VeEX FX87 User manual
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USER MANUAL
The Verification Experts
FX87
DWDM Tunable Laser Source
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CONTENTS
1.0 ABOUT THIS USER MANUAL................................................................4
2.0 SAFETY INFORMATION .......................................................................5
3.0 PRODUCT INTRODUCTION ..................................................................6
3.1 FX87 TLS/TLTS FEATURES......................................................................... 6
4.0 FX87 OVERVIEW .................................................................................7
5.0 BASIC OPERATION ..............................................................................8
5.1 FX87 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT....................................................................... 8
5.2 FX87 TLS/TLTS PORTS ........................................................................... 10
5.2.1 Optical Ports ................................................................................. 10
5.2.2 Service Port ................................................................................... 10
6.0 GETTING STARTED ............................................................................11
6.1 CHARGING AND BATTERY CARE.................................................................. 11
6.2 SETTING DATE AND TIME.......................................................................... 11
6.3 RESETTING FX87 .................................................................................... 12
7.0 FX87 AS A LIGHT SOURCE..................................................................13
8.0 OPTICAL POWER MEASUREMENTS ...................................................15
8.1MODE FOR OPTICAL POWER MEASUREMENTS.............................................. 15
8.2 OPTICAL POWER MEASUREMENTS ............................................................. 15
8.2.1 Setting ZERO Level ........................................................................ 15
8.3 POWER MEASUREMENTS.......................................................................... 16
8.3.1 Setting Power Reference Level ...................................................... 18
8.3.2 Saving Measurement Results........................................................ 20
8.4 USING WAVEID...................................................................................... 20
8.4.1 FX87 Device and FX-8x OPM Connected from End to End ............. 20
8.5 USING ONE DEVICE FOR OPTICAL POWER MEASUREMENT (WITH LOOPBACK
FUNCTION) .................................................................................................... 21
8.6 VIEWING MEASUREMENT RESULTS (READ MODE) ........................................ 22
8.7 EDITING NOTES TO MEASUREMENT RESULTS................................................ 23
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9.0 DOWNLOADING MEASUREMENT RESULTS TO PC..............................25
9.1 INSTALLING THE FX8X USB DRIVER ............................................................ 25
9.2 TRANSFERRING MEASUREMENT RESULTS TO PC ........................................... 27
9.2.1 Transfer Results Using Micro-USB Cable ....................................... 28
9.2.2 Transfer Results Using Bluetooth .................................................. 30
9.3 UPLOADING MEASUREMENT RESULTS TO FIBERIZER CLOUD ............................ 31
9.4 UPLOADING MEASUREMENT RESULTS TO FIBERIZER DESKTOP PLUS.................. 33
10.0 WARRANTY ......................................................................................35
11.0 ABOUT VEEX.....................................................................................39
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About This User Manual
This manual is suitable for novice, intermediate, and experienced users and is intended to help
the operator successfully use the features and capabilities of the DWDM Tunable Laser Source.
It is assumed that the user has basic computer experience and skills, and is familiar with optical
fiber testing, telecommunication concepts, terminology, and safety.
Every effort was made to ensure that the information contained in this user manual is accurate.
Information is subject to change without notice and we accept no responsibility for any errors or
omissions. In case of discrepancy, the web version takes precedence over any printed literature.
The content in this manual may vary from the software version installed.
© Copyright 2020 VeEX, Inc. All rights reserved.
VeEX, VePAL, Sunrise Telecom, Agizer, Optixsoft, Sunlite, Sunset, RXT, MTT, OPX, and
Fiberizer are trademarks of VeEX, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the USA and certain other countries.
All trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies. No part
of this document may be reproduced or transmitted electronically or otherwise without written
permission from VeEX, Inc.
The software and/or hardware described in this document are furnished under a license
agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software is confidential and proprietary of VeEX,
Inc. The software is protected by copyright and contains trade secrets of VeEX, Inc. or
licensors. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the
agreement. It is against the law to copy the software onto any medium except as specifically
allowed in the license or nondisclosure agreement. The purchaser may make one copy of the
software for backup purposes. The purchaser is prohibited from copying, reverse engineering,
decompiling, or disassembling the software.
This user manual is suitable for novice, intermediate, and experienced users and is intended to
help you successfully use the features and capabilities of the software. It is assumed that the
user has basic computer experience and skills, and is familiar with optical fiber,
telecommunication concepts, terminology, and safety. Please note that colors, buttons, screen
fonts and element positions in the screenshots and hardware pictures can insignificantly vary in
different software versions and device batches.
If you need assistance or have questions related to the use of this product, call or e-mail our
customer care department for customer support. Before contacting our customer care
department, you must have your product serial number and software version ready. Please
provide this number when contacting VeEX customer service. For more technical resources,
visit the VeEX, Inc. web site at www.veexinc.com.
Customer Care:
Phone: + 1 510 651 0500
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.veexinc.com
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Safety Information
Safety precautions should be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. The
instrument has been designed to ensure safe operation however please observe all safety
markings and instructions. Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or
fumes or any other combustible environment. VeEX Inc. assumes no liability for the customer's
failure to comply with safety precautions and requirements.
Optical Connectors
The test platform displays a laser warning icon when the laser source is active to alert the user
about a potentially dangerous situation. Make sure that optical sources are inactive before
connecting fiber to the test set to avoid skin or eye damage, or damage to the unit. It is
recommended to:
Deactivate the laser before connecting or disconnecting optical cables or patchcords.
Never look directly into an optical patchcord or an optical interface (e.g. CFP, CFP2, CFP4,
QSFP+, SFP+, SFP, OTDR, LS, VFL) while the laser is enabled. Even though optical
transceivers are typically fitted with Class 1 lasers, which are considered eye safe, optical
radiation for an extended period can cause irreparable damage to the eyes.
Never use a fiber microscope to check the optical connectors when the laser source is active.
The operator is assumed to have received basic training in fiber optics and related testing and
measurement practices.
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Product Introduction
The FX87 Tunable Laser Source has the following functionalities:
•DWDM Tunable Laser source from 1527.60 nm to 1566.31 nm (C14 C62, H14 H61
channels, *H62 channel (upon special factory request)) with 50/100 GHz spacing
w/optional broadband OPM power meter (up to 7 calibrated wavelengths);
•High-
front panel adaptor;
•Interchangeable optical adaptors for Light Source and Power Meter;
•Fast Power On/Off and Laser Stabilization
•Extremely rugged, pocket-sized form factor with protective rubber boot;
•Rechargeable Li-Poly battery or AC or USB powered operation
•Extra-long battery life; > 10 hrs battery life (no backlight)
3.1 FX87 TLS/TLTS Features
•High Contrast Monochrome LCD display with backlight;
•Source Modulation: 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, CW, AUTO
•Optional Broadband InGaAs power meter; Tone detection for fiber identification,
•Client USB software (LTSync) for data transfer to PC through USB (standard) or
Bluetooth (option) or cloud for future analysis and reporting
•Up to 1920 measurements w/optional BB OPM
•WaveID detection for all 97 (or 98) lambdas/wavelengths with compatible VeEX FX-8x
series OPM.
•Tone detection for fiber identification;
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FX87 Overview
DWDM Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing is a WDM technology characterized by
narrow, 0.4 nm (100 GHz) or 0.8 nm (50 GHz) channel spacing and grid wavelengths between
1530 nm to 1565 nm for C-band and 1565 nm 1625 nm for L-band and is typically used for
long range distances as found in Metro, Fiber Deep, and Core networks.
DWDM Spectrum Graph
The FX87 DWDM Tunable Laser Source is specially engineered to test DWDM systems
operating in C-band frequencies. The unit measures loss at the specified wavelengths with the
combination of the DWDM laser and optional broadband OPM with WaveID. The measurement
results can be transferred to a PC or uploaded to the cloud using a Fiberizer Cloud account.
To make the fiber identification in a rack more convenient, the laser signal from FX87 with a
calibrated wavelength (see the DWDM set of calibrated wavelengths above) is also modulated
with the following frequencies:
•CW (Continuous Wave)
•270 Hz
•330 Hz
•1000 Hz
•2000 Hz
•AUTO
FX87 units are configured at the time of manufacture according to customer
requirements. A single device can be configured with Broadband OPM option and
upon special request for H62 channel addition.
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Basic Operation
5.1 FX87 Front Panel Layout
Colors, buttons, and screen fonts can slightly vary in different software and
hardware versions.
FX87 front view
•|Power|: Turndevice ON/OFF.Press and hold the button for 3 sec. The display will initially
show the VeEX logo, current date and time, and current mode ofoperation.
•|MODE|: Select the mode of operation: DWDM LS, Read, PM1 or PM2. For more
information about FX87 TLS/TLTS modes, see Section 8.1. Mode for Optical Power
Measurements.
•|Shift/Enter|: Start editing a parameter and confirm choice when setting up the device;
execute the selected action.
•|Up|, |Down|: Change the selected parameter.
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Button combinations:
•|Shift/Enter|+|Up|: Save measurement results;
•|Shift/Enter|+|Down|: Enter Instrument Settings mode;
•|Shift/Enter|+|Mode|: Turn backlight ON/OFF.
|F1|, |F2|, |F3|: Context-defined, the function indicated at the screen bottom.
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5.2 FX87 TLS/TLTS Ports
5.2.1 Optical Ports
FX87 optical ports
•OLS port:Used to transmit a single tunable DWDM lambda for DWDM
system/component verification, such as demultiplexors, and multiplexors (e.g.,
ROADMs), EDFAs. Supported adaptor options: SC/APC or FC/APC fixed.
•OPM port [optional]: Used for measuring absolute optical power level and relative
optical power for insertion loss and end to end continuity testing for a DWDM when
paired with the OLS port. Supported interchangeable adaptors options: SC, FC,
Universal 2.5 mm, Universal 1.25 mm, and etc. (subject to availability on price list).
5.2.2 Service Port
FX87 Service Port
The service port (micro-USB) located on the left side of the device is used for charging, data
communication/transferring OPM results with a PC using LTSync software, or for upgrading the
firmware if necessary.
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Getting Started
6.1 Charging and Battery Care
Before using the FX87 TLS, make sure the battery is charged. If the charge is low, connect the
FX87 service port to the charging unit provided with the device. While FX87 battery is charging,
the LED indicator on the front panel will be orange. When the battery is fully charged, the LED
indicator will be green provided the FX87 is powered ON. The LED will turn off when the unit is
turned OFF.
When the FX87 is connected to AC power or an external power supply, the Plug icon will
appear in the top left corner of the screen. If the device operates with the internal battery, the
icon changes to Battery ).
6.2 Setting Date and Time
Set the device date and time before attempting to save any measurement results:
1. Turn ON the FX87 by pressing and holding the |Power| button for 3seconds;
2. Press |Shift/Enter|+|Down| to enter the Settings mode. The following
parameters can be set:
•Auto Shutdown mode;
•Time;
•Date;
•Sound.
The current selected test parameter available to edit will be flashing.
FX87 Instrument Setting screen
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3. Press |Up| and |Down| to select the parameter to edit.
4. Press |MODE| to select the field to edit, then change the value if necessary, by
pressing
|Up| and |Down|.
5. Press |Shift/Enter| to save the date and time settings.
6.3 Resetting FX87
On rare occasions resetting the FX87 device may be needed. To do this:
1. Disconnect external power supply from the device;
With device OFF, press the red |Power| button and hold it for at least 15seconds.
The FX87 will reboot. Set the date and time after every reboot (see Section 6.2.
Setting Date and Time).
Because of the reset, the reference values will be lost, so set these values again
and also perform ZERO level operation (see Section 8.2.1. Setting ZERO Level).
The reset DOES NOT erase any previously stored measurement data.
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FX87 as a Tunable Light Source
DWDM LS: use this mode to generate optical signal of a specified wavelength within the
operating range (1527.60 1566.31 THz, incremented by 50GHz/100GHz spacing).
To use FX87 as a light source, connect the fiber to the OLS port located on the left on the top
panel of the device. Then press the |MODE| button until the DWDM LS mode appears at the
upper left corner of the display. To toggle between Laser: ON and Laser: OFF, press the |F1|
(ON/OFF) button. When the laser is on, the Channel # and its wavelength is shown onscreen:
DWDM Light Source mode
To select the necessary channel, press the |F2| (CHANNEL) button, scroll up or down with the
help of the |Up| and |Down| buttons, make selection, and confirm it by pressing |Shift/Enter|.
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Selecting the channel for the DWDM LS mode
Tone Detection: Press |F3| repeatedly to set modulation frequency: 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1000 Hz,
2000 Hz, AUTO, CW. AUTO cycles channels every 18-20 seconds.
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Optical Power Measurements
8.1 Mode for Optical Power Measurements
PM (PM1 or PM2)/TLTS: use the OPM test mode to measure any incoming optical signal level
(CW, 270, 330, 1000, or 2000 Hz) between the wavelength range of 800 - 1700 nm. Then select
a calibrated wavelength that matches the incoming sourcewavelength.
8.2 Optical Power Measurements
To use FX87 for optical power measurements, connect the fiber to the OPM port located on the
right on the top panel of the device.
FX87 Top Panel, OPM Port
8.2.1 Setting ZERO Level
Set the ZERO level before the first use of FX87 for broadband power
measurements. We also strongly advise to set the ZERO level before every new
batch of measurements, and after measurement conditions have changed.
To set the ZERO level:
1. Press the |MODE| button to enter the optical power measurement mode (PM);
2. Press |F3| (MORE), then press |F1| (ZERO). The ZERO notification will show briefly
on thedisplay.
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Setting the ZERO level
The FX87 is now ready to perform measurements.
8.3 Power Measurements
Clean the fiber before connecting it to the device.
The OPM is an InGaAs detector with a wavelength range from 800 to 1700nm. The displayed
power readings can be absolute (dBm and watts) or relative (dB). To measure the optical power
in a fiber, insert the test fiber on the OPM test port and press |MODE| until the PM1 or PM2 test
mode appears at the upper left corner of the display (see below an example of PM1
measurement result).
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Results of PM measurement
The fiber under test must have only one wavelength. If there are several
wavelengths, the measurement results will NOT be valid.
To change the wavelength, press the |F1| button (WAVE). The resulting calibrated wavelength
list is then shown below:
Selecting a wavelength for PM measurement
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Select a wavelength by pressing the |Up| and |Down| buttons, then press the |Shift/Enter|
button to confirm the choice. The new wavelength then appears in the top right corner of the
display. To keep the previous wavelength effective, select a wavelength and then press the |F1|
button (EXIT).
If the fiber under test carries a signal with WaveID details, select [AUTO]. Then FX87 determines
the wavelength automatically.
If the [AUTO] option is selected for a signal without WaveID or a modulated
signal, the wavelength value goes blank, and the measurement results are NOT
valid.
8.3.1 Setting Power Reference Level
To measure the fiber under test span loss, first set a reference level for each test wavelength.
For that press the |F3| button (MORE), then |F2| (REF). The resulting screen is shown below:
Selecting a reference option for PM measurement
REF SET command: sets the current power value as the reference level. To do
that, make sure the cursor is at REF SET and press the |Shift/Enter| button. As
a result, the value onscreen changes to --.--dB (see the Figure below). The
reference level value is also saved to the device memory.
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Current power value set as the reference level
The current reference level value is shown at the second row on the left
(-6.86dBm in the example above).
•REF MEM command: the previously saved reference level is taken from the device
memory and set as active.
•REF OFF command: makes the previously saved reference level inactive. The
measurement result is then shown in dBm.
Broadband measurement taken against a reference level
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•REF +/- command: adjusts the reference level finely by 0.01 increments with the help of
the |Up| and |Down| buttons.
8.3.2 Saving Measurement Results
To save the result, press the |Shift/Enter| and |Up| buttons simultaneously. The result is then
saved with the comment (note) from the previously saved result.
8.4 Using WaveID
8.4.1FX87 Device and FX-8x OPM Connected from End to End
FX87 connected over fiber under test to FX-8x OPM
Set the FX-8x OPM WAVE |F1| function to AUTO, and choose from one of two FX87 transmit
setups
1. Set the FX87 in DWDM OLS mode to transmit by pressing LAS ON |F1|, and press
CHANNEL |F2|, and navigate to the desired DWDM channel using the |Up| and
|Down| keys and press |Shift/Enter| to confirm the selection.
2. Set the FX87 in PM1/PM2 (OPM) mode and press LASER |F2| and choose either
LAS ON |F1| to turn on the laser for the current displayed wavelength by the >…. <
or navigate to the desired DWDM channel using the |Up| and |Down| keys and press
|Shift/Enter| to confirm the selection.
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