"Equal Level Far End Cross Talk, Near End Cross Talk, Far Reaching
Outside the Base Line Near End Cross Talk, Power Level Summation of all
Other Cross Talk Cross Talk, Power Level Equal Far End Cross Talk, Delay
Skew, Powersum Equal Level Far End Cross Talk, Alien (UFO) Near End
Crosstalk, Alien (UFO) Far End Crosstalk, Powersum Far End Cross Talk,
Attenuation to Cross Talk Ratio, Powersum Attenuation to Cross Talk Ratio,
Ambient Noise, Subterranean Crosstalk, Length, Radio Frequency
Interference, Electromagnetic Interference, Bandwidth Limitations: Wow!
Maybe a dose of fiber will help me get rid of those ailments!"
Outside the Base Line Near End Cross Talk, Power Level Summation of all
Other Cross Talk Cross Talk, Power Level Equal Far End Cross Talk, Delay
Skew, Powersum Equal Level Far End Cross Talk, Alien (UFO) Near End
Crosstalk, Alien (UFO) Far End Crosstalk, Powersum Far End Cross Talk,
Attenuation to Cross Talk Ratio, Powersum Attenuation to Cross Talk Ratio,
Ambient Noise, Subterranean Crosstalk, Length, Radio Frequency
Interference, Electromagnetic Interference, Bandwidth Limitations: Wow!
Maybe a dose of fiber will help me get rid of those ailments!"
| Things To Make You Fiber Smart |
August 29, 2006
I. Spice - Lackland AFB, TX
"I have SC MM fiber connectors that are breaking
the fiber inside the connector once they are
plugged in. Putting any pressure on the head of
the connector instantly snaps the fiber. What
could I be doing wrong that would cause this?"
I. Spice - Lackland AFB, TX
"I have SC MM fiber connectors that are breaking
the fiber inside the connector once they are
plugged in. Putting any pressure on the head of
the connector instantly snaps the fiber. What
could I be doing wrong that would cause this?"
June 6, 2006
David N. - Houston, TX
"Doctor Fiber, I am needing to purchase some fiber
testing equipment such as an OLTS (Power Source &
Light Meter). My company says that fiber testing
equipment is more expensive than a Cat 5e/Cat 6e
certification tester like a Fluke or Agilent copper tester."
What are your comments"
David N. - Houston, TX
"Doctor Fiber, I am needing to purchase some fiber
testing equipment such as an OLTS (Power Source &
Light Meter). My company says that fiber testing
equipment is more expensive than a Cat 5e/Cat 6e
certification tester like a Fluke or Agilent copper tester."
What are your comments"
"I would say, NUTS! The copper certification
testers start at around $5,000.00. A good multi
mode fiber optics tester with the ability to store up
to 500 tests is around $1,300.00. If they would
start thinking fiber instead of copper their blood
pressure would be lower - and so would mine!"
testers start at around $5,000.00. A good multi
mode fiber optics tester with the ability to store up
to 500 tests is around $1,300.00. If they would
start thinking fiber instead of copper their blood
pressure would be lower - and so would mine!"
"Do not worry lad. If you are getting consistent
splices in the field with numbers like that, you
need to give yourself a party and invite me and
all of the rest of your friends. The OTDR and
splicers are doing their jobs. But you are not
doing your job! What I mean is - this sounds
like a severe case of kink-in-the-box. Unwrap
all of your fiber in the splice storage tray AND in
the closure itself and shoot the trace again.
Somewhere in the dressing (not turkey I hope),
you have slightly kinked the fiber in question
causing an increase in attenuation."
splices in the field with numbers like that, you
need to give yourself a party and invite me and
all of the rest of your friends. The OTDR and
splicers are doing their jobs. But you are not
doing your job! What I mean is - this sounds
like a severe case of kink-in-the-box. Unwrap
all of your fiber in the splice storage tray AND in
the closure itself and shoot the trace again.
Somewhere in the dressing (not turkey I hope),
you have slightly kinked the fiber in question
causing an increase in attenuation."
"Wholly moley! I can not even believe I am reading this!
I am going to get me a large Scotch right now to calm
me down. The fiber stub MUST be scribed with any of
the zillions of tools available for this procedure. The
Carbide, Ruby, and a vast assortment of mechanical
scribes are specifically designed for this delicate
procedure. The GIC (Glass-In-Ceramic) Connector
from Siecor/Corning was designed with the tiny glass
tube in the ferrule to allow the inserted fiber more of an
opportunity to bond once inside the ferrule. The porous
ceramic ferrule bonds to the glass but the
glass-to-glass bonding results are much better. The
GIC Connector was never designed to eliminate the
need for proper scribing and cleaving. If you are willing
to wait for the download time, HERE are the correct
procedures for installing these connectors. You will
find that nowhere does it mention 'breaking' the stub to
achieve a proper cleave. We will be happy to reserve a
seat in our Basic CFOT class for your boss."
I am going to get me a large Scotch right now to calm
me down. The fiber stub MUST be scribed with any of
the zillions of tools available for this procedure. The
Carbide, Ruby, and a vast assortment of mechanical
scribes are specifically designed for this delicate
procedure. The GIC (Glass-In-Ceramic) Connector
from Siecor/Corning was designed with the tiny glass
tube in the ferrule to allow the inserted fiber more of an
opportunity to bond once inside the ferrule. The porous
ceramic ferrule bonds to the glass but the
glass-to-glass bonding results are much better. The
GIC Connector was never designed to eliminate the
need for proper scribing and cleaving. If you are willing
to wait for the download time, HERE are the correct
procedures for installing these connectors. You will
find that nowhere does it mention 'breaking' the stub to
achieve a proper cleave. We will be happy to reserve a
seat in our Basic CFOT class for your boss."
January 15, 2006
Mark S. - Oklahoma City, OK
"My boss who is an educated, 'experienced' technician, tells me that since
we are using the Siecor/Corning Anaerobic GIC Multimode connectors, we
simply just "break" the fiber stub off when we cleave. The fact that this is a
GIC connector allows us to cleave it in that manner. That way we do not
have to scribe the exposed fiber once we have inserted it into the
connector. This process saves us the time consuming steps of scribing
and pulling the fiber along its axis to achieve a proper cleave. Is that
method of scribing and cleaving correct?"
Mark S. - Oklahoma City, OK
"My boss who is an educated, 'experienced' technician, tells me that since
we are using the Siecor/Corning Anaerobic GIC Multimode connectors, we
simply just "break" the fiber stub off when we cleave. The fact that this is a
GIC connector allows us to cleave it in that manner. That way we do not
have to scribe the exposed fiber once we have inserted it into the
connector. This process saves us the time consuming steps of scribing
and pulling the fiber along its axis to achieve a proper cleave. Is that
method of scribing and cleaving correct?"
December 27, 2005
Joe H. - Houston, TX
"Doctor Fiber, we just had a local contractor install and test some
fiber for us. Upon completion, he presented to us, along with his
invoice, a hand-written copy of test reports for the cable and
connectors he had just installed. Are hand-written test reports a
common practice in the industry?"
Joe H. - Houston, TX
"Doctor Fiber, we just had a local contractor install and test some
fiber for us. Upon completion, he presented to us, along with his
invoice, a hand-written copy of test reports for the cable and
connectors he had just installed. Are hand-written test reports a
common practice in the industry?"
December 26, 2005
David P. - Harrahan, LA --- Follow Up to November 29, 2005 message
"I am no longer working with this company thankfully. They would always tell me how well this one step method worked. They constantly
bragged about .5 losses they could achieve. I used their methods on sc single mode and multi mode 3M hotmelt connectors. I would
scribe the fiber and then air polish it on a .3 polishing film, then use the same film for my final polish. My supervisor told me that
sometimes he would skip the air polish step because he could scribe the fiber so close to the ferrule. I was kinda left shaking my head
even more after he said that. The core would look nice and clean after everything, but I doubt they could achieve the kind of results they
claimed.
Everything was certified with an OTDR and I never got a chance to see their actual test results or test them myself using a power source
and light meter. They also told me that 3M made these hotmelt connectors so well that they we're impossible to over polish; and when
they would end up with a bad looking core under the scope. They would reheat the hotmelt connector, push up the fiber a bit more, then
put in the puck and polish again. All that I learned was looked down upon and labeled old school, for the simple fact that it just wasn't the
way they did things. So now I'm back in Texas and looking for work again. I'm sure I'll find something out here, I have an interview
tomorrow already. I'll let you know how that goes. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder Doctor Fiber."
David P. - Harrahan, LA --- Follow Up to November 29, 2005 message
"I am no longer working with this company thankfully. They would always tell me how well this one step method worked. They constantly
bragged about .5 losses they could achieve. I used their methods on sc single mode and multi mode 3M hotmelt connectors. I would
scribe the fiber and then air polish it on a .3 polishing film, then use the same film for my final polish. My supervisor told me that
sometimes he would skip the air polish step because he could scribe the fiber so close to the ferrule. I was kinda left shaking my head
even more after he said that. The core would look nice and clean after everything, but I doubt they could achieve the kind of results they
claimed.
Everything was certified with an OTDR and I never got a chance to see their actual test results or test them myself using a power source
and light meter. They also told me that 3M made these hotmelt connectors so well that they we're impossible to over polish; and when
they would end up with a bad looking core under the scope. They would reheat the hotmelt connector, push up the fiber a bit more, then
put in the puck and polish again. All that I learned was looked down upon and labeled old school, for the simple fact that it just wasn't the
way they did things. So now I'm back in Texas and looking for work again. I'm sure I'll find something out here, I have an interview
tomorrow already. I'll let you know how that goes. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder Doctor Fiber."
"Young man. These are the types of companies the industry can best do without. We hear about these people
from time to time. One can only look at their store "front" and confirm they are no experts in what they do. You are
better off associating yourself with a company that does good work, follows installation procedures of the
company's products they are installing, and, more importantly, follows industry Standards. These "fiber experts"
as they call themselves, appear to be nothing more than experts in how to be completely ignorant. They should be
reported to 3M, reported to their customer and, blacklisted from our industry - not to mention each "expert" should
be tortured on an ant hill. I am going to go pull the rest of my hair out now."
from time to time. One can only look at their store "front" and confirm they are no experts in what they do. You are
better off associating yourself with a company that does good work, follows installation procedures of the
company's products they are installing, and, more importantly, follows industry Standards. These "fiber experts"
as they call themselves, appear to be nothing more than experts in how to be completely ignorant. They should be
reported to 3M, reported to their customer and, blacklisted from our industry - not to mention each "expert" should
be tortured on an ant hill. I am going to go pull the rest of my hair out now."
"I'd say they have been drinking some of that wacky sewage
water that's left over down there. That procedure does not
even follow the recommendations of 3M. Besides you have
to get the stub down to a manageable length just to polish it
without breaking it off during the process. 3M uses a 2
micron air polish a .2 micron pad polish then a .05 micron
finish polish for single mode connectors. If the stub is too
long once it is polished using your supervisors method, (not
3M's) it will eventually break either during the polishing
process or in the very near future. The Hotmelt connector
from 3M is an excellent connector system and, at times, we
are asked to teach it in our classes. But it has it's own quirks
like all procedures do"
water that's left over down there. That procedure does not
even follow the recommendations of 3M. Besides you have
to get the stub down to a manageable length just to polish it
without breaking it off during the process. 3M uses a 2
micron air polish a .2 micron pad polish then a .05 micron
finish polish for single mode connectors. If the stub is too
long once it is polished using your supervisors method, (not
3M's) it will eventually break either during the polishing
process or in the very near future. The Hotmelt connector
from 3M is an excellent connector system and, at times, we
are asked to teach it in our classes. But it has it's own quirks
like all procedures do"
November 29, 2005 -
David P. - Harrahan, LA
"I just graduated from your class and started to work with a company
doing some reconstruction work in New Orleans. We are installing the
3M Hotmelt single mode connectors. The polishing process this
company is using is this: air polish with the .3 micron AO film and
finish with the .3 micron film on a pad. They claim they are getting a
consistent .5 dB or better after the process. They told me the
Anaerobic Epoxy connectors take too long and do not yield as good
results as their process does. What do you say to that?"
David P. - Harrahan, LA
"I just graduated from your class and started to work with a company
doing some reconstruction work in New Orleans. We are installing the
3M Hotmelt single mode connectors. The polishing process this
company is using is this: air polish with the .3 micron AO film and
finish with the .3 micron film on a pad. They claim they are getting a
consistent .5 dB or better after the process. They told me the
Anaerobic Epoxy connectors take too long and do not yield as good
results as their process does. What do you say to that?"
| 3M Hotmelt Connector Polishing Procedure - The Correct One - Click HERE! |
"Anaerobic Connectors take too long? Excuse me? By the time it takes a tech to set up the Hotmelt oven in the TC (no
space available usually), go borrow an extra power cable (got to have AC to make the thing work), get all of the Holders
out and set up the Holder Rack (you will burn your hands if you do not use these), get everything in order, BDI
graduates, with their little Mini-Term Anaerobic Tool Kit and the 3-step polishing process, will be done with 5-10
connectors that cost about $2.85 bucks a piece and yield a finish polish of .0 dB to .3 dB consistently. Also the resulting
protrusion will be within the Telcordia Protrusion specification of between + or - 50 nm - which is impossible with your
company's .3 micron polishing procedure. Time to get your company to enroll in a basic fiber optics class. By the way!
Ask the most 'experienced' tech at the company if he/she knows how to test one connector at a time using a Power
Source and Light Meter and Method B. Use your polishing procedure and compare it to theirs. Mmmmmm--- I can just
imagine what you will find! Hair pulling time!"
space available usually), go borrow an extra power cable (got to have AC to make the thing work), get all of the Holders
out and set up the Holder Rack (you will burn your hands if you do not use these), get everything in order, BDI
graduates, with their little Mini-Term Anaerobic Tool Kit and the 3-step polishing process, will be done with 5-10
connectors that cost about $2.85 bucks a piece and yield a finish polish of .0 dB to .3 dB consistently. Also the resulting
protrusion will be within the Telcordia Protrusion specification of between + or - 50 nm - which is impossible with your
company's .3 micron polishing procedure. Time to get your company to enroll in a basic fiber optics class. By the way!
Ask the most 'experienced' tech at the company if he/she knows how to test one connector at a time using a Power
Source and Light Meter and Method B. Use your polishing procedure and compare it to theirs. Mmmmmm--- I can just
imagine what you will find! Hair pulling time!"
"I was going to have a Christmas Party but Doctor Fiber made me terminate
fiber connectors instead. If I put on my sad face, do you think I could
convince him to let me have a party later?"
fiber connectors instead. If I put on my sad face, do you think I could
convince him to let me have a party later?"
"I can not believe it! After all the work that I do, I still
see those "bosses" that seem to think they know
more than the free world. The VFL is, in fact, an
essential tool to supplement the OTDR - especially
in short run, accessible fiber LAN troubleshooting.".
see those "bosses" that seem to think they know
more than the free world. The VFL is, in fact, an
essential tool to supplement the OTDR - especially
in short run, accessible fiber LAN troubleshooting.".
June 6, 2005 -
Derrick S. - Houston, TX
"My boss told me that a Visual Fault Locator was not
needed if we had an OTDR on hand. Is that true?"
Derrick S. - Houston, TX
"My boss told me that a Visual Fault Locator was not
needed if we had an OTDR on hand. Is that true?"
"Those guys are still used to the 'copy and paste'
technique of designing fiber optics networks. Makes
me want to snatch a knot on their heads sometimes.
They need to get them a copy of 568B.3 and after that
take a look at the operating parameters of 50/125 vs.
62.5/125 then maybe they will see the light - so to
speak.""
technique of designing fiber optics networks. Makes
me want to snatch a knot on their heads sometimes.
They need to get them a copy of 568B.3 and after that
take a look at the operating parameters of 50/125 vs.
62.5/125 then maybe they will see the light - so to
speak.""
June 29, 2004 -
Steve S. - Austin, Texas
"Why are most Networking Design firms still
specifying 62.5/125 for new construction if they
specify fiber at all?
Steve S. - Austin, Texas
"Why are most Networking Design firms still
specifying 62.5/125 for new construction if they
specify fiber at all?
October 1, 2004 -
Steve R. - Palestine, TX
"Since my company always buys our fiber from
reputable manufactures, should we always check the
continuity before we pull it in?"
Steve R. - Palestine, TX
"Since my company always buys our fiber from
reputable manufactures, should we always check the
continuity before we pull it in?"
"OK -- That's it! I am going to really start pulling my
hair out now! If you think you are saving time by not
checking the continuity of your cable - think again
young man. The time it takes to pull in new cable is
much longer than the time it takes to spot check it for
continuity - the cost is also much, much higher!"
hair out now! If you think you are saving time by not
checking the continuity of your cable - think again
young man. The time it takes to pull in new cable is
much longer than the time it takes to spot check it for
continuity - the cost is also much, much higher!"
October 4, 2004 -
Arnold D. - Austin, TX
"Since I have now become a CFOT, what do I need to
do to become a CFOS - Certified Fiber Optics
Specialist?"
Arnold D. - Austin, TX
"Since I have now become a CFOT, what do I need to
do to become a CFOS - Certified Fiber Optics
Specialist?"
"So - you want to be a Certified Fiber Optics Specialist? Well
get ready to study and, most importantly, show your stuff!
Here is a good place to find out how."
get ready to study and, most importantly, show your stuff!
Here is a good place to find out how."
October 19, 2004 -
John R. - Waco, TX
"Doctor Fiber, I have a 'Government' customer in Tuscon, AZ who
would like to know how to increase the integrity of his multi mode
network. Currently he has a 100Base-FX LAN installed with 62.6/125
fiber. At the end of each work day to meet security requirements, he
has his users disconnect their individual SC fiber duplex jumpers
from their PC NICs and wall plates in the office. Afterwards the users
close and lock a box that covers the wall plate. At the beginning of
each day the process is reversed then repeated at the end of the day.
He is having multiple failures throughout his fiber network. What do
you suggest?"
John R. - Waco, TX
"Doctor Fiber, I have a 'Government' customer in Tuscon, AZ who
would like to know how to increase the integrity of his multi mode
network. Currently he has a 100Base-FX LAN installed with 62.6/125
fiber. At the end of each work day to meet security requirements, he
has his users disconnect their individual SC fiber duplex jumpers
from their PC NICs and wall plates in the office. Afterwards the users
close and lock a box that covers the wall plate. At the beginning of
each day the process is reversed then repeated at the end of the day.
He is having multiple failures throughout his fiber network. What do
you suggest?"
"Oh my goodness! I only have a few hairs left on my head
to pull out so I am going to save them for another day.
Dear boy - you need to take your customer by the hand,
nose or leg and drag him over to a planet called 'Reality'.
On that planet he will find the Basic CFOT Course from BDI
DataLynk. Or, if he does not have the time to be
enlightened, have him read FOTP-21 of ANSI/EIA/TIA-
568-B.3 which talks about the DURABILITY of Fiber Optics
Connectors. Keep in mind when the gurus designed
RJ-45s and fiber optics connectors, they never meant for
them to function as a network switch. Therefore,
depending on the policies of the switch and the ability of
the highly educated programmer, that's what the software
in the switch is supposed to do. Periodic moves, adds,
and changes were the intended uses of fiber and copper
jumper cables. I'm going to go have a double Scotch on
this one."
to pull out so I am going to save them for another day.
Dear boy - you need to take your customer by the hand,
nose or leg and drag him over to a planet called 'Reality'.
On that planet he will find the Basic CFOT Course from BDI
DataLynk. Or, if he does not have the time to be
enlightened, have him read FOTP-21 of ANSI/EIA/TIA-
568-B.3 which talks about the DURABILITY of Fiber Optics
Connectors. Keep in mind when the gurus designed
RJ-45s and fiber optics connectors, they never meant for
them to function as a network switch. Therefore,
depending on the policies of the switch and the ability of
the highly educated programmer, that's what the software
in the switch is supposed to do. Periodic moves, adds,
and changes were the intended uses of fiber and copper
jumper cables. I'm going to go have a double Scotch on
this one."
November 6, 2004 -
B. Smith, - Houston, TX
"Doctor Fiber, I had one of my technicians tell me the other day
that single mode connectors would not work on multi mode
fiber. He was responding to a network outage problem at one
of the schools in our area and needed to replace several
connectors on a multi mode fiber link and had only single
mode connectors in the truck. What do you say to that?"
B. Smith, - Houston, TX
"Doctor Fiber, I had one of my technicians tell me the other day
that single mode connectors would not work on multi mode
fiber. He was responding to a network outage problem at one
of the schools in our area and needed to replace several
connectors on a multi mode fiber link and had only single
mode connectors in the truck. What do you say to that?"
"I'd say, he's been consuming some of his 99%
alcohol in his fiber kit. Single mode connectors, in
most cases, can in fact, be used for multi mode
applications. But not vice versa! Sometimes these
'experienced' technicians and bosses or not so
experienced."
alcohol in his fiber kit. Single mode connectors, in
most cases, can in fact, be used for multi mode
applications. But not vice versa! Sometimes these
'experienced' technicians and bosses or not so
experienced."
"This sounds like the test reports one might expect from
the 'experts' in the message from David P. in Louisiana.
Absolutely not! The expensive Cable Certification
Testers and some of the better Power Source and Light
Meters and even the OTDRs, have software that allows
tests to be saved and printed out later for the customer.
They are usually stored and printed in a format that
does not allow manipulation of the actual readings.
Hand-written test reports makes it easy for your 'expert'
to change the readings at his convenience."
the 'experts' in the message from David P. in Louisiana.
Absolutely not! The expensive Cable Certification
Testers and some of the better Power Source and Light
Meters and even the OTDRs, have software that allows
tests to be saved and printed out later for the customer.
They are usually stored and printed in a format that
does not allow manipulation of the actual readings.
Hand-written test reports makes it easy for your 'expert'
to change the readings at his convenience."
May 4, 2006
Chris C. - Loris, S.C.
"I am having trouble with my OTDR. Once I get a good splice at
.03dB loss using singlemode fiber, I shoot the trace with my
OTDR and it tells me the splice is 1.8dB. What am I doing wrong?
Chris C. - Loris, S.C.
"I am having trouble with my OTDR. Once I get a good splice at
.03dB loss using singlemode fiber, I shoot the trace with my
OTDR and it tells me the splice is 1.8dB. What am I doing wrong?
"What is happening here is that there is too much adhesive being put into the
connector itself. This is a common occurrence when, SC connectors are
being installed onto 3.0 mm, breakout style (jumper) cable. I assume this
problem is occurring on this type of cable - yes? If too much residual adhesive
is left in the void behind the ferrule, as the connector is snapped into the
adapter, the ferrule, by way of a strong piano wire spring, moves back
slightly. If the fiber has no way of moving back because of this adhesive it will
break right at the back of the ferrule. Anyway, as you apply adhesive up into
the connector back shell with the applicator, the bead of adhesive will appear
on the ferrule tip. Once this occurs, immediately stop applying pressure on the
syringe (applicator) plunger and rapidly withdraw the needle from the
connector to avoid any residual adhesive from being left in the area in the
connector directly behind the ferrule. The idea is to put adhesive in the ferrule
only and not in the area behind it. Also! Be sure to wipe any excess adhesive
off of the needle prior to inserting it into the connector."
connector itself. This is a common occurrence when, SC connectors are
being installed onto 3.0 mm, breakout style (jumper) cable. I assume this
problem is occurring on this type of cable - yes? If too much residual adhesive
is left in the void behind the ferrule, as the connector is snapped into the
adapter, the ferrule, by way of a strong piano wire spring, moves back
slightly. If the fiber has no way of moving back because of this adhesive it will
break right at the back of the ferrule. Anyway, as you apply adhesive up into
the connector back shell with the applicator, the bead of adhesive will appear
on the ferrule tip. Once this occurs, immediately stop applying pressure on the
syringe (applicator) plunger and rapidly withdraw the needle from the
connector to avoid any residual adhesive from being left in the area in the
connector directly behind the ferrule. The idea is to put adhesive in the ferrule
only and not in the area behind it. Also! Be sure to wipe any excess adhesive
off of the needle prior to inserting it into the connector."
November 29, 2006
D. Stevens - Houston, TX
"Can an OTDR give me good
details about short length, LAN
multi mode fiber?"
D. Stevens - Houston, TX
"Can an OTDR give me good
details about short length, LAN
multi mode fiber?"
"That seems to be a very popular question. Keep in mind that the OTDR will
give a good overall picture (trace) of most fiber if the unit is set up properly.
Segment attenuation, however, will be bogus when used with MM fiber. In
other words an OTDR will significantly underestimate the attenuation of the
segment. Also, unless you have a receive cable at the opposite end, it will
miss the attenuation of the far-end connector. To learn about OTDR's attend
a BDI DataLynk Course. If you would like to read about OTDR's and how
they function, go HERE."
give a good overall picture (trace) of most fiber if the unit is set up properly.
Segment attenuation, however, will be bogus when used with MM fiber. In
other words an OTDR will significantly underestimate the attenuation of the
segment. Also, unless you have a receive cable at the opposite end, it will
miss the attenuation of the far-end connector. To learn about OTDR's attend
a BDI DataLynk Course. If you would like to read about OTDR's and how
they function, go HERE."
| WORTHY QUESTIONS |
December 1, 2006
Benoy.S - India
We are facing fiber chipping problem in mtrj connectors,
62.5/125 fiber, the fiber endface appears as if cut with blunt
knife. we use epotek 353 epoxy. Please let us know whether
using any other epoxy will be usefull. The rejection rate is
alarmingly high at 20% pls help.
Benoy.S - India
We are facing fiber chipping problem in mtrj connectors,
62.5/125 fiber, the fiber endface appears as if cut with blunt
knife. we use epotek 353 epoxy. Please let us know whether
using any other epoxy will be usefull. The rejection rate is
alarmingly high at 20% pls help.
"Hello sir and thank you for your question.
As I have mentioned in the past, it is not a good idea to use MT-RJs and it
is certainly not a good idea to be hand-polishing them in the field -
especially when the "Quick-Crimp (AMP) and Unicam (Corning) Style MT-RJ's
are so much easier to terminate - (No Polishing Required Go See HERE).
Any end face issues on any fiber optics connector can be dealt with by first
looking at the cleave tool. If you are hand scribing with a carbide, flat
blade scribe, or any of the other well-known hand scribes, be sure that the
blade is not chipped, make sure it is clean and make sure you know how to
use it properly. Secondly, be sure to clean each piece of polishing film with
alcohol before AND between polishes using 100% Alcohol AND a clean
wipe. Be sure to clean the film by holding it down by the edges as to not
wrinkle it during the process and be sure to let the alcohol evaporate prior to
starting the polishing. Third - try not to use so much adhesive in
the connector. Remember the fiber is held in the plastic ferrules by the
small amount installed into the ferrule itself in addition to the crimp mechanism.
Any excess epoxy that is allowed to cure on the end face must be polished
away. It now becomes a part of the "polishing medium". The excess "bead"
of polish that appears on the end of the ferrule prior to inserting the fiber
should be just barely enough to see. Be careful - too much will mean more
contamination of the polishing film itself. Finally - DO NOT polish in a dusty
environment for all of the reasons your are familiar with."
As I have mentioned in the past, it is not a good idea to use MT-RJs and it
is certainly not a good idea to be hand-polishing them in the field -
especially when the "Quick-Crimp (AMP) and Unicam (Corning) Style MT-RJ's
are so much easier to terminate - (No Polishing Required Go See HERE).
Any end face issues on any fiber optics connector can be dealt with by first
looking at the cleave tool. If you are hand scribing with a carbide, flat
blade scribe, or any of the other well-known hand scribes, be sure that the
blade is not chipped, make sure it is clean and make sure you know how to
use it properly. Secondly, be sure to clean each piece of polishing film with
alcohol before AND between polishes using 100% Alcohol AND a clean
wipe. Be sure to clean the film by holding it down by the edges as to not
wrinkle it during the process and be sure to let the alcohol evaporate prior to
starting the polishing. Third - try not to use so much adhesive in
the connector. Remember the fiber is held in the plastic ferrules by the
small amount installed into the ferrule itself in addition to the crimp mechanism.
Any excess epoxy that is allowed to cure on the end face must be polished
away. It now becomes a part of the "polishing medium". The excess "bead"
of polish that appears on the end of the ferrule prior to inserting the fiber
should be just barely enough to see. Be careful - too much will mean more
contamination of the polishing film itself. Finally - DO NOT polish in a dusty
environment for all of the reasons your are familiar with."
| Back To The Top --- About Us --- Our Services --- CFOT Course --- Specialist in Testing & Maintenance --- Splicing Specialist --- 2008 Schedule --- Industry News --- Ask Doctor Fiber --- Contact us |
February 2, 2007
Chuck R. - Madison, WI
Is there a temp. when outside plant
cables should not be unwound from a
handhold?
Chuck R. - Madison, WI
Is there a temp. when outside plant
cables should not be unwound from a
handhold?
Burrrrr! Not a good idea to be doing anything when it gets that cold.
We get this question from time to time. I always recommend the
tech contact the factory that made the cable. The glass in cold
weather is not the issue. It's the PVC buffer and/or the Buffer Tube
itself. The fiber should be warmed slightly to make the buffer,
coating and/or Buffer Tube more pliable in cold conditions. The
factory will be able to tell you the temperature it should be prior to
handling. Also - be careful when trying to strip the buffer off of
cold fiber as you may have a bad day. Time for a Hot Toddy!"
We get this question from time to time. I always recommend the
tech contact the factory that made the cable. The glass in cold
weather is not the issue. It's the PVC buffer and/or the Buffer Tube
itself. The fiber should be warmed slightly to make the buffer,
coating and/or Buffer Tube more pliable in cold conditions. The
factory will be able to tell you the temperature it should be prior to
handling. Also - be careful when trying to strip the buffer off of
cold fiber as you may have a bad day. Time for a Hot Toddy!"
| YUCK! |
"That's it. No
more copper
networks for me!"
more copper
networks for me!"
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Ask Doctor Fiber
Fiber Optics Networking Questions
Fiber Optics Networking Questions
May 17, 2007
K. Driscole - Blountville, TN
Dear Doc:
sending these guys to a BDI DataLynk training
sending these guys to a BDI DataLynk training
session or do you know of any "free" method of
testing these guys to see what they really know?
K. Driscole - Blountville, TN
Dear Doc:
sending these guys to a BDI DataLynk training
sending these guys to a BDI DataLynk training
session or do you know of any "free" method of
testing these guys to see what they really know?
Absolutely!
had any formal certifications from any known entity.
had any formal certifications from any known entity.
Guess what? They all came to us!
Guess what? They all came to us!
Go to this page and ask them to answer all of the
questions near the bottom of the page. If they can
not - they're toast!"
had any formal certifications from any known entity.
had any formal certifications from any known entity.
Guess what? They all came to us!
Guess what? They all came to us!
Go to this page and ask them to answer all of the
questions near the bottom of the page. If they can
not - they're toast!"
| The Verdict is in! FTTD it is! US Courts South Texas Division Fiber to The Desk Project Press Release |
"OK! So you have some fiber optics networking questions do you?
Well if they are not worthy then Wavelength will have them for
dinner. Who is Wavelength? Meet him HERE - if you dare. Send
your questions to me at Ask Doctor Fiber.
Well if they are not worthy then Wavelength will have them for
dinner. Who is Wavelength? Meet him HERE - if you dare. Send
your questions to me at Ask Doctor Fiber.
Serious undercut can be seen in the left diagram. Using a 400X
Inspection scope, bring the ferrule itself in to focus. If you have to
re-adjust the lens down toward the core to bring it in to focus then
there is undercut. Also! If you see contamination on the core that you
can not remove carefully by wiping then there is undercut. You can
start all over again because, over time, this concave surface will just
fill up with all sorts of stuff - including that nasty, quick fix, Index
Matching Gel.
Inspection scope, bring the ferrule itself in to focus. If you have to
re-adjust the lens down toward the core to bring it in to focus then
there is undercut. Also! If you see contamination on the core that you
can not remove carefully by wiping then there is undercut. You can
start all over again because, over time, this concave surface will just
fill up with all sorts of stuff - including that nasty, quick fix, Index
Matching Gel.
May 29, 2007
D. Haglen - Ashville, NC
do not think I could recognize it. Can you tell me what I
do not think I could recognize it. Can you tell me what I
should look for?should look for?
D. Haglen - Ashville, NC
do not think I could recognize it. Can you tell me what I
do not think I could recognize it. Can you tell me what I
should look for?should look for?
| The Verdict is in! FTTD it is! US Courts South Texas Division Fiber to The Desk Project Press Release |
| BDI DataLynk, LLC Fiber Optic Training Professionals PO Box 4951, Lago Vista (Austin), TX 78645 Ph: 512-785-9024, Email Professional Fiber Optic Training and Consulting Today To Meet The High Performance Demands of Tomorrow |
| The Mother, Father, Grandmother, Grandfather, Entire Family of All Worthy Questions Ever Submitted to Date. (Read On!) |
September 20, 2007
B. Smith - Lolita, TX
successful fiber installs, I have two SM segments (one 1200’, the other 8000’) that don’t work. With SM fiber
for the fun of it, and still get same result. I’ve studied the wavelength stuff, and made sure I am using what I
needed (ok whatever on 1200’ SM) I put it on because it has the cool signal detection LEDs. All the what I
needed (ok whatever on 1200’ SM) I put it on because it has the cool signal detection LEDs. All the LEDS
light up happy as can be, but I still get same result, link light on one end only. These cables came with LEDS
light up happy as can be, but I still get same result, link light on one end only. These cables came with SC
connectors, factory installed. Out of curiosity, I put a notebook on downstream end and tried to ping back to
my server farm. Guess what, it didn’t work.
to my server farm. Guess what, it didn’t work.
Also, I have no basic fiber tools or test sets and have been pulling factory terminated fiber in all areas
including through conduit. After the installation, I just shine a light through the fiber. If I see the light, I hook
up the equipment. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't. …I am open to suggestions or solutions?
B. Smith - Lolita, TX
successful fiber installs, I have two SM segments (one 1200’, the other 8000’) that don’t work. With SM fiber
for the fun of it, and still get same result. I’ve studied the wavelength stuff, and made sure I am using what I
needed (ok whatever on 1200’ SM) I put it on because it has the cool signal detection LEDs. All the what I
needed (ok whatever on 1200’ SM) I put it on because it has the cool signal detection LEDs. All the LEDS
light up happy as can be, but I still get same result, link light on one end only. These cables came with LEDS
light up happy as can be, but I still get same result, link light on one end only. These cables came with SC
connectors, factory installed. Out of curiosity, I put a notebook on downstream end and tried to ping back to
my server farm. Guess what, it didn’t work.
to my server farm. Guess what, it didn’t work.
Also, I have no basic fiber tools or test sets and have been pulling factory terminated fiber in all areas
including through conduit. After the installation, I just shine a light through the fiber. If I see the light, I hook
up the equipment. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't. …I am open to suggestions or solutions?
"CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING? These are the types of
'technicians' that need to join us for a Basic CFOT class. Also - just
because they are worthy questions do not mean they get worthy
answers!"
'technicians' that need to join us for a Basic CFOT class. Also - just
because they are worthy questions do not mean they get worthy
answers!"
| Go To: Fiber Optics Tools.Com |
