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INTRODUCTION
APPLICATIONS
Below is a list of test and measurement applications that can be performed using the WaveTester optical power meter. The
procedure for each one of these applications is covered in detail in this manual.
Active Equipment Optical Power Measurements.
Active equipment should be measured periodically for correct power levels.
The transmitters in this equipment have a known power value. The WaveTester can be directly attached to this equipment via a
patch cord to check whether the transmitter is within the manufacturer’s specified power range.
Fiber Continuity Testing.
Continuity can be measured with the WaveTester by placing a calibrated light source on one end of
the fiber and the WaveTester on the other end. This is also a simple way to measure the attenuation of the fiber.
Patch Cord Testing.
Fiber links that are producing incorrect results may have bad patch cords. The WaveTester can be used to
test the attenuation of a patch cord to see if it is usable, or should be replaced.
Attenuation (Optical Loss) Measurements.
After a fiber cable has been installed and terminated, it must be tested to
determine if the fiber is installed according to standards and specifications. A comparison of the actual power measurement and
the reference value determines if the installation will pass or fail. Up to 200 fiber measurements may be stored for later download
into OWL Reporter software.
This manual describes the operation of the WaveTester optical power meter. The WaveTester is a very economical option for
measuring the optical power of both multimode and singlemode fibers. The WaveTester is NIST traceable, and is calibrated 850,
1300, 1310, and 1550nm, as well as 1490nm, one of the key wavelengths used in FTTx PON networks. Reference values used
for optical loss readings are stored for each of these wavelengths.
The WaveTester has a user-friendly interface which includes four push-buttons, and also includes a 2.5mm universal connector,
which is compatible with many popular fiber connectors, such as ST, SC, and FC, and a 1.25mm universal connector adapter that
allows for connection to LC, MU, and other SFF connectors.
The WaveTester is ideal for fiber optic professionals who need to quickly measure the loss in their fiber optic links, as well as
simple data storage and auto-testing fiber link certification.
For an additional charge, the WaveTester can include a precision-coupled visual fault locator optimized for fiber optics. An
optical ball lens placed near the laser output focuses the light for optimum input into fiber optic cables, and special current-limiting
electronics prevents laser burnout (a common problem with pen-style laser pointers), increasing the life of the VFL.
DESCRIPTION