Wilcom F6121A User manual

hand-held optical fiber· identifier
F6121A
Operating Instructions
Introduction
The Wilcom OF! Model F6121A Probe is a rugged, hand-held, easy-to-use mainte-
nance and installation instrument that identifies optical fibers by detecting the optical
signals that are transmitted through a singlemode fiber. The F6121A utilizes non-de-
structive macro-bend detection, which eliminates the need to
identifY a fiber by open-
ing it at the splice point. Thus, the probability of intelTupting service is eliminated.
Signals that the F6121A detect include continuous wave live optical transmission, and
low frequency modulated tones at 270, 1000, and 2000 Hz. When the F6121A detects
traffic on a fiber being tested, one
of two LEDs on the F612]A illuminates to indicate
the presence and direction
of transmission. The presence of tone is indicated by illumi-
nation
of one of three LEDs (Figure I). The F6121A also has an easy to use thumb lock
feature for hands-free operation.
Figure 1
Operating the F6121A
Operation of the F6121A is simple, as outlined in the following steps:
1. Choose an adapter head for the type of fiber to be tested.
The F6121A
is supplied with three adapters (as shown in
Figure 2): (A)foam-covered, to accommodate 900)lm buff-
ered fiber; (B) smooth-surfaced with foam perimeter, for
use with ribbon fiber or a 250 )lmcoated fiber; and (C) slot-
ted, for 3 mm and optional 2 mmjacketed fiber (Le., pigtails
and jumpers) or loose tube fiber. Figure 2
2. Select the appropriate adapter and slide it into the mating
slotted channel
of the F612lA with slight downward pres-
sure, as shown
in Figure 3.
3. Insert the fiber to be tested between the adapter and the top
of the clamp (refer to Figure 4). Slide the thumb switch
upward and ensure that the fiber
is installed properly in the
alignment groove.
4. For hands-free operation, slide the thumb switch upward and
"rock" forward to lock, and the fiber will be held in place
( refer
to Figure 4 ) "rock" backward to unlock. Figure 3

Presence of Traffic. Illumination of either Traffic LED
indicates the detection and direction
of traffic. This is use-
ful in determining whether the fiber is transmitting or re-
ceiving at equipment terminal 10cations.The F6121A also
provides an audible tone alert when traffic is detected.
Test Tone Detection.
lllumination of anyone of the 2
kHz, I kHz, or 270 Hz LEDs indicates that a test tone is
being detected, which ensures accurate identification of the
fiber that is under test.
The 2 kHz tone can
be generated by a source such as
Wilcom Models FS1316 {includes also 1kHz and 270 Hz},
FS1317 (includes also 1kHz
and 270 Hz), and FS8514A
{includes also 1kHz
and 270 Hz}. The F6121A can be used
with all three units, as shown in Figure 5. The recommended
wavelength is 1550nm for tone identification.
Figure 4
During operation at the lowest levels
of tone detection (ap-
proximately -40dB core power), the tone LEDs may flicker,
which indicates that the minimum range for detection was
reached.
Self Test. Each time the thumb switch is operated, the
F6121A performs a self test. When this occurs all LEDs
will illuminate and then after approximately one-halfsec-
ond tum off.
Low
Battery Indication. When the battery voltage be-
comes
low, the "LOW BAT LED" illuminates. The.unit
will continueto operate for some time, butthe battery should
be replaced with a fresh 9-volt alkaline battery as soon as
possible.
Figure 5
slide the thumb switch upward-
and "rock" forward to lock,
and
~rock" backward to unlock
Battery Replacement. To replace battery hold probe in hand, and with thumb on grip, -slide cover
-
downward. Replace battery. To re-install cover reverse the steps. Gently place cover on
~
probe and align cover keys with probe keyways. Slide cover forward.
Maintenance. It is important that the optical ports remain clean and free
of dust, dirt, grease, or other foreign
matter. Cleaning with lint-free swabs and isopropyl alcohol is recommended for optimum perfonnance.