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Black Box Fiber Meter Manual

Black Box Fiber Meter Manual

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© Copyright 2003. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746

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  • Page 1 © Copyright 2003. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. 1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746...
  • Page 2 Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500) FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746 Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com...
  • Page 4 PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING FIBEROPTIC CABLING Precautions for Handling Fiberoptic Cabling Observe the following precautions when handling fiberoptic cabling: • Fibers can be broken by poor handling, especially at connectors. • Dirt is harmful to fiberoptic connectors. • Clean the ends of connectors with alcohol cleaning pads before testing or reassembling equipment.
  • Page 5 FIBER METER TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL ST is a registered trademark of American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Windows and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications......7 Test Standards ......7 General .
  • Page 7 FIBER METER Contents (continued) Chapter Page Set the PowerDown Time ....26 Adjust the Backlighting Time ... 27 Set the Power Frequency.
  • Page 8 CONTENTS Chapter Page Autotest Using Two-Way Testing ..54 Changing the Cable Test Standard ..56 Save Autotest Results ....57 Enter a Circuit Identification Name.
  • Page 9 A.4.4 Save Test Reports to Disk ..93 A.4.5 Load Test Reports from Disk..95 A.4.6 Download Firmware to the Fiber Meter....95...

  • Page 10: Specifications

    CHAPTER 1: Specifications 1. Specifications 1.1 Test Standards Test Standard 850 nm 1300 nm Propagation Length TIA 568A Horizontal 2.0 dB 2.0 dB 90 m (62.5 µm and 50 µm) TIA 568A Backbone Equation 1 Equation 2 2000 m (62.5 µm) IEC 11801 Horizontal Equation 3 Equation 4...

  • Page 11: General

    FIBER METER 1.2 General Wavelengths Measured: 850 nm, 1300 nm Multimode Length: Range: 6600 ft. (2011.7 m); Resolution: 1 ft. (0.3 m) Multimode Length Accuracy: 0 to 1000 ft. (0 to 304.8 m) ± 2 ft. (± 0.6 m) ± 2% ± IOR uncertainty;...
  • Page 12 CHAPTER 1: Specifications Figure 1-1. Serial port pin assignments. User Controls: (10) Buttons: F1, F2, F3, F4, ESC, up arrow, down arrow, ENTER, Power, Backlight; (1) 6-position rotary dial (positions include SETUP, CAL, RESULTS, AUTOTEST, EXTENDED FUNCTIONS, and REMOTE) Operating Humidity: 10 to 90%, noncondensing Temperature Range: Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    FIBER METER 2. Introduction 2.1 Description The Fiber Meter certifies multimode fiber in pairs by comparing bi-directional, dual-wavelength 850-nm and 1300-nm loss, length, and propagation delay measurements against a user-selected industry testing standard. It also provides pass-fail results. The Fiber Meter uses an automated link loss budget calculation as part of the pass-fail determination.

  • Page 14: Features

    • (1) Report Manager software • (1) AC/mains battery eliminator and charger If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact Black Box at 724-746-5500. 2.3 Features • Tests two multimode fibers with one setup. • Measures bi-directional loss at 850 nm and 1300 nm simultaneously.
  • Page 15 FIBER METER • Determines margin beyond pass-fail limits. • Stores up to 2000 Autotest reports. • Uploads test reports to a PC for archiving and printing. • Contains a built-in audio communication system.

  • Page 16: The Handset

    The Enter key accepts the highlighted selection. Power: Backlighting: Adjusts the Powers the backlighting for the display Fiber Meter on screen and adjusts the contrast and off. using the arrows. Rotary dial: Selects a test or Serial port function. Table 2-1 describes the connection: dial selections.
  • Page 17 Performs the automated testing of a pair of multimode optical fibers. RESULTS Views Autotest reports, prints reports from the Fiber Meter, and changes the serial settings during printing. Calibrates the cable index of refraction (IOR) and sets the Autotest reference power.

  • Page 18: Battery Information

    • Download Firmware • Upload Reports 2.5 Battery Information Each Fiber Meter handset is shipped with eight AA alkaline batteries. The Fiber Meter handset can also be equipped with an optional rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack. (Call Technical Support...

  • Page 19: Low Battery Message

    Fiber Meter automatically shuts itself off. IMPORTANT The Fiber Meter memory is powered from an internal, long- life lithium cell. This cell permits stored test results and setup conditions to remain saved in non-volatile memory when you replace the AA alkaline batteries or rechargeable battery pack.

  • Page 20: Recharging The Nimh

    CHAPTER 2: Introduction 2. Remove the old batteries. 3. Install new batteries, paying attention to the polarity markings on the inside of the battery well. See Figure 2-3. Then close the battery compartment. Figure 2-3. Installing new batteries. 4. Press the Power button to continue regular operations.

  • Page 21: Changing Performance Modules

    FIBER METER To resume testing after recharging the battery pack, turn the Fiber Meter on by pressing the Power button. The information shown in Figure 2-4 appears. Figure 2-4. Display during charging mode. 2.6 Changing Performance Modules Each Fiber Meter handset comes with a fiberoptic performance module that attaches to the top of the unit.
  • Page 22 The performance module is designed to be installed and removed without tools. CAUTION Turn off the power to the Fiber Meter handset before adding or changing a performance module. To remove a performance module: 1. Loosen the thumbscrews on either side of the performance module until the screws are free of the retainer.

  • Page 23: Setup

    FIBER METER 3. Setup The Fiber Meter includes two identical Fiber Meter handsets. Use one handset as the Main Unit. The Main Unit controls all the testing and stores the test results. The other handset is the Remote Unit. To designate the second handset as the Remote Unit, set the Rotary Dial to REMOTE.
  • Page 24 CHAPTER 3: Setup Table 3-1. Setup functions. Function Factory-Default Sequence Setting Test Mode F4 to toggle between OneWay OneWay and TwoWay Number of F2 to decrease the number Connections (0–99) F3 to increase the number Number of Splices F2 to decrease the number (0–99) F3 to increase the number Core Diameter...
  • Page 25 FIBER METER Table 3-1 (continued). Setup functions. Function Factory-Default Sequence Setting Date F1 to format the date mm/dd/yy F2 to change the month F3 to change the day F4 to change the year Time F2 to change the hour hh:mm:ss...

  • Page 26: Set The Test Mode

    CHAPTER 3: Setup 3.1 Set the Test Mode The Fiber Meter includes two identical Fiber Meter handsets. Use these handsets to perform multimode fiber certification Autotests. This allows you to specify whether loss measurements are made on each fiber in one direction (one-way testing—see Figure 3-1) or on...

  • Page 27: Set The Number Of Connections

    FIBER METER If you select two-way testing, Autotest pauses after completing the first set of loss measurements so that you can swap test jumper connections at both ends of the fiber. See Chapter 5 for specific information about Autotest. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to SETUP.

  • Page 28: Set The Number Of Splices

    CHAPTER 3: Setup Figure 3-3. Number of connections (for loss budget). 3. The number of connections can be 0 to 99. The default value is 2. Press the F2 button to decrease the number of connections. Press the F3 button to increase the number of connections.

  • Page 29: Set The Core Diameter

    3. Press the F4 button to toggle between Feet and Meters. 3.6 Set the PowerDown Time PowerDown sets the time interval for the Fiber Meter’s automatic power down. The Fiber Meter will power down after a set time interval during which no keys were pressed or when there has been no communication with the other end.

  • Page 30: Adjust The Backlighting Time

    CHAPTER 3: Setup 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to SETUP. 2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until PowerDown is highlighted. 3. Press the F2 button to decrease the amount of time until power down. 4. Press the F3 button to increase the amount of time until power down.

  • Page 31: Set The Power Frequency

    4. Press the F3 button to increase the amount of time the backlighting stays on. 3.8 Set the Power Frequency Power Frequency sets the Fiber Meter with the frequency of the local AC/mains power. Setting the Power Frequency properly avoids display flicker caused by the interaction of the LCD display and light sources.

  • Page 32: Set The Baud Rate

    CHAPTER 3: Setup 3.9 Set the Baud Rate Baud Rate matches the serial output of the Fiber Meter with that of the printer or PC. The default setting is 9600 baud, which is the most common input baud rate for a serial printer.

  • Page 33: Set The Date

    XON/XOFF, or the F1 button to select NONE. 3.11 Set the Date The Fiber Meter records the date when a test report is saved and includes this date on test reports. There are three available date formats: mm/dd/yy (default), dd/mm/yy, or yy/mm/dd.

  • Page 34: Set Audible Tones

    CHAPTER 3: Setup 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to SETUP. 2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until Time is highlighted. 3. Press the F2 button to change the hour. 4. Press the F3 button to change the minutes. 5.

  • Page 35: Set The Circuit Names

    FIBER METER 3.14 Set the Circuit Names Circuit Names sets the default name used for circuit identification when saving Autotest results. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to SETUP. 2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until Circuit Names is highlighted.
  • Page 36 CHAPTER 3: Setup • BLANK. No circuit ID is entered (not even a tester-assigned report number). • NEXT. You can enter a Circuit ID that’s one number, letter, or number/letter combination greater than the last ID used. If the last ID used ends in a 1, the next ID will end in a 2, and so on.

  • Page 37: Set The Company Name

    FIBER METER 3.15 Set the Company Name Test reports can be customized to include a company name of up to 20 characters long. See Figure 3-5. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to SETUP. 2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until Company Name is highlighted.

  • Page 38: Reset To Defaults

    • Press the ENTER button to save the new name. 3.16 Reset to Defaults Reset to Defaults allows you to return the Fiber Meter’s internal settings to their factory defaults. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to SETUP.
  • Page 39 FIBER METER 3. Press the F2 button to reset all setup parameters to their default values. The default values are defined in Table 3-1 at the beginning of this chapter. 4. Press the F3 button to reset the IOR (Index of Refraction) value to its default value of 1.490.

  • Page 40: Calibration

    CHAPTER 4: Calibration 4. Calibration The Calibration (CAL) function allows you to set the Fiber Meter to the cable’s index of refraction (IOR) and set the Autotest power reference. Refer to Chapter 5 for instructions on setting the Autotest power reference.
  • Page 41 FIBER METER To set IOR: 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to CAL. 2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until IOR is highlighted. 3. Press the F4 button to calibrate IOR. Figure 4-1 appears. Figure 4-1. Setting IOR.
  • Page 42 CHAPTER 4: Calibration 5. Press the ENTER button to save the new IOR setting. 6. Press the ESC button to return to the CALIBRATE menu.

  • Page 43: Autotest

    Unit. It controls all of the testing and stores the test results. The other handset is the Remote Unit. NOTE The roles of the two Fiber Meter handsets can be reversed to use the report storage capability of both handsets. An Autotest requires you to perform the following steps: •...

  • Page 44: Set The Reference Power

    CHAPTER 5: Autotest • Set the fiber core diameter. This allows the Fiber Meter to automatically calculate pass-fail limits based on the test standards for different optical fiber types and allowable losses for the optical components. These settings are applied to all of the links you test.
  • Page 45 You’ll also need to re-establish the reference when there has been a significant change in temperature since the reference was last established. If the Fiber Meter is used over long intervals of time, you should re-establish the reference every couple of hours to allow for changes in ambient temperature.

  • Page 46: Ofstp-14A Method B Reference

    CHAPTER 5: Autotest 5.2.1 OFSTP-14A M ETHOD EFERENCE Method B is the recommended method for testing multimode cable under TIA/EIA-568A and ISO/IEC 11801. This method is appropriate when measuring a cable plant with patch panels on both ends, or with a patch panel on one end and a wall outlet on the other.
  • Page 47 FIBER METER 3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until Set Reference is highlighted. See Figure 5-2. Figure 5-2. Highlighting Set Reference. 4. Press the F4 button to calibrate. When you finish setting the power reference, a message confirms that the references were set. This message is followed by the reminder shown in Figure 5-3.
  • Page 48 Remote handset separately. To do this, turn the rotary dial on the Fiber Meter Main Unit to REMOTE, turn the dial on the Remote Unit to CAL, and repeat the reference-setting procedure as described on the previous page.

  • Page 49: Ofstp-14A Method A Reference

    FIBER METER 5.2.2 OFSTP-14A M ETHOD EFERENCE 1. Attach the test jumpers to connect the Main Unit and Remote Unit as shown in Figure 5-4. Light direction Test Jumper 1 Test Jumper 3 Bulkhead Adapter Test Jumper 4 Test Jumper 2...
  • Page 50 Remote handset separately. To do this, turn the rotary dial on the Fiber Meter Main Unit to REMOTE, turn the dial on the Remote Unit to CAL, and repeat the reference-setting procedure as described on the previous pages.
  • Page 51 FIBER METER IMPORTANT Once the reference measurement is made and you are ready to begin testing, disconnect the test jumpers from the receive (RX) ports (not shown). Do not disconnect the test jumpers from the transmit (TX) ports after the reference has been set.

  • Page 52: Autotest Optical Power Measurements

    5.3 Autotest Optical Power Measurements Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to AUTOTEST. The Fiber Meter displays the optical power measured at the receiving end of both cables (see Figure 5-8): • RX: Results for the cable connected to the Main Unit’s RX port.

  • Page 53: Autotest Using One-Way Testing

    FIBER METER Figure 5-8. Autotest Optical Power Measurements. 5.4 Autotest Using One-Way Testing 1. From the Autotest Optical Power Measurements display screen (see Figure 5-8), press the F2 button on the Main Unit to start Autotest loss measurements. The Autotest Summary screen is displayed at the completion of the Autotest.
  • Page 54 CHAPTER 5: Autotest To view One-Way test results: 1. On the Autotest Summary screen (see Figure 5-9), press the F2 button on the Main Unit. The Autotest TX Loss screen displays the loss in dB at both wavelengths for the cable connected to the Main Unit’s TX port.
  • Page 55 FIBER METER Figure 5-11. Autotest RX Loss screen. 3. From either the TX Loss or RX Loss screen, press the F2 button to display the Autotest Margin Screen (see Figure 5-12). This screen shows the amount of headroom between the loss budget and the measured loss.
  • Page 56 RX port on the Remote Unit. If connections to Fiber Meter are correct, then there is a break or substantial loss in one of the two cables. To isolate the problem cable, the Fiber Meter handsets can be used as a manual optical source and power meter.

  • Page 57: Autotest Using Two-Way Testing

    FIBER METER 5.5 Autotest Using Two-Way Testing 1. From the Autotest Optical Power Measurements display screen (see Figure 5-8), press the F2 button on the Main Unit to start Autotest loss measurements. A message on the Autotest Summary screen will prompt you to swap the connections when the first step of the Autotest is completed.
  • Page 58 CHAPTER 5: Autotest To view Two-Way test results: 1. On the Autotest Summary screen (see Figure 5-13), press the F2 button on the Main Unit. The TX Loss Screen displays the loss in dB at both wavelengths for the cable that was connected to the Main Unit’s TX port during the first step of the Autotest.

  • Page 59: Changing The Cable Test Standard

    5.6 Changing The Cable Test Standard You can select or change the cable test standard that the Fiber Meter uses for Autotest pass-fail determinations. The currently selected cable test standard is displayed on the Autotest Optical Power, Auto Test Summary, Autotest Loss, and Autotest Margin display screens.

  • Page 60: Save Autotest Results

    3. Press the F4 button or the ENTER button. 5.7 Save Autotest Results Each Fiber Meter can store the results of up to 2000 Autotests (1000 in each handset.) These results can later be uploaded to a PC or printer. See Chapter 7 for a description of how to output test results.
  • Page 61 1. On the Main Unit, press the F4 button or the ENTER button on the Autotest Summary screen, any Autotest Loss screen, or any Margin screen. The Fiber Meter automatically assigns a sequential report number. You can press the up- and down- arrows keys to change the report number. See Figure 5-17.
  • Page 62 CHAPTER 5: Autotest CAUTION If you select a report number that is in use, the Fiber Meter beeps and displays the message “In Use” beneath the report number. See Figure 5-18. The Fiber Meter has no overwrite protection. Nothing prevents you from saving a second report to the same number as a previous report, erasing the earlier one.

  • Page 63: Enter A Circuit Identification Name

    FIBER METER 5.8 Enter a Circuit Identification Name To speed up entering circuit identifiers, the Fiber Meter can be set up to automatically go on to the next circuit identifier. See Section 3.14 for specific information. The selection of a circuit ID that has already been...

  • Page 64: Extended Functions

    CHAPTER 6: Extended Functions 6. Extended Functions 6.1 LinkTalk LinkTalk is a special feature that allows two Fiber Meter handsets to function as an audio communication system over duplex multimode fiber. This feature provides half- duplex voice communication between the Main Unit and Remote Unit.
  • Page 65 FIBER METER To activate LinkTalk: 1. Set the rotary dial on the Remote Unit to REMOTE. 2. Attach the earphones to the jack on the lower right side of both the Main Unit and Remote Unit. 3. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to EXTENDED FUNCTIONS.

  • Page 66: Manual Power Meter

    850 nm or 1300 nm wavelength. Connections are made to the RX port. You can use the other Fiber Meter handset as a manual optical source for testing installed fiberoptic cable. See Section 6.3 for instructions that describe how to set the other Fiber Meter as an LED light source.
  • Page 67 Manual Optical Source Mode (Unit A) Mode (Unit B) Figure 6-2. Setting the manual power meter reference per TIA OFSTP-14A, Method B. To set the Manual Power Meter: 1. Set the rotary dial on Fiber Meter Unit A to EXTENDED FUNCTIONS.
  • Page 68 4. Select the F3 button, which toggles between 850 and 1300 nm wavelengths (see Figure 6-3). Figure 6-3. Manual Power Meter mode. 5. Set Fiber Meter Unit B to EXTENDED FUNCTIONS, select LED Source, then press the F3 button, which toggles between 850 and 1300 nm wavelengths.
  • Page 69 FIBER METER 8. Press the F3 button on Fiber Meter Unit B to select 1300 nm. 9. Press the F4 button on Unit A to set the 1300 nm reference. NOTE The Manual Power Meter mode allows you to set an optical reference.
  • Page 70 Once the reference measurement has been made and you are ready to begin testing, do not disconnect the test jumper from the optical source (TX port of the Fiber Meter handset.) Disconnecting the test jumper from the optical source will affect the reference and will require...

  • Page 71: Manual Led Source

    FIBER METER NOTE A Fiber Meter handset placed in Manual Power Meter mode (RX port input) also automatically becomes an LED optical light source via the TX port of the same handset. This feature allows you to test fiberoptic patch cords or a reel of fiberoptic cable using a single handset.

  • Page 72: Manual Multimode Loopback Measurements

    Figure 6-5. Manual LED Source mode. 6.4 Manual Multimode Loopback Measurements Each Fiber Meter handset can be used as a loss test set to test single multimode cables, including patch cords. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to EXTENDED FUNCTIONS.
  • Page 73 FIBER METER Test Jumper 1 Figure 6-6. Setting the reference in Manual Multimode Loopback mode. 5. Press the F3 button to set 850 nm as the wavelength. 6. Press the F4 button to set the 850 nm reference. 7. Press the F3 button to select the 1300 nm wavelength.
  • Page 74 Figure 6-7. Making loss measurements in Manual Loopback mode. NOTE Do not remove the test jumper from the Fiber Meter TX port after the reference is set. 10. To obtain the loss measurement at the other wavelength, select that wavelength at the Power...

  • Page 75: Self-Test

    FIBER METER 6.5 Self-Test If the Fiber Meter fails to operate as expected or exhibits inaccurate readings, you should perform a self-test as described below. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to EXTENDED FUNCTIONS. 2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until Self Test is highlighted.

  • Page 76: Test Results

    Loaded files cannot be altered by the Report Manager. 7.1 View Test Reports The Fiber Meter allows you to view test reports before uploading or printing. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to RESULTS.

  • Page 77: Print Test Reports

    5. Press the ESC button to return to the Reports screen. 7.2 Print Test Reports Fiber Meter allows you to print test reports directly from the handset to a serial printer with individual reports printed on separate pages. IMPORTANT You can print test reports directly from the Fiber Meter handset to a serial printer only.
  • Page 78 CHAPTER 7: Test Results 2. Select one of the following options: • To print a single report, press the up- and down- arrow keys until the number of the test report you want to print is highlighted. See Figure 7-1. Figure 7-1.

  • Page 79: Sample Autotest Reports

    FIBER METER • To print all reports, highlight ALL REPORTS and press the F1 button. Figure 7-3. All tests selected from the RESULTS menu. NOTE Reports can be de-selected by highlighting a selected report and pressing the F1 button prior to printing.
  • Page 80 CHAPTER 7: Test Results Fiber Meter CABLE CERTIFICATION REPORT #1 Circuit ID: TX1 Module Type: MultiMode Cable Test Standard: 568A Remote Module Type: MultiMode Backbone Link Location: Serial Number: 9904401 V1.00D0 Date Tested: 11/21/2000 Cable IOR: 1.490 Test Mode: One-Way...
  • Page 81 FIBER METER Fiber Meter CABLE CERTIFICATION REPORT #3 Circuit ID: TX2 Module Type: MultiMode Cable Test Standard: 568A Remote Module Type: MultiMode Backbone Link Location: Serial Number: 9904401 V1.00D0 Date Tested: 11/21/2000 Cable IOR: 1.490 Test Mode: Two-Way TEST SUMMARY: PASS...

  • Page 82: Delete Test Reports

    CHAPTER 7: Test Results 7.4 Delete Test Reports Reports can be deleted from the Fiber Meter’s non- volatile memory using the following procedure. 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to RESULTS. 2. Select one of the following options: •...

  • Page 83: Change Serial Port Settings

    • Baud rate for serial output with that of the PC or printer. • Flow-control method to control data flow between the Fiber Meter and the PC or printer. • Output format for the report. NOTE The data format for serial data is fixed at 8 bits, no parity,...
  • Page 84 CHAPTER 7: Test Results To change the serial port settings for printing: 1. Set the rotary dial on the Main Unit to RESULTS. 2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until your report selection is highlighted. See Section 7.2 for specific instructions.
  • Page 85 FIBER METER 7. Press the F4 button to print the reports. Serial port settings changes are automatically stored in non-volatile memory. NOTE To abort a report printout, press the ESC button.

  • Page 86: Appendix. Report Manager

    Report Manager is a PC-based utility program that allows you to conveniently upload, display, print and save test reports, and download Fiber Meter firmware upgrades. Reports can be selectively uploaded from the Fiber Meter and saved to disk in a secure (protected from tampering), encrypted and compressed format, or in a text format for use by another program.

  • Page 87: Report Manager Components

    FIBER METER 3. Click Control Panel. 4. Double-click on the Add/Remove Programs icon. 5. Click Install to find and run the Report Manager Setup program. A.2 Report Manager Components Report Manager components include: • Menus • Toolbar • Status Bar •...

  • Page 88: Toolbar

    APPENDIX: Report Manager Figure A-1. Menus. A.2.2 T OOLBAR Toolbar buttons (see Figure A-2) provide quick access to these commonly used functions: • Open file • Save file • Print reports • Upload reports • Help The Toolbar can be enabled or disabled from the View menu.

  • Page 89: Status Bar

    FIBER METER Figure A-2. Toolbar. A.2.3 S TATUS Program status, Help tips, report page number, communications status, date and time are shown in the status bar at the bottom of Report Manager window. Several status bar options can be changed from the View menu.

  • Page 90: Setting Up Report Manager

    APPENDIX: Report Manager A.3 Setting Up Report Manager A.3.1 D COM P ETECTING THE Report Manager is designed to automatically detect the active COM port on your PC, usually COM1 or COM2. Some PC configurations may require you to manually select a COM port.

  • Page 91: Connecting The Fiber Meter

    2. Connect the other end (dual connector, use either a 9- or 25-pin connector) to a PC. See Figure A-3. Serial COM port 9- or 25 pin plug PC interface serial cable Figure A-3. Connecting the Fiber Meter to the PC.

  • Page 92: Using Report Manager

    APPENDIX: Report Manager A.4 Using Report Manager Report Manager allows you to perform the following functions: • Upload test results from the Fiber Meter to the PC. • View test reports. • Print test reports. • Save test reports to disk.
  • Page 93 FIBER METER 3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys until UPLOAD REPORTS is highlighted. 4. Press the ENTER key. Wait until the message Link Established is shown in the Report Manager’s status bar. NOTE If the status bar continues to display No Communications Link Established, check the COM port settings.
  • Page 94 APPENDIX: Report Manager A summary of the Fiber Meter’s available reports is uploaded to Report Manager. The Fiber Meter may store hundreds of reports. To help locate specific reports, click the header for any column to sort the list by that column. The...

  • Page 95: View Test Reports

    FIBER METER Figure A-5. Upload All Reports. On the upload screen, progress is shown by the bar graph and an animated graphic. An estimate of the time required to complete the download is given below the bar graph. A message indicates when the report upload is complete.

  • Page 96: Print Test Reports

    APPENDIX: Report Manager If more than one report file is open, you can arrange them for convenient viewing using the commands in the Window menu. A.4.3 P RINT EPORTS 1. Select Print from the File menu. 2. Select the printer, pages to print, and number of copies in the Print dialog box.
  • Page 97 FIBER METER To save a report with a different file type: 1. Select Save As from the File menu. 2. From the Files of type list, select one of the following: • Report Manager Tester Reports File (default secure format). The file is encrypted and compressed to reduce the likelihood of file modification.

  • Page 98: Load Test Reports From Disk

    OWNLOAD IRMWARE TO THE IBER ETER Firmware provides the Fiber Meter with performance capabilities. For firmware upgrades, please contact Technical Support at 724-746-5500. Once the firmware upgrade resides on your PC, you can extract the executable files and follow the directions in the accompanying readme.txt file to load the upgrade.
  • Page 99 FIBER METER CAUTION When you upgrade the Fiber Meter firmware, all of the test results you have currently stored are erased. To avoid losing existing test results, we recommend that you print the stored test results or upload them to a PC before upgrading the firmware.
  • Page 100 7. Click Open to load the firmware file. The display shows the version number and other information for both the upgrade and the Fiber Meter’s current firmware. Figure A-6. Firmware update. 8. Confirm the firmware update operation.
  • Page 101 FIBER METER On the download screen, progress is shown by the bar graph and an animated graphic. An estimate of the time required to complete the download is given below the bar graph. A message indicates when the firmware download is complete.

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