16,400 ft).
Before Applying Power
Verify that the tool is set to match the available line voltage and the correct fuse is
installed.
Do Not Operate in Explosive Atmosphere
Do not operate the tool in the presence of ammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Remove Instrument Cover
Do not remove the cover of the unit for any reason. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
SAFETY
ALERT
SYMBOL
This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards or unsafe practices which could
result in an injury or property damage. The signal word, dened below, indicates the
severity of the hazard. The message after the signal word provides information for
preventing or avoiding the hazard.
Immediate hazards which, if not avoided, WILL result in severe injury or death.
Hazards which, if not avoided, COULD result in severe injury or death.
Hazards or unsafe practices which, if not avoided, MAY result in injury or property
damage.
Read and understand all of the instructions and safety information in
this manual before operating or servicing this tool.
Failure to observe this warning could result in severe injury or death.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
5
Important Safety Information
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits could result in severe injury or death.
Wear eye protection when using this tool.
Fiber fragments can be extremely dangerous if they come into contact
with eyes or skin or are ingested.
Disconnect AC power cord from AC adapter inlet or wall socket (outlet) immediately if
user observes the following or if the splicer receives the following faults:
• Fumes, bad odor, noise, or overheat occurs.
• Liquid or foreign matter falls into cabinet.
• Splicer is damaged or dropped.
If these faults occur, return unit to Greenlee service center for repair. Leaving splicer in
a damaged state could cause equipment failure, electric shock or re, and could result
in severe injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
• Use only AC adapter or battery charger designed for this splicer. Using an
improper AC power source could cause fuming, electric shock, or equipment
damage.
• Do not disassemble or modify splicer, AC adapter, or battery. Do not remove
or bypass any electrical or mechanical device (e.g., fuse or safety switch)
incorporated into design and manufacturing of this equipment.
• Never operate tool in an environment where ammable liquids or vapors exist.
Risk of re or explosion could result from the tool’s electrical arc in such an
environment.
• Do not use compressed gas or canned air to clean tool. They may contain
ammable materials that could ignite during electrical discharge.
• Do not touch electrodes when splicer is on and power is supplied to unit. The
electrodes generate high voltage and high temperatures that could cause a severe
shock or burn.
• Turn tool off and disconnect AC power cord before replacing electrodes.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
6
Important Safety Information
Electric shock hazard: Use only proper power source.
• Check AC power source before use. Proper AC power source is 100–240 VAC,
50–60 Hz. Proper DC power source is 10–12 VDC. Improper AC or DC power
source could cause fuming, electric shock, or equipment damage.
• AC generators commonly produce abnormally high AC output voltage or irregular
frequencies. Measure output AC voltage with a circuit tester before connecting
the AC power cord. Such abnormally high voltage or frequency from a generator
could cause fuming, electric shock, or equipment damage. Make sure generator is
regularly checked and serviced.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
• Do not modify, abuse, heat, or excessively pull on power cord. Use of a damaged
cord could cause fuming, electric shock, or equipment damage.
• This tool uses a three-prong (core) AC power cord that contains an earthed
ground safety mechanism. This tool must be grounded. Use only the supplied
power cord. Never use a two-prong (core) power cord, extension cord, or plug.
• Connect AC power cord properly to splicer (inlet) and wall socket (outlet). When
inserting AC plug, make sure there is no dust or dirt on terminals. Engage by
pressing the female plug into the splicer (inlet) and the male plug into the wall
socket (outlet) until both plugs are fully seated. Incomplete engagement could
cause fuming, electric shock, or equipment damage.
• Do not short-circuit the terminals of AC adapter and optional battery. Excessive
electrical current could cause fuming, electric shock, or equipment damage.
• Do not touch the splicer, AC power cord, and AC plugs with wet hands.
• Do not operate splicer near hot objects, in hot temperature environments, in
dusty/humid atmospheres or when condensation is present on the tool. This may
result in electric shock, splicer malfunction, or poor splicing performance.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
7
Important Safety Information
Explosion hazard: Follow these instructions when using lithium-ion battery:
• Do not charge battery with other methods than instructed.
• Do not dispose of battery in an incinerator or re.
• Do not charge or discharge battery near a ame or in direct sunlight.
• Do not excessively shake or jar battery.
• If battery leaks liquid residue, be careful handling battery so liquid does not
contact skin or eyes. If skin or eyes are contacted, immediately wash thoroughly
and seek medical attention. Dispose of battery and order replacement from
Greenlee.
• If charge did not complete in four hours or the “CHARGE” LED is constantly on,
stop charging immediately and call Greenlee service center for repair.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.
Battery safety:
• Do not allow anything to contact the battery terminals.
• Do not immerse batteries in liquid. Liquid may create a short circuit and damage
the battery. If batteries are immersed, contact your service center for proper
handling.
• Do not place the battery into a pocket, tool pouch, or tool box with conductive
objects. Conductive objects may create a short circuit and damage the battery.
• Do not place a battery on moist ground or grass. Moisture may create a short
circuit and damage the battery.
• Do not store the battery at more than 122 °F (50 °C) or less than –22 °F (–30 °C).
Damage to the battery can result.
• Do not use another manufacturer’s charger. Other manufacturers’ chargers may
overcharge and damage the battery.
• Do not attempt to open the battery. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury and may damage the unit.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
8
• Do not store tool in areas of extremely high temperature and humidity.
• Do not touch protection sleeve or tube heater during or immediately after heating.
These surfaces are very hot and touching them may result in burns.
• Do not place tool in an unstable or unbalanced position. Tool may shift or lose
balance, causing unit to fall.
• This tool is precision adjusted and aligned. Do not allow unit to receive a strong
shock or impact. Use supplied carrying case for transportation and storage.
Carrying case protects tool from damage, moisture, vibration, and shock.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury and may damage the unit.
Follow these instructions for handling electrodes:
• Use only specied electrodes.
• Set new electrodes in correct position.
• Replace electrodes as a pair.
Failure to observe this precaution may cause abnormal arc discharge, which may
result in equipment damage or degradation in splicing performance.
• Do not use any chemical other than pure alcohol (99% or greater) to clean
the V-groove, LCD monitor, etc. Use of other chemicals may cause blurring,
discoloration, damage, or deterioration.
• This tool requires no lubrication. Oil or grease may degrade the splicing
performance and damage the splicer.
• This equipment must be repaired or adjusted by a qualied technician or engineer.
Incorrect repair may cause re or electric shock. Contact Greenlee service center
for repair.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury and may damage the unit.
Important Safety Information

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
9
Section 1. Identification
Components of Splicer

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
10
Top View
Tube Heater
Electrode Cover
V-grooves
Electrode
Ocular
Fiber Clamps

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
11
Section 2. Operation
Setup
Installing Battery in Splicer
The 915FS can be powered by an external power adapter and battery.
Inserting the Battery
Open the battery cover and insert the battery into the battery compartment.
Then close the battery cover and lock it.
Removing the Battery
Unlock the battery cover. Open it and pull the battery out from the battery compartment.
Then close the battery cover.
Two Methods of Checking Remaining Battery Capacity
• If the battery is already installed in the splicer, turn the splicer ON. The battery is
automatically identied, and the remaining battery capacity is displayed on the
“Ready” screen.
• Press the battery check button on the battery pack. The remaining battery capacity
is indicated on the LED indicator.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
12
Turning Splicer ON
Press and hold until the LED on the keypad turns ON (green color).
The “Ready” screen is displayed after all the motors reset to their initial positions.
The power source type is automatically identied. If the battery is used, the remaining
battery capacity is displayed.
Splice Mode
Use SM splice mode for standard SM ber (ITU-TG.652) splicing. It performs splices in
9seconds and is the fastest mode for SM ber splicing.
Use AUTO splice mode if ber type is not identied. Splice takes 2 seconds longer but it
covers most conventional ber splicing for the following reasons:
• AUTO mode rst identies ber type by analyzing ber prole, and the splicing
condition is chosen for the type of ber. The types of bers covered by AUTO are
all the conventional bers, such as SMF (G652), BIF (G657), NZDSF (G655), MMF
(G651), etc. AUTO mode takes longer than the SM processes but is recommended
in cases where the ber type is not positively identied or if the user is new to fusion
splicing.
• AUTO mode uses an automatic arc calibration function, which monitors the splicing
process and ensures adequate arc power for the splice.
Automatic Arc Calibration Function
When the automatic arc calibration function is enabled, performing the arc calibration
function before a splice operation is not necessary as previous splice’s ARC power is
used. If the ambient conditions or type of ber has changed an ARC calibration may
be required. The automatic arc calibration function works in AUTO modes only. It is
not active in the standard splice modes. When using those modes, performing arc
calibration before splicing is strongly recommended.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
13
Fiber Preparation
Placing Protection Sleeve over Fiber
Place the protection sleeve over the ber. Clean optical ber with alcohol-soaked gauze
or lint-free tissue approximately 100 mm (4 in) from the tip.
Note: Splice-on connectors are pre-cleaved. Do not attempt to clean the ber on the
splice-on connector. Follow the instructions supplied with the splice-on connectors.
• Clean optical ber with alcohol-soaked gauze or lint-free tissue. Dust particulates
can enter the protection sleeve, resulting in a ber break or attenuation increase.
• Make sure ber is passed through the protection sleeve.
• When protection sleeve core tube is longer than the length of outer sheath, cut off
excess sleeve to avoid micro bend after heating.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury and may damage the unit.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
14
Stripping and Cleaning Fiber
Use the supplied ber stripping tool to strip the outer coating 30 to 40 mm
(1.25 to 1.5 in) from its tip. Thoroughly clean the ber with alcohol-soaked
(99% or greater) gauze or lint-free tissue.
Fiber Cleaving
Do not let the ber end-face touch anything. Place the ber into the universal adapter,
and insert the adapter into the 915CL. Follow the instructions for the 915CL to cleave
the ber.
Loading Fiber into Splicer
1. Open the wind protector and install the ber adapters into the splicer, making sure
the ber is positioned into the center of the V-grooves.
2. Close the wind protector.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
15
Splicing Procedure
To ensure a good splice, the optical ber is observed with the image processing system
equipped in the 915FS. However, in some cases the image processing system cannot
detect a faulty splice. Visual inspection with the monitor is often necessary for better
splicing yield. Observe the following standard operating procedure:
• After bers are loaded into the splicer, press and the bers will move toward each
other. The ber motion stops and the cleaning arc is performed. The cleave angle
and end-face quality are checked. If the measured cleave angle is greater than its
set threshold or ber chipping is detected, the beeper sounds and an error message
warns the operator. The splicing procedure pauses. If no error message is displayed,
the below stated end-face conditions are used for visual inspection. If observed,
remove the ber from the splicer and repeat ber preparation. These ber cleave
defects may cause a faulty splice.
Chip Lip Incline
• After ber inspection, the bers are aligned core-to-core or cladding-to-cladding.
Cladding axis offset and core axis offset measurements can be displayed.
• After completion of ber alignment, an arc discharge is performed to splice the
bers.
• Estimated splice loss is displayed upon completion of splicing. Splice loss is
affected by factors stated in Section 5. These factors are taken into account
to calculate, or estimate, splice loss. The calculation is based on dimensional
parameters, such as MFD, cleave quality, and fusion splice shape after the splice.
If either the cleave angle measured or the estimated splice loss exceeds its
set threshold, an error message is displayed. If the spliced ber is detected as
abnormal, such as “Fat”, “Thin” or “Bubble”, an error message is displayed. If no
error message is displayed but the splice looks poor by visual inspection through the
monitor, it is strongly recommended to resplice.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
16
Notes:
• Splice point sometimes looks a bit fatter than other parts. This is considered a
normal splice and does not affect splice loss.
• To change threshold for estimated splice loss or cleave angle, refer to “Splice
Mode” in this manual for details.
• Splice loss may be improved in some cases by additional arc discharges.
Press or as displayed in the main splicing screen, for an additional arc
discharge (re-arc). Splice loss estimate and splice check are performed again.
Splice loss may be worsened in some cases by additional arc discharges
(re-arcs). Additional arc discharge can be set to “disabled”, or limited to the
number of additional arcs.
• Splicing result is automatically saved in splicer memory.
Heating Protection Sleeve
1. Transfer the ber with protection sleeve from the centering device to the tube heater.
2. Close the tube heater lid.
Notes:
• Make sure the splice point is located at the center of the protection sleeve.
• Make sure the strength member in the protection sleeve is placed downward.
• Make sure the ber is not distorted.
• The splice-on connector must be installed on the right-hand side of the splicer
heater. Use heater prole #1 for the SOC.
3. Press to start tube heating. The beeper sounds and the HEAT LED (red color)
turns off when tube heating is completed.
4. Open the tube heater lids and remove the protected ber from the tube heater.
Applysome tension to the ber while removing it from the tube heater.
5. Visually inspect the nished sleeve to verify that no bubbles or debris/dust is present
in the sleeve.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
17
Cooling Tray
Place the splice into the cooling tray on the back of the 915FS splicer.
Splice-on Connectors
The 915FS uses the Greenlee version of splice-on connectors. The 915FS currently
supports SC, LC, FC, and ST versions (both PC and APC nish, where applicable).
Follow the instructions supplied with the SOC packaging.
Upgrading Software
The 915FS software can be upgraded using the online software upgrade tool
at www.greenleecommunications.com.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
18
Button Functions
Button Description
Turns the splicer ON/OFF
Menu key
Enter key
Return/Exit key
vLeft key
wRight key
rUp key
sDown key
Start/Stop heating protection
Provides a second ARC to the fusion splice
Resets the motor position
Starts splicing work
Switches between X, Y and X/Y views
Appendixes
Refer to the following appendixes at the end of this manual for additional operating
information:
• Appendix A—915FS Fusion Splicer Cleaning
• Appendix B—Practice Splicing
• Appendix C—Greenlee Splice-on Connectors

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
19
Section 3. Menu Operation
Press to enter the splicer menu. There are six main menus:
1. Splice Mode Menu (S–Mode)
2. Heater Mode Menu (H–Mode)
3. Maintenance
4. Splice Set
5. Data Save
6. Set
Explanation of Splice Modes
Mode No. Splice Mode Description
1 AUTO
For splicing in most cases; the splicer will automatically adjust splice parameters
according to ber type.
Automatic arc calibration works in this splice mode.
2 AUTO SM
For splicing standard single-mode ber (ITU-T G652).
The MFD is 9 to 10 µm at wavelength of 1310 nm.
Automatic arc calibration works in this splice mode.
3 AUTO DS
For splicing dispersion-shifted ber (ITU-T G653).
The MFD is 7 to 9 µm at wavelength of 1550 nm.
Automatic arc calibration works in this splice mode.
4 AUTO NZ
For splicing non-zero dispersion-shifted ber (ITU-T G655).
The MFD is 9 to 10 µm at wavelength of 1550 nm.
Automatic arc calibration works in this splice mode.
5 AUTO MM1 For splicing multi-mode ber (ITU-T G651). Core diameter: 50.0 to 62.5 µm.
Automatic arc calibration works in this splice mode.

915FS Splicer
Greenlee / A Textron Company 1390 Aspen Way • Vista, CA 92081 USA • 800-642-2155
20
Explanation of Splice Modes (cont’d)
Mode No. Splice Mode Description
6 SM
For splicing standard single-mode ber (ITU-T G652).
The MFD is 9 to 10 µm at wavelength of 1310 nm.
User can edit all parameters of this splice mode such as prefuse power, prefuse
time, arc power, arc time, align, proof test, etc.
The manual splicing operation is provided. Automatic arc calibration does not work
in this splice mode.
7 DS
For splicing dispersion-shifted ber (ITU-T G653).
The MFD is 7 to 9 µm at wavelength near 1550 nm.
User can edit all parameters of this splice mode such as prefuse power, prefuse
time, arc power, arc time, align, proof test, etc.
The manual splicing operation is provided. Automatic arc calibration does not work
in this splice mode.
8 NZ
For splicing non-zero dispersion-shifted ber (ITU-T G655).
The MFD is 9 to 10µm at wavelength of 1550 nm.
User can edit all parameters of this splice mode such as prefuse power, prefuse
time, arc power, arc time, align, proof test, etc.
The manual splicing operation is provided. Automatic arc calibration does not work
in this splice mode.
9 MM1
For splicing multi-mode ber (ITU-T G651). Core diameter: 50.0 to 62.5 µm.
User can edit all parameters of this splice mode such as prefuse power, prefuse
time, arc power, arc time, align, proof test, etc.
The manual splicing operation is provided. Automatic arc calibration does not work
in this mode.
10 AT1(SM)
User can set the attenuation value in the range of 0.1 to 15 dB.
Set the desired splice loss. If after the splice is completed the desired loss is not
achieved, the user can adjust the splicing coefcient. Increasing the coefcient will
increase the desired loss; decreasing the coefcient will reduce the splice loss.
11 SM FAST
For splicing standard single-mode ber (ITU-T G652).
The MFD is 9 to 10 µm at wavelength of 1310 nm.
It is the fastest splice mode at 9 seconds splicing time. This mode process does
not analyze ber geometry.
12 SM G657
For splicing standard single-mode ber (BIF G657).
The MFD is 9 to 10 µm at wavelength of 1310 nm.
User can edit all parameters of this splice mode such as prefuse power, prefuse
time, arc power, arc time, align, proof test, etc.
13~60 BLANK
(other modes) User can assign these as their own custom splicing proles.