Overview; Operation; Power On; Fiber Certification - Extech Instruments MO500 Operation Manual

UNIT 3

Overview

The whole purpose of fiber certification with the MicroMeter is to save data points using a standards-based reference point and
produce professional-looking reports for the customer.
The MicroMeter is capable of storing up to 1000 data points with user-configurable fiber labels, and can certify up to four separate
fiber links against the EIA/TIA 568 standard.
Data points are downloaded into our free Reporter Windows-compatible software for organizing data points and printing
professional-looking certification reports.

Operation

Power On

Press the F2 button. After a few seconds, the meter will display Immediate Mode (see Unit 2 for a description of the screen).

Fiber Certification

Before we begin, it is important to understand the term 'LINK' as it is used in the
MicroMeter.
Definition of a link: In the MicroMeter, a link is defined as any number of fibers, or fiber
runs, that all have the same set of fiber characteristics from one end to the other; typically
begin together and end together; and follow the same pathway. These characteristics
include fiber length, fiber type, connector loss, and splice loss, and the cabling standard
being used for fiber certification.
characteristics changes, a new link must be configured.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

To perform fiber certification with the MicroMeter, the user will need the following equipment:
MicroMeter optical power meter
Stabilized light source (multi-mode or single mode, depending upon fiber type being tested)
Power meter test jumper (make sure the connectors match the fiber under test)
Light source test jumper (the user will need one jumper for each connector port on the light source)
Mandrel (½ inch; only for multi-mode fiber certification; the user will need one mandrel for each light source jumper)

PREPARATION

Make sure all of the required equipment is working properly:
– Clean the connector ports on the meter and light source
– Allow the light source to warm up according to manufacturer recommendations
– Clean and test the jumpers to make sure they are not adding significant loss to the test
REFERENCE METHOD - (see Appendix I for more details)
For proper certification of fiber links using the MicroMeter, use the following methods for setting certification references:
– Single mode fiber - EIA/TIA 526-7, Method 1.A
– Multi-mode fiber - EIA/TIA 526-14A, Method B
The following steps (Options 1 through 4 on the MAIN MENU) outline the procedure for setting up the MicroMeter for fiber
certification. The MAIN MENU takes the user through a step-by-step process to certify fiber links. This step-by-step process is called
the Link Wizard.
The Link Wizard calculates a PASS/FAIL threshold according to the link attenuation values detailed in the TIA/EIA 568 cabling standard.
All fibers included in the link are measured against this threshold to produce a PASS or FAIL reading.
FIBER CERTIFICATION
NOTE: Any time one of these fiber
3-1
MAIN MENU
<1>SELECT LINK
<2>DEFINE LINK
<3>TAKE READINGS
<4>STORED DATA
<5>METER SETUP