OWL FO-4B Operating instructions

Brand: OWL

Model: FO-4B

Category: Measuring, testing & control

Type: Operating instructions

OWL-INC.COM

Revision 1.6

Optical Wavelength Laboratories (OWL)

N9623 West US Hwy 12

Whitewater, WI 53190

Phone: 262-473-0643

Internet: OWL-INC.COM

Optical Wavelength Laboratories

OPERATIONS GUIDE

FIBER OWL 4 OPTICAL POWER METER

Model Numbers:

FO-4B

FO-4V

OWL

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Before You Begin 1

About This Manual 1

Applications 2

Description 2

Precautions 3

Product Label 3

General Features 4

General Features - LCD Display 5

Checking Your Fiber OWL 4 Firmware Version 5

Test Procedures

Active Equipment Power Measurement 6

Fiber Continuity 7

Patch Cable Testing 8

Check MM Reference Cables - Dual OWL MM Sources 9

Check MM Reference Cables - WaveSource MM Sources 10

Check SM Reference Cables - Laser OWL SM Sources 11

Check SM Reference Cables - WaveSource SM Sources 12

Quick Reference Guides

Fiber OWL 4/Dual OWL MM Test Kits 13

Fiber OWL 4/WaveSource MM Test Kits 19

Fiber OWL 4/Laser OWL SM Test Kits 24

Fiber OWL 4/WaveSource SM Test Kits 29

OWL Reporter

Installing OWL USB Driver 34

Installing OWL Reporter 36

Downloading Data to a PC 37

Viewing OWL Reporter Data 38

Report Printing 38

Downloading Data to a PC 39

Interpreting OWL Reporter Screens and Reports 40

Operation/Maintenance

Modes of Operation 46

Keyboard Entry Method 46

Monitor Mode 47

Auto Mode 47

MAIN MENU 48

FIBER LINK MENU 48

Link Wizard 48

Loading and Editing Stored Links 49

Advanced Configuration of Stored Links 50

Set an Optical Reference Using a Manually Entered Link Budget 51

Manually Set and Optical Reference Level 52

Setting an Optical Reference by Zeroing the Light Source 53

Viewing Stored Link Configurations 54

Deleting Stored Link Configurations and Data Points 55

Printing Stored Link Data to a Serial-Connected Device 55

STORED READINGS MENU 56

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Viewing and Editing Stored Data 56

Printing Stored Data to a Serial Device 57

Downloading Data Manually 57

Clearing Stored Readings from Fiber OWL 4 Memory 58

METER SETUP MENU 59

Setting User Information 59

Setting User Name 59

Setting User Telephone Number 59

Setting User Preferences 60

Changing Wavelength Options 60

Entering Custom Wavelength 60

Setting Tone Detection Options 61

Setting LCD Contrast 61

Running the Serial Port Diagnostic 62

Creating User-Definable Cabling Standards 64

Optional VFL Port 65

Visual Fault Location 66

Visual Fiber Identification 67

Boot Removal 68

Battery Replacement 68

Universal Port 69

Use of SC Connectors with 2.5mm Universal Port 69

Cleaning the Detector Port 70

Cleaning the Light Source/VFL Port 71

Appendices

Specifications 72

Warranty Information 72

Contact Information 72

Optional Upgrade Information 72

Supported Cabling Standards 73

10-Gigabit Ethernet Standard 73

Link Budget Calculation Worksheet

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.

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.

Fiber optic testers vary from other types of test equipment due to issues such as:

1) standards-based testing

2) proper fiber optic test procedures (FOTPs)

3) "zeroing" or referencing of power levels

4) determining the correct link budget to pass or fail by

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

Tells the user some useful information about the successful completion of a procedure

Warns the operator of a potentially dangerous condition

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

APPLICATIONS

Below is a list of test and measurement applications that can be performed using the Fiber OWL 4 optical power meter. The

procedure for each one of these applications is covered in detail in this manual.

Active Equipment Optical Power Measurements. Active equipment should be measured periodically for correct power levels.

The transmitters in this equipment have a known power value. The Fiber OWL 4 can be directly attached to this equipment via a patch

cord to check whether the transmitter is within the manufacturer’s specified power range.

Fiber Continuity Testing. Continuity can be measured with the Fiber OWL 4 by placing a calibrated light source on one end of the

fiber and the Fiber OWL 4 on the other end. This is also a simple way to measure the attenuation of the fiber.

Patch Cord Testing. Fiber links that are producing incorrect results may have bad patch cords. The Fiber OWL 4 can be used to test

the attenuation of a patch cord to see if it is usable, or should be replaced.

Attenuation (Optical Loss) Measurements. After a fiber cable has been installed and terminated, it should be tested to determine if

the fiber is installed according to standards and specifications. A comparison of the actual power measurement and the reference

value determines if the installation will pass or fail. Up to 1000 fiber measurements may be stored for later download into OWL

Reporter software.

Fiber Optic Link Certification. The Link Wizard in the Fiber OWL 4 uses attenuation parameters from popular cabling standards to

certify fiber links, and shows a link’s PASS/FAIL status right in the field. Stored data can be downloaded into our FREE OWL Reporter

software, where certification reports can be printed out with details or summaries of the fibers being certified.

Optical Fiber Cable Length Measurement. Certain models of the Fiber OWL 4 have the ability to perform a “round-robin” optical

fiber length measurement.

The Fiber OWL 4 is a high-accuracy, high-resolution, microprocessor-controlled optical power meter. Its wide 75dB dynamic range

and NIST-traceable wavelengths make it ideal for both singlemode and multimode fiber testing.

It is enclosed in an attractive hand-held case made from high impact plastic, has a backlit graphic LCD, as well as an 18-key keypad

for easy data entry. The 2.5mm universal detector port accepts ST, SC, and FC, as well as many other 2.5mm ferrule connectors. A

1.25mm universal adapter is also included for connection to LC or other SFF connectors.

Each Fiber OWL 4 includes a standard non-rechargeable 9-volt battery, which typically allows 100 hours of continuous operation. A

built-in auto-shutdown feature also conserves battery life. The USB port doubles as a battery charger port in case the user wishes to

use re-chargeable 9-volt batteries. Re-chargeable batteries are NOT included.

The Fiber OWL 4 includes a built-in link wizard that helps you easily calculate optical references (link budgets) used for fiber optic

certification testing. It will store up to 1000

The stored information can be selectively viewed, edited (measured again), printed, or deleted. The data can also be downloaded to

our FREE OWL Reporter software to produce professional-looking formatted certification reports, or can be downloaded as a

comma-delimited file (requires a COM port terminal program such as Hyperterminal) Comma-delimited files can be imported into

computer spreadsheets.

For an additional charge, the length testing port in the Fiber OWL 4 can be replaced by a precision-coupled visual fault locator (VFL)

optimized for fiber optics. An optical ball lens placed near the laser output focuses the red laser light for optimum coupling into optical

fibers (something pen-style laser pointers do not have), and special electronics prevent the red laser from burnout (a common

problem with pen-style red laser pointers), increasing the life of the VFL.

CHARGING NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE HARM TO THE UNIT AND/OR THE

USER.

measured data points with descriptive link and fiber run labels.

DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

PRECAUTIONS

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

look into the connector port of a light source or the end of a fiber.

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.

Connector - if the optional Visual Fault Locator is installed, do NOT insert APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors into the VFL

port on your Fiber OWL 4 as this may damage the angled ferrule on the APC connector.

NEVER

On the back of each Fiber OWL 4 series optical power meter are labels similar to the ones shown below containing model number,

serial number, power requirements, and special cautionary information. If the unit is enclosed in its protective boot, the boot must be

removed to view this label.

PRODUCT LABEL

MODEL# FO-4B

LIGHT SOURCE INFORMATION

OUTPUT POWER: -10.0dBm

WAVELENGTH: 1310 nm

TYPE: FP LASER

CLASS 1M LASER PRODUCT

NEVER LOOK INTO ANY LIGHT SOURCE!

LASER

RADIATION

MODEL# FO-4B

SERIAL# FO49999

POWER: 9V DC

Made in USA

Conforms to the Harmonized

European Standards

EN61726-1 and EN61010-1

Optical Wavelength Laboratories

Whitewater, WI 53190 • 262-473-0643

MODEL# FO-4V

LIGHT SOURCE INFORMATION

OUTPUT POWER: 0.0dBm

WAVELENGTH: 650nm

LASS 2 LASER PRODUCT

NEVER LOOK INTO ANY LIGHT SOURCE!

LASER

RADIATION

MODEL# FO-4V

SERIAL# FO49999

POWER: 9V DC

Made in USA

Conforms to the Harmonized

European Standards

EN61726-1 and EN61010-1

Optical Wavelength Laboratories

Whitewater, WI 53190 • 262-473-0643

For models that include length testing: For models that include the optional VFL:

GENERAL FEATURES

INTRODUCTION

DETECTOR USB

* CAUTION *

LIGHT SOURCE

2.5mm Universal Connector Port - accepts many popular 2.5mm

ferrule connectors, including ST, SC, and FC. Also included is a

1.25mm universal adapter cap (for connection to LC, MU, and other

SFF connectors).

USB Serial Download Port - downloads stored data to a PC using the

supplied USB download cable. Also used for charging re-chargeable

batteries (not included).

Light Source Port - By default, contains a 1310nm laser source to be

used for round-robin length measurement. Optionally, this port could

contain a precision-coupled visual fault locator.

LCD Display - shows optical power/loss levels, power units,

temperature, battery life, wavelength, and circuit ID information.

DO NOT USE BATTERY CHARGING PORT WITH NON-

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES, AS THIS COULD POTENTIALLY

CAUSE HARM TO THE UNIT AND/OR THE USER.

- function keys activate certain menu options shown at

the bottom of the Fiber OWL 4 LCD display

- enables user to enter alpha-

numeric data, as well as activate certain menu options

- activates the MAIN MENU

- while in the menu system, reverts the user back one menu

level; during data entry, enters the data input and sends the user to the

next screen

- activates the light source menu

- turns the unit ON and OFF. Also, toggles the backlight state

while the unit is powered on.

- toggles AUTO mode on and off. AUTO mode allows the Fiber

OWL 4 to automatically switch wavelengths when used with OWL

auto-switching light sources

- lights up when the battery charger is active

F1 F2 F3

ABC

DEF

GHI

JKL

MNO

PQR

STU

VWX

. - /

DONE

AUTO

GENERAL FEATURES - LCD DISPLAY

INTRODUCTION

The screen at right shows information when power readings are being taken. We will refer to this screen throughout this manual as

IMMEDIATE MODE.

POWER READING - shows the amount of optical

power being received by the photodetector based

upon the type of power units currently being

displayed. “UNDER” means there is no

measurable optical power and “OVER” means

the detector is “blinded” by too much optical

power

POWER UNITS - shows the power units which

are currently being displayed

dBm - optical power in decibels relative to a

milliwatt of optical energy

dB - optical power in decibels relative to a

previously set optical reference, also known as

optical loss

uW - optical power in micro- (uW) or milli-watts (mW)

TONE DETECTION - shows ‘Hz’ if a modulated signal is being detected by the meter

TEMPERATURE - shows current temperature in degrees (selectable Fahrenheit or Celcius)

BATTERY LIFE - shows the percentage amount of remaining battery life; will flash when battery is low

LINK NAME - shows the name of the currently loaded fiber link (CERTIFICATION METER mode only)

FIBER RUN - shows the current fiber information (CERTIFICATION METER mode only)

FBR: - user-configurable descriptive fiber name

123 - auto-incrementing fiber number (from 1 to 999)

FUNCTION OPTIONS MENU - functions corresponding to the function keys on the keypad; the options on this menu will change

according to the current function

POWER METER WAVELENGTH - shows the currently selected wavelength (see the specifications in the appendix at the end of this

manual for a list of wavelengths); will also alternate between wavelength and ‘AUTO’ when set to automatic wavelength detection

BAT

CHECKING YOUR FIBER OWL 4 FIRMWARE VERSION

This manual is written for the Fiber OWL 4 firmware version 4.67. Follow the instructions below to verify your firmware version.

Press to start up the meter.

After the owl flies across the initial boot-up screen, your display

should look like the diagram at right. This screen remains viewable for

approximately 2 seconds.

Previous firmware versions may require a different operations guide.

Check our website at OWL-INC.COM or call 262-473-0643 for more

information about acquiring the correct manual.

COMPANY NAME

COMPANY PHONE

SERIAL NUMBER

FIRMWARE VERSION

............

SN:FO4xxxx

..................

V4 67.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS STORE WAVEXXX XXX

FBR:123 850nmXXXXXXXX1

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

X X21 24

Fiber Link #1x x XX1850nm

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Diagram

IMMEDIATE MODE

F1 F2 F3

Required Accessories

(1 or 2) one-meter patch cable(s) – (ensure proper connector type and fiber type)

Direct Transmitter Output Power Measurement

To measure the output power from a transmitter, use the following steps:

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 detector port to the transmitter port on

the active equipment under test, as shown at right.

Press to power on the Fiber OWL 4 optical power meter,

then select SIMPLE METER, if necessary.

Determine the output wavelength of the active equipment, then

press until the wavelength on the Fiber OWL 4 matches.

Power on the transmitter port according to manufacturer

instructions, if necessary.

Monitor the reading on the screen for a few seconds. This reading may fluctuate if the output signal is made up of digital

zeroes (0) and ones (1). In this case, estimate the average power level. To calculate maximum output power, add 3 dB to

the average power level.

Transmitters may have a diagnostic mode where the output is at a continuous power level. This eliminates the

need to compensate 3dB for digital data transmission. Consult the active equipment manufacturer’s operations

guide for more information.

Receive Power Measurement

The Fiber OWL 4 may also be used to measure optical power levels from a

transmitter through an installed link to ensure that the Receive power at the

far end is within manufacturer specifications.

Follow the same steps as above, except the Fiber OWL 4 must be

connected to the active equipment under test through the installed link as

shown at right.

TEST PROCEDURES

ACTIVE EQUIPMENT POWER MEASUREMENT

Active Equipment

Transmitter Power

Measurement

Receive Power

Measurement

12345678910 11 12 12345678910 11 12

Required Accessories

(2) one-meter patch cables – (ensure proper connector type and fiber type)

Checking for Fiber Continuity

The Fiber OWL 4 can be used to verify continuity of a fiber link, or can be

used to trace an optical fiber if the fibers are not properly labeled. Use the

following procedure to test either multimode and singlemode cables.

Connect a fiber optic light source to the network port under test as

shown at right. Power on the light source according to manufacturer

instructions.

Press to power on the Fiber OWL 4 optical power meter,

then select SIMPLE METER, if necessary.

Press until the wavelength on the Fiber OWL 4 matches the

output wavelength of the light source.

Take the Fiber OWL 4 optical power meter to the opposite end of the link under test, and connect into the first port as shown

in the diagram above. If the Fiber OWL 4 does not detect any optical power, the display will read “UNDER”. Continue

connecting to subsequent optical ports until the Fiber OWL 4 display shows an optical power reading.

If none of the ports display an optical power reading, then it is likely that there is a major connectivity problem with the link,

and further troubleshooting is necessary to determine the nature of the problem.

TEST PROCEDURES

FIBER CONTINUITY

MEASUREMENT

12345678910 11 12 12345678910 11 12

Required Accessories

(3) one-meter patch cables – (ensure proper connector type and fiber type)

(2) fiber optic adapters/couplers – (ensure proper connector type)

Patch Cable Insertion Loss

Patch cables should be tested periodically to ensure that they are okay to

use for testing. Use the following procedure to test both multimode and

singlemode patch cables.

If testing at more than one wavelength, this

procedure must be performed for each wavelength

separately.

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 to a fiber optic light source using the 3-

jumper reference method as shown at right. Power on the light

source according to manufacturer instructions.

Press to power on the Fiber OWL 4 optical power meter,

then select SIMPLE METER, if necessary.

Press until the wavelength on the Fiber OWL 4 matches the

output wavelength of the light source.

Press to set the reference, or “ZERO”. The Fiber OWL 4 will change to show loss in ‘dB’, and the loss value should be

very close to 0.00 dB.

Setting a reference is commonly referred to as

“zeroing”.

Remove the center cable as shown at right.

Insert a patch cable under test between the two fiber optic

adapters/couplers, then record the loss value in ‘dB’.

Repeat steps and for each patch cable being tested.

TEST PROCEDURES

PATCH CABLE TESTING

3-jumper Reference

Method Setup

Insertion Loss Test

TEST PROCEDURES

Checking Fiber OWL 4 Series Optical Power

Meters for Proper Operation

USING A DUAL OWL MULTIMODE LIGHT SOURCE

STEP 1 - Connect Fiber OWL 4 and Dual OWL

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 and Dual OWL together with an orange

multimode patch cable as shown below.

STEP 2 - Power ON the Fiber OWL 4

Press to power on the Fiber OWL 4.

After a few seconds, the

OPERATING MODE screen will

appear on the Fiber OWL 4

display, with SIMPLE METER

being highlighted as shown at

right.

STEP 3 - Enter SIMPLE METER

Press on the Fiber OWL 4

to enter SIMPLE METER.

The display shou ld read

‘UNDER’ as shown at right.

By default, the wavelength will

be set to ‘850nm’ and the

measurement units will be set to ‘dBm’.

NOTE: it is recommended to thoroughly clean and inspect all

patch cord connectors before making any connection.

X XXNEXT SELECT

x XCERTIFICATION METER

XXXX XTECH SUPPORT

xx- X -OPERATING MODE

_____________________

XXXX XSIMPLE METER

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX850nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

UNDER

STEP 4 - Power ON the Dual OWL

Press to power on the Dual OWL.

The 850nm indicator LED

should now be lit as shown at

right.

STEP 5 - Check optical power

The power reading that appears

on the Fiber OWL 4 display will

depend upon cable type.

Consult the table below for a list

of acceptable power readings.

STEP 6 - Replace the patch cable

The easiest way to troubleshoot low power levels is to try another

patch cable. Over time, patch cables can wear out or become

damaged the more they are used for optical loss testing.

Replacing the patch cable usually fixes the problem.

STEP7 - Clean patch cables and optical ports

If the problem still exists after patch cable replacement, there

may be some debris, such as dust, dirt, or finger oil, that has

collected on the connector endface or in the equipment optical

ports.

Thoroughly clean and inspect the optical ports of the Fiber OWL

4 and the Dual OWL, as well as the fiber connector endfaces,

according to the brochures that have been included with this kit.

Several cleaning cycles may be required.

If the power level is still to low, even after a thorough cleaning and

inspection and patch cable replacement, contact OWL technical

support at 262-473-0643 for more information.

NOTE: the following steps are only required if the optical power

reading on the Fiber OWL 4 is too low.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1850nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

X X20 00

Core Size

62.5/125 µM

50/125 µM

Replace at

-21.00 dBm

-24.00 dBm

Acceptable Power Level

-19.0 to -21.0 dBm

-22.0 to -24.0 dBm

CHECK MULTIMODE REFERENCE CABLES

WITH A DUAL OWL MULTIMODE LIGHT SOURCE

DUAL OWL

connected to

850nm port

LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR

PORT NOTES:

– CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY

– DO NOT INSERT ANGLED

PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC)

CONNECTOR

Checking Fiber OWL 4 Series Optical Power

Meters for Proper Operation

USING A WAVESOURCE MULTIMODE LIGHT SOURCE

STEP 1 - Connect Fiber OWL 4 and WaveSource

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 and WaveSource together with a

orange multimode patch cable as shown below.

STEP 2 - Power ON the Fiber OWL 4

Press to power on the Fiber

OWL 4.

After a few seconds, the

OPERATING MODE screen will

appear on the Fiber OWL 4

display, with SIMPLE METER

being highlighted as shown at right.

STEP 3 - Enter SIMPLE METER

Press on the Fiber OWL 4

to enter SIMPLE METER.

The display shou ld read

‘UNDER’ as shown at right.

By default, the wavelength will

be set to ‘850nm’ and the measurement units will be set to

‘dBm’.

NOTE: thoroughly clean and inspect all patch cord connectors

before making any connection.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX850nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

UNDER

STEP 4 - Power ON the WaveSource

Press to power on the

WaveSource.

The 850nm indicator LED should

now be lit as shown at right.

STEP 5 - Check optical

power

The power reading that appears

on the Fiber OWL 4 display will

depend upon cable type.

Consult the table below for a list

of acceptable power readings.

STEP 6 - Replace the patch cable

The easiest way to troubleshoot low power levels is to try another

patch cable. Over time, patch cables can wear out or become

damaged the more they are used for optical loss testing.

Replacing the patch cable usually fixes the problem.

STEP 7 - Clean patch cables and optical ports

If the problem still exists after patch cable replacement, there

may be some debris, such as dust, dirt, or finger oil, that has

collected on the connector endface or in the equipment optical

ports.

Thoroughly clean and inspect the optical ports of the Fiber OWL

4 and the WaveSource, as well as the fiber connector endfaces,

according to the brochures that have been included with this kit.

Several cleaning cycles may be required.

If the power level is still too low, even after a thorough cleaning

and inspection and patch cable replacement, contact OWL

technical support at 262-473-0643 for more information.

NOTE: the following steps are only required if the optical power

reading on the Fiber OWL 4 is too low.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1850nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

X X20 00

WaveSource

connected to

850nm port

TEST PROCEDURES

CHECK MULTIMODE REFERENCE CABLES

WITH A WAVESOURCE MULTIMODE LIGHT SOURCE

Core Size

62.5/125 µM

50/125 µM

Replace at

-21.00 dBm

-24.00 dBm

Acceptable Power Level

-19.0 to -21.0 dBm

-22.0 to -24.0 dBm

LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR

PORT NOTES:

– CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY

– DO NOT INSERT ANGLED

PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC)

CONNECTOR

X XXNEXT SELECT

x XCERTIFICATION METER

XXXX XTECH SUPPORT

xx- X -OPERATING MODE

_____________________

XXXX XSIMPLE METER

Checking Fiber OWL 4 Series Optical Power

Meters for Proper Operation

USING A LASER OWL SINGLEMODE LASER SOURCE

STEP 1 - Connect Fiber OWL 4 and Laser OWL

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 and Laser OWL together with a yellow

singlemode patch cable as shown below.

STEP 2 - Power ON the Fiber OWL 4

Press to power on the

Fiber OWL 4.

After a few seconds, the

OPERATING MODE screen will

appear on the Fiber OWL 4

display, with SIMPLE METER

being highlighted as shown at right.

STEP 3 - Enter SIMPLE METER

Press on the Fiber OWL 4

to enter SIMPLE METER.

The display shou ld read

‘UNDER’ as shown at right.

By default, the wavelength will

be set to ‘850nm’ and the measurement units will be set to

‘dBm’.

NOTE: it is recommended to thoroughly clean and inspect all

patch cord connectors before making any connection.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX850nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

UNDER

STEP 4 - Set Fiber OWL 4 to 1310nm

Press on the Fiber OWL 4.

The wavelength display will

show ‘1310nm’ as shown at

right.

STEP 5 - Power ON the Laser OWL

Press to power on the Laser OWL.

The 1310nm indicator LED

should now be lit as shown at

right.

STEP 6 - Check optical power

The power reading displayed on

the Fiber OWL 4 will probably

not be exactly -10.00 dBm as

shown at right, but should be

fairly close.

Repeat this procedure for each

additional patch cable that

needs testing.

STEP 7 - Replace the patch cable

The easiest way to troubleshoot low power levels is to try another

patch cable. Over time, patch cables can wear out or become

damaged the more they are used for optical loss testing.

Replacing the patch cable usually fixes the problem.

STEP 8 - Clean patch cables and optical ports

If the problem still exists after patch cable replacement, there

may be some debris, such as dust, dirt, or finger oil, that has

collected on the connector endface or in the equipment optical

ports.

Thoroughly clean and inspect the optical ports of the Fiber OWL

4 and the Laser OWL, as well as the fiber connector endfaces,

according to the brochures that have been included with this kit.

Several cleaning cycles may be required.

If the power level is still below -11.00 dBm, even after a thorough

cleaning and inspection and patch cable replacement, contact

OWL technical support at 262-473-0643 for more information.

NOTE: this test may also be run

at 1550nm by setting the power

meter and source to 1550nm.

NOTE: the following steps are only required if the optical power

reading on the Fiber OWL 4 is -11.00 dBm or below.

F3 F3 F3

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1310nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

UNDER

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1310nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

X X10 00

LASER OWL

connected to

1310nm port

TEST PROCEDURES

CHECK SINGLEMODE REFERENCE CABLES

WITH A LASER OWL SINGLEMODE LASER SOURCE

LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR

PORT NOTES:

– CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY

– DO NOT INSERT ANGLED

PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC)

CONNECTOR

X XXNEXT SELECT

x XCERTIFICATION METER

XXXX XTECH SUPPORT

xx- X -OPERATING MODE

_____________________

XXXX XSIMPLE METER

Checking Fiber OWL 4 Series Optical Power

Meters for Proper Operation

USING A WAVESOURCE SINGLEMODE LASER SOURCE

STEP 1 - Connect Fiber OWL 4 and WaveSource

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 and WaveSource together with a

yellow singlemode patch cable as shown below.

STEP 2 - Power ON the Fiber OWL 4

Press to power on the Fiber OWL 4.

After a few seconds, the

OPERATING MODE screen will

appear on the Fiber OWL 4

display, with SIMPLE METER

being highlighted as shown at

right.

STEP 3 - Enter SIMPLE METER

Press on the Fiber OWL 4 to enter SIMPLE METER.

The display shou ld read

‘UNDER’ as shown at right.

By default, the wavelength will

be set to ‘850nm’ and the

measurement units will be set to

‘dBm’.

NOTE: thoroughly clean and inspect all patch cord connectors

before making any connection.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX850nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

UNDER

STEP 4 - Set Fiber OWL 4 to 1310nm

Press on the Fiber OWL 4.

The wavelength display will

show ‘1310nm’ as shown at

right.

STEP 5 - Set the WaveSource to 1310nm

Press to set the WaveSource to 1310nm.

The SM PORT indicator LED

should now be as shown at

right.

STEP 6 - Check optical power

The power reading displayed on

the Fiber OWL 4 will probably

not be exactly -10.00 dBm as

shown at right, but should be

fairly close.

Repeat this procedure for each

additional patch cable that needs testing.

STEP 7 - Replace the patch cable

The easiest way to troubleshoot low power levels is to try another

patch cable. Over time, patch cables can wear out or become

damaged the more they are used for optical loss testing.

Replacing the patch cable usually fixes the problem.

STEP 8 - Clean patch cables and optical ports

If the problem still exists after patch cable replacement, there

may be some debris, such as dust, dirt, or finger oil, that has

collected on the connector endface or in the equipment optical

ports.

Thoroughly clean and inspect the optical ports of the Fiber OWL

4 and the Laser OWL, as well as the fiber connector endfaces,

according to the brochures that have been included with this kit.

Several cleaning cycles may be required.

If the power level is still below -11.00 dBm, even after a thorough

cleaning and inspection and patch cable replacement, contact

OWL technical support at 262-473-0643 for more information.

red

NOTE: the following steps are only required if the optical power

reading on the Fiber OWL 4 is -11.00 dBm or below.

F3 F3 F3

PORT

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1310nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

UNDER

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX82

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX98%

UNITS ZERO WAVEXXX XXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1310nm

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXdBm

_____________________

X X10 00

WaveSource

connected to 1310nm port

TEST PROCEDURES

CHECK SINGLEMODE REFERENCE CABLES

WITH A WAVESOURCE SINGLEMODE LASER SOURCE

LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR

PORT NOTES:

– CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY

– DO NOT INSERT ANGLED

PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC)

CONNECTOR

X XXNEXT SELECT

x XCERTIFICATION METER

XXXX XTECH SUPPORT

xx- X -OPERATING MODE

_____________________

XXXX XSIMPLE METER

REQUIRED ACCESSORIES

(2-3) one-meter patch cables – ensure proper connector type and fiber type

(1) fiber optic mandrel – used for setting references with multimode cables only; see table below for mandrel sizes

multimode reference cables must be wrapped and secured around a mandrel as required by national and

international Fiber Optic Test Procedures (FOTPs). See Figure 1 above for a diagram of a mandrel wrap.

if you are testing at both 850nm and 1300nm, each light source wavelength will require its own mandrel-

wrapped patch cable.

EQUIPMENT PORTS

Figure 2 shows the ports used during this procedure. These ports may vary depending upon the model of equipment.

Figure 1

Mandrel Wrap

50/125 µm 62.5/125 µm

Diameter

Wraps

0.9 in. 0.7 in.

5 5

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES

Optical Power Meter: Fiber OWL 4

Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL Series Multimode Sources PAGE 1 OF 6

850 nm

1300 nm

Dual OWL multimode

light source

FIGURE 2

Test Equipment Ports

(connector port on

light source may vary)

Detector

Fiber OWL 4 BOLT power meter

Length Tester

VERIFY PROPER OPERATION OF THE EQUIPMENT

Connect the power meter and light source together with one of the patch cables as shown in Figure 3.

Press to power on the Dual OWL multimode light source.

Press to power on the Fiber OWL 4.

From the OPERATING MODE menu, press to highlight SIMPLE METER, if necessary, then press to SELECT.

Compare the reading on the Fiber OWL 4 display to Table 1 for acceptable power levels.

Once proper operation has been verified, remove the first patch cable from both units and set it aside.

Connect the second straight patch cable between the Fiber OWL 4 and the Dual OWL, as shown in Figure 3.

Compare the reading on the Fiber OWL 4 display to Table 1 for acceptable power levels.

Once proper operation has been verified, remove the second patch cable from both units and set it aside.

(continue procedure on next page)

F1 F2

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES

PAGE 2 OF 6

Core Size

62.5/125 µM

50/125 µM

Replace at

-21.00 dBm

-24.00 dBm

Acceptable Power Level

-19.0 to -21.0 dBm

-22.0 to -24.0 dBm

TABLE 1

FIGURE 3

Connection

for Straight

Patch Cables

LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR

PORT NOTES:

– CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY

– DO NOT INSERT ANGLED

PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC)

CONNECTOR

Optical Power Meter: Fiber OWL 4

Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL Series Multimode Sources

Connect a mandrel-wrapped patch cable between the Fiber OWL 4 and the Dual OWL as shown in Figure 4.

Compare the reading on the Fiber OWL 4 display to Table 1 for acceptable power levels.

Disconnect this cable from both units, and set it aside. Press to return to the OPERATING MODE menu.

RUN LINK WIZARD

From the OPERATING MODE menu, press to highlight CERTIFICATION METER, then press to SELECT.

From the START MENU, press to start the LINK WIZARD.

From the STORED LINKS menu, press to highlight the stored link name you wish to use and

press to SELECT.

OPTIONAL: you may change the link name to something that better describes the group of fibers

you are testing. Enter the new name for the link, then press to continue.

Change the LINK DATE to the date of test using the format MM-DD-YY, then press .

The date of test must be set so that the correct date appears on certification reports.

DONE

F1 F2

ABC

DONE

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES

PAGE 3 OF 6

FIGURE 4

Connection for

Mandrel-Wrapped

Patch Cables

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

X X XXXXXX<1>LINK WIZARD

XX XXXXXXXX<2>MAIN MENU

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXX X XXXXXXSTART MENU

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XX x x xXxxxxxFiber Link 2

x XX XXXXXXXXNEXT SELECT

XX x x xXxxxxxFiber Link 3

XX x x xxXxxxxFiber Link 4

XXXX X XXXXXSTORED LINKS

_____________________

XX x x XxxxxxxFiber Link 1

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

x XXX XXX X<--- SHIFT --->

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[Fiber Link 1 ]x x xXxxx

LINK NAME:X XXXXXXXXXXX

_____________________

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

X XXX XXX X<--- SHIFT --->

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[03-20-08]

DATE: [MM/DD/YY]X

_____________________

LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR

PORT NOTES:

– CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY

– DO NOT INSERT ANGLED

PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC)

CONNECTOR

Optical Power Meter: Fiber OWL 4

Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL Series Multimode Sources

Press to highlight the fiber optic cabling standard, then press to SELECT.

Press to highlight the fiber type of the network under test, then press to SELECT.

Press to use measure the fiber length with the Fiber OWL 4 BOLT, or to enter the length

manually, press and skip to .

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 BOLT to your fiber link as shown in Figure 5, then press to

continue.

Review the end-to-end fiber length, then press to continue. In the example screenshot at

right, the end-to-end fiber length could be within the range of 1000 to 1006 meters.

The end-to-end length shown here is the length that will be entered into the Link Wizard

configuration. Press to continue.

OPTIONAL: you may also enter the fiber length manually from this screen.

If unsure about which cabling standard to use, select TIA-568-B.3.

Length testing is complete. You may now remove all of the patch cables from the link under test.

F1 F2

ABC

DEF

DONE

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES

PAGE 4 OF 6

[1 TO 65535]X X

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

x XXX XXX X<--- UNITS --->

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[01000]X XXMETERS

ENTER FIBER LENGTH:X X XX

_____________________

12345678910 11 12 12345678910 11 12

FIGURE 5

Fiber OWL 4 BOLT

Length Test Connection

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XX X X xx50 0um MultiMode

x XX XXXXXXXXNEXT SELECT

xx X xOUTDOOR SingleMode

XXXXX X XXXXXFIBER TYPES

_____________________

XX X xxINDOOR SingleMode

XX X X xxx62 5um MultiMode

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

X X X XXXXXUSER DEFINED #1

X X X XXXXXUSER DEFINED #2

x XX XXXXXXXXNEXT SELECT

X X XXXXXXXISO/IEC 11801

xx X XXXXFIBER STANDARDS

_____________________

X X XTIA-568B 3/CAN-T529

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

X X X X X<1> USE THE METER TO

XXXXX X XXMEASURE LENGTH

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

X X X XXXX<2> ENTER LENGTH

x X X XFIBER LENGTH METHOD

XXXXX XXXXXXXXMANUALLY

FIBER A FIBER BX XXXXXXX X

PATCH FIBER A TOX X X XXXXX

DONEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

END OF THE LINKX X X XXXXXX

xxxx XX XX XXXX^ CONNECT ^

_____________________

FIBER B AT THE FARX X X X XXX

(FIBER PAIR REQUIRED)X X

XXXX X XXXXXFIBER LENGTH

XX X X x01000 -0/+6 meters

X XXX XXX XTEST DONE INDEX

1310nm Index(n)=1 490x x

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

_____________________

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR

PORT NOTES:

– CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY

– DO NOT INSERT ANGLED

PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC)

CONNECTOR

Optical Power Meter: Fiber OWL 4

Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL Series Multimode Sources

Enter the number of connections (i.e. patch panels) in the link under test, then press to

continue.

Enter the number of splices in the link under test, then press to continue. Splices can be

either fusion or mechanical. Typical multimode networks will have zero splices.

Review your Link Wizard setup.

If correct, press to continue on to the next step.

If changes need to be made, press and go back to .

Press until the asterisk (*) is in front of 850nm (as shown at right), then press to begin

the SET REFERENCE procedure for 850nm.

Connect the Fiber OWL 4 detector port and the 850nm light source (left-hand port) together with

the mandrel-wrapped cable as shown in Figure 4, then press to continue.

Make sure that the 850nm light source port is powered ON and selected (the indicator LED on the

left-hand side will be lit).

Confirm setting the 850nm reference by pressing to continue. You will be returned to the

SET SOURCE REFERENCES screen.

For setting a 1300nm reference, repeat steps through , except you will select 1300nm

(as shown at right). Also, make sure that the Dual OWL is set to 1300nm (the right-hand indicator LED will be lit).

After the 1300nm reference is set, the REF dBm field will be filled in with a reference value.

Press to complete the Link Wizard.

Press to begin taking readings.

Typical fiber networks will have 2 connections – one for a patch panel located at each

end of the link.

some connectors use mechanical splice technology for termination. If the link under

test is terminated with these “no-polish, no-epoxy” type connectors, they should be considered as

mechanical splices.

if you are also testing at 1300nm, you will need to connect a separate mandrel-wrapped

patch cable to the 1300nm port.

DONE

F1 F2

WAVELEN REF dBm TYPX X xx X

---------------------

* 850nm NOT SET (-20)X X X X

X XXXX XXXX XWAVE SET DONE

X X X X1300nm NOT SET (-20)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

SET SOURCE REFERENCESX X

_____________________

SET 850nmXX

X XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXYES NO

REFERENCE?

_____________________

WAVELEN REF dBm TYPX X xx X

---------------------

xX X x xX850nm -20 00 (-20)

X XXXX XXXX XWAVE SET DONE

*1300nm NOT SET (-20)X X X

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

SET SOURCE REFERENCESX X

_____________________

01000 Metersx xxxxxxxxx

02 Connectionsx xxxxxxx

00 Splicesx xxxxxxxxxxx

X XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXYES NO

62 5um MultiModex x

IS THIS CORRECT?X X XXXXX

TIA-568B 3/CAN-T529X XX

_____________________

Standard »

Length »

Connections »

Splices »

Fiber Type »

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES

PAGE 5 OF 6

(A CONNECTION IS WHENX X X

TWO FIBER CONNECTORSX X X

MATE USUALLY A PATCHXX X X

x XXX XXXX X<--- FEET --->

PANEL)XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[2 ]X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

INLINE CONNECTIONS?X XX

_____________________

SPLICES IN THE FIBERX X X X

BEING TESTED:X XXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

x XXX XXXX X<--- FEET --->

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[0 ]X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

ENTER THE NUMBER OFX X X XX

_____________________

850nm

DONE

SOURCE

CONNECT

_____________________

Optical Power Meter: Fiber OWL 4

Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL Series Multimode Sources

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OWL FO-4B Operating instructions

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Model: FO-4B

Category: Measuring, testing & control

Type: Operating instructions

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OWL FO-4B Operating instructions

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