Your power meter and light source units will be used to measure loss in dB of the power transmitted into the cable by the light source
versus power measured on the receiver end by the power meter. Loss testing is done at wavelengths for the fiber in use, typically
850nm for multimode and optionally at 1300nm, while single mode is tested at 1310nm and optionally 1550nm. The measured loss
can be compared to the estimated loss for the link or “loss budget.”
This testing kit combined with the included reference cables allows for single-ended loss testing of fiber optic cables. Double ending
requires additional reference cables.
For set-up, allowable loss, link budget calculations, etc., the Fiber Optic Association (FOA) is a great resource for testing guidelines.
FOA power testing instructions are included with your kit and should be reviewed prior to using this equipment. Information on the
two noted tests above can be found via the FOA at www.thefoa.org, including fiber optic testing methods and standards.
**AAA (1.5 V) BATTERIES REQUIRED. BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED. INSERT 3 PER UNIT TO OPERATE.**
1. Select correct light source for fiber type
being tested (SM = single mode or MM =
multimode; labeled above screen on left).
Turn on both light source (OLS) and power
meter (OPM).
Set both the OPM & OLS units to the desired
wavelength by pressing the wavelength
button on each unit.
850nm: Typical multimode testing
1310nm: Typical single mode testing
1A. Wavelength on the OLS is displayed in
the upper left corner of the screen. Set to
desired value (press wavelength key.)
KHz (lower right) will have a numeric
reading or dashed lines when the laser is on.
Dashed lines (---) indicate that the laser is in
continuous wavelength mode.
1B. Set OPM to same to same wavelength
as the OLS unit. Press the wavelength
button until desired value appears.
Note: Typically 850nm for multimode
testing and 1310nm for single mode.
*Use appropriate cables. Aqua =
multimode. Yellow = single mode.
2. On the OLS press CW button until 1.0
KHz* displays in lower right of the screen
(see step 1A image).
*Typical testing configuration for most
cables
3. On the OPM, press the “dBM/W” button
until dBM is the unit listed to the right of the
main screen read-out (see step 1B image).
4. Plug REFERENCE cable into OLS. Note: Do
not look into laser while unit is on.
SC testing: plug appropriate multimode or
single mode cable into OLS.
LC testing: Attach appropriate SC to LC
adapter, then plug MM or SM reference
cable into adapter.
Adapter: Beige = multimode
Blue = single mode
SSF™ TL-SSF-TESTK-1 Test Kit
TL-SSF-TESTK-1 Quick Start Guide
WARNING: LIGHT SOURCE LASER DOES NOT OPERATE AT VISIBLE WAVELENGTH. LIGHT IS NOT VISIBLE
WHEN LASER IS ACTIVE. TO AVOID THE RISK OF EYE DAMAGE, DO NOT LOOK AT LASER WHEN LIGHT
SOURCE IS OPERATIONAL.
www.tlnetworx.com
