Dual OWL Multimode Light Source
The Dual OWL is a cost effective, compact, handheld light source. The temperature compensated outputs are calibrated to couple -20dBm of optical power into multimode fiber. The light source comes installed with the two most commonly used multimode wavelengths - 850nm and 1300nm. The source has an intuitive two-button interface - one button for turning the unit ON or OFF and the other for wavelength selection. LED indicators highlight the selected source and verify that battery power is sufficient to maintain the calibrated output power.
Dual OWL series fiber optic light sources offer exceptional value at an economical price. These LED-based sources provide the fiber optic installer with a stable output when testing multimode fiber optic runs. The Dual OWL combines an 850nm and a 1300nm LED into one light source to provide the widest range of options for multimode optical fiber testing.
High intensity LEDs such as the ones in Dual OWL light sources produce intense beams of infrared energy that are invisible to the eye.
![]()
Functional Description
- 850nm Port - Houses a 850nm multimode source and can be either a ST or SC connector.
- Charger Port - Allows for charging of re-chargable 9-volt batteries, as well as wall power operation.
- 1300nm Port - Houses a 1300nm multimode source and can be either a ST or SC connector.
- 850nm Indicator LED - Indicates the ON/OFF status of the 850nm LED source.
- 1300nm Indicator LED - Indicates the ON/OFF status of the 1300nm LED source.
- Charger Indicator LED - Indicates the status of the charger port.
- Power Button - Powers the unit ON or OFF.
- Wavelength Select Button - Switches the unit between 850nm and 1300nm.
NOTE: DO NOT USE BATTERY CHARGING PORT WITH NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPLOSION AND DAMAGE MAY OCCUR TO THE UNIT AND/OR THE USER.
NOTE: During normal operation, if the indicator LEDs are not lit, this indicates that the battery has insufficient power to provide accurate readings and must be replaced.
NOTE: Single wavelength versions (850nm only or 1300nm only) will only have a single optical port.
Applications
Dual OWL series multimode light sources can be used as diagnostic and measurement tools of optical transmission systems and fiber optic links. These applications can be found in several industries, including premise, LAN, CATV, and Telco.
Dual OWL series multimode light sources are designed to emit a temperature-stabilized source of light to be used for optical loss measurement. The optical power emitted by the light source serves as an optical reference, which is otherwise known as the “zero” point when a power meter is “zeroed”. Optical loss measurements are useful for measuring the attenuation, or loss, of a fiber link. The loss value can then be compared to a pre-calculated link budget, which is used to determine if the fiber link will operate within the parameters of the transmission equipment.
The formula for calculating loss in a fiber link is: L = Pa - Pr, where L is the amount of optical loss in dB, Pa is the absolute power in dbm, and Pr is the reference power in dBm.
Optical loss measurements can also be used for fiber optic link certification. Link certification is a process where optical loss measurements are compared to a link budget calculated using fiber optic cabling standards.
Maintenance and Calibration Procedures
- Repair of this unit by unauthorized personnel is prohibited, and will void any warranty associated with the unit.
- The battery compartment is covered by a sliding plate on the back of the unit. Remove the rubber boot to expose the back of the unit. One 9v battery is required for operation.
- For accurate readings, the optical connectors on the PCVFL and the connectors on the patch cords should be cleaned prior to attaching them to each other. Minimize dust and dirt buildup by replacing the dust caps after each use.
- It is recommended to have Optical Wavelength Laboratories calibrate the Laser OWL once per year.
Warranty
- Optical Wavelength Labs products have a two-year factory warranty, which covers manufacturer defect and workmanship only, valid from the date of shipment to the original customer.
- Products found to be defective within the warranty will be either repaired or replaced, at the option of Optical Wavelength Labs.
- This warranty does not apply to units that have been repaired or altered by anyone other than Optical Wavelength Labs, or have been subjected to misuse, negligence, or accident.
- In no way will Optical Wavelength Labs liabilities exceed the original purchase price of the unit.
- To return equipment under warranty, please contact Optical Wavelength Labs for a RMA number. To ensure quick turnaround, please include a short description of the problem and a phone number where you can be reached during normal business hours.