WaveSource Dual MultiMode Light Source
WaveSource series light sources provide the fiber optic professional with a wide range of options for their testing needs. The WaveSource comes configured with your choice of multimode and/or single-mode sources. Multimode only and single-mode only sources also have the option of having a Visual Fault Locator (VFL).
WaveSource series light sources provide high output and stability at an economical price. The sources provide temperature- compensated outputs, and have an intuitive 4-button interface with controls for power, transmission mode, wavelength, and AUTO-test mode. LED indicators highlight the selected source and verify that battery power is sufficient to maintain the calibrated output power.
When used with a WaveTester optical power meter, the AUTO-test function of the WaveSource will allow AUTO-wavelength switching and AUTO-storage of test points, saving valuable test time.
Warning: LEDs and lasers such as the ones in WaveSource light sources produce intense beams of infrared energy that is invisible to the eye. NEVER LOOK INTO A LIGHT SOURCE OR THE END OF A FIBER THAT MAY BE ENERGIZED BY A SOURCE! Exposure to such energy can cause serious retina damage, and prolonged exposure can cause blindness.
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GENERAL FEATURES
- Port A - Consult the serial number label for the configuration in Port A; can be either SC or ST connector port.
- Charger Port - Allows for charging of re-chargeable 9-volt batteries, as well as wall power operation.
- Port B - Consult the serial number label for the configuration in Port A; can be either SC or ST connector port.
- Port A indicator LED - indicates the power status of the light source in Port A.
- Port B indicator LED - indicates the power status of the light source in Port A.
- Charger Indicator LED - when the source is powered off, indicates the charging status; when the source is powered on, indicates the battery life. Battery life ranges from green (full) > yellow > orange > red (near empty.)
- CW/MOD button - toggles the selected wavelength to either CW (continuous wave) or MOD (modulated). Most applications will require CW mode.
- Wavelength/AUTO button - press the button to change the output wavelength for the selected port; hold the button to set the unit into AUTO mode (i.e. if two wavelengths are present, the source will alternate between these two wavelengths). When activating AUTO mode, the display will indicate AUTO
- Power button
- PORT select button - switches the unit between PORT A and PORT B.
- 7-segment LED display - shows the currently selected wavelength, or any changes in status of the light source.
Applications
WaveSource 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.
WaveSource fiber optic light sources are designed to emit a temperature-stabilized source of light to be used for optical loss measurement. The WaveSource 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.