Troubleshooting - OptoTest OP940-SW Instruction Manual

Troubleshooting

If, in the course of testing, an OptoTest OP940 unit begins to experience issues, please
consult the below table for basic troubleshooting help. If after consulting the table the
unit is still having issues, contact OptoTest for further assistance.
Problem Possible Cause
Dirt and damage on
endfaces
Dirt and damage on
detectors
Dwell times
Unstable
measurements
Damaged bulkheads
and detector
adapters
Hybrid bulkheads
Certain push-in
connectors are
Return Loss
known for having a
on connectors
long settling time
takes some
for RL
time to
stabilize
Solution
Inspect all endfaces including any SAVer cables
and the front panel connector on the instrument.
Clean or repolish any dirty or damaged connectors.
For more info, please consult Application Note
AN-137.
Inspect both the detectors and any adapters
being used with them for dirt and damage. Clean
the detectors and adapters as needed. Replace
adapters that appear damaged. In the event of
a damaged detector, please contact OptoTest to
schedule a repair or replacement.
Increasing the IL and RL Dwell times in software or
on the Settings screen of the unit (see page 27) can
improve stability by allowing the detectors more
time to settle.
Broken ceramic sleeves inside of bulkheads and
bulkheads that are damaged or misshapen can
cause severe misalignment issues which can
affect stability. If the bulkhead on the front panel is
damaged, contact OptoTest for a replacement or
guidance on the proper bulkhead to replace it with.
The problem generally arises because the ferrules
do not properly align due to differences in ferrule
alignment. These misalignments lead to decreased
repeatability and stability. Additionally, differences
in contact force between connector types can
sometimes be difficult to rectify and can result in
failing values from otherwise passing cables.
This is typically a mechanical settling issue with
the two ferrules taking time to properly align as
the spring force relaxes. Push-in connectors with
higher spring force, such as SC and E-2000, take
some time for the spring and mating to reach
equilibrium. This issue is typically pronounced on
new connectors and becomes less prevalent as it
gets connected more.
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