The Fiber Microscope is an optical instrument designed for inspecting fiber optic connectors, providing clear visualization of the connector ferrule for evaluating polish quality, cleave quality, and cleanliness. It is built for durability and field use, with careful operation expected to greatly extend its service life.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Fiber Microscope is to allow users to visually inspect the end-face of fiber optic connectors. This inspection is crucial for ensuring proper termination and identifying any defects such as scratches, dirt, or poor cleaves that could degrade optical performance. The device magnifies the connector ferrule, enabling detailed examination. It features a backlight window for illumination, a focus adjustment mechanism to achieve a clear image, and a fiber adapter to hold the connector in place. The instrument is designed for ease of use, with a centered optical path that eliminates the need for alignment.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Magnification Options: The Fiber Microscope is available in five magnifications: 200x, 400x, and 500x. The specific magnification is achieved through a combination of eyepiece and objective lenses.
- For 200x magnification: 20x Eyepiece, 10x Objective
- For 400x magnification: 20x Eyepiece, 20x Objective
- For 500x magnification: 20x Eyepiece, 25x Objective
- Power Source: The device requires three AAA batteries for its light source. The batteries are inserted with the negative (-) side facing the battery plug and the positive (+) side facing the light switch.
- Light Source: It utilizes a white LED light source, which boasts a stated lamp life of over 100,000 hours. This extended lifespan means that users should generally not need to change the lamp.
- Adapter Compatibility: The microscope can be purchased with a universal 2.5mm and 1.25mm ferrule adapter, or with dedicated adapters depending on the user's system. The universal adapter is equipped with a no-slip gripping mechanism to ensure the connector ferrule is fully seated.
Usage Features:
- Setup: The microscope comes fully assembled. Users need only insert three AAA batteries into the battery compartment (accessed by unscrewing the Battery Cap) and, if purchased separately, screw in the appropriate adapter.
- Connector Loading: To use, the polished connector is slid into the adapter until it hits a stop. For universal adapters, a slight pressure may be needed to engage the no-slip gripping mechanism, ensuring the ferrule is fully seated to minimize refocusing when changing connectors. For dedicated adapters, the connector is inserted as it would be into a patch bay.
- Illumination: The light is activated by pressing and holding the light switch. Users can confirm the light is on by checking the "Backlight Window."
- Focusing: Once the connector is loaded and the light is on, the user holds the eyepiece to their eye and adjusts the focus using the brass wheel with a rubber grip. The microscope is always centered, eliminating the need for alignment. While initial focusing might take slightly longer, subsequent focusing requires minimal adjustment if connectors are properly loaded.
- Evaluation: After achieving focus, users can evaluate the connector ferrule for polish quality, cleave quality, and cleanliness. Holding the opposite end of a cable to the backlight window can provide further contrast to the core, aiding in inspection.
- Safety Warning: A critical usage feature is the explicit "User Safety Warning." Users are strictly advised NOT to use the fiber microscope to view active fiber signals under any circumstances. Active fiber signals contain laser light, and direct eye contact with magnified laser light can cause serious eye damage. The microscope's laser safety filters are not a substitute for practicing good laser safety. Users unfamiliar with laser safety practices are encouraged to seek professional training.
Maintenance Features:
- General Care: The instrument should be kept dry and clean. While built for durability, careful operation is emphasized to extend its life.
- Lamp Replacement: Due to the LED light source's extremely long lifespan (over 100,000 hours), lamp replacement is generally not required. If illumination problems occur, users are advised to contact their sales person for repair arrangements.
- Changing Magnification: Users can change the magnification by replacing either the eyepiece or the objective. The eyepiece is user-serviceable. However, if an objective needs to be changed or if any optical components are damaged, users must contact their dealer for a service Return Authorization, as objective replacement is not a user-serviceable task. The manual provides a table to help determine which components (eyepiece or objective) are needed for specific magnifications.
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