2343-D01 Rev A 1/09/98
Page 2 of 3
iii) The
ULTRA
splice can easily accommodate any combination of
buffer sizes between 250 micron and 900 micron. The reason we set the
ULTRA
splice to accommodate 250 micron fibers is due to the popularity
of that certain buffer size. 250 micron buffers, we found, are more
commonly used versus larger diameter buffers, however, since there are
no special tools or fixtures required for installation, it is easy to adjust the
splice to meet any buffer size range between 250 to 900 microns.
4) Using
the
ULTRA
splice. Now that your fiber end(s) are cleaved, and the
ULTRA
splice is set to accommodate your required
buffer size (if 250 micron buffers are being used, no adjustment should have been necessary), the
ULTRA
splice can now be
installed.
Hold the
ULTRA
splice with the Visible Glass Capillary (in the middle of the splice) facing toward you. Retrieve the previously
cleaved fiber, and begin to insert it into the splice by placing the fiber into the Blue Tube (If UNDER 500 micron is used) OR the
“bone colored” Collet (If OVER 500 micron buffer is used). Gently insert the fiber through the hole of the Collet (or Blue Tube),
you should be able to feel the buffer being “grabbed”
*
.
* THEORY: ULTRA
splice has a molded in “spring arm” that “grabs” the buffer upon insertion. This arm only touched the
buffer (NOT the fiber). At any given time, you can retract the fiber from the splice using a limited amount of force (unless the
collet is closed) and the arm will continue to “grab” any other buffer size you insert, allowing for multiple quantity of use per
splice.
Once you feel the buffer being grabbed, the fiber end is close to the
entrance of the glass capillary. You should be able to see the fiber end
through the visible glass capillary.
If cleaved to the proper length of 7 millimeters, the buffer stops
“automatically”, THE FIBER SHOULD BE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE
GLASS CAPILLARY, or as close as possible to the center. Once the fiber
is in the middle, twist the gray locking nut closed (clockwise direction)
until the gray locking nut is hand tight. Proceed to the other end.
Start inserting the other fiber end in the same manner as the first end,
however, make sure careful attention is given in the following:
a) The pre-loaded index matching gel acts like a Hydraulic Piston when the other fiber is being inserted, therefore,
insert the second fiber carefully, giving the gel enough time to “mold” itself around the fiber.
b) The fiber should stop automatically, however, depending on the accuracy of the cleave length, the fiber could be too
long, and possibly break if pushed too hard. WATCH THE FIBER BUTT UP TO THE OTHER FIBER END,
through the visible capillary.
Once you have inserted the second fiber to your satisfaction, twist the gray locking nut closed (clockwise direction) – and the
ULTRA
splice installation should now be complete.
5) Tuning.
If you are unsatisfied with the loss you may be achieving, you can
simply “Tune” the
ULTRA
splice as follows:
a) Twist ONE END OPEN (counter clockwise direction) – not more than
½ turn.
b) Gently pull back (slightly) and twist the buffer, possibly even pushing
it closer to the other fiber, until an achieved loss is obtained. If you
open both ends, and push the fibers together (back and forth), you can
possibly damage your cleave. It is recommended that ONLY ONE end
is loosened while tuning.
c) Twist the Gray Locking nut closed (clockwise direction until hand
tight).
