Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1113055
EDUCATION Current Instructions for Setting the Reference 1. Power on the main and remote sources. Allow them to stabilize. If the instruments have been sitting in the location of your test area, five minutes is usually long enough. If there is a significant temperature change from where they were stored to where you are using them, you will need to allow them to stabilize for much longer. We will check the sources for stability later during this procedure. 2. From the HOME screen, tap SET REF > RUN WIZARD > NEXT. 3. Connect the main and remote units together. 4. Tap SET REFERENCE. Tap OK > VIEW REFERENCE. Look to the fiber with the lower reference power, where -27 dBm is worse than -25 dBm. Inspect and clean the test reference cords (TRCs). You may need to clean the OUTPUT port on your module too. 5. Tap NEXT and disconnect the TRCs from the INPUT ports (never disconnect from the OUTPUT ports). 6. Tap NEXT and insert your known good LC to LC TRCs into the INPUT ports. 7. Tap NEXT, then join the main and remote together using singlemode-rated bulkhead adapters. (Tip: Singlemode-rated bulkhead adapters typically provide better alignment.) 8. Tap NEXT > TRC VERIFICATION to verify the TRC's performance. 9. The goal for multimode is better than 0.15 dB. Losses greater than 0.15 dB will adversely affect the losses reported when you test your installed link. The results of the TRC verification should be stored in the tester's database. If you want to ensure your sources have stabilized, you can tap RE-VERIFY to see if the outcome has changed. If it changes by more than ± 0.02 dB, your sources have not stabilized. 10. Tap NEXT and disconnect the units from the bulkhead adapters. 11. Press the HOME key. You are now ready to test! 12. Connect to your link. 13. Press TEST and in seconds you will have certified both fibers at 850 nm and 1300 nm. Figure 2 - Testing the Right Way Accurate Test Results Using ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-14A, Method B (or an adaptation) to reference the test patch cords and test the link will make your fiber testing a breeze. Be clean and consistent with your tester and equipment setup and you will get accurate test results every time. About the Author: Gerry Ward is an RCDD and SME with General Dynamics Information Technology. Based in Washington, DC, he is a member of BICSI's Technician and Education Outreach Subcommittee. Page 29