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M-UM041-04 OTDR 800 6/2020
Chapter 8: OTDR Operation
8.1 Entering OTDR Function
Press the Power button to turn on the OTDR 800. The unit has two OTDR options to choose for running a network test: Auto Test
and Custom Test. Select either option to begin entering test parameters.
WARNING
Before connecting a fiber to the OTDR, ensure that the fiber has no active optical sources or instruments connected at the
other end. Skin or eye damage may result from high power sources such as EDFAs, and/or instrument damage may occur,
voiding the warranty.
WARNING
Clean all connectors in use thoroughly prior to connecting them to the appropriate port of the OTDR. Failure to ensure the
connectors used with the OTDR are properly cleaned may result in poor launch conditions at a minimum, or even damage
to the optical interface that requires the unit be returned to the factory for repair.
8.2 Auto Test
Auto Test is a useful feature when the approximate length of the tested fiber is unknown. To use Auto Test, only the Launch/Receive
Fiber Length and Wavelength parameters need to be set by the user.
Set Launch/Receive Length
Tap the textbox containing the fiber length to change it. Enter the launch length in the left box and the receive length in the right
box. Tap the "OK" button to set the length of the launch/receive fiber. If there is no launch or receive fiber used, or if the lengths are
unknown, leave the values set to "0m" so that they will not be overlooked by the OTDR.
NOTE
To switch between imperial and metric units, use the length editing menu.
Set Wavelength
Tap the textbox on the display to open the wavelength list and choose the desired wavelength for the test. Select either a single
wavelength, or two for dual mode operation. Wavelengths are selected when they are highlighted in dark gray. If the wavelength(s)
are light gray, they are not selected for testing.
NOTE
The wavelengths selections for the dual SM OTDR are 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1310/1550 nm. The 1310/1550nm settings
are for Dual Mode operation where the OTDR will test both wavelengths in one operation. Dual Mode is covered in section
8.9 of this guide. At least one wavelength must be selected to start the test.
Start AutoTest
Tap the "Begin Test" button to start the test. The OTDR will conduct a test at the selected wavelength(s) with a dynamic averaging
time (typically around 60 seconds). The OTDR will automatically select the best average time, pulse width, and range parameters
appropriate for the fiber being tested.
8.3 Custom Test
Custom Test is a powerful feature for OTDR-trained personnel who want to set up all of the test parameters. Technicians can
enter and pre-configure all of the available test parameters before running the test. To use Custom Test effectively, technicians
should know the overall length of the network they are looking to test to set a desirable pulse width and averaging time.
Using Custom Test allows the technician to chose between 3 different saved test configurations. The test configurations can
be programmed into the OTDR in advance and saved to the OTDR for use in future tests. The test configurations contain all of
the test parameters. Users can select one of the configurations by tapping on the name to highlight it (shown in dark gray) and
then tapping the "NEXT >" button. Technicians will be shown a quick summary page with all the test parameters shown and a
chance to edit before the test is run.
