Many fiber optic network bids and Requests For Quote (RFQ) are citing cabling standards to specify the set of guidelines (such as fiber length) that the network installer must follow during the network installation. Adherence to such standards is meant to ensure the quality of the installation and guarantee that the network will perform as it was designed. The process of testing a network installation to ensure its adherence to specified standards is called certification, and often requires hard- copy documentation as proof of adherence to standards.
The Micro OWL 2 / WaveSource SM / VFL Test Kit contains the tools necessary for certifying singlemode fiber optic links against a myriad of popular cabling standards, including two user- customizable standards.
The Micro OWL 2 optical power meter is multimode and singlemode ready, and contains a user-friendly Fiber Link Wizard that performs link budget calculation, and sets a reference value using the characteristics of the link. This reference is the PASS/FAIL threshold and is calculated against the chosen standard. Up to 1000 fiber runs may be stored, and downloaded to a PC for report generation using our OWL Reporter software. Its universal port allows connections to ST, SC, and FC, and also includes a 1.25mm universal port for connection to LC, MU, and other SFF connectors.
General Features
- 2.5mm Universal Connector Port - accepts many popular 2.5mm ferrule connectors, including ST, SC, and FC. Also included is a 1.25mm universal adapter cap (for connection to LC, MU, and other SFF connectors).
- USB Download Port - downloads stored data to a PC using the supplied USB download cable.
- Charger Port / VFL Port and Indicator LED - Allows for charging of re-chargable 9-volt batteries, as well as wall power operation (9VDC transformer and 9-volt re-chargeable battery not included).
DO NOT USE BATTERY CHARGING PORT WITH NON- RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES, AS THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE HARM TO THE UNIT AND/OR THE USER.
- LCD Display - shows optical power/loss levels, power units, temperature, battery life, wavelength, and circuit ID information.
- 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
- Allows the user to enter the MAIN MENU
- While in the menu system, reverts the user back one menu level; during data entry, enters the data input and sends the user to the next screen
- Toggles the backlight between on and off
- Turns the unit ON and OFF
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![Micro OWL 2 optical power meter Features]() |
General Features - LCD DISPLAY
The screen below shows information when power readings are being taken. We will refer to this screen throughout this manual as IMMEDIATE MODE.
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- POWER READING - shows the amount of optical power being received by the photodetector based upon the type of power units currently being displayed. “UNDER” means there is no measurable optical power and “OVER” means the detector is “blinded” by too much optical power
- POWER UNITS - shows the power units which are currently being displayed
dBm - optical power in decibels relative to a milliwatt of optical energy
dB - optical power in decibels relative to a previously set optical reference, also known as optical loss
uW - optical power in micro- (uW) or milli-watts (mW)
- TONE DETECTION - shows ‘Hz’ if a modulated signal is being detected by the meter
- TEMPERATURE - shows current temperature in degrees (selectable Fahrenheit or Celcius)
- BATTERY LIFE - shows the percentage amount of remaining battery life; will flash when battery is low
- LINK NAME - shows the name of the currently loaded fiber link (CERTIFICATION METER mode only)
- FIBER RUN - shows the current fiber information (CERTIFICATION METER mode only)
FBR: - user-configurable descriptive fiber name
123 - auto-incrementing fiber number (from 1 to 999)
- FUNCTION OPTIONS MENU - functions corresponding to the function keys on the keypad; the options on this menu will change according to the current function
- POWER METER WAVELENGTH - shows the currently selected wavelength (see the specifications in the appendix at the end of this manual for a list of wavelengths); will also alternate between wavelength and ‘AUTO’ when set to automatic wavelength detection
The WaveSource SM/VFL singlemode light source has dual wavelength outputs (1310 nm & 1550 nm) that are temperature- stabilized for accurate measurements. A Visual Fault Locator is also included for near-end visual fault location and visual fiber identification. Two connector options are available (ST or SC).
Functional Description
Connections
- Optical connector - This port will typically be either a ST or SC connector, and can house a single- or dual-wavelength source. Other options are available. Please see the section at the end of this guide for a complete list of WaveSource configurations.
- Battery charging port - If rechargeable 9-volt batteries are used in the WaveSource, the battery charging port is used to re- charge them when used with an approved wall transformer.
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.
- Optical connector - This port will typically be either a ST, SC, or FC connector, and can house a single- or dual- wavelength source. Other options are available. Please see the section at the end of this guide for a complete list of WaveSource configurations.
Indicator Leads
- Wavelength selection LED (81) - This LED will either be or depending upon which wavelength is selected.
- Battery charger LED - This LED will light up when the battery charging port is in use.
- Wavelength selection LED (82) - This LED will either be or depending upon which wavelength is selected.
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![WaveSource Light Source]() |
Buttons
7. CW / MOD. button - Pressing this button will toggle the source between CW (continuous wave) and MOD. (modulated) mode.
8. ON / OFF button - Pressing this button while the source is off will power it on. Holding this button while the source is on will power it off.
9. AUTO button - Pressing this button will toggle the unit between wavelengths in the selected port when there are two wavelengths in the same port. Holding this button will place the source into AUTO mode, where the source automatically switches wavelengths for automatic dual wavelength testing.
10. MM / SM button - Pressing this button will toggle the source between ports, usually MM (multimode) and SM (singlemode). Typically, 81 will be multimode and 82 will be single-mode; however, other options may be available. Please see the section at the end of this guide for a complete list of WaveSource configurations.
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