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OWL MO-2 Operation Manual

Micro owl 2 optical power meter
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Optical Wavelength Laboratories
OPERATIONS GUIDE
MICRO OWL 2 OPTICAL POWER METER
Model Numbers:
MO-2
MO-2V
OWL
Revision 1.10
Optical Wavelength Laboratories (OWL)
N9623 West US Hwy 12
OWL-INC.COM
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: 262-473-0643
Internet: OWL-INC.COM

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  • Page 1 Optical Wavelength Laboratories OPERATIONS GUIDE MICRO OWL 2 OPTICAL POWER METER Model Numbers: MO-2 MO-2V Revision 1.10 Optical Wavelength Laboratories (OWL) N9623 West US Hwy 12 OWL-INC.COM Whitewater, WI 53190 Phone: 262-473-0643 Internet: OWL-INC.COM...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Active Equipment Power Measurement Fiber Continuity Patch Cable Testing Check MM Reference Cables - Dual OWL MM Sources Check MM Reference Cables - WaveSource MM Sources Check SM Reference Cables - Laser OWL SM Sources Check SM Reference Cables - WaveSource SM Sources...
  • Page 3 INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS Clearing Stored Readings from Micro OWL 2 Memory METER SETUP MENU Setting User Information Setting User Name Setting User Telephone Number Setting User Preferences Changing Wavelength Options Entering Custom Wavelength Setting Tone Detection Options Setting LCD Contrast...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    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.

  • Page 5: Applications

    Micro OWL 2 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 Micro OWL 2 can be used to test the attenuation of a patch cord to see if it is usable, or should be replaced.

  • Page 6: Precautions

    PRODUCT LABEL On the back of each Micro OWL 2 series optical power meter is a label similar to the one 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.

  • Page 7: General Features

    ID information. F1 F2 F3 - function keys activate certain menu options shown at the bottom of the Micro OWL 2 LCD display - enables user to enter alpha-numeric data, as well as activate certain menu options...

  • Page 8: General Features - Lcd Display

    ‘AUTO’ when set to automatic wavelength detection mode CHECKING YOUR MICRO OWL 2 FIRMWARE VERSION This manual is written for the Micro OWL 2 firmware version 2.05. Follow the instructions below to verify your firmware version. Press to start up the meter.

  • Page 9: Test Procedures

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 The Micro OWL 2 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.

  • Page 10: Fiber Continuity

    Take the Micro OWL 2 optical power meter to the opposite end of the link under test, and connect into the first port. If the Micro OWL 2 does not detect any optical power, the display will read “UNDER”. Continue connecting to subsequent optical ports until the Micro OWL 2 display shows an optical power reading.

  • Page 11: Patch Cable Testing

    Micro OWL 2 matches the output wavelength of the light source. Press to set the reference, or “ZERO”. The Micro OWL 2 will change to show loss in ‘dB’, and the loss value should be very close to 0.00 dB.

  • Page 12: Check Mm Reference Cables - Dual Owl Mm Sources

    _____________________ right. NEXT SELECT 2 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. STEP 3 - Enter SIMPLE METER 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.

  • Page 13: Check Mm Reference Cables - Wavesource Mm Sources

    SIMPLE METER display, with SIMPLE METER CERTIFY LINK being highlighted as shown at TECH SUPPORT Thoroughly clean and inspect the optical ports of the Micro OWL _____________________ right. 2 and the WaveSource, as well as the fiber connector endfaces, NEXT SELECT according to the brochures that have been included with this kit.

  • Page 14: Check Sm Reference Cables - Laser Owl Sm Sources

    ZERO WAVE at 1550nm by setting the power meter and source to 1550nm. Connect the Micro OWL 2 and Laser OWL together with a yellow singlemode patch cable as shown below. STEP 5 - Power ON the Laser OWL Press to power on the Laser OWL.

  • Page 15: Check Sm Reference Cables - Wavesource Sm Sources

    Thoroughly clean and inspect the optical ports of the Micro OWL The display should read UNDER 2 and the Laser OWL, as well as the fiber connector endfaces, ‘UNDER’ as shown at right. according to the brochures that have been included with this kit.

  • Page 16: Quick Reference Guides

    QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES Optical Power Meter: MICRO OWL 2 Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL Series Multimode Sources PAGE 1 OF 5 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 50/125 µm...
  • Page 17 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 Micro OWL 2 and the Dual OWL, as shown in Figure 3. Compare the reading on the Micro OWL 2 display to Table 1 for acceptable power levels.
  • Page 18 Fiber Optic Light Source: DUAL OWL Series Multimode Sources PAGE 3 OF 5 Connect a mandrel-wrapped patch cable between the Micro OWL 2 and the Dual OWL as shown in Figure 4. LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR PORT NOTES: – CONNECTOR TYPE MAY VARY –...
  • Page 19 * 850nm NOT SET 1300nm NOT SET _____________________ WAVE DONE CONNECT Connect the Micro Owl 2 detector port and the 850nm light source (left-hand port) together with 850nm SOURCE the mandrel-wrapped cable as shown in Figure 4, then press to continue. _____________________...
  • Page 20 TAKE READINGS Disconnect the mandrel-wrapped patch cable from the Micro OWL 2 and take the units to opposite ends of the link. Do NOT disconnect the patch cable(s) from the light source at any time until all fibers have been tested.

  • Page 21: Micro Owl 2/Wavesource Mm Test Kits

    Test Equipment Ports Detector 850 nm / 1300nm Micro OWL 2 power meter WaveSource light source Figure 2 shows the ports of the equipment used during this procedure. These ports may vary depending upon the model of equipment. VERIFY PROPER OPERATION OF THE EQUIPMENT Connect the power meter and light source together with the straight patch cable as shown in Figure 3.
  • Page 22 TABLE 1 Once proper operation has been verified, remove the straight patch cable from both units and set it aside. Connect the mandrel-wrapped patch cable between the Micro OWL 2 and the WaveSource as shown in Figure 4. LIGHT SOURCE CONNECTOR PORT NOTES: –...
  • Page 23 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES Optical Power Meter: MICRO OWL 2 Fiber Optic Light Source: WAVESOURCE Series Multimode Sources PAGE 3 OF 5 From the STORED LINKS menu, press to highlight the stored link name you wish to use STORED LINKS Fiber Link 1...
  • Page 24 Micro OWL 2 display. Disconnect the mandrel-wrapped patch cable from the Micro OWL 2 and take the units to opposite ends of the link. Do NOT disconnect the patch cable(s) from the light source at any time until all fibers have been tested.
  • Page 25 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES Optical Power Meter: MICRO OWL 2 Fiber Optic Light Source: WAVESOURCE Series Multimode Sources PAGE 5 OF 5 Connect the units to the first fiber to test as shown in Figure 5. Your readings will vary from the example below.

  • Page 26: Micro Owl 2/Laser Owl Sm Test Kits

    FIGURE 2 PHYSICAL CONTACT (APC) CONNECTOR Singlemode Patch Cable Connection Press to power on the light source. Press to power on the Micro OWL 2. From the OPERATING MODE menu, press to highlight SIMPLE METER if necessary, then press to SELECT.
  • Page 27 Press on the Micro OWL 2 until the wavelength reads 1310nm. The Micro OWL 2 should read approximately -10.00 dBm. If the reading is below -12.00 dBm, the patch cable should be replaced. Once proper operation has been verified, remove the first patch cable from both units and set it aside.
  • Page 28 1310nm -20 00 (as shown at right). Also make sure that a singlemode patch cable is connected to the 1550nm *1550nm NOT SET port, and that you set the Laser OWL to 1550nm (the right-hand indicator LED will be lit). _____________________ WAVE DONE After the 1550nm reference is set, the REF dBm field will be filled in with a reference value.
  • Page 29 TAKE READINGS Disconnect the singlemode patch cable from the Micro OWL 2 and take the units to opposite ends of the link. Do NOT disconnect the patch cable(s) from the light source at any time until all fibers have been tested.

  • Page 30: Micro Owl 2/Wavesource Sm Test Kits

    WaveSource to the SM PORT. The right-hand indicator will be for 1310nm. PORT Press to power on the Micro OWL 2. From the OPERATING MODE menu, press to highlight SIMPLE METER if necessary, then press to SELECT. Press on the Micro OWL 2 until the wavelength reads 1310nm.
  • Page 31 WAVESOURCE Series Singlemode Sources PAGE 2 OF 4 The Micro OWL 2 should read approximately -10.00 dBm. If the reading is below -12.00 dBm, the patch cable should be replaced. Once proper operation has been verified, remove the first patch cable from both units and set it aside.
  • Page 32 SET REFERENCE procedure for 1310nm. CONNECT 1310nm SOURCE Connect the Micro OWL 2 detector port and the 1310nm port together with a _____________________ DONE singlemode patch cable as shown in Figure 2, then press to continue.
  • Page 33 Micro OWL 2 display. Disconnect the patch cable from the Micro OWL 2 and take the units to opposite ends of the link. Do NOT disconnect the patch cable(s) from the light source at any time until all fibers have been tested.

  • Page 34: Owl Reporter

    OWL REPORTER INSTALLING THE OWL USB DRIVER To avoid USB driver conflicts, the OWL USB driver must be installed before connecting the Fiber OWL 4 to the PC. Follow the instructions below: Insert the OWL CD into your CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 35 OWL REPORTER OWL REPORTER INSTALLING THE OWL USB DRIVER, cont. Click the radio button labeled “Install the software automatically (Recommended)”, then click “Next” to continue. Click the “Continue Anyway” button on the “Software Installation” dialog box. Once the drivers have been completely installed, click the “Finish” button.

  • Page 36: Installing Owl Reporter

    OWL REPORTER INSTALLING OWL REPORTER OWL Reporter software must be installed before the Micro OWL 2 is able to download data to a PC. Follow the instructions below: Insert the OWL CD into your CD-ROM drive. When the CD Installation panel appears on your screen, click the “Install OWL Reporter” button.

  • Page 37: Downloading Data To A Pc

    Once the OWL Reporter installation has completed, click “Finish” on the “Completing the OWL Reporter Software Setup Wizard” dialog box. DOWNLOADING DATA TO A PC OWL Reporter must be installed to download data from the Micro OWL 2 to the PC. See page 31 for installation instructions. Press to power on the Micro OWL 2, if necessary.
  • Page 38 DOWNLOADING DATA TO A PC, cont. Viewing OWL Reporter Data By default, OWL Reporter opens up into Detail View. However, Summary view may be more useful for fiber loss test evaluation. To switch between Summary View and Detail View, press the button that looks like an arrow, highlighted at the right.
  • Page 39 OWL REPORTER DOWNLOADING DATA TO A PC, cont. Example Printout At right is an example of the Circuit Summary Report. Below are descriptions of the columns: Circuit ID - this is the name of the fiber that was tested shows whether the test passed or failed against the chosen cabling standard shown in dB;...

  • Page 40: Interpreting Owl Reporter Screens And Reports

    OWL REPORTER INTERPRETING OWL REPORTER SCREENS AND REPORTS The following list of terms appear on the OWL Reporter software screen and/or printed report. The following list of terms appear on the OWL Reporter software screen and/or printed report. The following list of terms appear on the OWL Reporter software screen and/or printed report.
  • Page 41 OWL REPORTER INTERPRETING OWL REPORTER SCREENS AND REPORTS, cont. Fiber Loss Definition: during the calculation of an optical loss budget, the amount of optical loss attributed to the optical fiber in the link under test. Fiber loss is specified by cabling standards that base link budget calculation on the passive components of the link under test;...
  • Page 42 OWL REPORTER INTERPRETING OWL REPORTER SCREENS AND REPORTS, cont. Measured Power Definition: the amount of absolute optical power being received from the light source by the power meter after they have been connected to the link under test. Measured Power is compared to the System Reference Power for Pass/Fail analysis; if Measured Power is greater than the System Reference Power, the link passes;...
  • Page 43 OWL REPORTER INTERPRETING OWL REPORTER SCREENS AND REPORTS, cont. Optical Loss Definition: the amount of optical power that is lost through the link under test due to the attenuation of the passive components of the link (i.e. optical fiber, interconnections, and splices).
  • Page 44 OWL REPORTER INTERPRETING OWL REPORTER SCREENS AND REPORTS, cont. Splice Loss Definition: during the calculation of an optical loss budget, the amount of optical loss attributed to splices in the link under test. Splice loss is specified by cabling standards that base link budget calculation on the passive components of the link under test; examples of this type of standard are the TIA-568 and the ISO IEC 11801.
  • Page 45 OWL REPORTER INTERPRETING OWL REPORTER SCREENS AND REPORTS, cont. System Reference Power (shown as Minimum Required Power on Circuit Detail Reports) Definition: the optical power level that determines whether a link passes or fails; a.k.a. Pass/Fail threshold. If the Measured Power is greater than the System Reference Power, the link will show PASS;...

  • Page 46: Operation/Maintenance

    KEYBOARD ENTRY METHOD Several screens in the Micro OWL 2 menu system require the user to enter some input, e.g. fiber length or a descriptive name for a fiber run. This feature allows the Micro OWL 2 to be more user-friendly.

  • Page 47: Monitor Mode

    Exit Monitor Mode AUTO MODE The Micro OWL 2 has the ability to automatically switch wavelengths when used with an OWL WaveSource light source. This is useful for viewing and storing simultaneous dual-wavelength optical power or loss measurements. AUTO Mode may be used in either SIMPLE or CERTIFY mode.

  • Page 48: Main Menu

    Link Wizard. The Link Wizard is used to configure the Micro OWL 2 for a fiber optic link certification test. See the section “Quick Reference Guides” in this manual for Link Wizard instructions. Your light source will determine which Quick Reference Guide to use:...

  • Page 49: Loading And Editing Stored Links

    OPERATION/MAINTENANCE LOADING AND EDITING STORED LINKS LOAD/EDIT LINK is used to change the link name and date of test for STORED LINKS in the Micro OWL 2. From this menu, STORED LINKS can be edited and/or loaded into memory. From the FIBER LINK MENU, press to LOAD/EDIT the link.

  • Page 50: Advanced Configuration Of Stored Links

    To set an optical reference at a specific absolute power level, see the section “MANUALLY SET AN OPTICAL REFERENCE LEVEL”. ZERO SOURCE - perform a basic optical loss test by “zeroing” the Micro OWL 2 with a stabilized light source.

  • Page 51: Set An Optical Reference Using A Manually Entered Link Budget

    +00 00 980nm +00 00 1300nm +00 00 Power on and connect a light source of the highlighted wavelength to the Micro OWL 2 using the ________________ | LINK WAVE appropriate reference method setup (i.e. 1-jumper, 2-jumper, or 3-jumper reference method).

  • Page 52: Manually Set And Optical Reference Level

    WAVE REF(dBm) 850nm +00 00 Power on and connect a light source of the highlighted wavelength to the Micro OWL 2 using the 980nm +00 00 1300nm +00 00 appropriate reference method setup (i.e. 1-jumper, 2-jumper, or 3-jumper reference method).

  • Page 53: Setting An Optical Reference By Zeroing The Light Source

    Power on and connect a light source of the desired wavelength to the Micro OWL 2 using the appropriate reference method setup (i.e. 1-jumper, 2-jumper, or 3-jumper reference method), and set the Micro OWL 2 to the same wavelength as the light source.

  • Page 54: Viewing Stored Link Configurations

    OPERATION/MAINTENANCE VIEWING STORED LINK CONFIGURATIONS Users may view the configuration of stored links in the Micro OWL 2. From the FIBER LINK MENU, press to VIEW LINK CFG. STORED LINKS Highlight and select the link to view from the STORED LINKS menu.

  • Page 55: Deleting Stored Link Configurations And Data Points

    Flow control: None From the FIBER LINK MENU, press Highlight and select the link to print. The display will show a confirmation, at which time the link information will be printed to the device connected to the Micro OWL 2 serial port.

  • Page 56: Stored Readings Menu

    OPERATION/MAINTENANCE STORED READINGS MENU STORED DATA The STORED DATA menu allows the user to manage the test results stored in the Micro OWL 2. This menu can only be accessed while in CERTIFY LINK mode. 1>VIEW/EDIT DATA 2>PRINT DATA 3>DELETE DATA 4>DOWNLOAD...

  • Page 57: Printing Stored Data To A Serial Device

    The Micro OWL 2 does not have to be at this screen to download into OWL Reporter. Details on how to download data to OWL Reporter are explained in more detail in the OWL Reporter unit of this manual.

  • Page 58: Clearing Stored Readings From Micro Owl 2 Memory

    Micro OWL 2 memory. You must be in CERTIFY LINK mode to delete data from the Micro OWL 2. The following methods are used to either delete all of the stored data, or just some of the data in the Micro OWL 2. Choose the method that best suits your needs, then follow the instructions below.

  • Page 59: Meter Setup Menu

    OPERATION/MAINTENANCE METER SETUP MENU Several features of the Micro OWL 2 can be configured from the METER SETUP MENU, and can be accessed from both SIMPLE and CERTIFY modes. MENU In SIMPLE METER press then METER SETUP. METER SETUP MENU...

  • Page 60: Setting User Preferences

    Enter the 3- or 4-digit custom wavelength between 700nm and 1700nm in the entry field provided; e.g. 1650nm. DONE Press to continue. 1650nm WILL Connect a -10 dBm singlemode light source of the appropriate wavelength to the Micro OWL 2 using a REPLACE 980nm singlemode patch cord. CONNECT 1650nm -10dBm SOURCE...

  • Page 61: Setting Tone Detection Options

    WAVE - toggles the wavelength of the currently selected tone. AUTO - toggles the AUTO WAVELENGTH detection feature ON or OFF. NOTE: for proper operation of automatic wavelength detection with OWL WaveSource light sources, the toning options MUST appear as shown in the Set Toning Options screenshot above.

  • Page 62: Running The Serial Port Diagnostic

    RUNNING THE MICRO OWL 2 SERIAL PORT DIAGNOSTIC – PAGE 1 OF 2 The Micro OWL 2 contains a diagnostic feature that can check to make sure that Micro OWL serial port and the RS-232 download cable are working correctly. This is a useful tool for troubleshooting problems related to downloading data from the Micro OWL 2 to your PC.
  • Page 63 FAILED If the result of the DATA PORT TEST is “PASSED”, then there may be a problem with the Micro OWL 2 data ________________ port. Do NOT continue with the rest of the diagnostic tests, and contact OWL technical support.

  • Page 64: Creating User-Definable Cabling Standards

    Some companies have their own set of optical fiber loss parameters – such as fiber loss, connector loss and splice loss – that they need their network to adhere to. Thus, the Micro OWL 2 allows the user to configure two user-definable cabling standards for the purpose of fiber certification.

  • Page 65: Optional Vfl Port

    OPTIONAL VFL (visual fault locator) PORT As an option, a Visual Fault Locator (VFL) can be installed into the Micro OWL 2 optical power meter in place of the charger port. The VFL is an invaluable troubleshooting tool with two important uses: Visual Fault Location.

  • Page 66: Visual Fault Location

    VISUAL FAULT LOCATION The optional VFL port in the Micro OWL 2 VFL can be used as a troubleshooting tool to determine if there are breaks, micro-bends, or any other anomalies causing excessive loss within the first few feet of the fiber under test located in the splice tray. The bright red laser injects high-intensity red laser light into the near-end connector.

  • Page 67: Visual Fiber Identification

    VISUAL FIBER IDENTIFICATION The optional VFL port in the Micro OWL 2 optical power meter can help take the guesswork out of identifying ports in a fiber patch panel or checking polarity of a duplex connector. Connect the VFL port to one end of a fiber link, and the high-intensity, precision- coupled red laser diode will allow the user to visually identify the port by the presence of a red glow emitting from the connector on the other end, allowing for visual port identification of fiber optic links up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away.

  • Page 68: Boot Removal

    Boot Removal To remove the boot from the Micro OWL 2 optical power meter, place your thumb on the back of the unit, then use your fingers to pull the lip off of the front of the unit (as shown below).

  • Page 69: Universal Port

    UNIVERSAL PORT Universal Port The Micro OWL 2 optical power meter contains a universal connector port which allows for coupling to any fiber optic connector that uses a 2.5mm ferrule (e.g. ST, SC, FC, etc.). What gives this port its flexibility is that only the ferrule is inserted into the port. Since there is no latching mechanism to speak of, any 2.5mm ferrule connector can be inserted into the same port without having to swap adapter ports.

  • Page 70: Cleaning The Detector Port

    OPERATION/MAINTENANCE CLEANING THE DETECTOR PORT Required accessories: A) Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or better) B) Round wooden toothpick with sharp point (NOTE: do not use a metal pin or needle since metal will scratch the surface of the detector) C) Cotton swab D) Jeweler’s loupe (10x magnification recommended) E) Compressed Air (not shown) Place a small amount of cotton from the swab onto the wooden...

  • Page 71: Cleaning The Optional Vfl Port

    OPERATION/MAINTENANCE CLEANING THE OPTIONAL VFL PORT This cleaning procedure applies to the optional VFL port on the Micro OWL 2 optical power meter. For more information about cleaning the DETECTOR port on the Micro OWL 2, see page 23. Required Accessories: Isopropyl alcohol (91% or better) In-adapter fiber optic cleaning accessories, such as 2.5mm cleaning swabs or 2.5mm HUXCleaner™...

  • Page 72: Appendices

    Visual Fault Locator Port Upgrade The Micro OWL 2 optical power meter may be upgraded to include an optional visual fault locator (VFL), useful for locating bends, breaks, and other anomalies in the near-end splice tray, as well as visual fiber identification up to 5km away!

  • Page 73: Supported Cabling Standards

    FTTH 10-GIGABIT ETHERNET STANDARD Support for the IEEE 802.3ae 10-Gigabit Ethernet standard has been added to OWL Reporter, which means that Micro OWL 2 users can now certify their 10GbE networks. With this new standard, users are given the option of choosing from one of several versions of this standard, based on the fiber type, wavelength, and 10GbE electronics used.

  • Page 74: Link Budget Calculation Worksheet

    LINK BUDGET CALCULATION WORKSHEET Fiber Type Operating Wavelength Calculate System Attenuation Fiber Loss at Operating Wavelength (Distance x Fiber Loss) Total Cable Distance Individual Fiber Loss (at operating wavelength) dB/km Total Fiber Loss Connector Loss (Connector Loss x Connector Pairs) Individual Connector Loss Number of Connector Pairs Total Connector Loss...

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