The FIS Atlas Mini Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is a comprehensive fiber optic testing device designed for operation and maintenance, as well as troubleshooting. This manual provides detailed information on its features, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.
Function Description
The Atlas Mini OTDR is primarily used for testing and analyzing fiber optic links. Its core function is to measure and display the characteristics of an optical fiber, such as length, loss, and events (splices, connectors, macro-bends). It supports both real-time and average measurement modes, allowing users to obtain accurate test results and identify potential issues within the fiber network.
In addition to its OTDR capabilities, the device integrates several other essential tools for fiber optic technicians:
- Power Meter (OPM): Measures optical power in dB, dBm, uW, or mW, and can identify frequencies (270Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz).
- Light Source (LS): Emits laser light at specific wavelengths (1310nm/1550nm) with adjustable frequencies (CW/270Hz/1kHz/2kHz) for continuity testing and loss measurements.
- Visual Fault Locator (VFL): Emits visible red light (650nm) in continuous wave (CW) or 2Hz flashing modes to visually locate breaks, macro-bends, or faulty connectors in short fiber segments.
- Graphical Event Map Display: Translates complex OTDR traces into an intuitive schematic diagram, making it easier for new technicians to understand and troubleshoot fiber links, identifying fusion splices, connector pairs, optical splitters, and macro-bends.
- Fiber Inspection: While not explicitly detailed as a separate module, the manual mentions its presence as an onboard feature, suggesting the capability to inspect fiber end-faces.
- Network Cable Test: This module is designed for RJ45 standard network cables, performing line sequence and alignment tests to check connectivity and correct wiring (T568A and T568B modes).
- Optical Loss Test Set: When both the light source and power meter are installed, this module is automatically activated to measure optical loss.
- LED Flashlight: An integrated LED for working in dark environments.
The device saves measurement results automatically in SOR format, including time, date, and serial number, and allows for file management, including opening, saving, and multi-trace operations. It also supports generating comprehensive reports using attached PC software.
Important Technical Specifications
OTDR:
- Wavelength: Single mode: 1310/1550nm
- Measuring Range: Min 100m – Max 90km
- Sampling Resolution: Minimum: 0.2m
- Sampling Points: 64,000 points
- Linearity: ≤0.05dB/dB
- Loss Threshold: 0.01dB
- Loss Resolution: 0.001dB
- Range Resolution: 0.01m
- Range Accuracy: ±(0.5m+Range×3×10⁻⁵+Sampling resolution) (Excluding refractive index error)
- Memory: >80,000 traces
- Pulse Width: Ranges from 5ns to 10us, with automatic or manual selection depending on the measurement range.
- Refractive Index: User-selectable, crucial for accurate distance calculation.
- Data Format: SOR format
Optical Power Meter (OPM):
- Type A: -10dBm to -70dBm
- Type B: +26dBm to -50dBm
- Frequency Identification: 270Hz/1KHz/2KHz
Laser Source (LS):
- Output Power: -4dBm to -10dBm ± 2dB
- Modulation Frequency: CW/270Hz/1KHz/2KHz
- Laser Stability Time: 3 minutes
Visual Fault Locator (VFL):
- Output Power: 10mW
- Mode: CW/2Hz
General:
- Display: 4.3-inch TFT-LCD, 800 x 480 pixels, optimized for outdoor sunlight, with touch screen functionality.
- Battery: 3.7V/5200mAh lithium battery, providing >8 hours of operation on a full charge.
- Power Adapter: Input: AC 100V ~ 240V, 50/60Hz@0.8A; Output: DC 9V, 2A.
- Dimensions: 6.9" x 4.1" x 1.8"
- Weight: 1.25 lbs (20 Oz.) (including battery)
- Units of Measurement: Kilometers, Kilofeet, Miles
- Working Temperature: -10°C to +55°C (14°F to 131°F)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +80°C (-4°F to 176°F)
- Humidity: ≤95% (No condensation)
- Data Interface: 2.0 USB (Type A×1, Micro USB×1), SD card
- Laser Safety Level: CLASS III B
Usage Features
The Atlas Mini OTDR offers a user-friendly interface with both touch screen and hard key functions.
System Settings:
- Language Selection: Supports multiple languages (English, Español, Français, 한국어, Italiano).
- Backlight Adjustment: Configurable backlight settings.
- Auto Poweroff: Adjustable automatic shutdown time.
- Date and Time Settings: Allows users to set the current date and time.
- Touch Screen Calibration: For optimizing touch screen responsiveness.
- Upgrades: Supports user upgrades for firmware.
- System Information: Displays device details like series number, model, hardware, and software versions.
OTDR Function Application:
- Test Parameter Settings: Users can configure wavelength, test range, pulse width, test time (real-time or average), refraction index, and launch/receive cable settings.
- AUTO Mode: Automatically sets optimal measurement parameters.
- Manual Mode: Allows manual adjustment of range and pulse width for specific testing needs.
- Real-Time Mode: Provides immediate measurement results, with parameters fixed during the test. Event analysis is performed after stopping the test.
- Average Mode: Displays traces based on averaged values over a set period, improving signal-to-noise ratio and accuracy.
- Cursor A/B: Allows precise control over cursors for detailed trace analysis.
- Curve/Trace Operations: Includes zoom and trace translation for detailed viewing.
- File Operations: Enables opening, saving, and managing multiple traces.
- Event Analysis: Provides sub-menus for cursor control, trace zoom, event list view, and adding/deleting events.
- Pass/Fail Threshold: Configurable thresholds for reflection events, non-reflection events, total loss, and average loss, with visual indicators (red for fail, green for pass) on the event map.
- Splitter Loss Settings: Allows setting minimum and maximum loss values for different splitter types (1x4, 1x8, 1x16) in PON networks, crucial for accurate event map analysis.
Other Features:
- VFL Operation: Offers CW and 2Hz modes. Users are warned against direct eye exposure to the laser.
- OPM Operation: Allows wavelength switching, setting reference values, clearing zero, and frequency identification.
- LS Operation: Supports wavelength switching and frequency selection (CW/270Hz/1kHz/2kHz).
- Network Cable Test: Provides T568A and T568B test modes for RJ45 cables, requiring a remote module.
- Software Upgrade: Firmware updates are performed via a USB drive, with clear instructions and warnings against interrupting the process.
Maintenance Features
Cleaning of Fiber Connectors:
- The device uses a universal replaceable optical output interface.
- Regular cleaning is recommended if test results are inaccurate or the device fails to test normally.
- Cleaning should be done with the OTDR and VFL functions turned off.
- Unscrew the output port and wipe the end face with a woven lint-free wipe moistened with alcohol, followed by a dry wipe. Alternatively, use a ferrule rotating end-face cleaner for a dry cleaning procedure.
- Always cover the port with a dust cap after cleaning and when not in use.
Instrument Screen Cleaning:
- The 4.3-inch TFT color LCD touch screen should not be touched with sharp objects to prevent damage.
- Clean the screen with a soft woven cloth.
- Avoid using organic solvents for cleaning the LCD screen.
Calibration:
- It is recommended to calibrate the OTDR every 12 months to maintain accuracy.
- For calibration services, users should contact Fiber Instrument Sales Inc.
Troubleshooting:
- The manual provides a table of common faults, their causes, and solutions, such as:
- OTDR not starting: Check battery, charging conditions.
- Cannot charge: Check environment temperature, battery issues.
- No normal trace: Reset parameters, clean/replace optical connectors, check pulse width settings.
- Trace spikes/unsmoothness: Replace/reconnect fiber connector port, use smaller pulse width.
- Saturation (flat top): Use smaller pulse width.
- Reflection peak issues: Clean/replace connectors, increase test range/pulse width.
- False positives: Increase pulse width/event threshold.
- Inaccurate length/loss: Reset parameters, refractive index, clean connectors, reset cursor position.
- Users are strictly prohibited from dismantling the OTDR for repair, as this voids the warranty and incurs additional repair costs. All repairs should be handled by Fiber Instrument Sales.
The Atlas Mini OTDR is designed for robust performance and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for professionals in fiber optic network installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.