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OWL 2 Series - User Manual

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Quick Reference Guide
Micro OWL 2 Series
Firmware Version 2.03
Optical Wavelength Laboratories (OWL)
N9623 West US Hwy 12
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: 262-473-0643
Internet: OWL-INC.COM
Revision 1.1
26009
Micro OWL 2 Series Test Kits
Certification Testing
Quick Reference Guide
For part numbers:
KIT-M2-L2st
KIT-M2-L2sc
KIT-M2-L2fc
Optical Wavelength Laboratories
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OWL

Table of Contents

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the OWL 2 Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Notice to New Users

User Training and Information

Emphasizes the need for adequate training in fiber optics and suggests sources for acquiring knowledge and understanding test equipment variations.

Understanding Fiber Optic Testing Issues

Highlights critical issues in fiber optic testing: standards-based testing, procedures, referencing power levels, and link budget determination.

Getting Started and Preparation

Introduction to the Test Kit

Thanks users for their purchase and introduces the Micro OWL 2 power meter and WaveSource light source included in the kit.

Link Characteristics for Testing

Lists essential link characteristics to know before testing, such as fiber type, length, connections, splices, standard, and connector type.

Equipment Setup and Verification

Required Accessories for Testing

Specifies the need for singlemode patch cables, noting that separate cables are required for 1310nm and 1550nm testing.

Identifying Equipment Ports

Describes and illustrates the ports on the Micro OWL 2 power meter and Laser OWL light source used during the procedure.

Verifying Micro OWL 2 and Laser OWL Operation

Details steps to connect, power on, and verify the proper operation of the Micro OWL 2 and Laser OWL using patch cables and specific settings.

Running the Link Certification Wizard

Completing Operation Verification Steps

Continues the verification process by checking readings and swapping patch cables for different wavelengths and connections.

Initiating the Link Wizard

Guides the user to select 'CERTIFY LINK' and then 'LINK WIZARD' from the respective menus to begin the setup process.

Configuring Link Parameters

Details how to set up the link name, date, cabling standard, fiber type, and link length within the wizard.

Setting References for Wavelengths

Explains the process of setting references for 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths, including connecting the meter and source and confirming readings.

Completing the Wizard and Taking Readings

Instructs on how to complete the Link Wizard, begin taking readings, and disconnect the units to test fibers at opposite ends.

Taking Optical Loss Measurements

Connecting for First Fiber Measurement

Instructs on connecting the units to the first fiber for testing and describes how readings will vary from the example shown.

Storing and Saving Data Points

Details how to store a data point using <F2> and save it using <F3>, noting potential prompts for a new label.

Testing Multiple Fibers at 1310 nm

Explains how to disconnect patch cables from patch panels, move to the next port, and repeat steps to test all fibers at 1310nm.

Testing at 1550 nm

Describes repeating the measurement steps for 1550nm, ensuring the correct patch cable and wavelength settings are used.

Summary

Notice to New Users

User Training and Information

Emphasizes the need for adequate training in fiber optics and suggests sources for acquiring knowledge and understanding test equipment variations.

Understanding Fiber Optic Testing Issues

Highlights critical issues in fiber optic testing: standards-based testing, procedures, referencing power levels, and link budget determination.

Getting Started and Preparation

Introduction to the Test Kit

Thanks users for their purchase and introduces the Micro OWL 2 power meter and WaveSource light source included in the kit.

Link Characteristics for Testing

Lists essential link characteristics to know before testing, such as fiber type, length, connections, splices, standard, and connector type.

Equipment Setup and Verification

Required Accessories for Testing

Specifies the need for singlemode patch cables, noting that separate cables are required for 1310nm and 1550nm testing.

Identifying Equipment Ports

Describes and illustrates the ports on the Micro OWL 2 power meter and Laser OWL light source used during the procedure.

Verifying Micro OWL 2 and Laser OWL Operation

Details steps to connect, power on, and verify the proper operation of the Micro OWL 2 and Laser OWL using patch cables and specific settings.

Running the Link Certification Wizard

Completing Operation Verification Steps

Continues the verification process by checking readings and swapping patch cables for different wavelengths and connections.

Initiating the Link Wizard

Guides the user to select 'CERTIFY LINK' and then 'LINK WIZARD' from the respective menus to begin the setup process.

Configuring Link Parameters

Details how to set up the link name, date, cabling standard, fiber type, and link length within the wizard.

Setting References for Wavelengths

Explains the process of setting references for 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths, including connecting the meter and source and confirming readings.

Completing the Wizard and Taking Readings

Instructs on how to complete the Link Wizard, begin taking readings, and disconnect the units to test fibers at opposite ends.

Taking Optical Loss Measurements

Connecting for First Fiber Measurement

Instructs on connecting the units to the first fiber for testing and describes how readings will vary from the example shown.

Storing and Saving Data Points

Details how to store a data point using <F2> and save it using <F3>, noting potential prompts for a new label.

Testing Multiple Fibers at 1310 nm

Explains how to disconnect patch cables from patch panels, move to the next port, and repeat steps to test all fibers at 1310nm.

Testing at 1550 nm

Describes repeating the measurement steps for 1550nm, ensuring the correct patch cable and wavelength settings are used.

Overview

  1. Function Description
  2. Usage Features
  3. Maintenance Features

The Micro OWL 2 Series Test Kits are designed for certification testing of fiber optic links, providing a comprehensive solution for verifying the performance of optical fibers. This quick reference guide assists users in setting up and operating the kit for standards-based certification tests, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.

Function Description

The Micro OWL 2 Series Test Kits are primarily used for measuring optical loss in fiber optic links. The kit includes a Micro OWL 2 optical power meter and a WaveSource multimode fiber optic light source. The power meter measures the optical power received, while the light source emits a stable optical signal into the fiber. By comparing the emitted power to the received power, the optical loss of the fiber link can be determined. This process is crucial for certifying that fiber optic installations meet industry standards and perform as expected.

The certification testing process involves several key steps:

  1. Verification of Equipment Operation: Before testing a fiber link, the proper operation of the power meter and light source must be verified using a known good patch cable. This ensures that the equipment itself is functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.
  2. Link Wizard Setup: The Micro OWL 2 features a "Link Wizard" that guides the user through configuring the test parameters for a specific fiber link. This includes entering details such as fiber type (e.g., 62.5µm MM, 50.0µm MM, indoor SM, outdoor SM), fiber length, number of connections (patch panels), number of splices, and the cabling standard to be used (e.g., TIA-568-B.3, ISO/IEC 11801). This setup allows the device to calculate the appropriate pass/fail criteria based on the specified link budget.
  3. Setting References: A critical step in optical loss measurement is setting a reference power level. This involves connecting the light source directly to the power meter with a patch cable and recording the power reading. This reference value represents the ideal power level without any link loss, against which subsequent measurements of the fiber link will be compared. References can be set for different wavelengths, typically 1310nm and 1550nm for singlemode fibers, or 850nm and 1300nm for multimode fibers, depending on the light source and application.
  4. Taking Readings: Once the link parameters are configured and references are set, the power meter and light source are connected to opposite ends of the fiber link under test. The power meter then measures the optical power transmitted through the fiber, and the device calculates the optical loss. The Micro OWL 2 displays the measured loss in dB and indicates whether the link passes or fails based on the configured link budget.
  5. Data Storage: The Micro OWL 2 allows users to store data points for each fiber tested. This includes the measured loss, pass/fail status, and other relevant information. Stored data can then be used to generate certification reports.

The kit supports standards-based testing, ensuring that measurements comply with industry guidelines for fiber optic performance. It is suitable for both singlemode and multimode fiber testing, depending on the specific light source provided in the kit.

Usage Features

The Micro OWL 2 Series Test Kits are designed for ease of use, even for personnel who may not be completely familiar with fiber optic testing, though proper training is always recommended.

  • Intuitive Interface: The device features a clear display and a straightforward menu system, making it easy to navigate through the various functions. The "Link Wizard" guides users step-by-step through the setup process, minimizing errors and ensuring consistent testing procedures.
  • Wavelength Selection: Users can easily select the desired testing wavelength (e.g., 1310nm, 1550nm) using function keys, ensuring that measurements are performed at the correct wavelength for the fiber type and application.
  • Automated Pass/Fail Analysis: After setting up the link parameters, the Micro OWL 2 automatically calculates the link budget and provides an immediate pass/fail indication for each fiber tested. This simplifies the interpretation of results and accelerates the certification process.
  • Data Storage and Retrieval: The device can store multiple data points, allowing users to test numerous fibers within a link and later retrieve the results for reporting. This feature is particularly useful for large installations where many fibers need to be certified.
  • Connector Compatibility: The kit is designed to work with various connector types. Users are reminded to ensure that their patch cable connectors match the patch panel ports on the link under test for accurate measurements. The light source connector port notes also highlight that connector types may vary and caution against inserting angled physical contact (APC) connectors into non-APC ports.
  • Port Identification: The equipment ports are clearly labeled, indicating the detector, 1310nm, and 1550nm ports, which helps in correctly connecting the patch cables during setup and testing.
  • Real-time Readings: The power meter provides real-time optical power readings, allowing users to monitor the signal and identify potential issues during the testing process.
  • Flexible Link Configuration: The Link Wizard allows for detailed configuration of link parameters, including the number of connections and splices, which are crucial for accurate link budget calculations. This flexibility ensures that the device can be adapted to various network architectures.
  • Date Stamping: The ability to set the link date ensures that certification reports accurately reflect when the testing was performed, which is important for record-keeping and compliance.

Maintenance Features

While the manual primarily focuses on operational procedures, it implicitly suggests certain maintenance practices to ensure the longevity and accuracy of the equipment.

  • Patch Cable Management: The guide emphasizes the importance of using good quality patch cables and replacing them if readings fall below specified thresholds (e.g., -12.00 dBm during verification). This highlights that patch cables are consumables and their condition directly impacts measurement accuracy. Users are instructed to set aside verified patch cables for specific steps, implying careful handling.
  • Connector Care: Although not explicitly detailed as a maintenance step, the repeated instruction to "Do NOT disconnect the patch cable(s) from the light source at any time until all fibers have been tested" for taking readings, and the warning about connector types (e.g., APC connectors), implies the importance of minimizing connector wear and tear and using appropriate connectors to prevent damage to the equipment ports. Proper cleaning of connectors, though not mentioned, is a standard fiber optic maintenance practice that would extend the life of the equipment and ensure accurate measurements.
  • Battery Management: While not explicitly covered in this quick reference guide, as with any portable electronic device, proper battery charging and maintenance would be essential for continuous operation.
  • Firmware Updates: The mention of "Firmware Version 2.03" on the cover suggests that the device's software can be updated, which is a common maintenance practice to improve functionality, fix bugs, and ensure compatibility with new standards.
  • Calibration: Although not detailed in this quick guide, professional fiber optic test equipment typically requires periodic calibration to maintain its accuracy. This is an essential long-term maintenance aspect for certification-grade devices.

Overall, the Micro OWL 2 Series Test Kits are designed to be a reliable and user-friendly solution for fiber optic certification, providing the necessary tools and guidance for accurate and efficient testing.

OWL 2 Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
DisplayLCD
Battery LifeUp to 200 hours
Dimensions5.1 x 2.75 x 1.25 in (130 x 70 x 32 mm)
Weight6 oz (170 g)
Detector TypeInGaAs
Wavelength Range800 nm to 1700 nm
Wavelengths1310, 1550 nm
Operating Temperature0 to 55°C