Sensors & Software pulseEKKO Product Manual page 214

Care & Maintenance
13.2.1 Fibre Optic Cables
The fibre optic cables are the most fragile component in the system. They can be easily
damaged by misuse. When handling the fibre optic cables always roll and unroll them as if they
were on a spool. DO NOT roll them around your arm like a rope or extension cord. Also, these
cables do not twist, therefore laying the roll on the ground and pulling the cable off will cause the
cables to tangle.
Always push in and remove the cable by holding the strain relief jacket or the plastic end
connector. Pulling on the cable will loosen the crimp and damage the cable. After connecting
the fibre optic cables to the antenna electronic boxes, loosely loop the cable and tape off some
slack onto the handles. Most breaks occur right at the cable ends when they are accidentally
pulled.
These cables can stand a great deal of abrasive wear but the user should avoid sharp bends in
the cable, pulling the cable at right angles close to the fibre optics connectors, or allowing the
unprotected ends to get dirty or scratched. Erratic Time Zero jumps usually indicate a cracked
cable. If problems are encountered with the fibre optics cables, repair is very straightforward
and is outlined in detail below. The best policy is to carry spares. Short fibre optic cables are
located inside each of the units (see item K in Figure 13-4). These short cables may need
cleaning and polishing from time to time.
13.2.2 Fibre Optic Cable Repair
A picture of the Low Frequency Handle Spare Parts kit is shown in Figure 13-1, item number
100-54-0121. This is standard with the LF Handle package. This kit can be used to repair
existing fibre optic cables. A crimping tool (not shown) may be needed in some cases.
Other repair kits are also available that include lengths of fibre optic cable. Contact Sensors &
Software for information and availability.
202