EXFO FTB-500 - User Manual

User Guide
FTB-500

Summary

1 Introducing the FTB-500

Main Features

Overview of the unit's physical components and their functions, including front, right, and left side views.

LED Indicators Description

Explanation of the status lights on the unit and their corresponding meanings for power and operation status.

Function Buttons Description

Details on the purpose and function of the unit's physical buttons for accessing features.

Power Sources

Information on how the unit is powered, including AC adapter/charger and rechargeable batteries.

Automatic Fan Speed Management

How the unit controls fan speed based on power requirements and module usage for optimal cooling.

Product Registration

Instructions on how to register the EXFO product online or directly from the unit for support.

Technical Specifications

Information on obtaining detailed technical specifications for the FTB-500 product via the EXFO website.

Conventions

Explanation of symbols and terms (WARNING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT) used in the guide.

2 Safety Information

Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit

Identification and meaning of various safety symbols found on the unit, like DC, AC, ground, and power.

Laser Safety Information

Guidelines and warnings related to laser radiation safety for units with or without a built-in VFL.

Electrical Safety Information

Important precautions and warnings regarding safe electrical operation, grounding, and power sources.

3 Getting Started with Your Unit

Grounding Your Unit

Instructions on how to properly ground the unit for safety and protection against overvoltages.

Positioning Your Unit

Guidance on orienting the unit using its built-in supports for optimal viewing angle.

Inserting and Removing Test Modules

Step-by-step instructions for safely installing and removing test modules into the unit's slots.

Turning On Your Unit

How to power on the FTB-500 unit and the initial startup process with configuration wizards.

Turning Off Your Unit

Various methods for safely shutting down, sleeping, or hibernating the unit.

Configuring Your Unit At First Startup

Steps to configure regional, language, and license settings during the initial setup.

Accessing and Exiting ToolBox

How to open, close, and manage the ToolBox application from the Windows environment.

Starting Module Applications

How to launch and operate applications associated with installed test modules via ToolBox.

Using the On-Screen (Virtual) Keyboard

How to use the virtual keyboard for alphanumeric data input on the touchscreen.

Working with Windows 8.1 Pro

Overview of Windows 8.1 Pro features, including touchscreen gestures and interface navigation.

Right-Clicking with the Touchscreen

How to perform a right-click action using the touchscreen for menu access.

Installing or Upgrading the Applications

Procedures for installing new applications or updating existing ones on the unit using Update Manager.

Installing EXFO LabVIEW Drivers

Instructions for installing necessary drivers to use EXFO products with LabVIEW development environment.

Activating Software Options

Steps to activate purchased software options for the unit or its modules using a key file.

Installing Third-Party Software on Your Unit

Guidance on installing compatible software from sources other than EXFO.

Protecting your Unit with an Antivirus Software

Information on default antivirus protection and strategies for enhancing unit security.

Securing your Unit Using the Kensington Lock

How to use a Kensington lock to physically secure the unit against theft.

Using a Keyboard, Mouse or Other USB Devices

Details on connecting and using various USB devices like keyboards, mice, and memory keys.

Configuring an External Monitor

Steps to connect and configure an external display for the unit using the video output port.

4 Setting Up Your FTB-500

Adjusting Brightness

How to adjust the screen's brightness level for optimal viewing conditions using the front panel button or Charm bar.

Adjusting Microphone and Speaker Volume

Steps to configure audio input and output levels for the unit's microphone and speaker.

Recalibrating the Touchscreen

Procedure for recalibrating the touchscreen for improved accuracy and responsiveness.

Customizing the Right-Click Feature

How to enable, disable, or adjust the delay for the touchscreen's right-click function.

Enabling or Disabling the Automatic Logon

Steps to configure automatic login to Windows at startup for easier access.

Selecting the Startup Applications

How to configure applications to launch automatically when ToolBox starts.

Configuring Network Printers

Steps to set up and connect to network printers for document printing.

Selecting the Language of Operation

How to change the unit's user interface and keyboard language.

Setting Date and Time Formats

How to adjust the display formats for dates, times, and numbers.

Adjusting the Date, Time and Time Zone

Steps to set the unit's current date, time, and time zone.

Configuring the Power Management Options

How to manage power settings, including sleep, hibernation, and display timeouts.

Setting ToolBox Behavior

How to configure ToolBox's behavior when minimized or exited.

Configuring the Internet Options

Steps to configure settings for accessing the internet and browsing the web.

Configuring Parameters via Windows Mobility Center

How to quickly adjust settings like brightness, volume, and power plans using Mobility Center.

Setting Communication Parameters

Information on configuring parameters for remote control communication.

Setting Other Parameters

Guidance on configuring various other system parameters via the Control Panel.

5 Working with Your Unit

Printing Documents

Instructions on how to print documents and images from the unit using a PDF tool or printer.

Viewing PDF Files

How to open and view PDF files using the unit's built-in viewer.

Taking Screen Captures

Procedure for capturing screenshots of the unit's display for troubleshooting or training.

Browsing the Web

How to access and browse websites directly from the unit using Internet Explorer.

Accessing the Internet with a 3 G USB Modem Key

Steps to connect to the internet using a 3G USB modem and the AirCard Watcher application.

Retrieving the GPS Location of Your Unit

How to find and display the unit's geographical coordinates using a GPS USB key.

Managing Favorites

How to add, remove, import, and export frequently used applications as favorites.

Using the Calculator

How to access and use the built-in Microsoft Calculator application.

Using the Text Editor

How to access and use the built-in Microsoft Notepad text editor.

Accessing Other Tools

How to access various diagnostic and analysis tools available on the unit via Test Tools.

6 Using the Optional Built-In Power Meter and VFL

To access the built-in power meter or the VFL

Steps to launch the power meter and visual fault locator applications from ToolBox.

7 Inspecting Fibers with a Probe

To inspect fibers with a probe

Instructions on connecting and using a fiber inspection probe for examining connector surfaces.

8 Managing Data

Viewing Disk Space and Managing Files

How to view available disk space and manage files and folders on the unit using File Manager.

Transferring Data via Bluetooth

Steps for transferring data wirelessly between the unit and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Connecting to a Wireless Network

How to connect the unit to a Wi-Fi network for internet access and data transfer.

Using the USB to RS-232 Adapter

Instructions for connecting serial devices using a USB to RS-232 adapter and PuTTY.

Freeing Up Disk Space with the Disk Cleanup Utility

How to use Windows Disk Cleanup to free up storage space on the unit.

Connecting to a VPN from Your Unit

Steps to establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection for secure remote access.

Using Your Unit as an FTP Server

How to configure the unit to act as an FTP server using Internet Information Services Manager.

9 Accessing Your Unit Remotely

Working with Remote Desktop

Instructions for connecting to the unit remotely using Remote Desktop Connection.

Working With TightVNC

Steps to connect to and control the unit remotely using the TightVNC Viewer.

Adding Exceptions to the Firewall

How to configure the firewall to allow specific applications network access.

10 Preparing for Automation

Linking Units with the Ethernet Port

Information on connecting units using the Ethernet port for data transfer.

Linking Units with the Serial Port

Details on connecting units using the serial (RS-232) port for data transfer.

Getting Optimum Performance from Your Unit

Tips to optimize data transfer rates and overall unit performance.

Changing Communication Settings

How to modify communication parameters for remote control and automation.

Configuring DCOM Access to Your Unit

Steps to enable and configure DCOM access for controlling instruments over Ethernet.

Preparing to Control Modules with a Dedicated Application

How to set up modules for remote control using their specific applications.

11 Using FTB Products in an Automated Test Environment

Standard Status Data Structure

Explanation of the structure and registers used for device status monitoring according to IEEE 488.2.

SCPI Command Structure

Overview of the syntax and structure of SCPI commands used for instrument control.

Consulting Data Types

Information on data types used in EXFO documentation for commands and queries.

Writing Remote Control Code

Rules and guidelines for writing code for remote control operations adhering to message standards.

Error Message Format

Explanation of the standard format for system and device-specific error messages.

Working with EXFO LabVIEW Drivers

How to use custom EXFO drivers with LabVIEW for programming instruments.

Using the EXFO Getting Started Applications

How to use the provided demo applications for learning EXFO drivers and instrument control.

Building and Using Custom VIs

Guidance on creating and using custom Virtual Instruments (VIs) in LabVIEW with EXFO drivers.

Monitoring Remote Commands

How to monitor SCPI commands sent to units using ToolBox's IC Monitor or SCPI Telnet Monitor.

12 Maintenance

Cleaning Detector Ports

Procedures for cleaning optical detector ports to maintain measurement accuracy.

Cleaning VFL-Type Connectors

Instructions on cleaning VFL-type connectors using a mechanical cleaner.

Cleaning the Touchscreen

How to clean the unit's touchscreen display with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

Recharging the Batteries

Information on charging the unit's smart lithium-ion batteries and status indicators.

Replacing Batteries

Step-by-step guide on how to safely replace the unit's batteries.

Viewing Battery Status

How to check the battery charge level and power source status via the taskbar icon.

Recalibrating the Batteries

Procedure for recalibrating the unit's batteries to ensure accurate charge status indication.

Installing or Removing the Power Meter and VFL

Instructions for installing or removing the optional power meter and VFL modules.

Managing Windows Updates

How to configure and manage automatic updates for the Windows operating system.

Replacing Fuses (Eight-Slot Model Only)

Instructions on how to safely replace fuses in the eight-slot model unit.

Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only)

Information on the proper recycling and disposal of the unit according to EU regulations.

13 Troubleshooting

Solving Common Problems

A table of common issues, their possible causes, and suggested solutions for the FTB-500.

Restoring Your Unit to Normal Operation

Procedures for reverting the unit to its initial state or a previous backup image.

Accessing the Online Documentation

How to access user guides and safety instructions directly from the unit via ToolBox or applications.

Contacting the Technical Support Group

Contact information and procedures for obtaining technical support from EXFO.

Viewing System Information

How to access serial numbers, version numbers, and contact information from the unit.

Retrieving the Component Versions

How to view the version numbers for ToolBox, system image, and hardware components.

Retrieving Network Interfaces Information

How to view information related to the unit's network interfaces (Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

Transportation

Recommendations for safely transporting the unit to minimize damage.

14 Warranty

General Information

Overview of the product warranty terms, conditions, and limitations.

Liability

EXFO's liability limitations regarding product use and system integration.

Exclusions

Specific conditions and circumstances under which the warranty is excluded.

Certification

Confirmation that the equipment meets published specifications at the time of shipment.

Service and Repairs

Procedures for obtaining product service, repair, or calibration from EXFO.

EXFO Service Centers Worldwide

Contact details and locations for EXFO's authorized service centers globally.

A Data Types

Applicable Data Types for Input-IEEE 488.2

Overview of common data types used for sending messages to devices according to IEEE 488.2.

Applicable Data Types for Output -IEEE 488.2

Overview of common data types used for receiving responses from devices according to IEEE 488.2.

Applicable Data Types for Input-SCPI

Specific data types and restrictions for SCPI commands used with EXFO instruments.

Special Numeric Values Received on Output

Explanation of special numeric values indicating unusual events or conditions.

B IEEE 488.2 and Specific Command Reference

IEEE 488.2 Commands-Quick Reference

A summary of required IEEE 488.2 commands recognized by the FTB-500.

IEEE 488.2 Required Commands

Detailed descriptions of essential IEEE 488.2 commands and their functions.

Specific Commands-Quick Reference

A summary of FTB-500 specific commands and their parameters.

C SCPI-Based Errors

SCPI-Based Errors

A list of SCPI error codes, their descriptions, and probable causes for troubleshooting.

D COM Properties and Events

ActiveX (COM;DCOM)-Quick Reference

Overview of available properties and events for controlling the unit via COM/DCOM.

Properties

Detailed explanation of COM properties like Write, Read, Initialize, DeviceClear, etc.

Events

Explanation of COM events such as RequestService and ReturnToLocal.

E Communicating Through TCP;IP over Telnet

Introducing TCP;IP over Telnet

Overview of SCPI automation and remote control using TCP/IP and Telnet protocols.

Features

Key features of the Telnet client and service for connecting to modules.

Configuring Your Unit and Modules to Work With TCP;IP over Telnet

Steps to enable and configure remote access for instruments using TCP/IP over Telnet.

Executing SCPI Commands Over Telnet

How to send SCPI commands and scripts remotely via Telnet.

Releasing Modules

Procedures for releasing modules after communication sessions are completed.

Internal Commands of the TCP;IP over Telnet Protocol

Explanation of internal commands for managing Telnet sessions and logs.

EXFO FTB-500 Specifications