Exfo FTB 200 v2 User Guide

COMPACT MODULAR
PLATFORM
FTB-200
NETWORK TESTING
USER GUIDE
Copyright 2006 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted in any form, be it electronically, mechanically, or by any
other means such as photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (EXFO).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
EXFOs Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without
notice.
Trademarks
EXFOs trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence
or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
Patents
FASTEST is protected by US patent(s) 5,305,078 and/or 5,455,672. EXFOs
Universal Interface is protected by US patent 6,612,750.
ii
FTB-200
Contents
Contents
Certification Information ....................................................................................................... ix
1 Introducing the FTB-200 .............................................................................. 1

Main Features .........................................................................................................................1
LED Panel Description .............................................................................................................4
Keypad Description .................................................................................................................5
Card Reader and Ports ............................................................................................................6
Power Sources ........................................................................................................................7
Conventions ............................................................................................................................8
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 9

Laser Safety information .........................................................................................................9
Electrical Safety Information .................................................................................................12
3 Getting Started with Your Unit ................................................................. 15

Installing or Upgrading the Applications ..............................................................................15
Inserting and Removing Test Modules .................................................................................17
Installing a USB Keyboard or Mouse .....................................................................................22
Configuring the Pinter .........................................................................................................23
Turning On or Off the Unit ....................................................................................................25
Starting Module Applications ...............................................................................................26
4 Setting Up Your Unit .................................................................................. 27

Recalibrating the Touchscreen ..............................................................................................27
Adjusting Microphone and Speaker ......................................................................................28
Adjusting Brightness .............................................................................................................29
Selecting the Language of Operation ...................................................................................30
Setting Date and Time Formats .............................................................................................31
Selecting the Startup Application .........................................................................................32
Configuring the Shortcut Buttons .........................................................................................34
Setting Other Parameters ......................................................................................................34
Compact Modular Platform
iii
Contents
5 Using the Built-In Power Meter and VFL ...................................................35

Accessing the Built-In Power Meter ......................................................................................35
Nulling Electrical Offsets .......................................................................................................37
Setting Thresholds and Correction Factors ............................................................................38
Setting Reference Values on Your Power Meter ....................................................................40
Measuring Power or Loss ......................................................................................................41
Reloading Power Meter Results ............................................................................................44
Clearing Power Measurements from the Display ..................................................................45
Creating and Printing a Results Report .................................................................................46
Identifying Fiber Faults Visually with the VFL ........................................................................49
6 Inspecting Fibers with a Probe ..................................................................51

Inspecting a Fiber End ..........................................................................................................51
Capturing an Image ..............................................................................................................53
7 Introducing the OTDR .................................................................................55

Main Features .......................................................................................................................56
Trace Acquisition Modes .......................................................................................................57
Data Post-Processing ............................................................................................................57
Bidirectional Averaging Utility ..............................................................................................57
Available OTDR Models .........................................................................................................58
OTDR Basic Principles ............................................................................................................60
8 Setting Up Your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer ..............................63

Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .........................................................................63
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers ...............................................................................64
Naming Trace Files Automatically ........................................................................................65
9 Testing Fibers in Auto Mode ......................................................................67

Acquiring Traces ...................................................................................................................67
Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder Features .............................................................71
10 Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode ..............................................................73

Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time ..............................................................................77
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor .................................................................78
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time ..................................................80
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature ...................................................................................84
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition ...................................................................85
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ..................................................................................................86
Setting a Default Span Start and Span End ...........................................................................88
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FTB-200
Contents
11 Testing Fibers in Template Mode ............................................................... 91

Template Principle .................................................................................................................91
Restrictions of Template Mode ..............................................................................................92
Acquiring the Reference Trace ..............................................................................................94
Acquiring Traces in Template Mode ......................................................................................95
Selecting a Reference Trace .................................................................................................101
12 Customizing Your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer ......................... 103

Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range Values ...........................................................103
Customizing the Acquisition Time Values ...........................................................................105
13 Analyzing Traces and Events ................................................................... 107

Opening Trace Files .............................................................................................................107
Trace Display and Events Table Description .........................................................................109
Locating Events in the Trace Display and Events Table ........................................................113
Customizing the Events Table .............................................................................................114
Setting Trace Display Parameters ........................................................................................116
Selecting the Measurement Unit .........................................................................................118
Displaying or Hiding a Trace ...............................................................................................121
Clearing Traces from the Display .........................................................................................123
Automatically Zooming in on the Fiber Span ......................................................................124
Using Zoom Controls ..........................................................................................................125
Viewing and Modifying Current Trace Settings ...................................................................127
Inserting Events ..................................................................................................................132
Deleting Events ...................................................................................................................134
Setting the Analysis Detection Thresholds ..........................................................................136
Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace ........................................................................................139
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span .......................................................................141
Swapping Traces .................................................................................................................142
14 Analyzing the Results Manually .............................................................. 143

Using Markers .....................................................................................................................143
Getting Event Distances and Relative Powers ......................................................................145
Getting Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ......................................146
Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation) ....................................150
Getting Reflectance ............................................................................................................152
Getting Optical Return Loss (ORL) .......................................................................................153
15 Managing Trace Files from the OTDR Test Application .......................... 155
Saving a Trace in a Different Format ...................................................................................155
OTDR Trace File Compatibility .............................................................................................156
Copying, Moving, Renaming or Deleting Trace Files ..........................................................158
Contents
16 Creating and Printing Trace Reports .......................................................159

Documenting Results ..........................................................................................................159
Printing a Report ................................................................................................................162
17 Using the OTDR as a Light Source or VFL ................................................165

18 Description of Event Types ......................................................................169
Span Start ..........................................................................................................................169
Span End ...........................................................................................................................169
Continuous Fiber ...............................................................................................................170
End of Analysis ..................................................................................................................171
Non-Reflective Event ..........................................................................................................172
Reflective Event .................................................................................................................173
Positive Event .....................................................................................................................174
Launch Level ......................................................................................................................175
Fiber Section ......................................................................................................................176
Merged Reflective Event ....................................................................................................177
Echo ..................................................................................................................................179
Reflective Event (Possible Echo) .........................................................................................180
19 Introducing the FTB-3930 MultiTest Module ...........................................181

Main Features .....................................................................................................................181
Typical Applications ............................................................................................................182
20 Customizing Your MultiTest Module ........................................................183

21 Setting Up Your MultiTest Module ...........................................................185
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI) .......................................................................185
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers .............................................................................186
Setting Autonaming Scheme ..............................................................................................187
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds ................................................................................................189
22 Measuring Power or Loss .........................................................................193

Defining the List of Favorite Wavelengths ...........................................................................194
Nulling Electrical Offsets .....................................................................................................196
Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source .........................................................................197
Measuring Power or Loss ....................................................................................................200
23 Measuring Optical Return Loss ................................................................203

Performing ORL Reference and Setting ORL Zero Value ......................................................205
Performing and Saving ORL Measurements ........................................................................207
vi
FTB-200
Contents
24 Performing Automated IL/ORL/Length Measurements (FASTEST) ............ 211

Setting Up the FASTEST ........................................................................................................212
Referencing Units for FASTEST .............................................................................................214
Performing the FASTEST .......................................................................................................219
25 Managing Test Results ............................................................................. 223

Viewing and Deleting Results .............................................................................................223
Customizing Result Display .................................................................................................225
26 Using a Light Source ................................................................................ 227

27 Identifying Fiber Faults Visually .............................................................. 229
28 Communicating with Other Users ........................................................... 231
Sending and Receiving Text Messages .................................................................................231
Communicating by Voice ....................................................................................................234
29 Managing Data ......................................................................................... 237

30 Testing Network Connections ................................................................. 243
Performing a Ping Test ........................................................................................................243
Performing a Trace Route Test .............................................................................................246
Exporting the Results ..........................................................................................................248
31 Maintenance ............................................................................................. 249

Cleaning EUI Connectors ....................................................................................................250
Cleaning Detector Ports ......................................................................................................252
Recharging the Main Battery ..............................................................................................253
Recalibrating the Battery ....................................................................................................255
Replacing Battery ................................................................................................................258
Verifying Your OTDR ...........................................................................................................259
Recalibrating the Unit .........................................................................................................267
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ..................................................268
32 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 269

Solving Common Problems .................................................................................................269
OTDR ..................................................................................................................................271
MultiTest .............................................................................................................................272
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site ........................................................................275
Contacting the Technical Support Group ............................................................................276
Transportation ....................................................................................................................276
vii
Contents
33 Warranty ....................................................................................................277
General Information ...........................................................................................................277
Liability ...............................................................................................................................278
Exclusions ...........................................................................................................................278
Certification ........................................................................................................................278
Service and Repairs .............................................................................................................279
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ........................................................................................280
A Technical Specifications ............................................................................281

FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform ..................................................................................281
OTDR ..................................................................................................................................282
MultiTest .............................................................................................................................284
Index ...............................................................................................................285
viii
FTB-200
Certification Information
F.C.C. Information
Electronic test equipment is exempt from Part 15 compliance (FCC) in
the United States. However, compliance verification tests are
systematically performed on most EXFO equipment.
Information
Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European
Union. The EN61326 standard prescribes both emission and immunity
requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control equipment.
This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union
Directive and Standards.
CSA Information
This unit is certified by the CSA (certificate number 162451) and was
evaluated according to applicable CSA and UL standards (as confirmed by
C-US mark) as well as applicable IEC standards for use in Canada, the
United States, and other countries.
ix
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive(s):
Manufacturers Name:
Manufacturers Address:
Equipment Type/Environment:
Trade Name/Model No.:
73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

89/336/EEC - The EMC Directive
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENG.
400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec)
Canada G1M 2K2
(418) 683-0211
Industrial Scientific Equipment
FTB-150 Compact OTDR and FTB-200
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010-1:2001
EN 55022: 1998/
A2: 2003
EN 60825-1:1994 /
A2: 2001
EN 61326:1997/
A3: 2003
Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and

Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements.
Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of
Information Technology Equipment.
Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and
users guide
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory
Use - EMC Requirements
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name:
Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Position:
Vice-President Research and

Development
Address:
400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec)

Canada
February 17, 2006
Date:
FTB-200
Manufacturers Name:

EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENG.
400 Godin Avenue, Vanier (Quebec)
Canada G1M 2K2
(418) 683-0211
FTB-7000B, FTB-7000D, FTB-74000C Optical
Time Domain Reflectometer
EN 60825-1:1994
/ A2: 2001
Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

users guide
EN 55022: 1998/
A1: 2000
Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

information technology equipment
EN 61326:1997/
A2: 2001
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use EMC

Requirements
Manufacturer
Signature:
Full Name:
Position:
Vice-President Research and

Development
Address:
400 Godin Avenue Vanier, Quebec,

Canada
December 12, 2003
Date:
xi
Manufacturers Name:

EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
400 Godin Avenue
Vanier, Quebec
Canada G1M 2K2
(418) 683-0211
FTB-3930 MultiTest Module

EN 60825-1: 1994/
A2: 2001
Safety of Laser Products-Part 1: Equipment Classification, Requirement, and

Users guide
EN 61326: 1997/ A2:

2001
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory

Use - EMC Requirements
EN 55022: 1998/ A1:

2000
Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

information technology equipment
Manufacturer
Signature:
xii
Full Name:
Position:
Address:
Date:
Vice-President Research and Development

400 Godin Avenue Vanier, Quebec, Canada
July 20, 2004
FTB-200
Introducing the FTB-200

Main Features
The FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform has the following characteristics:
2-slot platform
Multitasking
Touchscreen (LCD and touchscreen optimized for outdoor use

available in option)
USB ports (host and client)
Ethernet port
CompactFlash card reader
Autonomy (8 hours)
Windows CE
Ruggedness (GR-196-CORE)
Possibility to connect a probe
Optional built-in power meter and VFL
The Compact Modular Platform supports the following modules:
FTB-7000B/7000D/70000C OTDR
FTB-3930 MultiTest

Main Features
Front panel
Touchscreen
LEDs
Keypad
Knob with ENTER button
Keypad
Brightness button
On/Off button
Left panel
Right panel
Fiber Inspection
Probe port
Card reader
RJ-45 port
USB client
port
Headset/
microphone port
DC connector
USB host port
FTB-200

Main Features
Top panel
VFL
Battery
compartment
Built-in power meter
Module slots
Bottom panel
Retaining screws

LED Panel Description
LED Panel Description

The LED panel located on the front of the unit provides you with the status
of your unit.
Note: The function of certain LEDs vary with the applications.
LED
Status
Meaning
Green
Unit is on.
Off
Unit is off.
Green
Unit powered or not by AC and battery fully charged.
Green, flashing
Battery is charging.
Yellow, flashing
Unit is not powered by AC and battery is low.
Red
Battery error.
Off
Unit is off or unit is not powered by AC and battery level

is above the low-battery threshold.
Laser status LED
Flashing
At least one module emits an optical signal.
Off
No modules emit signal.

Result status (from application currently displayed).
Green
Pass (result does not exceed the defined threshold)
Red
Fail
FTB-200

Keypad Description
Keypad Description
The keypad of your unit gives you access to various functions at all times.
The table below shows an overview of their purpose.
Note: The function of certain buttons vary with the applications.
Button
Meaning
First shortcut button. Starts the associated application

(see Configuring the Shortcut Buttons on page 34).
Second shortcut button. Starts the associated application or
the built-in power meter application (see Configuring the
Shortcut Buttons on page 34).
Start fiber probe application.
Switch from one task to another.
Turn on and off your unit:

Suspend: hold down button a few seconds until the unit
beeps once.
Shutdown: hold down button until the unit beeps twice.
For more information, see Turning On or Off the Unit on

page 25.
Adjust screen brightness.
Lock/Start acquisition/F1 button (depends on application).
Mute/Move markers/F2 button (depends on application).

Card Reader and Ports
Button
Meaning
Report/Next or trace/F3 button (depends on application).

Save/F4 button (depends on application).
Card Reader and Ports

Your unit is equipped with a card reader (for Bluetooth wireless and
CompactFlash cards) and communication ports (for probe, mouse,
keyboard, hub, etc.).
The card reader is located on the left panel of the unit.
There are four ports, all located on the right panel of the unit:
8-pin connector to connect the fiber inspection probe.
USB host port (type A connector)

drives, keyboards, mouse devices, etc.
USB client (secondary) port (type B connector)

to connect a
USB cable for data transfer between your unit and a computer.
RJ-45 port to connect your unit to an Ethernet network.
to connect USB memory
FTB-200

Power Sources
Power Sources
The unit operates with the following power sources:
AC adapter/charger (connected to a standard power outletindoor use

only).
rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery (automatically takes over if you

disconnect the AC adapter/charger)
IMPORTANT
The unit will function only if the battery is present and the battery
door is in place (even if you use it with the AC adapter/charger).
Possible to switch from AC adapter/charger to battery power or

vice versa without affecting operation
Automatic recharge when AC adapter/charger is connected
Rechargeable battery (for clock and RAM, used when Lithium-Ion

battery and AC power are both unavailable). The clock battery has an
autonomy of approximately 15 minutes after which the unit will restart
exactly as if you performed a shutdown (button held down until the
unit beeps twice).

Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this manual, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
CAUTION
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.
FTB-200
Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
Laser Safety information
The laser class of your unit depends on the modules that you use.
Safety Information
Units with VFL (OTDR, MultiTest Module and

Built-in VFL)
Your instrument is a Class 3R laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10. It is potentially
harmful in direct intrabeam viewing.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 3R source:
IEC 60825-1:1993+A2:2001
21 CFR 1040.10
LASER RADIATION
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
CLASS 3R LASER PRODUCT
: 650 10 nm
Pout maximum < 5mW (into free space)
Affixed to
side of OTDR and MultiTest modules.
Affixed to back of unit
(under the stand).
QST498C
If VFL option is available
On
On MultiTest
OTDRmodules
modules
Indicated under
VFL port
OTDR Models without VFL

Your instrument is a Class 1M laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10. Invisible laser
radiation may be encountered at the output port.
The product is safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation
but it may be hazardous if you use optics within a diverging or collimated
beam. Do not view directly with optical instruments.
Affixed to side of
module
10
FTB-200
Safety Information
MultiTest Modules Models without VFL

Your instrument is a Class 1 laser or LED product in compliance with
standards IEC 60825-1 Amendment 2: 2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10.
Laser radiation may be encountered at the output port.
The following labels indicate that a product contains a Class 1 source:
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
CLASS 1
LED PRODUCT
Note: Labels shown for information purposes only. They are not affixed to your
product.
11
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information

If you need to ensure that the unit is completely powered off, disconnect
the power cable and remove the batteries.
WARNING
12
Use the external power supply indoors only.
Position the unit so that the air can circulate freely around it.
Operation of any electrical instrument around flammable gases

or fumes constitutes a major safety hazard.
To avoid electrical shock, do not operate the unit if any part of

the outer surface (covers, panels, etc.) is damaged.
Only authorized personnel should carry out adjustments,

maintenance or repair of opened units under voltage. A person
qualified in first aid must also be present. Do not replace any
components while power cable and battery are connected.
Capacitors inside the unit may be charged even if the unit has
been disconnected from its electrical supply.
FTB-200
Safety Information
Equipment Ratings
Temperature
Operation
0 C to 50 Ca (32 F to 122 F)
Storage
-40 C to 60 Cb (-40 F to 140 F)
Relative humidityc
unit
95 % non-condensing
AC adapter
0 % to 80 % non-condensing
Maximum operation altitude
5000 m (16405 ft)
Pollution degree
Installation category
II
Power supply
a.
b.
c.
d.
ratingd
100 V to 240 V (50 Hz/60 Hz)

maximum input current 1.6 A
With FTB-8XXX modules, the maximum operation temperature is 40 C (104 F).

With FTB-8XXX modules, the maximum storage temperature is 50 C (122 F).
Measured in 0 C to 31 C (32 F to 87.8 F) range, decreasing linearly to 50 % at 40 C (104 F).
Not exceeding 10 % of the nominal voltage.
The following label is affixed to the unit:

Located on units right panel
13
Getting Started with Your

Unit
Installing or Upgrading the Applications
All the necessary applications have been preinstalled and configured at the
factory. However, you may have to upgrade some applications when new
versions become available or to reinstall them.
For the installation or upgrade, you will need:
the installation CD (includes ActiveSync installation kit)
a computer equipped with a USB port; Windows must be installed on

the computer
an FTB-200 unit
a USB cable
Note: For more information on the installation, refer to the Release Notes on the
installation CD.
15
Getting Started with Your Unit

Installing or Upgrading the Applications
To install or upgrade the applications:

1. Turn on the computer and insert the installation CD in the CD-ROM
drive.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions. All the necessary components,
including ActiveSync, will be installed on your computer.
3. Once the installation is complete, turn on your unit. If necessary, exit
the OTDR CE and MultiTest CE applications.
4. Connect the provided USB cable to the computer (type A end) and
your unit (type B end). ActiveSync automatically opens and establishes
the connection.
5. From the computer, on the Windows taskbar, click the Start button,
then click Programs > EXFO > Handheld Instrument Software
Manager.
6. Use Add Programs to install new versions. Follow the on-screen
instructions. For more information, refer to the online help of the
Handheld Instrument Software Manager (from the Help menu).
7. When installation is complete, simply disconnect the USB cable.
16
FTB-200

Inserting and Removing Test Modules
CAUTION
Never insert or remove a module while the Compact Modular
Platform is turned on. This will result in immediate and irreparable
damage to both the module and unit.
WARNING
When the laser safety LED (
) is flashing, at least one of your
modules is emitting an optical signal. Please check all modules, as it
might not be the one you are currently using.
To insert a module into the Compact Modular Platform:
1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the Compact Modular Platform so that its front panel is facing
you.
17

3. Take the module and place it vertically so that the retaining screw hole
is at the left of the connector pins.
CAUTION
Inserting a module upside down could result in permanent damage
to the module, as the connector pins might be bent.
4. Insert the protruding edges of the module into the grooves of the units
module slot.
5. Push the module all the way to the bottom of the slot, until the
retaining screw makes contact with the unit casing.
6. Place the Compact Modular Platform so that its bottom panel is facing
you.
18
FTB-200

7. While applying slight pressure to the module, use a coin to turn the
retaining screw clockwise until it is tightened. This will secure the
module into its seated position.
Turn retaining screws

clockwise
Bottom panel
When you turn on the unit, the startup sequence will automatically detect
the module.
19

To remove a module from the Compact Modular Platform:

1. Turn off your unit.
2. Position the Compact Modular Platform so that the bottom panel is
facing you.
3. Using a coin, turn the retaining screw counterclockwise until it stops.
The module will be slowly released from the slot.
Turn retaining screws

clockwise
Bottom panel
4. Place the Compact Modular Platform so that the top panel is facing
you.
20
FTB-200

5. Hold the module by its sides or by the handle (NOT by the connector)
and pull it out.
CAUTION
Pulling out a module by a connector could seriously damage both
the module and connector. Always pull out a module by its casing.
6. Cover empty slots with the supplied protective covers.
21

Installing a USB Keyboard or Mouse
Installing a USB Keyboard or Mouse

When you are required to enter alphanumeric data, an on-screen
keyboard will be displayed. However, you can also use a hardware
keyboard.
You can also add a mouse.
To install a USB keyboard or mouse on your unit:
Connect the keyboard or the mouse to the type A USB port, located on the
right side of the unit.
Note: It is not necessary to turn off the unit before connecting the keyboard or the
mouse. The software will automatically detect its presence.
Note: Even if a keyboard is connected, the touchscreen keyboard will still be
displayed when working in ToolBox CE.
Your mouse or keyboard is automatically recognized and immediately
usable.
22
FTB-200

Configuring the Printer

To print reports, you must configure the printer first. The unit supports the
Printek MT2B printer and communicates with it via Bluetooth.
Note: Some applications may not offer print functions.
If you want to print on a network printer or if you want to print other type of
reports, you must transfer the desired files on a computeron which
ToolBox 6 (or later), ToolBox R/T Pro or Result Viewer is installed.
To configure the printer:
1. Insert the Bluetooth wireless card (provided with the printer) into the
units card reader. Ensure that the holes for the connector pins are
towards the back of the card reader and that you see the label with a
small arrow on top. The card should fit perfectly into the card reader.
CAUTION
Applying too much pressure on the card will cause irreparable
damage to the card.
2. On your unit, go to the Main Menu, then select Setup > Bluetooth
Device Properties.
3. From Bluetooth Manager, press Scan Device to launch printer
detection. Wait a few seconds until items appear in the Untrusted list.
4. From the Untrusted list, select the first Printek M2 item and
press the -> button.
23

5. When Bluetooth Manager prompts you to authenticate the device,

answer No.
IMPORTANT
If you answer Yes, the application will not be able to use the
printer.
6. Once the item is on the Trusted list, select it. Press Active. A red
checkmark appears at the side of the icon to confirm the activation.
7. Repeat steps 4 and 6 with the second Printek M2 item.
8. Close Bluetooth Manager, then Control Panel and File Manager.
The printer is now ready to use.
CAUTION
Always use the card readers eject button to remove the card from
your unit.
24
FTB-200

Turning On or Off the Unit
Turning On or Off the Unit

There are two ways to turn off the unit:
Suspend: the next time you turn your unit on, you will quickly return to
your work environment (running applications will still be running).
Shutdown: completely cuts power to the test modules and platform;

the unit will perform a complete restart routine the next time you use
it. You should perform a shutdown if you do not intend to use your unit
for a week or more.
After a shutdown, the unit will start in ToolBox CE or in the application
you defined as the startup application.
To enter suspend mode:

Hold down the On/Off button a few seconds until the unit beeps once.
To perform a shutdown:
Hold down the On/Off button a few seconds until the unit beeps twice.
To turn on the unit:
Press the On/Off button.
25

Starting Module Applications
Starting Module Applications

Your modules may be fully configured and controlled from their dedicated
applications in ToolBox CE.
To start a module application:
1.
From ToolBox CE, select the row corresponding to the module you
wish to use. It will turn blue to indicate that it is highlighted.
Selected module
Modules inserted
in the platform
Applications
specific to
selected module
2. Under Applications, select an application, then press Start.

To start the Power Meter or Probe application:
From Main Menu, press Power Meter or Probe.
26
FTB-200
Setting Up Your Unit

Recalibrating the Touchscreen
If you notice the touchscreen does not behave in the way it used to
(e.g., it is now difficult to select items) it probably needs a recalibration.
To recalibrate the touchscreen:
1. From the Main Menu, press Setup, then select Stylus.
2. Go to the Calibration tab and follow the instructions.
27

Adjusting Microphone and Speaker
Adjusting Microphone and Speaker

To fit your work environment, you may adjust the microphone and
speaker. Values are kept in memory when you turn the unit off.
To adjust microphone and/or speaker:
1. From the Main Menu, press Setup, then select Microphone and
Speaker.
2. Use the slider to adjust the sound of your microphone and/or speaker.
3. Press OK to return to the Control Panel window.
28
FTB-200

Adjusting Brightness
Adjusting Brightness
To fit your work environment, you may adjust the LCD brightness. Values
are kept in memory when you turn the unit off.
Note: These settings do not apply to the Fiber Inspection Probe display.
To adjust the display brightness:
Press the
key repeatedly to switch between brightness levels.
OR
1. From the Main Menu, press Setup, then select Brightness.
2. Move the slider until the screen appearance is to your liking.
If you select the lowest brightness setting, the backlight will be

completely deactivated. Press the
button to reactivate it.
29

Selecting the Language of Operation
Selecting the Language of Operation

You may display the user interface in one of the available languages
(default is English). If other languages become available in the future, you
could access them by replacing the unit software (see Installing or
Upgrading the Applications on page 15). Values are kept in memory when
you turn the unit off.
To select a new interface language:
1. From the Main Menu, press Setup, then select Language Settings.
Modify the settings.

Once you have modified the User interface language, you will be
prompted to restart your unit.
Note: Modifying the language of operation will affect the Windows CE language
setting and vice versa.
30
FTB-200

Setting Date and Time Formats
Setting Date and Time Formats

The current date and time are displayed at the bottom of the Main Menu.
When saving results, the unit also saves the corresponding date and time.
Note: A dedicated clock battery keeps the date and time accurate. For details, see
Replacing Battery on page 258.
Note: Modifying locale, date and time settings will affect some of the
Windows CE settings and vice versa.
To set date and time formats:
1. From the Main Menu, press Setup, then select Language Settings.
2. From Your locale, select the desired language. This will determine the
date formats available for the short and long dates.
3. Modify the settings.

31

Selecting the Startup Application

The first time you start your unit, ToolBox CE is displayed. However, you
can configure your unit to automatically start in any of the available
applications.
The selected application will start automatically the next time you turn on
your unit after a shutdown (not suspend mode). For more information,
see Turning On or Off the Unit on page 25.
Note: The startup application you select will also be used after a power failure.
If the specified application cannot be started (e.g., in the FTB-200, the
required module is not present in the unit or is not inserted in the same
slot) the startup application setting is automatically reset to None. You
will have to select the application again when the module is inserted into
the unit.
32
FTB-200

To select a startup application:

1. From the Main Menu, press Setup, then select Application Startup.
2. Under Device power on, select the application you want to start
automatically when you turn on your unit.
Note: The Power Meter application is only available if you purchased this option
with your unit.
3. Press Apply, then OK to return to the Control Panel window.
33

Configuring the Shortcut Buttons
Configuring the Shortcut Buttons

You can start a particular application directly by pressing one of the
shortcut buttons. You can determine which application each of these
shortcut buttons will start.
There are two shortcut buttons:
one to start an application related to the module in slot 0
another to start either the built-in power meter application (if your unit
is equipped with this option) or an application related to the module in
slot 1.
To configure the shortcut buttons:

1. From the Main Menu, press Setup, then select Application Startup.
2. Under Shortcut buttons, associate the application to each button.
3. Press Apply to confirm your changes, then OK to return to the Control

Panel window.
Setting Other Parameters

You can also configure other parameters via the Control Panel window,
refer to Microsoft Windows CE documentation.
34
FTB-200
Using the Built-In Power Meter

and VFL
The FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform can be equipped with an optical
power meter to measure absolute power (in dBm or W) or insertion loss
(in dB). The power meter can detect modulated signals (1 kHz, 2 kHz and
270 Hz).
The FTB-200 can also include a visual fault locator (VFL) to inspect or
identify fibers.
Accessing the Built-In Power Meter

From the Main Menu, press Power Meter.
Note: Some buttons are not displayed when you first access the Power Meter
application, but will be displayed after you press Add for the first time or
after you open a file.
35
Using the Built-In Power Meter and VFL

Accessing the Built-In Power Meter
Below is a description of the Power Meter buttons and functions.

Reference value
(when in reference mode)
Selected wavelength
Detected power
Switches between
available power meter
wavelengths
Switches between dBm and
W as measurement units
Accesses reference mode
Stores a reading to the

Results window
36
FTB-200

Nulling Electrical Offsets

Temperature and humidity variations affect the performance of electronic
circuits and optical detectors. Nulling the electrical offsets eliminate these
effects.
Your unit has been designed not to require offset nulling under normal
operation, but you should perform it whenever environmental conditions
change significantly or when measuring very low power values.
IMPORTANT
Light must not reach the detector when nulling offsets. Always use
an EUI or protective screw cap. Do not use a soft rubber cover.
To perform an offset nulling:
1. From the Power Meter tab, press Nulling.
2. Tighten the protective cap on the power meter port, then press OK.
The nulling process takes approximately 5 seconds.
37

Setting Thresholds and Correction Factors

You can define thresholds to specify acceptable power or loss values for
each wavelength. Thresholds are usually supplied by system
manufacturers and depend on the system deployed.
When a measurement is below a threshold, the
beside the measurement, in the Results list.
symbol appears in red
IMPORTANT
If you revert to factory settings, you will erase all your thresholds,
correction factors and reference values.
To set power or loss thresholds:
1. From the Power Meter tab, press Setup.
2. From the Threshold and Correction Factor list, select the wavelength
for which you want to set a threshold and a correction factor.
Thresholds list (dB, dBm, W)
for each wavelength
Correction factor for each

wavelength
Wavelengths list
When selected,
green LED: pass/
red LED: fail
To revert to default values
38
FTB-200

3. Press Edit and modify thresholds for the selected wavelength. For the
watt (W) threshold, select the desired order of magnitude.
4. Select the Show Pass/Fail Status with LED check box to activate the
pass/fail LED on your unit.
Note: Threshold values with dB, dBm or dBm/dB units will be converted to a
negative value if you entered a positive value.
5. Press OK to close the dialog box, then press Exit Setup to confirm the
new thresholds.
39

Setting Reference Values on Your Power Meter
Setting Reference Values on Your Power Meter

In Reference mode, your unit displays the loss created by the fiber under
test only, since it substracts a reference value from the measured power.
You can set a different reference value for each wavelength. A reference
value remains in memory until a new one is stored at the same
wavelength.
To set reference values to use in Reference mode:
1. Check your fibers and clean them properly.
2. Using the proper adapter and test jumpers, connect a light source to
your power meter.
3. From the Power Meter tab, use the up/down arrows to select a
wavelength. Activate the source at the same wavelength.
Wavelengths
list
4. Press Reference to save the current power value as the new reference.
It will appear on the right-hand corner of the data display.
40
FTB-200

Measuring Power or Loss

Measuring absolute power or link loss is done the same way, except for the
referencing step. You can take power or loss measurements and save
them for further analysis.
To perform power or loss measurements:
1. If necessary, perform an offset nulling (see Nulling Electrical Offsets on
page 37).
2. Check your fibers and clean them properly.
3. For loss measurements, reference your power meter to a light source
(see Setting Reference Values on Your Power Meter on page 40), then
deactivate the light source.
4. If you have used a single reference patchcord, disconnect it from the
power meter port only, then attach a second reference patchcord to
the power meter.
OR
If you have used two reference patchcords, disconnect both of them at
the bulkhead.
41

5. Using bulkhead adapters or the system patch panels, connect a fiber

under test to reference patchcord attached to the light source and
power meter.
6. From the Power Meter tab, use the up/down arrows to select a
wavelength. Activate the source at the same wavelength.
Wavelengths
list
7. Add the displayed values to the Results list by pressing Add.

8. Repeat the procedure for other wavelengths.
9. Once the analysis is complete, press Quick Save. You can also access
the Save File dialog box in the Storage window.
IMPORTANT
If you specify a name that already exists, the original file will be
overwritten and only the new file will be available.
42
FTB-200

To view and edit power measurements:

1. From the Power Meter tab, press Results. All your measurements are
displayed in the order they were performed.
2. Press Rename to rename the fiber or press Delete to remove the
selected value from the list.
Wavelength at which power was measured
Power measurement results (in dB)
Reference power (in dBm) if a reference was used
Fiber number
Average power
measured
To change the
fiber name
To delete a row in the table
Symbol indicating a measurement below the user-defined

threshold. For more information, see Setting Thresholds and
Correction Factors on page 38.
3. Press Exit Results to return to the Power Meter tab.

4. Once the analysis is complete, press Quick Save.You can also access
the Save File dialog box in the Storage window.
Note: If you press Add while using another measurement unit, you will have to
save previous values first.
43

Reloading Power Meter Results
Reloading Power Meter Results

By reloading results on your unit, you can change the file location, but you
cannot reload files from another unit. To do so, transfer data to a computer,
then use the Optical Test Report Viewer.
To reload Power Meter results:
1. From the Power Meter tab, press Storage, then Open Files.
2. If necessary, change the location from which the file should be
reloaded.
3. From the given list of files, select the file to reload.

Confirm with OK.
If you have already performed power measurements but not saved
your work, you will be asked to save it. Then, you will be able to reload
a new file afterwards.
4. To view the reloaded file, press Exit Storage. Then, from the Power
Meter tab, press Results. The power measurements are displayed on
the results list.
44
FTB-200

Clearing Power Measurements from the Display
Clearing Power Measurements from the

Display
If a measurement does not meet your requirements, you can clear the
display and start over.
Note: Clearing measurements from the display does not delete them from the
disk (if they were saved previously).
To clear power measurements:
1. From the Power Meter tab, press Storage, then Clear Display.
If you have already performed power measurements (but not saved

them), the application will prompt you to save the current data.
Select Yes to save the file. For more information on saving results, see
Reloading Power Meter Results on page 44.
2. Press Exit Storage.
45

Creating and Printing a Results Report

A report is available to keep notes on the measures, the location of the
tested fiber, the type of job performed and general comments. This
information will be saved, with your measurements, in the power meter
results file.
To speed up information entry, once you have provided the required data,
you may keep the contents as a template that will be used for all new
results.
You can print two types of report:
Type of report
46
Summarized
Detailed
Cable information
Job information
Result table
Average table
Comments
FTB-200

To create a power meter result report:

1. From the Power Meter tab, press Report.
2. Enter the relevant information.
To erase all information
You can save the information as a template by pressing Save as

Template.
3. Press Exit Report to return to the Power Meter tab.
To clear all the information from the Report window:
Press Clear All, then Exit Report.
47

To print a power measurement report:

1. Connect a printer to your Compact Modular Platform. For more
information, see Configuring the Printer on page 23.
2. From Power Meter tab, press Print.
3. Select the report format.
4. Press Print. You will automatically return to the Power Meter tab.
48
FTB-200

Identifying Fiber Faults Visually with the VFL

The visual fault locator (VFL) helps you identify bends, faulty connectors,
splices and other causes of signal loss. It can also help the person at the
other end of the link to identify the fiber under test, which could be
particularly useful when working with cables containing many fibers.
From its dedicated port, the VFL emits a red signal which becomes visible
at the location of a fault on the fiber. This signal can be continuous (CW,
the default) or blinking (1 Hz).
WARNING
When the VFL is active, the VFL port emits visible laser radiation.
Avoid exposure and do not stare directly into the beam. Protect any
unused port with a cap.
49

To activate the VFL and inspect a fiber:

1. Clean the connectors properly.
2. Connect the fiber under test to the VFL port.
3. From the Main Menu, press Power Meter, then select the VFL tab.
4. Press ON/OFF to activate the VFL.
5. Use up/down arrows to switch between blinking (1 Hz) and

continuous (CW) signals
6. Without looking directly into the beam, examine the fiber. If light is
coming out of the rubber jacket or on the side of the ferrule, the fiber is
defective.
7. Press ON/OFF to deactivate the VFL.
50
FTB-200
Inspecting Fibers with a Probe

The fiber inspection probe (FIP) is used to find dirty or damaged
connectors by displaying an enlarged view of the connector surface.
The following common features of video fiber inspection probes are
supported by the FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform:
Magnification control: supports 200x, 400x or other zoom factors.
Focus control: fine-tunes the display quality.
Image capture: freezes the image on the unit display by pressing a

button.
For more information, refer to the user guide that came with your probe.
Inspecting a Fiber End

Once that you started the probe application, it is possible to inspect fibers
through the FIP.
To inspect a fiber end:
1. Connect the probe to the 8-pin port on the right side of the unit, using
an adapter if necessary. You cannot connect the probe to the USB port.
2. Activate the probe display using one of the following:
From the Main Menu, press Probe.
Press the Probe button on the unit keypad.
IMPORTANT
If you started the application before connecting the probe to your
unit, you will have to restart the application for the probe to be
detected.
51

Inspecting a Fiber End
3. Connect the fiber you want to inspect to the probe.

4. Press Live Video.
To adjust brightness
To adjust contrast
5. Adjust brightness and contrast by using the sliding arrows.

6. Adjust the focus by using the focus control knob on your probe.
52
FTB-200

Capturing an Image
Capturing an Image
While you are inspecting a fiber, you can capture an image and save it on
your unit as a JPEG or BMP file. You can transfer image files to a computer
and add them to your reports.
When you save a capture, the application suggests a file name of the form
ProbeNNN (where NNN is the first unused number in the folder,
starting at 000).
Note: If you delete a file, its name becomes available for the next file to save.
To capture an image:
1. In Live Video mode, use focus, brightness and contrast to adjust the
image to your liking.
2. Press Capture.
3. Press File, then Save As and select a file name and location for your
capture.
4. Return to Live Video mode by pressing Main Menu.
53

Capturing an Image
To view a capture:
1. Press File > Open.
2. Open the folder in which your captures are saved.
Default folder
Selected
capture
Capture format
3. Double click on the capture you want to view.

4. Return to Live Video mode by pressing Main Menu.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 to view other captures.
54
FTB-200
Introducing the OTDR

The OTDR characterizes a fiber-optic span, usually optical fiber sections
joined by splices and connectors. The optical time domain reflectometer
(OTDR) provides an inside view of the fiber, and can calculate fiber length,
attenuation, breaks, total return loss, and splice, connector and total losses.
SM / MM OTDR
OTDR
MM
OTDR port (multimode)
Visual fault locator (VFL) port

(optional)
Handle
SM
OTDR port (singlemode)

OTDR port
(singlemode or multimode)
FTB-7200D
Singlemode and
multimode models
Other models
55

Main Features
Main Features
The OTDR:
56
can be used with the FTB-400 Universal Test System (refer to FTB-400
Universal Test System user guide) and the Unit.
offer impressive dynamic range with short dead zones
perform quick acquisitions with low noise levels to enable accurate

low-loss splice location
acquire OTDR traces made of up to 128 000 points that provide a

sampling resolution as fine as 4 cm
include a light source and can include an optional visual fault locator
FTB-200

Trace Acquisition Modes
Trace Acquisition Modes

The OTDR application provides the following trace acquisition modes:
Auto: Automatically calculates fiber length, sets acquisition

parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired
traces.
Advanced: Offers all the tools needed to perform integral OTDR tests
and measurements and gives you control over all test parameters.
Template: Tests fibers and compares the results to a reference trace

that was previously acquired and analyzed. This allows you to save
time when testing a large number of fibers. Reference trace
documentation is also automatically copied to new acquisitions.
Data Post-Processing
You can install the ToolBox 6 software on a computer to view and analyze
traces without having to use an and an OTDR. You can also access more
features such as
customized printout
batch printing
conversion of traces to many formats such as Telcordia or ASCII
Bidirectional Averaging Utility

You can improve the accuracy of your loss measurements with the
bidirectional averaging utility (available with ToolBox 6). This utility uses
OTDR acquisitions from both ends of a fiber span (singlemode traces only)
to average loss results for each event.
57

Available OTDR Models

A wide variety of multimode and singlemode OTDR models is offered at
several wavelengths to cover all fiber applications from long-haul or WDM
networks to metropolitan networks.
OTDR
Description
Singlemode
1310 nm and 1550 nm.
FTB-200: FTB-7200D-B
35 dB dynamic range and 1 m event dead zone,
useful to locate closely spaced events.
High-resolution feature to obtain more data points
per acquisition. Data points will be closer to each

other, resulting in a greater distance resolution for
the trace.
Singlemode and multimode

FTB-200:
FTB-7200D-12CD-23B
Four wavelengths: two multimode (850 nm and
1300 nm) and two singlemode (1310 nm and

1550 nm) in a single module.
26 dB (850 nm)/25 dB (1300 nm)/35 dB
(1310 nm)/34 dB (1550 nm) dynamic range and

1 m event dead zone, particularly useful to locate
closely spaced events.
4.5 m of attenuation dead zone for both
singlemode and multimode.
Allows tests on both 50 m (C type) and 62.5 m
(D type) multimode fibers.
58
FTB-200

OTDR
Singlemode
FTB-200: FTB-7300D-B
Description
One, two or three wavelengths selected from the
following: 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm and

1625 nm.
38 dB dynamic range.
Acquires up to 128 000 points.
Optimized for metro network installation and
troubleshooting, access and FTTx test

applications, and inside plant testing.
Singlemode
FTB-200: FTB-7400B-B
40 dB dynamic range with 3 meter event dead
zone.
Acquires up to 52 000 data points while sampling
a single trace.
Singlemode
FTB-200: FTB-74234C-B
High-power 1310 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm
module.
40 dB dynamic range with 3 meter event dead
zone.
a single trace.
Suitable for measuring B-, C-, and L-band fiber
attenuation when dealing with mixed networks

(1310 nm and DWDM transmission).
Singlemode
FTB-200: FTB-7500B-B
45 dB dynamic range (on NZDSF with a 20 s
pulse) with 3 meter event dead zone.
High-launch power level minimizes noise effects
on signal.
a single trace.
Suitable for long-range applications and
recommended when measuring time is a key

factor.
59

OTDR Basic Principles

An OTDR sends short pulses of light into a fiber. Light scattering occurs in
the fiber due to discontinuities such as connectors, splices, bends, and
faults. An OTDR then detects and analyzes the backscattered signals. The
signal strength is measured for specific intervals of time and is used to
characterize events.
The OTDR calculates distances as follows:
c t
Distance = --- --n 2
where
c = speed of light in a vacuum (2.998 x 108 m/s)
t
= time delay from the launch of the pulse to the reception of the
pulse
n = index of refraction of the fiber under test (as specified by the

manufacturer)
60
FTB-200

An OTDR uses the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection to

measure the fibers condition, but the Fresnel reflection is tens of
thousands of times greater in power level than the backscatter.
Rayleigh scattering occurs when a pulse travels down the fiber and
small variations in the material, such as variations and discontinuities
in the index of refraction, cause light to be scattered in all directions.
However, the phenomenon of small amounts of light being reflected
directly back toward the transmitter is called backscattering.
Fresnel reflections occur when the light traveling down the fiber
encounters abrupt changes in material density that may occur at
connections or breaks where an air gap exists. A very large quantity of
light is reflected, as compared with the Rayleigh scattering. The
strength of the reflection depends on the degree of change in the index
of refraction.
Light pulses
Laser
diode
Light pulses
Optical
coupler
Fiber
OTDR
port
Reflections come back

to the OTDR
Returned signal
Avalanche
photodetector (APD)
Pulse
generator
Set of
instructions
Analog-to-digital
converter (A/D)
Analyzed signal
Microprocessor
Display
When the full trace is displayed, each point represents an average of many
sampling points. You will have to zoom to see each point.
61
Setting Up Your Optical Time

Domain Reflectometer
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
The EUI fixed baseplate is available for connectors with angled (APC) or
non-angled (UPC) polishing. A green border around the baseplate
indicates that it is for APC-type connectors.
Green border
indicates APC
option
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:

1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.
3
2
2. Close the dust cap in order to hold the connector adapter more firmly.
3. Insert the connector adapter into the baseplate.
4. While pushing firmly, turn the connector adapter clockwise on the
baseplate to lock it in place.
63
Setting Up Your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
IMPORTANT
To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings:
Always clean fiber ends as explained below before inserting

them into the port. EXFO is not responsible for damage or
errors caused by bad fiber cleaning or handling.
Ensure that your patchcord has appropriate connectors. Joining

mismatched connectors will damage the ferrules.
To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port:

1. Clean the fiber ends as follows:
1a. Gently wipe the fiber end with a lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl
alcohol.
1b. Use compressed air to dry completely.
1c. Visually inspect the fiber end to ensure its cleanliness.
2. Carefully align the connector and port to prevent the fiber end from
touching the outside of the port or rubbing against other surfaces. If
your connector features a key, ensure that it is fully fitted into the ports
corresponding notch.
3. Push the connector in so that the fiber-optic cable is firmly in place,
thus ensuring adequate contact.
If your connector features a screwsleeve, tighten the connector
enough to firmly maintain the fiber in place. Do not overtighten, as this
will damage the fiber and the port.
Note: If your fiber-optic cable is not properly aligned and/or connected, you will
notice heavy loss and reflection.
64
FTB-200

Naming Trace Files Automatically

Each time you save a trace, the application suggests a default name.
This name is made of a static part (alphanumeric) and a variable part
(numeric) that will be incremented or decremented, according to your
selection, as follows:
If you choose incrementation...
Variable part increases until it reaches the

highest possible value with the selected
number of digits (e.g., 99 for 2 digits), then
restarts at 0.
If you choose decrementation...
Variable part decreases until it reaches 0,

then restarts at the highest possible value
with the selected number of digits (e.g., 99
for 2 digits).
By setting the default name and number of the first trace to be stored, all
subsequent traces will be stored with the same name and incremental
number structure.
This function is particularly useful when working in Template mode or
when testing ribbon fibers.
65

To configure the automatic file naming:

1. From the button bar, press Storage.
2. From the Storage dialog box, select the File Autonaming button.
3. From the Autonaming Setup dialog box, set the parameters.
If you want the variable part to increase each time a file is saved, select
Increment. If you want it to decrease, select Decrement.
4. Press OK to confirm your new settings.
66
FTB-200
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode

Acquiring Traces
Auto mode automatically evaluates fiber length, sets acquisition
parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and acquired traces.
In Auto mode, you can set the following parameters directly:
Test wavelengths (all selected by default)
Fiber type (singlemode or multimode) for models supporting both fiber

types
Autorange acquisition time
IOR (group index), RBS coefficient and Helix factor
For all other parameters, the application uses those defined in Advanced
mode, except that analysis is always performed after acquisitions.
If you ever need to modify other parameters, go to Advanced mode (see
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 73 and Setting Up Your Optical
Time Domain Reflectometer on page 63).
In Auto mode, the application will automatically evaluate the best settings
according to the fiber link currently connected to the unit (in less than 5
seconds). If you interrupt it, no data will be displayed.
Fiber characteristics are evaluated only once per session. Other fibers you
connect to, within the same cable, will be tested with the same settings.
When you start testing another link, you can reset these parameters.
Once this evaluation is complete, the application starts acquiring the trace.
The trace display is continually updated.
Note: You can interrupt the acquisition at any time. The application will display
the information acquired to that point.
67

Acquiring Traces
Once the acquisition is complete or interrupted, the analysis starts for

acquisitions of 5 seconds or more.
After analysis, the trace is displayed and events appear in the events table.
Trace
display
Event
pane
The application will also display status messages if you have selected to
display pass/fail messages (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 86).
You can save the trace after analysis. If former results have not been saved
yet, the application prompts you to save them before starting a new
acquisition.
68
FTB-200

Acquiring Traces
To acquire traces in Auto mode:

2. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
If your OTDR supports singlemode and multimode wavelengths,
ensure that you connect the fiber to the appropriate port (SM or MM),
depending on the wavelength you intend to use.
CAUTION
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port. Any incoming signal
greater than 30 dBm will affect the OTDR acquisition and could
damage the OTDR permanently.
3.
Set the autorange acquisition time (see Setting the Autorange

Acquisition Time on page 77).
4. If desired, activate the fault finder features (see Activating or

Deactivating the Fault Finder Features on page 71).
Note: You do not need activate the fault finder features if you have activated them
in a previous test session.
5. Go to the OTDR tab. If your OTDR supports singlemode and multimode
wavelengths, specify the desired fiber type (for C fiber, select 50 m
and for D fiber, select 62.5 m).
69

Acquiring Traces
6. Select the boxes corresponding to the desired test wavelength(s). You

must select at least one wavelength.
7. If you want to clear the settings the OTDR has determined to start with
a new set of OTDR settings, press Reset.
8. Press Start or
from the keypad.
9. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
in the button bar or
from the keypad.
9a. If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
pressing the Location button.
9b. If necessary, specify a file name.
IMPORTANT
If you specify the name of an existing trace, the original file will be
overwritten and only the new file will be available.
Press OK to confirm.
Note: You cannot save the results if you deactivated the storage and print features
(see Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder Features on page 71).
70
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Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder Features
Activating or Deactivating the Fault Finder

Features
The application offers you a special testing feature to rapidly locate fiber
ends. This could be useful if you want to perform a quick test without
having to save and/or print the results.
The application can also display a message indicating the length of the
fiber under test and highlight the corresponding value in the events table. If
you are testing more than one wavelength, all information will be displayed
in a single message.
The test procedure is similar to the usual test performed in Auto mode.
By default, the save and print options are available and no message is
displayed to indicate the fiber length.
Note: Since the application keeps your settings in memory, normally, you only
have to activate the fault finder features once.
To activate or deactivate the fault finder features:
1. In Auto mode, from the button bar, select OTDR Setup.
2. Go to the General tab, then under Fault Finder, select the box(es)
corresponding to the desired behavior.
OR
If you want to revert the application to its default behavior, clear the
boxes.
3. Press Exit OTDR Setup.

71
10 Testing Fibers in Advanced

Mode
Advanced mode offers all the tools you need to perform complete OTDR
tests and measurements manually and gives you control over all test
parameters.
Note: Most parameters can only be set if you select Advanced mode first. Once
you have finished selecting your settings, you can simply return to the test
mode you prefer.
By default, in Advanced mode, all available test wavelengths are selected.
In this mode, you can either set the acquisition parameters yourself or let
the application determine the most appropriate values.
In the latter case, the application will automatically evaluate the best
settings according to the fiber link currently connected to the unit:
The pulse width will be determined using a factory-defined

signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirement specified where the
End-of-Fiber (EoF) event has been detected.
The EoF event detection algorithm uses the end-of-fiber threshold
defined in the Analysis tab of the application setup. If you are not sure
about which value to choose, revert to the factory default value for this
parameter.
The range will then be set automatically. This optimum value may
differ from the values currently associated with the Distance dial of the
main window. In this case, the application will add the required
value and mark it with a * symbol.
The application uses the acquisition time defined in the Acquisition

tab of the OTDR setup (for more information, see Setting the Autorange
Acquisition Time on page 77). The default value is 15 seconds. Longer
acquisitions give better OTDR results.
73
Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode
Although the application sets the acquisition parameters, you can modify
these values as needed, even while the acquisition is in progress. The
OTDR simply restarts the averaging each time a modification is made.
Note: You can interrupt the acquisition at any time. The application will display
the information acquired to that point.
Once the acquisition is complete or interrupted, the analysis starts for
acquisitions of 5 seconds or more.
After analysis, the trace is displayed and events appear in the events table.
Trace
display
Event
pane
The application will also display pass/fail messages if you have selected
this option. For more information, see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on
page 86.
acquisition.
74
FTB-200
To acquire traces:
2. Connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
CAUTION
3. If you want the application to provide automatic acquisition values, set
the autorange acquisition time (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition
Time on page 77).
4. If you want to set your own IOR (group index), RBS coefficient or Helix
factor, see Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor on page 78.
5. If you want to test in high resolution, simply select the option (see
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature on page 84).
6. Go to the OTDR tab. If your OTDR supports singlemode and multimode
wavelengths, specify the desired fiber type (for C fiber, select 50 m
and for D fiber, select 62.5 m).
75
7. Select the boxes corresponding to the desired test wavelength(s). You

must select at least one wavelength.
8. Select the desired distance, pulse and time values. For more
information, see Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition
Time on page 80.
9. Press Start or
from the keypad.
10. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
from the keypad.
10a.If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
10b.If necessary, specify a file name.
IMPORTANT
If you enter the name of an existing trace, the original file will be
replaced with the new file.
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Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time
Setting the Autorange Acquisition Time

Note: This function is available both in Advanced OTDR and Automatic OTDR
modes.
When performing automatic acquisitions in Advanced mode (see Testing
Fibers in Advanced Mode on page 73) or before activating Auto mode (see
Testing Fibers in Auto Mode on page 67), you can set an autorange
acquisition time for the OTDR to average acquisitions over a set time
period.
The application uses this value to determine the best settings for the test.
Note: In Template mode, the acquisition time of the reference trace is used for all
trace acquisitions, not the autorange acquisition time.
To set the autorange acquisition time:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup then go to the Acquisition tab.
2. Go to the Autorange acquisition time box and press the up or down
arrow to select your preference. The default value is 30 seconds.
3. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the OTDR application.
77

Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor
Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix

Factor
Note: This function is available both in Advanced OTDR and Automatic OTDR
modes.
You should set the IOR (group index), RBS coefficient and Helix factor
before performing tests in order to apply them to all newly acquired traces.
However, if you are in Advanced mode, you can also set them at a later
time in the Trace Info. tab to reanalyze a specific trace.
The index of refraction (IOR) value (also known as group index) is

used to convert time-of-flight to distance. Having the proper IOR is
crucial for all OTDR measurements associated with distance (event
position, attenuation, section length, total length, etc.). IOR is provided
by the cable or fiber manufacturer.
The test application determines a default value for each wavelength.
You can set the IOR value for each available wavelength. You should
verify this information before each test.
The Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) coefficient represents the amount of

backscatter in a particular fiber. The RBS coefficient is used in the
calculation of event loss and reflectance, and it can usually be
obtained from the cable manufacturer.
The test application determines a default value for each wavelength.
You can set the RBS coefficient for each available wavelength.
The Helix factor takes into consideration the difference between the
length of the cable and the length of the fiber inside the cable. Fibers
within a cable are spiraling around the cable core. The Helix factor
describes the pitch of that spiral.
The length of the OTDR distance axis is always equivalent to the
physical length of the cable (not the fiber).
78
FTB-200

Setting the IOR, RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor
To set the IOR, RBS and Helix factor parameters:

1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
2. From the OTDR Setup window, go to the Acquisition tab.
3. Use the up or down arrow located on the side of the wavelength box to
select the desired wavelength.
Wavelength for
which RBS and IOR
will be defined
Index of refraction
Rayleigh
backscatter
coefficient
IMPORTANT
Change the default RBS coefficient only if you have values provided
by the fiber manufacturer. If you set this parameter incorrectly,
your reflectance measurements will be inaccurate.
4. Select the default settings by pressing Default. When the application
prompts you, answer Yes only if you want to apply the new settings to
all wavelengths.
OR
Enter your own values in the appropriate boxes, for each available
wavelength.
Note: You cannot define a different Helix factor for each wavelength. This value
takes into account the difference between the length of the cable and the
length of the fiber inside the cable; it does not vary with wavelengths.
79

Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time
Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and

Acquisition Time
The distance range, pulse width and acquisition time are set with the
controls in the Advanced main window.
Distance: corresponds to the distance range of the fiber span to be

tested according to the selected measurement units (see Selecting the
Measurement Unit on page 118).
Changing the distance range alters the available settings of the pulse
width and leaves only the settings available for the specified range. You
can select either one of the predefined values or the Auto option.
If your OTDR model is FTB-7000D or later, you can customize the
available distance range values (see Customizing the Acquisition
Distance Range Values on page 103). If you select Auto, the application
will evaluate the fiber length and set the acquisition parameters
accordingly.
Pulse: corresponds to the pulse width for the test. A longer pulse
allows you to probe further along the fiber, but results in less
resolution. A shorter pulse width provides higher resolution, but less
distance range. The available distance ranges and pulse widths
depend on your OTDR model.
Note: Not all pulse widths are compatible with all distance ranges.
You can select either one of the predefined values or the Auto option.
If you select Auto, the application will evaluate the fiber type and length
and set the acquisition parameters accordingly.
Note: If you deactivate the Same Pulse Value for all Wavelengths option, the Pulse
dial is replaced by boxes (one per wavelength).
80
FTB-200

Time: corresponds to the acquisition duration (period during which

results will be averaged). Generally, longer acquisition times generate
cleaner traces (this is especially true with long-distance traces)
because as the acquisition time increases, more of the noise is
averaged out. This averaging increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
and the OTDRs ability to detect small events.
The time settings will also determine how the timer displayed in the
toolbar counts time during testing.
Note: If you deactivate the Same Time Value for all Wavelengths option, the Time
dial is replaced by boxes (one per wavelength).
If the predefined values do not suit your needs, you can customize one
or all of them. For more information, see Customizing the Acquisition
Time Values on page 105.
In addition to the displayed values, the following time modes are
available:
Real: used to immediately view changes in the fiber under test. In

this mode, the SNR of the trace is lower and the trace is refreshed
instead of averaged until you press Stop.
You can alternate between real mode and averaging time interval
mode while an acquisition is in progress.
Note: You can only use one wavelength at a time to monitor your fiber in real
time mode.
Auto: the application will use the autorange acquisition time that
you have previously defined (see Setting the Autorange Acquisition
Time on page 77). It will also evaluate the fiber type and length and
set the acquisition parameters accordingly.
You can use the same distance range, pulse width and acquisition time
parameters for testing at all wavelengths on a multiwavelength OTDR.
81

To set the parameters:

From the OTDR tab,
Press the dial corresponding to the parameter you wish to set (the
selection marker will move clockwise) or use the selection dial located
on the front of the Unit.
OR
Press directly the value to select it. The selection marker will go to that
value immediately.
Selection
marker
Parameters setting dials
If you want the application to provide automatic acquisition values, move

at least one dial to the Auto position. The other dials are automatically set
accordingly.
Note: If your OTDR supports singlemode and multimode wavelengths, settings
would be applied to either singlemode or multimode wavelengths,
depending on the selected fiber type (same settings for 50 m and
62.5 m).
82
FTB-200

To use the same pulse and acquisition time for all wavelengths:
1. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup, then go to the Acquisition
tab.
2. Select the Same pulse for all wavelengths box and/or the Same time
for all wavelengths box.
When a particular option is selected, the corresponding dial (Pulse or

Time) appears on the OTDR tab. When it is not, list boxes for each
available test wavelength appear instead.
83

Enabling the High-Resolution Feature
Enabling the High-Resolution Feature

If your OTDR model is FTB-7000D or later, you can select the
high-resolution option to obtain more data points per acquisition. This way,
the data points will be closer to each other, which will result in a greater
distance resolution for the trace.
Note: You can use high resolution with any test mode (except when you monitor
fiber in real time), but you must be in Advanced mode to select it. In
Template mode, you will have to acquire the reference trace using high
resolution. This way, all subsequent acquisitions will use this option
automatically.
To enable the high-resolution feature:
Select the OTDR tab, then the High-resolution acquisition box.
Note: If your OTDR supports singlemode and multimode wavelengths, the

high-resolution feature will be activated either for the singlemode or
multimode wavelengths, depending on the selected fiber type.
84
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Enabling or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition
Enabling or Disabling Analysis After

Acquisition
The OTDR trace acquisition procedure will be completed by the analysis.
You can either choose to automatically analyze each trace immediately
after the acquisition, or perform the analysis whenever it suits you best.
When the analysis process is disabled, the Event table of a newly acquired
trace will be empty.
You can also set a default fiber span, which will be applied during the
analysis of all traces to display test results. For details, see Setting a Default
Span Start and Span End on page 88.
Note: In Auto mode, the application always performs an analysis after the
acquisition.
To enable or disable the analysis after trace acquisition:
2. Go to the Analysis tab.
3. If you want the OTDR to automatically analyze an acquired trace,
select the Automatically analyze data after acquisition box.
If you clear the box, the trace will be saved without being analyzed.
Note: By default, traces are automatically analyzed as they are acquired.

4. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the main window.
85

Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds

Your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer allows you to set Pass/Fail
threshold parameters for your tests.
The loss, reflectance and attenuation thresholds that you set are applied to
all events where such values can be measured. Setting these thresholds
allows you either to ignore events with known lower values, or to ensure
that all events are detectedeven the ones for which very small values are
measured.
The following table provides the default, minimum and maximum
thresholds.
Test
86
Default
Minimum
Maximum
Splice and connector loss (dB)
0.015
0.015
5.000
Reflectance (dB)
45.0
80.0
0.0
Fiber section attenuation (dB/km)
0.000
0.000
5.000
FTB-200

Once the thresholds are set, the application will be able to perform
Pass/Fail tests to determine the status of the various events (pass, warning,
fail).
The Pass/Fail test is performed on two occasions:
when analyzing or reanalyzing a trace
when you open a trace file
The application displays asterisks to mark events for which the measured
value is greater than the predefined thresholds in the events table.
The Pass/Fail threshold LED, located on the front of the unit, will also
indicate the status (green for pass, red for fail).
You can also set the application to display pass/fail messages when the
Pass/Fail test is performed.
To set pass/fail thresholds:
1. From the button bar, select OTDR Setup, then the Event Table tab.
2. Select the Mark faults in event table box. The other boxes become
available.
3. Enter the desired values in the appropriate fields.

4. If you want the application to display messages when events fail the
test, select Display Pass/Fail Message.
5. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to the main window.
87

Setting a Default Span Start and Span End

By default, the span start and span end of a fiber are assigned, respectively,
to the first event (the launch level event) and the last event (often a
non-reflective or reflective end event) of a trace.
You can change the default fiber span that will be applied during the initial
trace analysis.
You can set the span start and span end on a particular event or at a certain
distance value from the beginning or end of the trace.
By default, the number of available events is set to 10 and, therefore,

does not necessarily reflect the actual number of events displayed.
When you set a distance value for the span start or end, the application
searches for a nearby event. If it finds one, the span start or end is
assigned to that event, rather than at the exact distance you have set.
Changes to the span start and span end will modify the contents of the
events table. The span start becomes event 1 and its distance reference
becomes 0. Events excluded from the fiber span are grayed out in the
events table, and do not appear in the trace display. The cumulative loss is
calculated within the defined fiber span only.
Note: You can also change the fiber span of a single trace after the analysis and
reanalyze the trace. However, if you want to keep working with the original
parameters, you must reenter them.
88
FTB-200

To change the default span start and span end for traces:
2. From the OTDR Setup window, go to the Analysis tab.
3. If you want to set the span start and end with a distance value, under
Span start and Span end, select the Set by distance option.
Go to the Position box and enter the desired value, using the distance
unit displayed to the right of the field.
Under Span end, select the option indicating whether the span end
position is from the fiber span start or from the end of the fiber.
OR
If you want to set the span start and end on a particular event, under
Span start and Span end, select the Set on event option.
From the Event number field, use the up or down arrow to select the
number of the event that you want to designate as span start or span
end.
The span event parameters are applied to all newly acquired traces.
89
11 Testing Fibers in Template

Mode
Template mode allows you to test fibers and compare them to a reference
trace that was previously acquired and analyzed.
Template Principle
Cables contain numerous fibers. Theoretically, on all these fibers, you will
find the same events at the same location (due to connectors, splices,
etc.). Template mode allows you to test these fibers one after the other
quickly and efficiently and ensures that no event remains undetected.
The Template mode concept is to acquire a reference trace (template),
add information and comments on the current job, then save the trace.
For a more accurate reference trace, you can update it with new events
that may occur during the first acquisitions (up to fifteen).
The test application will flag possible problems and discrepancies between
the reference trace and other traces.
Each new acquisition will be compared to the reference trace and the
software will mark and measure any missing event.
If the reference trace was createdwith the ToolBox software on an FTB-400
Universal Test System or a computer, the event-related comments inserted
in the reference trace, as well as the reference trace report, are
automatically copied to subsequent traces.
Note: You cannot add comments to events or to a reference trace.
acquisition.
Template mode can be used on an unlimited number of traces, as long as
you have at least one reference trace. Thus, you can use Template mode to
automate trace acquisition.
91
Testing Fibers in Template Mode

Restrictions of Template Mode

To speed up trace acquisition in Template mode, certain restrictions apply.
The parameters used to acquire the reference trace are automatically

applied when acquiring subsequent traces (including the
high-resolution option, when applicable).
The reference trace and subsequent traces must be acquired using

identical wavelength(s), but pulse settings can be adjacent and still be
accepted.
The OTDR that you intend to use must support at least one wavelength
that was used to acquire the reference trace.
The reference trace and subsequent traces (or recalled traces) must
respect the following criteria:
Item
Pulse width
To be valid...
Must be:
trace pulse-
Reference
-------------------------------------------------
Current trace pulse
4
OR
Current trace pulse ( Reference trace pulse 4 )
Pulse width
This would also be valid:

trace pulse-
Current
----------------------------------------------
Reference trace pulse
4
OR
Reference trace pulse ( Current trace pulse 4 )
92
FTB-200

Item
Fiber types
To be valid...
Compare singlemode traces with singlemode traces.
Compare multimode traces with multimode traces.
Number of
events
Traces must have at least two events (span start and span end) and a
fiber section.
Acquisition
mode
Reference trace must not be acquired in Real mode (see Setting Distance
Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time on page 80).
Wavelengths Reference wavelengths and subsequent (or reloaded) traces

wavelengths must be identical.
When you process traces using an OTDR, you acquire the traces as you go
along. When you process traces on a computer, you use traces stored on
disk; therefore, applying the span length is optional.
93

Acquiring the Reference Trace
Acquiring the Reference Trace

You must acquire a reference trace before you start Template mode. The
acquisition parameters you define for this reference trace will be used to
acquire subsequent traces.
To acquire the reference trace:
CAUTION
1. Acquire a trace in Auto or Advanced test mode. If you want to test
using high resolution, you will have to select this option before
acquiring the reference trace. For more information, see Testing Fibers
in Auto Mode on page 67 or Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on
page 73.
2. If desired, document the results (see Documenting Results on
page 159).
3. If necessary, define the span start and end (see Analyzing the Fiber on
a Specific Fiber Span on page 141).
4.
Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick Save
from the keypad.
Note: For easier management, you can name the reference trace as the cable
name and set the autonaming function to include both the cable name and
fiber number (for more information, see Naming Trace Files Automatically
on page 65).
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FTB-200

Acquiring Traces in Template Mode

To acquire traces in Template mode, you must first open your reference
trace in the application.
If you want your reference trace to be more accurate, you can update it
with the new events that might be found.
The application will automatically switch to Template mode once the
reference update is complete, that is, after 15 acquisitions or after you stop
the update manually.
To acquire traces in Template mode:
1. If necessary, clean the connectors (see Cleaning and Connecting
Optical Fibers on page 64) and connect a fiber to the OTDR port.
CAUTION
2. When the application prompts you, select the trace you want to use as
the reference trace. If you do not select it immediately, you will have to
select it manually before starting your test (see Selecting a Reference
Trace on page 101).
95

3. Set test parameters.

3a. From the button bar, press OTDR Setup.
3b. Select the Create Ref./Template tab.
3c. If necessary, select Create reference trace to update your

reference trace for the next acquisitions.
This mode will use the first 15 traces (or less, if you decide to stop
the process manually) to continue compiling events and updating
the previous traces accordingly.
Note: You can disable the mode by clearing the Create reference trace box
between two acquisitions.
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FTB-200

IMPORTANT
Once the first 15 acquisitions have been performed, or if you stop
the reference update manually, the only way to reactivate it will be
to close the application and start a new acquisition in Template
mode.
3d. Set the Template mode option you want to use on the current
trace acquisition:
Consider only the events already indicated on the reference trace

and ignore any other event occurring on the current trace.
Keep all the events on the current trace, whether they are on the
reference trace or not. You can delete these events later.
Confirm, for each newly detected event, if this event will be

deleted or kept on the current trace.
3e. Press Exit OTDR Setup to return to main window.
97

4. If you selected Create reference trace at step 3c, update your

reference trace as follows:
4a. Press Start or
from the keypad. Events from all traces
will automatically be analyzed and measured.
4b. The application will prompt you when new events are found. For
each of the newly detected events, specify if the event will be:
added to the reference trace. The application will update all

previous acquisitions with the new information.
For example, if an event occurred on the sixth acquisition, the
application would update traces 1 through 5.
deleted from the current trace
kept on the current trace (but not copied to previous or future

traces because it is not transferred to reference trace)
Note: You can only add events to the reference trace during reference update.
Note: If you chose the Keep all events option for the acquisitions that will be
performed after the update, you may find useful to add newly detected
events to obtain a more accurate reference trace.
Note: Previous traces will only be updated if you select the Add event to
template trace option.
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FTB-200

4c. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick
Save in the button bar or
from the keypad.
If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
If necessary, specify a file name.
IMPORTANT
replaced with the new file will be available.
4d. Repeat steps 4a to 4c as necessary to update your reference trace.
5. Once the reference update is complete (or if you did not select the
reference update), the application automatically switches to Template
mode. New events will be managed according to the option you
selected at step 3d. Perform acquisitions in Template mode as follows:
5a. Press Start or
from the keypad.
5b. If you selected the Display delete/keep confirmation message

for each newly detected event option, the application will
prompt you when new events are found. For each of the newly
detected events, specify if the event will be:
deleted from the current trace
kept on the current trace
99

5c. Once the analysis is complete, save the trace by pressing Quick
Save in the button bar or
from the keypad.
If necessary, change the folder to which the file will be saved by
If necessary, specify a file name.
IMPORTANT
replaced with the new file will be available.
5d. Repeat steps 5a to 5c as necessary.
100
FTB-200

Selecting a Reference Trace
Selecting a Reference Trace

In Template OTDR mode, you can only select a file as a reference trace.
This operation is closely related to opening a trace file.
Note: The following procedure will only be useful if you did not select a reference
trace file when the Open Reference Trace File dialog box appeared during
the activation of Template OTDR mode.
To select a reference trace:
1. From the Main Menu window, press Storage, then Open Reference.
2. If necessary, select the storage location from where you want to open
the file.
3. Select the file to be used as a reference and press OK.
The application opens the selected trace file automatically.
101
12 Customizing Your Optical Time

Domain Reflectometer
You can customize the appearance and behavior of your OTDR application.
Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range

Values
Note: This function is available in Advanced mode only.
If your OTDR model is FTB-7000D or later, you can customize the values
associated with the Distance dial. Once the customization is complete,
you are ready to set the distance range value for your test. For more
information, see Setting Distance Range, Pulse Width and Acquisition Time
on page 80.
Note: The Auto value cannot be modified.
103
Customizing Your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

Customizing the Acquisition Distance Range Values
To customize the distance range values:

1. From the button bar, select OTDR Setup, then the Acquisition tab.
2. Press the Customize Acquisition Parameters button.
3. If your OTDR supports singlemode and multimode wavelengths,

specify the desired fiber type.
4. From the Distance list, select the value you want to modify (the value
will become highlighted), then press the Edit button.
Note: You can revert to factory values by pressing the Default button.
5. In the displayed dialog box, enter the new value and confirm with OK.
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Customizing the Acquisition Time Values

You can customize the values associated with the Time dial. The
acquisition time values represent the time during which the OTDR will
average acquisitions.
Note: The Auto and Real values cannot be modified.

You can customize the acquisition time to improve the signal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) of the trace and enhance the detection of low-level events. The SNR
improves by a factor of two (or 3 dB) each time the acquisition time is
increased by a factor of four.
105

To customize the acquisition time values:

1. From the button bar, select OTDR Setup, then the Acquisition tab.
2. From the Time list, select the value you want to modify (the value will
become highlighted), then press the Edit button.
Note: You can revert to factory values by pressing the Default button.
3. In the displayed dialog box, enter the new value and confirm with OK.
106
FTB-200
13 Analyzing Traces and Events

Once the acquired trace is analyzed, it appears in the trace display and the
events are displayed in the events table at the bottom of the screen. The
trace display and events table are explained in the following sections. You
can also reanalyze existing traces.
Opening Trace Files

In Advanced mode, you can open a trace file as the main trace or the
reference trace.
You can open both the main and reference trace files at the same time. You
can open two triple-wavelength trace files simultaneously, each containing
three traces. A total of six traces are available: three for main traces and
three for reference.
In Automatic mode, you can open a trace file for viewing only.
Consequently, you cannot select a trace as main or reference trace.
Note: You cannot open bidirectional trace files in the OTDR test application. Use
the Bidirectional Analysis utility provided with ToolBox 6 instead.
The application can open trace files saved in different formats.
For detailed information on compatibility between EXFOs file formats and
software versions, see OTDR Trace File Compatibility on page 156.
For information on the various criteria that are applied when loading traces
in Template mode, see Restrictions of Template Mode on page 92.
For information on how to navigate between traces, see Displaying or
Hiding a Trace on page 121.
107
Analyzing Traces and Events

Opening Trace Files
To open a trace file:

1. From the button bar, press Storage, then Open File.
Available in
Advanced mode
2. If necessary, change the location to retrieve the file that has been
stored.
3. Scroll through the list of files and select a trace file to open.
4. If you are in Advanced mode, press the Select as Main Trace or Select
as Reference Trace button to indicate whether the selected trace will
be used as the main or the reference trace.
You can select another file from the list and set the trace as the main or
reference trace, according to your needs.
5. Press OK. You return to the Storage dialog box.
If you had already acquired (but not stored) a trace, the application
prompts you to save the current trace (even if the trace is hidden).
Press Yes to store the trace. You can now open another trace file.
6. If necessary, specify which trace(s) should be displayed. For more
information, see Displaying or Hiding a Trace on page 121.
7. Press Close.
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Trace Display and Events Table Description

The application shows the analysis results both on a graph and in a table.
The events that are detailed in the events table are marked by numbers
along the displayed trace.
Default
injection
level
Event no. 4
Distance
units
Split bar
Zoom
buttons
Events table
Scroll buttons
Event editing buttons
Some items in the trace display are always visible, while others will appear
only if you choose to display them or when you move from one pane or
another.
The blue rectangle on the Y axis (relative powers) indicates the proper
injection level range for the defined test pulse.
Once the trace is acquired, you can change trace display parameters (such
as the grid and zoom window display). For more information, see Setting
Trace Display Parameters on page 116.
109

You can view all of the traces, in turn, in both the Trace Info pane and the
trace display with the navigation buttons. For more information, see
Displaying or Hiding a Trace on page 121.
When more than one trace is opened in the OTDR test application, each
trace is displayed in a different color. The colors are assigned dynamically
depending on the order in which the traces have been opened into the
OTDR application.
The contents of the graph area changes according to the selected tab.
Events tab: The application shows marker A or markers A and B on the

graph.
These markers pinpoint an event or a fiber section, depending on what
is selected in the events table. You can move markers directly by
selecting an event in the events table or on the graph. You can also
drag markers from one location to another on the graph.
The magnifying glass button is displayed in the bottom right corner of
the Events tab; it allows you to zoom in on an event selected in the
events table. The Zoom window will not appear in the trace display
when the Events tab is selected.
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Measure tab: The application shows two, three or four markers: a, A,

B, and b, depending on which button you select from the Results
section.
These markers can be repositioned along the trace to calculate loss,
attenuation, reflectance, and optical return loss (ORL).
You can reposition all markers by using the controls in the Markers
section. You can drag them directly from the trace display. You can also
use
from the keypad to select the desired marker and
move it with the selection dial located on the front of the unitUnit.
Selecting marker A or B will move the a-A or B-b pair.
The zoom window will appear in the trace display when the Measure
tab is selected.
Trace Info. tab: The information about all the trace files (including the
reference) can be displayed.
The events table lists all the events detected on the fiber. An event can be
defined as the point at which change in the transmission properties of light
can be measured. Events can consist of losses due to transmission, splices,
connectors or breaks. If the event is not within the established thresholds,
it is a fault.
If you press and hold the row corresponding to a specific event for a few
seconds, the application will display the name of this event.
111

For each event listed in the events table, information is displayed:
Type: Various symbols are used to describe different event types. For a
more detailed description of symbols, see Description of Event Types
on page 169.
Number: Event number (a sequential number assigned by the OTDR

test application) or, in parentheses, the length of a fiber section (the
distance between two events).
Loc.: Location; that is, distance between the OTDR and the measured
event or between the event and the beginning of the fiber span.
Loss: Loss in dB for each event (calculated by the application).
Refl.: Reflectance measured at each reflective event along the fiber.
Att.: Attenuation (loss/distance) measured for each fiber section.
Cumul.: Cumulative loss from the trace span start to span end; the
running total is provided at the end of each event and fiber span.
Cumulative loss is calculated for the events displayed in the events
table, excluding those that are hidden. For a more accurate link loss
value, refer to the loss measurement displayed in the Trace Info. tab.
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Locating Events in the Trace Display and Events Table
Locating Events in the Trace Display and

Events Table
You can view information about all detected events on a trace by scrolling
through the events table. When selecting an event in the events table,
marker A appears on the trace over the selected event. When the selected
event is a fiber section, this fiber section is delimited by two markers
(A and B). For more information on markers, see Using Markers on
page 143.
To quickly locate an event in the events table:
Select the event on the trace. The list scrolls automatically to the event you
selected.
113

Customizing the Events Table

Note: This function is available in Advanced OTDR mode only.
You can include or exclude items from the events table to better suit your
needs.
Note: Hiding the fiber sections will not delete these items.
Fiber sections: You can display or hide fiber sections in the events table
depending on the types of values you want to view.
For example, by hiding the fiber sections, you can obtain the running
total of connector and splice losses instead of having a loss value for
the entire link.
114
Launch level: In the events table, the Launch Level event is

represented by the
icon. In the Att. column, the injection level
value for that event is identified by the @ symbol. You can hide the
injection level value and symbol from the Att. column,
but not the
icon.
Including span loss and span end: When applicable, the application
will include the losses caused by the span start and span end events in
the displayed values.
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If you activated the pass/fail test (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on

page 86), span-start and span-end events will be taken into account
when determining the status (pass/fail) of splice and connector loss
and reflectance.
To customize the events table appearance:
1. From the OTDR Setup window, select the Event Table tab.
2. Select the boxes corresponding to the item you want to display or
include in the table.
OR
To hide them, clear the boxes.
115

Setting Trace Display Parameters

Once you have launched the desired trace acquisition mode (Automatic,
Advanced, or Template), you can change several trace display options:
the grid: You can display or hide the grid appearing on the graphs
background. By default, the grid is displayed.
the zoom window (Advanced and Template modes only): The zoom
window shows you which portion of the graph is being magnified.
Note: The zoom window is only visible in the display when the Measure tab is
selected.
the file name in the trace display: By default, the file name is displayed
(at the top of the trace display).
Zoom
window
Grid
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To set the trace display parameters:

1. From the button bar, press the OTDR Setup button, then select the
General tab.
2. Select the boxes corresponding to the item you want to display on the
graph.
OR
To hide them, clear the boxes.
Changes will be applied once you exit the OTDR Setup window.
117

Selecting the Measurement Unit

You can select the measurement unit that will be used throughout the
application, except for certain values such as the pulse and the
wavelength. Pulse values are expressed in seconds and wavelength in
meters (nanometers).
Measurement
unit
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The default distance unit is the kilometer.
Unit used
Note: If you select Kilometers (km) or Kilofeet (kft), m and ft may appear
instead to display more precise measurements.
119

To select the measurement unit for your display:

1. From the button bar, select OTDR Setup.
2. From the OTDR Setup window, select the General tab.
3.
In the Distance units section, select the option corresponding to the

desired distance unit.
4. Press Exit OTDR Setup. You return to the main window and the newly
selected measurement unit appears everywhere units are used.
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Displaying or Hiding a Trace

There are two ways of displaying or hiding traces in the OTDR test
application.
You can view, in turn, all the trace files you have opened, including
main and reference traces, as well as multiwavelength traces.
You can select the fibers and the wavelengths (for multiwavelength
files) that will be available when using the navigation button. You can
also specify which trace will be displayed (current trace). By default,
the application takes the last item from the list of trace files you have
just opened.
To display or hide traces in turn:

Press the Next Trace button to switch from one fiber to another or from
one wavelength to another (for multiwavelength files).
You can also use
from the keypad.
121

To specify which traces to display or hide:

1.
From the button bar, press Storage.
2. Select the box(es) corresponding to the traces to display.

OR
Clear the box(es) to hide them.
Note: A hidden trace cannot be displayed with the navigation button. In
multiwavelength trace files, you can show or hide traces independently.
From the list of traces, select the row corresponding to the trace you
want to set as the current trace (the row will become highlighted) and
press the Set as Active Trace button. The trace will turn black in the
display to indicate that it was selected.
Note: In Template mode, since only one trace can be selected at a time in
multiwavelength trace files, the Set as Active Trace button is not available.
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Clearing Traces from the Display
Clearing Traces from the Display

Note: This function is available in Advanced OTDR mode only.
Note: Clearing traces from the display does not delete them from the disk.
Although the test application automatically opens the last trace files used,
you can clear the screen and launch new acquisitions.Also, if a trace (main
or reference) you acquired does not meet your requirements, you can
clear that trace and start over.
To clear traces from the display:
2. From the Storage dialog box, press Clear Main or Clear Reference.
If you had already acquired or modified (but not stored) some traces, a
warning message appears for each trace (even if the trace is hidden)
asking you if you want to save it or not. Press Yes to save the trace.
3. Press Close to return to the main window. You can now acquire a new
trace. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode on
page 73.
123

Automatically Zooming in on the Fiber Span
Automatically Zooming in on the Fiber Span

Note: This function is available both in Advanced and Template modes.
You can set the trace display to show only the span start to the span end of
the trace in full-trace view. By default, this option is not selected.
To automatically zoom in on the fiber span:
2. From the OTDR Setup window, select the General tab.
3. Under Zoom options, select Zoom in automatically on defined fiber
span to automatically zoom on the fiber span in the trace display when
a trace is opened or selected, or after trace analysis.
OR
Clear the box to leave the zoom level as is.
Note: Zoom in automatically on defined fiber span is active only when in
full-trace view, not when you have zoomed in on a trace.
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Using Zoom Controls
Using Zoom Controls

Use the zoom controls to change the scale of the trace display. When the
scale changes, the trace display is always centered in the area that you
defined with the zoom box. You can also quickly zoom in on or out of the
selected event.
When you manually zoom in or out on a trace (from the Measure tab),
the application will apply the new zoom factor and marker positions to
the other traces (wavelengths) of a same file. Both the zoom factor and
marker positions will be saved along with the trace (same settings for
all wavelengths).
When you zoom in or out on the selected event, the application keeps
the zoom on this event until you select another event or change zoom
or marker positions (via the Measure tab). You can select a different
event for each wavelength (e.g., event 2 at 1310 nm and event 5 at
1550 nm). The selected events will be saved along with the trace.
Note: In Template mode, the zoom factor and marker positions correspond to
those of the reference trace.
125

Using Zoom Controls
To zoom in on the trace (Advanced and Template modes):

1. Press the
button.
2. Use the zoom box to define the zooming area.
Drag the zoom box to the desired location.
Note: You can move the zoom box outside of the area shown in the trace display,
but not outside of the trace display boundaries.
Drag the zoom box handles to delimit the desired zoom area.The
coordinates are displayed in the lower portion of the trace display.
Note: You can zoom in on the horizontal and vertical scale independently.
Note: If you define the zoom area to the maximum permitted value and try to
zoom in, the application will automatically zoom out instead.
3. Press OK to zoom in or Cancel to exit the zoom function.
To zoom out of a trace (Advanced and Template modes):
Simply press the
button as many times as needed.
To revert to the complete graph view (Advanced and Template

modes):
Press the
button.
To automatically zoom in on the selected event:

1. Go to the Events tab.
2. From the events table, select the desired event.
3. Press the
126
button to zoom in. Press the button again to zoom out.
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Viewing and Modifying Current Trace Settings

You can view the trace parameters and modify them at your convenience.
Note: Parameter modification is only possible in Advanced mode.
You can modify the index of refraction (IOR) also known as group index,
Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) coefficient and Helix factor for the displayed
trace.
Modifications you make are only applied to the current trace (that is, to a
particular wavelength), not to all traces.
These modifications alter the displayed traces. These settings will also be
used when you reanalyze the trace. However, if you want to modify the
parameters that will be used for future acquisitions, see Setting the IOR,
RBS Coefficient and Helix Factor on page 78
To view trace settings:
Go to the Trace Info. tab.
Note: Even if more than one trace is available, the Trace Info. tab only shows
one at a time. To display the traces in turn, press Next Trace in the toolbar.
The active trace appears in black in the trace display.
127

These parameters are displayed:
128
Wavelength: Test wavelength and type of fiber used: 9 m

(singlemode) or 50 m/62.5 m (multimode).
Pulse: Pulse width used to perform the acquisition.
Time: Duration (either in minutes or seconds) of the acquisition.
Span length: Measured length of the total fiber span between span
start and span end.
Total loss: Total measured loss of the fiber between span start and
span end.
Average loss: Average loss of the total fiber span, indicated as a

function of distance.
Average Splice Loss: Average of all non-reflective events between

span start and span end.
Max. splice loss: Maximum loss of all non-reflective events between

span start and span end.
Total ORL: ORL calculated between the span start and the span end.
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High resolution: High-resolution option was selected to perform the

acquisition. For more information, see Enabling the High-Resolution
Feature on page 84.
Helix factor: Helix for the displayed trace. If you modify this
parameter, the trace distance measurements will be adjusted.
IOR: Refraction index of the displayed trace, also known as group

index. If you modify this parameter, the distance measurements for the
trace will be adjusted.You can enter an IOR value directly or let the
application calculate it with the distance between span start and span
end you provide.
Backscatter: Rayleigh backscatter coefficient setting of the displayed

trace. If you modify this parameter, the reflectance and ORL
measurements for the trace will be adjusted.
Splice detection: Current setting for detecting small non-reflective

events during trace analysis.
Refl. detection: Current setting for detecting small reflective events

during trace analysis.
End-of-fiber det.: Current setting for detecting important event loss

that could compromise signal transmission during trace analysis.
129

To modify the IOR, RBS coefficient and Helix factor parameters:

1. From the main window, select the Trace Info. tab.
Press the Fiber Settings button.

2. Enter the desired values for the current trace in the appropriate boxes.
OR
If you want to revert a particular item to its default value, press the
Default button appearing next to this item.
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If you already know the IOR value, you can enter it in the
corresponding box. However, if you prefer to let the application
calculate the IOR value as function of the distance between span start
and span end, press Set IOR by Distance, then enter the distance
value.
Note: Except for the fiber type, modifications you make will only be applied to the
current trace (that is, to a particular wavelength), not to all traces.
You can change the fiber type of a multimode trace. The application
will adjust the fiber type of all multimode wavelengths (traces).
Unless you are absolutely sure of the different parameter values, revert
to default values to avoid fiber setting mismatches. You should do the
same for other multimode wavelengths.
Press OK to apply the changes. You return to the main window.
131

Inserting Events
Inserting Events
At any time, you can insert an event in the events table manually.
This could be useful, for example, if you know that there is a splice at a
given location, but the analysis does not detect it because it is hidden in the
noise or because the splice loss is lower than the minimum detection
threshold (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 86).
You can add this event to the events table manually. This will add a number
on the trace at the location of the insertion, but it will not modify the trace.
IMPORTANT
Inserted events are removed when you reanalyze a trace.
To insert an event:
1. From the Events tab, press Add New Event.
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Inserting Events
2. Select the location where you want to insert an event.
Four markers are available to measure the inserted event, but only
marker A identifies where the event will be.
Use the marker arrows to move marker A on the trace display.
3. Once you have determined the location, under Event, use the
up/down arrows next to the box to select the desired event type.
4. Press OK to insert the event or Cancel to return to the events table

without making any changes.
133

Deleting Events
Deleting Events
Almost any event can be deleted from the events table, except:
end of analysis
fiber section
launch level
end of fiber
span start
span end
Note: The End-of-fiber event indicates the span end that was set for the first
analysis of the trace, not the span end assigned to another event or
distance from the span end in the Analysis tab.
IMPORTANT
The only way to recover deleted items is to reanalyze the trace, as
you would for a new trace. For more information, see Analyzing or
Reanalyzing a Trace on page 139.
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Deleting Events
To delete an event:
1. Locate the event you want to delete (see Locating Events in the Trace
Display and Events Table on page 113).
2. Select Delete. When the application prompts you, press Yes to confirm
the deletion, or No to keep the event.
135

Setting the Analysis Detection Thresholds

To optimize event detection, you can set the following analysis detection
thresholds:
Splice loss threshold: To display or hide small non-reflective events.
Reflectance threshold: To hide false reflective events generated by

noise, transform non-harmful reflective events into loss events, or
detect reflective events that could be harmful to network and other
fiber-optic equipment.
End-of-fiber threshold: To stop the analysis as soon as an important

event loss occurs; e.g., an event that could compromise signal
transmission toward the end of a network.
IMPORTANT
The end-of-fiber (EoF) threshold that you define will be used in
Automatic mode and in Advanced mode if you let the application
evaluate the acquisition settings.
If you set this threshold, an EoF event will be inserted at the first
event for which the loss crosses the threshold. The application will
then use this EoF event to determine the acquisition settings.
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The following examples show how different splice-loss threshold levels

can affect the number of displayed events, especially small non-reflective
events such as those caused by two splices. Three traces are shown,
corresponding to three threshold level settings.
Event location
Threshold at 0.05 dB
With the threshold set to 0.05 dB, two events are displayed at distances
corresponding to the location of the first and second splices.
Threshold at 0.1 dB
Only the first splice is displayed, as the threshold is set to 0.1 dB and
the second splice loss is lower than 0.1 dB.
Threshold at 0.15 dB
The first two splices are not displayed, as the threshold is set to 0.15 dB
and the first and second splice losses are lower than 0.15 dB.
137

To set the analysis detection thresholds:

2. From the OTDR Setup window, select the Analysis tab.
3. Under Analysis parameters, set the parameters.
Enter the desired values in the appropriate boxes.

OR
Select the default settings by pressing Default.

The analysis detection thresholds you have just set are applied to all newly
acquired traces, as well as to trace reanalysis.
Note: Analysis thresholds are only saved in the trace during analysis. For traces
acquired, but not yet analyzed, you can change the analysis detection
thresholds in the OTDR test application before performing the analysis.
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Analyzing or Reanalyzing a Trace

You can analyze a displayed trace at any time. Analyzing or reanalyzing a
trace will:
produce an events table for a trace, if there was none (e.g., the Analyze
After Acquisition option was not selected (e.g., the Analyze Data
Automatically after Acquisition option was not selected; see Enabling
or Disabling Analysis After Acquisition on page 85).
reanalyze a trace acquired with a previous version of the software.
recreate the original events table if it was modified.
perform a Pass/Fail test, if enabled (for more information, see Setting

Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 86).
If you prefer to focus your analysis on a specific fiber span, see Analyzing
the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span on page 141.
139

To analyze or reanalyze a trace:

1. From the main window, go to the Events tab.
2. Press the Analyze button.
3. From the Reanalyze Trace dialog box, select an option for setting the
span start and end markers on the trace. On the first analysis, this
dialog box is not displayed and the default span start and end are
applied (See Setting a Default Span Start and Span End on page 88).
Keep current span delimiter positions applies the current fiber

span upon trace reanalysis.
Reset span delimiters positions applies the fiber span defined in

the OTDR Setup upon trace reanalysis.
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Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span
Analyzing the Fiber on a Specific Fiber Span

If you want to focus your fiber analysis on a specific fiber span, you can
define events (new or existing) as a span start and/or span end.
Note: You can set a default span start and end, which will be applied during the
first analysis or reanalysis performed upon trace acquisition.
To set a fiber span:
1. From the main window, go to the Events tab.
2. Define the span event location by moving marker A along the trace
using one of the following options:
Drag marker A to the desired span event location.
Use the selection dial to move marker A.
Note: Each of these options may lead to the creation of a new event, except if
your location corresponds to an already existing event on the trace.
3. Press Set as Span Start or Set as Span End to set the span start or
span end marker on the appropriate event in the trace display.
Changes to the span start and span end will modify the contents of the
events table. The span start becomes event 1 and its distance reference
becomes 0. Events excluded from the fiber span are grayed out in the
events table, and do not appear in the trace display. The cumulative loss is
calculated within the defined fiber span only.
141

Swapping Traces
Swapping Traces
Since the events table and the trace information are based on the main
trace, you may want to interchange main and reference traces.
When you swap traces, the application will provide a new set of events
corresponding to the new main trace.
To swap traces:
2. From the Storage dialog box, select Swap Main/Reference.
Note: You can change a main trace into a reference trace, and vice versa, even if
only one trace is in the applications memory.
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14 Analyzing the Results

Manually
Once a trace has been acquired or opened, you can use markers and
zoom in on or out of any event or trace segment to measure splice loss,
fiber section attenuation, reflectance, and optical return loss.
Using Markers
You can use markers to view the position and relative power of an event.
Markers are available when you press Measure from the main window.
To move a marker:
1. Press the markers button until it displays the desired marker. You can
also use
from the keypad.
In addition to the a, A, B, and b markers, you can select the Trace or All
options.
2. Once the appropriate marker is selected, use the right and left arrow
buttons to move the marker along the trace. You can also move it with
the selection dial located on the front of the Unit.
If you zoom in on a trace and select the Trace option, pressing the right or
left arrow moves the trace. In full-trace view, the Trace option has no effect
on marker movement.
Distance between
span start and A
Power at A
Distance between
span start and B
Power at B
Distance between A
and B
Power difference
between A and B
Left and
right arrows
143
Analyzing the Results Manually

Using Markers
Note: You can also select the marker directly on the trace display and drag it to
the desired position.
If a marker is moved close to another, both will move together. This
ensures a minimum distance is maintained between markers.
A marker may disappear from the trace after you zoom in (see Using Zoom
Controls on page 125). You can recall it by selecting a missing marker with
the Markers button or by using one of the arrows to bring the selected
marker back into the displayed area.
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Getting Event Distances and Relative Powers
Getting Event Distances and Relative Powers

The OTDR test application automatically calculates the position of an event
and displays this distance in the events table.
You can retrieve the position of an event as well as the distance between
events manually. You can also display various relative power readings.
Distances and relative powers correspond to the X axis and Y axis,
respectively.
To get the distance to an event and the associated relative power

level:
1. From the main window, select the Measure tab.
2. Move marker A to the beginning of the event. For more information
about markers, see Using Markers on page 143.
145

Getting Event Loss (Four-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
Getting Event Loss (Four-Point and

Least-Square Approximation)
Event loss (expressed in dB) is calculated by measuring the signal level
reduction in Rayleigh backscatter (RBS) caused by this event. Event loss
can result from both reflective and non-reflective events.
Two loss calculations are provided simultaneously: the four-point event
loss and the A-B LSA loss. Both calculations use the least-square
approximation (LSA) method to determine the event loss. However, the
four-point event loss is the preferred method and the one that corresponds
to the loss displayed in the events table.
Four-point event loss: the LSA method is used to fit a straight line to the
backscatter data within the two regions defined by markers a, A and
b, B, that is over the regions to the left and to the right of the event
bordered by markers A and B, respectively.
Four-point
event loss
The two fitted lines are then extrapolated toward the center of the
event and the loss event is directly read from the drop in power
between the two lines.
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A-B LSA loss: the loss of the event bordered by the markers A and B is
obtained by fitting a straight line to the backscatter data between these
two markers.
A-B LSA loss

a
The event is then obtained by the reduction in power (dB) over the
distance between the two markers, as calculated from the slope of the
fitted line.
Although this method works fairly well for splice loss, it is clearly not
appropriate for reflective events (definitely not a straight-line event).
A-B LSA Loss is mainly used to rapidly compute loss over a given length
of a fiber section.
Note: A-B LSA event loss measurements should be used on fiber sections only.
Measuring events will not yield meaningful results.
147

To get event loss:

2. In the Results section, press Loss. Markers a, A, B and b appear on the
graph.
3. Zoom in and position marker A at the end of the linear area preceding
the event to be measured. For more information, see Using Zoom
Controls on page 125 and Using Markers on page 143.
4. Position submarker a at the beginning of the linear area preceding the
event to be measured.
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5. Position marker B at the beginning of the linear area following the

6. Position submarker b at the end of the linear area following the event
to be measured.
Four-point event
loss from the
areas delimited by
markers
a, A, B and b
Least-square
approximation
149

Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and

Least-Square Approximation)
A two-point attenuation measurement gives the reduction in Rayleigh
backscatter level as a function of distance (expressed in dB/km) between
two selected points. Only those two points are used to perform the
calculation and there is no averaging.
The least-square approximation (LSA) method measures the attenuation
(loss over distance) between two points by fitting a straight line in the
backscatter data between markers A and B. The LSA attenuation
corresponds to the difference in power ( dB) over the distance between
two points.
The LSA method, when compared to the two-point method, gives an
average measurement and is more reliable when there is a high level of
noise. However, it should not be used if an event such as an echo appears
between the two markers.
150
FTB-200

Getting Attenuation (Two-Point and Least-Square Approximation)
To get attenuation:
1.
From the main window, select the Measure tab.
2. In the Results section, press the Att. button. Markers A and B appear
on the graph.
3. Place markers A and B at any two points on the trace. For more
information, see Using Markers on page 143.
4. Zoom in on the trace and fine-tune the marker positioning if necessary.
For more information, see Using Zoom Controls on page 125.
Note: There should not be any events between markers A and B when
performing the two-point attenuation measurement.
Loss over distance

between markers
A and B
Least-square
approximation
151

Getting Reflectance
Getting Reflectance
Reflectance is the ratio of reflected light to input light.
To get reflectance:
2. In the Results section, press the Refl. button. Markers a, A and B
appear on the graph.
3. Zoom in and position marker A on the linear area preceding the event
to be measured. For more information, see Using Zoom Controls on
page 125 and Using Markers on page 143.
4. Position submarker a at the beginning of the linear area preceding the
5. Position marker B at the peak of the reflective event to be measured.
Note: Using this procedure, you can measure the reflectance of all the events in a
merged reflective fault event.
Note: For non-reflective events, will be displayed.
152
FTB-200

Getting Optical Return Loss (ORL)
Getting Optical Return Loss (ORL)

Note: You must use a singlemode OTDR for ORL calculations.
The ORL calculation will provide the following information:
the ORL between markers A and B
the total ORL is calculated between the span start and the span end
Optical return loss (ORL) refers to the total effect of multiple reflections
and scattering events within a fiber-optic system.
To get the ORL value:
2. In the Results section, press ORL. Markers A and B appear on the
graph.
3. Position markers A and B to delimit the area for which you want to
know the ORL value.
153
15 Managing Trace Files from the

OTDR Test Application
Once you have acquired traces, or when you want to work with them after
an acquisition, you will need to save, open, rename, and delete trace files.
You can save and open trace files from the OTDR test application. To
rename, copy, move, and delete trace files, you must use the File Manager
utility.
Saving a Trace in a Different Format

With the OTDR application, you can save traces in native (.trc) and
Bellcore (.sor) formats.
To save an OTDR trace file in a different format:
Use the ToolBox 6 application installed on a computer.
155
Managing Trace Files from the OTDR Test Application

OTDR Trace File Compatibility

The table presented hereafter shows the compatibility between the format
of a specific trace and the software that you may use to open that trace.
Symbols used in the table
X
Conv
Meaning
Fully compatible
Conversion or reanalysis necessary
Not compatible
156
FTB-200

Software used to open the file...
File generated with...
ToolBox ToolBox ToolBox ToolBox FTB-100 FTB-100 FTB-100

5.5
6.5 or
6.7 to 6.21 or
2.5 or 2.6 or 2.7 2.8 or
earlier
6.20
later
earlier
later/
FTB-150
FTB-200
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
ToolBox 5.5
Conva
Conva
Conva
ToolBox 6.5 or
earlier
Convb
Conva
Conva
Conva
ToolBox 6.7 to
6.20
Convc
Convc
Conva,d
Conva
Conva
ToolBox 6.21 or
later
Convc
Convc
Convf,e
Conva,d
Conva
FTB-100 2.2 or
earlier
FTB-100 2.6 or
2.7
FTB-100 2.8 or
later/
FTB-150
FTB-200
Conve,f
FTB-100 2.5
Conva,d,f Conva,d,f
Should be saved in or converted to FTB-100 (.ftb100) format.

Should be reanalyzed to view the events table.
Data should be saved in FTB-300 (.ftb300) format and reanalyzed to view the events table.
Triple-wavelength trace files are not compatible.
Should be converted to ToolBox 6.7-6.20 format.
Should be converted with ToolBox 6.21 or later.
157

Copying, Moving, Renaming or Deleting Trace Files
Copying, Moving, Renaming or Deleting Trace

Files
If you want to copy, move, rename or delete trace files, you will have to
process the files manually via File Manager available from ToolBox CE. For
more information, refer to your unit help.
158
FTB-200
16 Creating and Printing Trace

Reports
For future reference, you can add notes on the location of the tested fiber,
type of job performed and general comments related to a trace in trace
reports. You can specify which information must be included in your
printed documents.
Documenting Results
After acquiring a trace, you might want to include or update information
about the tested fiber and job or add comments. The information you enter
is saved only for the currently open trace file.
Note: The information must be entered before acquiring traces in Template
mode. For more information, see Testing Fibers in Template Mode on
page 91.
After entering the required data, you may save the contents as a template.
The next time you access the report to document a newly acquired trace,
the template is automatically recalled, eliminating repetitive
documentation operations.
Some of the information is common to all wavelengths (location A and B,
cable ID and fiber ID). Some other is specific to the current wavelength
(job ID, customer and comments). If you clear information from the Report
window, both the common and the specific information will be deleted.
The information specific to other wavelengths will not be deleted (you
must delete it manually).
159
Creating and Printing Trace Reports

Documenting Results
To document results:
1. From the button bar, once a trace has been acquired or reopened,
press Report.
2. Enter the desired information.
Note: The information in the Date, Time, Unit and Serial no. boxes is provided
by the application and cannot be edited. You can edit the Fiber ID only if
the Use autonaming option is not selected.
Note: If you select the Use autonaming box, the Fiber ID box becomes
unavailable.
If you want to save the contents as a template, use the Save as
Template button.
3. Press Exit Report to return to the trace display. The information
entered is saved with the trace and can be viewed or changed at any
time using the same process.
160
FTB-200

Documenting Results
To clear all the information from the Report window:

Press the Clear All button.
Note: The information appearing in the Date, Time, Unit and Serial no. boxes
cannot be deleted. The Fiber ID can only be deleted if the Use autonaming
option is not selected.
161

Printing a Report
Printing a Report
You can print trace reports directly from your unit. By default, only the
information related to the active trace is printed in a report, but you can
select an option to print all the traces the current file contains (available in
Advanced mode only). You can print two types of reports: summarized and
detailed.
The following table shows the various items that can appear on a report,
depending on the report type you choose:
Item appearing on the report
Summarized
Detailed
Cable information (fiber ID, cable ID, location A and B)
Link measurement (link length and loss, average loss, splice

loss and total ORL)
Test and cable setup for main and reference traces (file
name, OTDR model, software version, wavelength, distance,
refractive index, RBS, acquisition time, pulse width and helix
factor)
Events table (with fiber sections)
Events table (without fiber sections)
Trace
Job information (test date and time, unit serial and model
numbers, job and customer ID)
Comments
Marker information (a, A, b, B, and A to B distances, as well

as A to B attenuation, loss and ORL). Available only if you
select the option to include markers
Zoom (traces will be printed with the zoom factor you

selected). Available only if you select the option to include
zoom
162
FTB-200

Printing a Report
You can include zoom and/or markers in your report.

There are two options for zoom:
Manual zoom: Graphs will be printed exactly as they appear on screen.

The same zoom factor will be applied to all traces (wavelengths) of a
particular file.
Zoom on selected event: Graphs will be printed with zoom on the area
corresponding to the selected event (one event per trace, i.e. per
wavelength).
163

Printing a Report
To print reports:
1. From the button bar, press Print.
2. From the Print dialog box, select the report options:
Report format
Desired zoom
Markers
Select the Print all traces check box to print all traces
(wavelengths) from the current file (option available in Advanced
mode only)
Note: In Automatic mode, the trace report that prints is always the summarized
one. The report format options are not displayed.
3. Select Print to launch the process. You will automatically return to the
main window.
164
FTB-200
17 Using the OTDR as a Light

Source or VFL
If you want to perform measurements with a power meter and your

OTDR as a source, the OTDR port can transmit a special tone. This port
can be used only to transmitnot detect that tone.
The Visual Fault Locator (VFL) application is used to set the OTDR to
send a red signal along the fiber, which can be used for visual fault
location and fiber identification.
Note: The VFL option will be available only if your OTDR is equipped with a VFL
port.
CAUTION
165
Using the OTDR as a Light Source or VFL
To use your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer as a source:

1. Clean the connectors properly (see Cleaning and Connecting Optical
Fibers on page 64).
2. Connect one end of the fiber under test to the OTDR port.
3. From the main window, go to the Source/VFL tab.
4. Select the wavelength you want to use.

Note: If only one wavelength is available, it is selected by default.
166
FTB-200
5. Select the desired modulation.

Under Modulation,
For loss measurement, with a power meter at the other end, select
Continuous.
For fiber identification, select 1 kHz or 2 kHz. This will allow the
person at the other end of the link to identify the fiber under test,
which could be particularly useful when working with cables
containing many fibers.
For easier fiber identification, the application also offers a flashing
pattern. If you select this option, the modulated signal (1 KHz or
2 KHz) will be sent for 1 second, then will be off for the next
second, then be sent again for 1 second, and so on. If you want the
OTDR to emit light in a flashing pattern, select 1 kHz+Blink or
2 kHz+Blink.
6. Under Source, press Turn ON. You can stop light emission at any time
by pressing Turn OFF.
Using an EXFO power meter with tone-detection features, such as the
FOT-930 or FPM-300, an operator at the other end will be able to quickly
locate the correct fiber or perform loss measurements. Refer to the power
meter user guide for details.
167
To identify fiber faults visually:

1. Clean the connectors properly (see Cleaning and Connecting Optical
Fibers on page 64).
2. Connect the fiber under test to the VFL port.
3. From the main window, go to the Source/VFL tab.
4. Select Continuous to use the VFL with continuous output or Blink to
use the VFL with 1 Hz pulsed output.
5. Under VFL, press Turn ON to send the VFL signal. You can stop the VFL
signal emission at any time by pressing Turn OFF.
168
FTB-200
18 Description of Event Types

This section describes all types of events that may appear in the events
table generated by the application. Here is a guide to the descriptions:
Each type of event has its own symbol.
Each type of event is represented by a graph of a fiber trace, which

illustrates the power reflected back toward the source as a function of
distance.
An arrow points to the location of the event type in the trace.
Most graphs show one complete trace; that is, an entire acquisition
range.
Some graphs show only a portion of the entire range to view events of
interest more closely.
Span Start
The Span Start of a trace is the event that marks the beginning of the fiber
span. By default, the Span Start is placed on the first event of a tested fiber
(typically the first connector of the OTDR itself).
You can make another event the start of the span you want to focus your
analysis on. This will set the beginning of the events table at a specific
event along the trace.
Span End
The Span End of a trace is the event that marks the end of the fiber span. By
default, the Span End is placed on the last event of a tested fiber, and is
called the end-of-fiber event.
You can also make another event the end of the span you want to focus
your analysis on. This will set the end of the events table at a specific event
along the trace.
169
Description of Event Types

Continuous Fiber
Continuous Fiber
This event indicates that the selected acquisition range was shorter than
the fiber length.
170
The fiber end was not detected because the analysis process ended
before reaching the end of the fiber.
The acquisition distance range should therefore be increased to a

value greater than the fiber length.
There is no loss or reflectance specified for continuous fiber events.
FTB-200

End of Analysis
End of Analysis
This event indicates that the pulse width used did not provide enough
dynamic range to get to the end of the fiber.
The analysis ended before reaching the end of the fiber because the
signal-to-noise ratio was too low.
The pulse width should therefore be increased so the signal reaches

the end of the fiber with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio.
There is no loss or reflectance specified for end-of-analysis events.
171

Non-Reflective Event
Non-Reflective Event
This event is characterized by a sudden decrease in the Rayleigh

backscatter signal level. It appears as a discontinuity in the downward
slope of the trace signal.
172
This event is often caused by splices, macrobends, or microbends in

the fiber.
A loss value is specified for non-reflective events. There is no

reflectance specified for this type of event.
If you set thresholds, the application indicates a non-reflective fault in

the events table, whenever a value exceeds the loss threshold (see
Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 86).
FTB-200

Reflective Event
Reflective Event
Reflective faults appear as spikes in the fiber trace. They are caused by an
abrupt discontinuity in the index of refraction.
Reflective events cause a significant portion of the energy initially

launched into the fiber to be reflected back toward the source.
Reflective events may indicate the presence of connectors,

mechanical splices, or even poor-quality fusion splices or cracks.
A loss and a reflectance value are normally specified for reflective

events.
When the reflective spike reaches the maximum level, its top may be
clipped due to the saturation of the detector. As a result, the dead
zoneor minimum distance for making a detection or attenuation
measurement between this event and a second nearbymay be
increased.
If you set thresholds, the application indicates a reflective fault in the

events table, whenever a value exceeds reflectance and/or connector
loss threshold(s) (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on page 86).
173

Positive Event
Positive Event
This event indicates a splice with an apparent gain, due to the junction of
two fiber sections having different fiber backscatter characteristics
(backscatter and backscatter capture coefficients).
174
A loss value is specified for positive events. The loss specified does not
indicate the true loss of the event.
The true loss has to be measured by performing bidirectional fiber

measurements and bidirectional analysis.
FTB-200

Launch Level
Launch Level
This event indicates the level of the signal launched into the fiber.
The figure above shows how the launch level is measured.

A straight line is plotted using least-square approximation to fit all trace
points in the linear area between the first and second detected events.
The straight line is projected toward the Y (dB) axis until it crosses the
axis.
The crossing point indicates the launch level.
<<<< in the events table indicates that the launch level is too low.
175

Fiber Section
Fiber Section
This symbol denotes a fiber section with no event.
176
The sum of all fiber sections contained in an entire fiber trace equals
the total fiber length. Detected events are distincteven if they cover
more than one point on the trace.
A loss value is specified for fiber section events. No reflectance is

specified for this type of event.
The attenuation (dB/distance) is obtained by dividing the loss by the

fiber section length.
FTB-200

Merged Reflective Event
Reflective Faults
Point A
Total loss
( dB)
Point B
Merged Reflective Event position
This symbol denotes a reflective event combined with one or more other
reflective events. It also indicates the total loss produced by the merged
reflective events following it in the events table.
A Merged Reflective Event is composed of reflective events. Only the

Merged Reflective Event is displayed in the events table, not the
reflective subevents composing it.
Reflective events may indicate the presence of connectors,

mechanical splices, or poor-quality fusion splices or cracks.
A reflectance value is specified for all merged reflective events and

indicates the maximum reflectance for the merged event.
A reflectance value is also displayed for each subevent composing the
Merged Reflective Event.
177

178
The total loss ( dB) produced by the events is measured by plotting

two straight lines.
The first line is plotted by fitting, through least-square

approximation, trace points in the linear area preceding the first
event.
The second line is plotted by fitting, through least-square

approximation, trace points in the linear area following the second
event. If there were more than two merged events, this line would
be plotted in the linear area following the last merged event. This
line is then projected toward the first merged event.
The total loss ( dB) equals the power difference between the
point where the first event begins (point A) and the point on the
projected straight line located just below the first event (point B).
No loss value can be specified for the subevents.
FTB-200

Echo
Echo
This symbol indicates that a reflective event has been detected after the
end of the fiber.
In the example above, the launched pulse travels up to the end

connector and is reflected back toward the OTDR. Then, it reaches the
second connector and is reflected again toward the end connector. It is
then reflected back to the OTDR.
The application interprets this new reflection as an echo because of its

characteristics (reflectance and particular position with respect to
other reflections).
The distance between the second connector reflection and the end
connector reflection is equal to the distance between the end
connector reflection and the echo.
There is no loss specified for echo events.
179

Reflective Event (Possible Echo)
Reflective Event (Possible Echo)
This symbol indicates a reflective event that can be a real reflection or an

echo produced by another stronger reflection located closer to the source.
In the example above, the launched pulse hits the third connector, is
reflected back to the OTDR and reflected again into the fiber. It then
reaches the third connector a second time and is reflected once more
to the OTDR.
The application would therefore detect a reflective event located at
twice the distance of the third connector. Since this event is almost null
(no loss), and since its distance is a multiple of the third connector
distance, The application would interpret it as a possible echo.
180
A reflectance value is specified for reflective events (possible echo).
FTB-200
19 Introducing the FTB-3930

MultiTest Module
The FTB-3930 MultiTest Module integrates a power meter and light sources
with an optical return loss meter, optional talk set and visual fault locator.
Main Features
The unit features FASTEST, EXFOs one-touch automated measurement.
In 10 seconds, you can simultaneously test IL and ORL at up to four
wavelengths, in both directions. During the same test, the unit also
determines fiber length.
The power meter has the following characteristics:
Ge, GeX or InGaAs detector with 40 calibrated wavelengths to measure

absolute power or link loss
Editable list of favorite wavelengths for easy access
Modulated signal detection
No offset nulling required in normal operation
The light source has the following characteristics:
Singlemode port (two or three wavelengths), also used for FASTEST and
ORL.
AND/OR
Multimode port (two wavelengths), also used for FASTEST only.
Modulated or high-power signal compatible with other EXFO units
181
Introducing the FTB-3930 MultiTest Module

Typical Applications
Other test utilities:
Text messaging
Full-duplex digital talk set (optional)
Visual fault locator to inspect or identify fibers (optional)
Result processing and analysis features (also available in the Optical Test
Report Viewer application):
Customizable test thresholds with visual pass/fail analysis
Customize user settings and cable identification parameters
FASTEST results displayed according to FTTx usage and terminology
Typical Applications
You can use the MultiTest Module for several applications, such as:
182
Fiber installation and maintenance applications
FTTx: testing of passive optical networks (PONs)
Absolute power or link loss measurements
Bidirectional loss and ORL testing
Length measurement
All-in-one tool for contractors
FTB-200
20 Customizing Your MultiTest

Module
To set a length/distance unit:
1. From the main window, press Setup, then select the Preferences tab.
2. Select the desired unit.
Note: The length unit affects thresholds and fiber length only.
To add results on
master unit
To add results on
remote unit
To save results
automatically
183
Customizing Your MultiTest Module
To automate adding and saving results:

1. From the main window, press Setup, then select the Preferences tab.
2. Select one or more of the following options:
Save file after adding 10 results to list: if you select this option,
you will not need to manually save your file (with Save or Save As)
after adding results to the Tested fibers list.
Add result to list on this unit after FASTEST: if you select this
option, you will not need to press Add to add your result to the
Tested fibers list. When your MultiTest Module is the remote unit,
it consequently ignores automatic save settings from the master
unit.
Add result to remote unit after FASTEST: if you select this option
and your MultiTest Module is the master unit, the result will
automatically be sent and stored on the remote unit.
Note: For details about naming settings, see Setting Autonaming Scheme on
page 187.
184
FTB-200
21 Setting Up Your MultiTest

Module
Installing the EXFO Universal Interface (EUI)
The EUI fixed baseplate is available for connectors with angled (APC) or
non-angled (UPC) polishing. A green border around the baseplate
indicates that it is for APC-type connectors.
Green border
indicates APC
option
Bare metal
(or blue border)
indicates UPC
option
To install an EUI connector adapter onto the EUI baseplate:

1. Hold the EUI connector adapter so the dust cap opens downwards.
3
2
2. Close the dust cap in order to hold the connector adapter more firmly.
3. Insert the connector adapter into the baseplate.
4. While pushing firmly, turn the connector adapter clockwise on the
baseplate to lock it in place.
185
Setting Up Your MultiTest Module

IMPORTANT
To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings:
Always clean fiber ends as explained below before inserting

them into the port. EXFO is not responsible for damage or
errors caused by bad fiber cleaning or handling.
Ensure that your patchcord has appropriate connectors. Joining

mismatched connectors will damage the ferrules.
To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port:

1. Clean the fiber ends as follows:
1a. Gently wipe the fiber end with a lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl
alcohol.
1b. Use compressed air to dry completely.
1c. Visually inspect the fiber end to ensure its cleanliness.
2. Carefully align the connector and port to prevent the fiber end from
touching the outside of the port or rubbing against other surfaces. If
your connector features a key, ensure that it is fully fitted into the ports
corresponding notch.
3. Push the connector in so that the fiber-optic cable is firmly in place,
thus ensuring adequate contact.
If your connector features a screwsleeve, tighten the connector
enough to firmly maintain the fiber in place. Do not overtighten, as this
will damage the fiber and the port.
Note: If your fiber-optic cable is not properly aligned and/or connected, you will
notice heavy loss and reflection.
186
FTB-200
Setting Autonaming Scheme

When starting a new file, the unit suggests an initial fiber name. After
adding a result to the Tested fibers list, the unit prepares the next fiber
name by incrementing the suffix.
When you manually change the name for the first time (in Power Meter,
ORL Meter or FASTEST), the unit then ignores autonaming settings.
IMPORTANT
To start using new autonaming settings, you must close the current
file.
Cable names: maximum 60 characters for prefix, plus 3-digit suffix

(or Microsoft Windows limitations when name is manually set)
Fiber names: maximum 11 characters for prefix, plus 3-digit suffix

(duplicate names allowed when name is manually set)
Note: If you manually change a fiber name, then turn the unit off without saving
at least one result, this name will be discarded.
187
To set the autonaming scheme:

1. From the main window, press Setup, then select the Results tab.
2. Set the names/values, then press OK.
Note: The cable name you set here will be the suggested file name when saving.
188
FTB-200

You can define groups of thresholds to specify acceptable power (in W or
dBm), power reference (in dB), FASTEST loss (in dB and dB per distance
unit) and ORL values (in dB) for each wavelength.
Thresholds are supplied by system manufacturers and depend on the
system deployed.
Measurements exceeding a threshold are shown with an exclamation
mark. In the test tabs, these measurements also have a red background.
IMPORTANT
Thresholds are not saved with measurements. Results are compared
to the threshold group currently associated to the file (for FASTEST
results, not necessarily the master unit).
Note: When transferring results from handheld unit to computer, thresholds are
not transferred along with results.
189
To set power, loss or ORL thresholds:

1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the Thresholds tab.
Add
wavelength
and its
thresholds
Edit
thresholds for
selected
wavelentgh
Delete threshold for

selected wavelength
2. In the Threshold groups list, select a group to modify.

OR
Create a new group by pressing New. Duplicate names are allowed,
but you should always use distinct names to avoid confusion.
3. Select loss units (dB or dB/distance; distance units are selected in the
Preferences tab) or power units.
190
FTB-200
4. In the Thresholds list, select a wavelength for which you want to set
thresholds, then press Edit.
OR
Add a new wavelength to the list by pressing New. Wavelengths that
are not supported by FASTEST are simply ignored in FASTEST result
tables.
dBm power units selected in

Result tab
Watt power units selected in

Result tab
5. In the text boxes, modify threshold values for the selected wavelength,
then press OK to confirm the new thresholds (or Cancel to return to
previous values).
You select power units and FASTEST loss units (dB or dB/distance) on
the Thresholds tab (and distance units on the Preferences tab).
6. Press OK to return to the main window.
To rename a threshold group:
1. From the Thresholds tab, select a group in the Threshold groups list.
2. Press Rename, then set the new name (maximum 64 characters) and
press OK.
191
22 Measuring Power or Loss

The FTB-3930 MultiTest Module is equipped with an optical power meter to
measure absolute power (in dBm or W) or insertion loss (in dB). The
power meter port is independent of the FASTEST port.
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
Power meter port
The following functions are available on your power meter:
Measured power/loss
Value under threshold
Switch between
favorite
wavelengths
Change name of next

saved fiber
Display power
(W or dBm)
or loss (dB)
Set reference for

loss measurement
Add current value to

Tested Fibers (to
actually save data,
press Save on
function bar)
Perform offset
nulling
193

Defining the List of Favorite Wavelengths

You must put the wavelengths you want to use on a list of favorite
wavelengths. Only wavelengths selected from this list are available for
measurements.
By default, the list contains 22 of the 40 calibrated wavelengths.
Specifications are guaranteed for calibrated wavelengths only. For other
wavelengths, the unit will determine values based on the calibrated
wavelengths (3-point interpolation).
Detector
Type
InGaAs
Ge
GeX
Calibrated
Wavelengths (nm)
Default Favorite
Wavelengths (nm)
800, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870,

880, 910, 980, 1270, 1280, 1290,
1300, 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340, 1390,
1450, 1460, 1470, 1480, 1490, 1500,
1510, 1520, 1530, 1540, 1550, 1560,
1570, 1580, 1590, 1600, 1610, 1620,
1630, 1640, 1650.
800, 840, 850,

860, 910, 980,
1280, 1300, 1310,
1320, 1450,
1470, 1480, 1490,
1510, 1520, 1530, 1540,
1550, 1560,1570, 1625.
All the above, plus 1370 and 1060.
Same as above.
Note: The list must always contain at least one selected wavelength.
194
FTB-200

To customize the list of favorite and selected wavelengths:

1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the Power Meter tab.
2. Scroll through the list.
3. Press on the highlighted wavelength to select/deselect it. An X appears
beside selected wavelengths.
4. If a wavelength does not appear on the list, enter its value in the New
wavelength box and press Add. You can also remove a wavelength
from the list by pressing Delete.
5. Repeat these steps for other wavelengths as necessary.
6. Press OK to return to the main window.
To revert to the factory-default list:
1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the Power Meter tab.
2. Press Revert to factory settings.
195


Temperature and humidity variations affect the performance of electronic
circuits and optical detectors. Nulling the electrical offsets eliminate these
effects.
Your unit has been designed not to require offset nulling under normal
operation, but you should perform it whenever environmental conditions
change significantly or when measuring very low power values.
IMPORTANT
Light must not reach detectors when nulling offsets. Always use an
EUI or protective screw cap. Do not use a soft rubber cover.
Note: Starting a nulling automatically deactivates all light sources on the unit.
To perform an offset nulling:
1. From the main window, select the Power Meter tab.
2. Press Nulling.
3. Tighten the protective caps on the power meter and FASTEST ports, then
press OK.
The nulling process takes approximately 10 seconds. Nulling status is
indicated in the data display. If light is still detected, you will need to
place the caps properly and restart.
196
FTB-200

Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source

In reference mode, your unit displays the loss created by the fiber under
test only, since it subtracts a reference value from the measured power.
Note: The reference value you set for each wavelength remains in memory until a
new one is set for the same wavelength, even when you turn the unit off.
To reference the power meter to a source:
2. Check your fibers and clean them properly for optimum performance
(see Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers on page 186).
3. Using one of the following methods, connect a light source to the
power meter port of your unit.
One single reference patchcord

Adapter
MULTITEST
Reference
patchcord
Light
source
Power
meter
FTB-3930
Two reference patchcords and a bulkhead adapter
197

Adapter
Reference
patchcord
Reference
patchcord
Light
source
MULTITEST
Bulkhead
adapter
Power
meter
FTB-3930
4. Activate the source at the desired wavelength.

5. Match the power meter wavelength with the source wavelength as
follows:
Measured loss
Scroll through the Wavelength list to switch between favorite

wavelengths of your power meter (see Defining the List of Favorite
Wavelengths on page 194).
198
FTB-200

6. Scroll through the Unit list until you get dB units to retrieve the last
saved reference.
OR
Press Reference to save the current power as the new reference.
Reference power appears (in dBm) and current loss is automatically
switched to dB.
7. Repeat the procedure for each wavelength you want to reference.
199


Measuring absolute power or link loss is done the same way, except for the
referencing step. You can take power or loss measurements and save them
for further analysis.
CAUTION
Connect high-power live fiber to the power meter port only.
To perform power or loss measurements:
page 196).
3. Check your fibers and clean them properly (see Cleaning and
Connecting Optical Fibers on page 186).
4. For loss measurements, reference your power meter to a light source
(see Referencing Your Power Meter to a Source on page 197), then
deactivate the light source.
5. If you have used a single reference patchcord, disconnect it from the
power meter port only, then attach a second reference patchcord to
the power meter.
OR
If you have used two reference patchcords, disconnect both of them at
the bulkhead.
200
FTB-200

6. Using bulkhead adapters or the system patch panels, connect a fiber

under test to reference patchcords attached to the light source and
power meter.
Adapter
Reference
patchcord
Bulkhead
adapter
Light
source
Reference
patchcord
Fiber
under test
MULTITEST
Bulkhead
adapter
Power
meter
FTB-3930
7. Activate the source at the desired wavelength.

8. Match the power meter wavelength with the source wavelength as
follows:
Scroll through the Wavelength list to switch between favorite
wavelengths of your power meter (see Defining the List of Favorite
Wavelengths on page 194).
If the unit detects a modulated signal, it beeps and the signal frequency
is indicated in the status bar.
9. Scroll through the Unit list to select the desired power (W or dBm) or
loss (dB) unit.
201

10. Add the displayed values to the Tested fibers list if you want. If
auto-save is activated (see Customizing Your MultiTest Module on
page 183), results are automatically saved after adding them to the list.
10a.Change the displayed cable and fiber names as needed.
10b.Press Add to save the value along with wavelength, reference
power, date and time. The fiber name will increment
automatically, ready to save the next value.
For details about viewing results, see Managing Test Results on
page 223.
11. Repeat the procedure for other wavelengths.
202
FTB-200
23 Measuring Optical Return Loss

Optical return loss (ORL) is the total effect of multiple reflections and
scattering events within a fiber-optic system.
The FTB-3930 MultiTest Module is equipped with an ORL meter to measure
ORL for singlemode fibers. The ORL meter uses the FASTEST SM
(singlemode) port only.
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
ORL meter port
ORL meter
sensitivity
Measured ORL
(positive value)
Value under
threshold
Switch between
singlemode
wavelengths
Change name of
next saved fiber
Calibrate ORL meter

sensitivity
Set reference using
any patchcord
Set reference using
ORL calibrated patchcord (best)
Current wavelength
Add current value

to Tested fibers
(to actually save
data, press Save
on function bar)
203
Measuring Optical Return Loss
The ORL measurement procedure is outlined below:

Null offsets
(see page 196)
Set
ORL zero
204
Perform
ORL reference
Set up thresholds
(see page 189)
Select
wavelength
Measure
ORL
Save
results
FTB-200

Performing ORL Reference and Setting ORL Zero Value
Performing ORL Reference and Setting ORL

Zero Value
The ORL zero measurement eliminates the effects of backreflection on the
link before the component under test, so your unit displays only the
backreflection of this component.
You should set a new ORL zero:
when you change the measurement patchcord (the one connected to

the DUT, not the reference patchcord)
when you remove a connection between the unit and mandrel
To set the ORL zero value (all wavelengths at once):

1. From the main window, select the ORL Meter tab.
2. Press ORL Zero.
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
3. Connect a patchcord to the FASTEST SM port.
Termination
Component
under test
205

Performing ORL Reference and Setting ORL Zero Value
4. Terminate the fiber as close as possible before the component under

test. Wrap it at least 10 turns around a mandrel or small diameter tool,
adding turns until the reading stabilizes.
5. Press OK to save the ORL zero value, then remove the termination.
To revert to the factory-default ORL zero value:
2. Press Default ORL Zero.
206
FTB-200

Performing and Saving ORL Measurements

You can define ORL thresholds (see Setting Pass/Fail Thresholds on
page 189) before or after measuring ORL. ORL values below thresholds are
displayed in red.
To measure ORL:
page 196).
3. Scroll through the Wavelength list to select a singlemode wavelength.

4. Check your fibers and clean them properly (see Cleaning and
5. Connect a fiber to the FASTEST SM port of your unit.
207

6. Perform an ORL reference with one of the following:
Using an ORL calibrated patchcord (14.7 dB), press ORL

Reference.
If no such patchcord is available, press Loopback Ref and use

another patchcord connected to the power meter port.
7. Perform an ORL zero measurement (see Performing ORL Reference

and Setting ORL Zero Value on page 205).
208
FTB-200

FTB-3930
MULTITEST
8. Terminate the fiber as close as possible after the component under

test. Wrap it at least 10 turns around a mandrel or small diameter tool,
adding turns until the reading stabilizes.
Component
under test
Termination
Note: Avoid bending the fiber between the unit and the termination point.
The displayed value represents the ORL of the component under test.
9. Add the displayed values to the Tested fibers list if you want. If
auto-save is activated (see Customizing Your MultiTest Module on
page 183), results are automatically saved (along with wavelength,
date and time) after adding them to the list.
9a. Change the displayed cable and fiber names as needed.
9b. Press Add. The fiber name will increment automatically, ready to
save the next value.
For details about viewing results, see Managing Test Results on
page 223.
10. Repeat procedure for other wavelengths if necessary.
209
24 Performing Automated
IL/ORL/Length Measurements
(FASTEST)
FASTEST allows you to perform 2- or 3-wavelength bidirectional loss and
ORL tests for singlemode fibers, or 2-wavelength loss tests for multimode
fibers, in 10 seconds (including fiber length measurement).
FASTEST is useful in high-fiber-count installations. Activated at the touch of a
button, FASTEST cuts down on training time and provides error-free results.
To use FASTEST, you need a compatible unit (such as FTB-3930, FOT-930,
FOT-920 or FTB-3920, but not the FOT-910). The unit at the remote end is
only used to establish references. It then waits for commands from the unit
initiating FASTEST (master).
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
FASTEST singlemode (SM) and

multimode (MM) ports
The FASTEST procedure is outlined below:

Null offsets
(see page 196)
Set ORL zero

(see page 205)
Set up
FASTEST
Set up thresholds
(see page 189)
Perform
reference
Perform
FASTEST
Save
results
211
Performing Automated IL/ORL/Length Measurements (FASTEST)

Setting Up the FASTEST

You can configure the FASTEST on the master unit only. The remote unit will
automatically adapt to these parameters (FASTEST parameters on remote
unit are ignored).
Setup includes the following elements:
212
Port and DUT (fiber) type: multimode FASTEST will not include ORL.
Compatibility: select FOT-930 / FTB-3930 for fast, two- or

three-wavelength testing including ORL (it requires two
FOT-930/FTB-3930). Use FOT-920 / FTB-3920 when other unit is an
FOT-920 or FTB-3920.
Mode/wavelengths: select one or more wavelengths for the FASTEST.

Depending on your choice, the FASTEST will include loss and/or ORL
measurements. Selecting FTTx Custom or FTTx All allows you to
define upstream and downstream wavelengths.
Unit location: in FTTx mode, you specify if the master unit is closer to
the CO (or to the premises) than the remote unit.
FTB-200

To set up the FASTEST:

1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the FASTEST tab.
2. Select the FASTEST parameters.

To revert to factory-default FASTEST settings:
1. From the button bar, press Setup, then select the FASTEST tab.
2. Press Revert to factory settings.
213

Referencing Units for FASTEST

Referencing subtracts the loss caused by the test setup components from
the overall loss measured during FASTEST. The final result represents the
loss inserted by the system under test alone.
Two referencing methods are available:
Side-by-Side Method (Best)
Description
Loopback Method
Reference taken with both units Reference taken separately on

together using their FASTEST ports. each unit (FASTEST port connected
Slightly more accurate value than to power meter port).
loopback method.
Location of units Must be at same location.
Can be at different locations.
Loss included in Loss due to system under test and Loss due to system under test and
FASTEST result
one connector mating.
the two connector matings.
Connector
mating
System
under test
Elements to
consider
Includes neither an ORL

reference nor an ORL zero
measurement. To obtain them,
use the ORL Meter pane (see
Performing ORL Reference and
Setting ORL Zero Value on
page 205).
Connector
mating
Connector
mating
System
under test
When measuring ORL (FASTEST or

ORL meter), accounts for
connector loss and adjusts ORL
calibration accordingly.
Not recommended for short links.
With multiple referencing, you

may coordinate an FTB-3930 with
up to 10 FOT-930 units.
214
FTB-200

To perform a side-by-side reference:

1. On the master unit (the one initiating the test), select the FASTEST tab.
2. In the Reference pane, select the Side-by-side reference type. The
data display shows previous reference values (if any) for the currently
connected remote unit.
IMPORTANT
With its multiple referencing feature, your unit saves the last 10
side-by-side references for each DUT type and compatibility mode.
3. Connect both units through their FASTEST ports, using two reference
patchcords and a bulkhead adapter.
MULTITEST
MULTITEST
Reference
patchcord
Reference
patchcord
Bulkhead
adapter
FTB-3930
FTB-3930
215

4. Press Take Reference. After a few seconds, the unit displays new
reference values for each wavelength on both units. If values are not
acceptable, try to clean connectors and repeat this step.
Serial number of
unit on other side
5. Disconnect the two patchcords from the bulkhead only and connect
them to the fiber under test (using bulkhead adapters or the system
patch panels).
IMPORTANT
216
You can turn off the unit without losing the reference.
If you disconnect the patchcords from the FASTEST ports, you

must take a new reference.
FTB-200

To perform a loopback reference:

1. On the master unit (the one initiating the test), select the FASTEST tab.
2. In the Reference pane, select the Loopback reference type. The data
display shows previous reference values (if any).
3. Connect a reference patchcord from the FASTEST port to the power

meter adapter.
MULTITEST
Adapter
Reference
patchcord
FTB-3930
217

4. Press Take Reference. After a few seconds, the unit displays new
reference values for each wavelength. If values are not acceptable, try
to clean connectors and repeat this step.
5. Disconnect the reference patchcord from the power meter adapter

only and connect it to the fiber under test.
IMPORTANT
You can turn off the unit without losing the reference.
If you disconnect the patchcord from the FASTEST port, you must
take a new reference.
6. Repeat the procedure with the second unit.
218
FTB-200

Performing the FASTEST

Although FASTEST requires two units (one at each end of the fiber under
test), you initiate it from only one (the master). Both units use FASTEST
settings from the master unit.
To perform a FASTEST:
Unit A (Master)
Unit B
1. If necessary, null the offsets (see

Nulling Electrical Offsets on page 196).
1. If necessary, null the offsets.
2. Clean your fibers properly (see

Cleaning and Connecting Optical
Fibers on page 186).
2. Clean your fibers properly.
3. Set up the FASTEST (see Setting Up the

FASTEST on page 212).
4. If you are testing ORL, perform an
ORL zero measurement from the ORL
Meter pane (see Performing ORL
Reference and Setting ORL Zero Value
on page 205).
3. If you are testing ORL, perform an

ORL zero measurement from the ORL
Meter pane.
5. Reference your unit (see Referencing

Units for FASTEST on page 214).
4. Reference your unit.
219

Unit A (Master)
Unit B
6. Connect reference patchcord to fiber

under test (as shown):
5. Connect reference patchcord to fiber

under test (as shown):
MULTITEST
MULTITEST
Reference
patchcord
Reference
patchcord
Bulkhead
adapter
FTB-3930
Fiber
under test
Bulkhead
adapter
FTB-3930
7. From the button bar, press FASTEST

(large green button).
The units establish communication and automated tests begin. Measurements
appear on both units as they are taken.
8. Add the displayed values to the
Tested fibers list if you want. If
automatic save was activated for one
or both units (see Customizing Your
MultiTest Module on page 183), results
are already added to the list.
8a. Change the displayed cable and
fiber names as needed.
8b. Press Add. The fiber name
increments automatically, ready
to save the next value.
220
FTB-200

Unit A (Master)
Unit B
If you are not satisfied with the results,

press FASTEST and redo the test.
For details about viewing FASTEST results, see Managing Test Results on
page 223.
Measured values
Calculated fiber length
Change name of
next added fiber
Add current value to

Tested fibers (to actually
save data, press Save on
function bar)
221
25 Managing Test Results

Viewing and Deleting Results
You can save all your results (FASTEST, power/loss and ORL) on your
Compact Modular Platform, along with references and date/time of tests.
You will save and recall this data according to cable names (or any
Windows file name).
IMPORTANT
The date and time of FASTEST references are not saved. They are
displayed with the results immediately after the test only.
Before or after saving the current file, you can view and edit results at any
time (as long as a result was added to a Tested fibers list).
223
Managing Test Results

Viewing and Deleting Results
To view and process test results:

From the MultiTest Module applications main window, select the Results
tab. The following functions are available when viewing results:
To mark fiber for

deletion
To modify job or cable

information
To select current
threshold group
IMPORTANT
The threshold group you select will remain associated with the file,
even if you change the default group. However, if you change
values in the selected group, they will apply to your results.
Note: For more accuracy, the loss average is always calculated from loss values
in W and then converted to dB.
224
FTB-200
Managing Test Results

Customizing Result Display
Customizing Result Display

You can customize the following elements:
Custom fields: sets the names of fields in the Edit Job Information
and Edit Cable Information dialog boxes. When you change the field
name, data in this field is kept.
You can also define default initial cable and fiber names. For details, see
Setting Autonaming Scheme on page 187.
To customize the display of results:
1. From the main window, press Setup, then select the Results tab.
From Edit Job
Information
From Edit Cable

Information
2. Set parameters and press OK.
225
26 Using a Light Source

Your unit may contain two source ports: a 2- or 3-wavelength singlemode
port and a 2-wavelength multimode port, depending on the configuration.
Source singlemode (SM) and

multimode (MM) ports
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
The source signal can be continuous (CW or high-power) or modulated

(270 Hz, 1 kHz or 2 kHz) and uses the FASTEST ports.
CW signal (the default): constant power over the temperature range,

but about 3 dB lower than maximum.
High-power signal: reaches maximum power, but its power slightly

varies over the temperature range.
WARNING
When a source is active, its port emits invisible laser radiation.
Avoid exposure and do not stare directly into the beam. Ensure that
any unused port is properly protected with a cap.
If you switch to power meter or ORL meter, a Source status pane is

always displayed.
When you switch sources, the modulation remains the same. It is

indicated in the data display.
Only one source/wavelength may be active at a time. The active port

(SM or MM) is indicated in the data display.
The source status is indicated with a LED in the status bar and on the
Compact Modular Platform front panel.
Note: The Compact Modular Platform front panel always shows the source, VFL,
ORL meter or talk set port status (even when you use other applications).
227
Using a Light Source
To activate a light source:

1. Connect the fiber under test to the source port (see Cleaning and
2. From the main window, select the Source/VFL tab (units with a VFL)
or the Source tab (units with no VFL).
Data display
Power button
Status LED
3. In the Source pane, select a wavelength using the Wavelength dial.

4. Slide the Power switch to On.
To deactivate a light source:
Slide the Power switch to Off.
To change the signal modulation:
1. Activate the source if you want.
2. Select a modulation using the Modulation dial.
228
FTB-200
27 Identifying Fiber Faults

Visually
The visual fault locator (VFL) helps you identify bends, faulty connectors,
splices and other causes of signal loss.
From its dedicated port, the VFL emits a red signal which becomes visible
at the location of a fault on the fiber. This signal can be continuous (CW,
the default) or blinking (1 Hz).
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
Visual fault locator (VFL) port
WARNING
When the VFL is active, the VFL port emits visible laser radiation.
Avoid exposure and do not stare directly into the beam. Ensure that
any unused port is properly protected with a cap.
If you switch to power meter or ORL meter, a VFL status pane is always
displayed.
The VFL status is indicated with a LED in the status bar and on the
Compact Modular Platform front panel.
229
Identifying Fiber Faults Visually
To activate the VFL and inspect a fiber:

1. Connect the fiber under test to the VFL port (see Cleaning and
2. From the main window, select the Source/VFL tab.
Data display
Power switch
Status LED
3. In the VFL pane, slide the Power switch to On.

4. To switch between blinking (1 Hz) and continuous (CW) signals, use
the Modulation dial.
5. Without looking directly into the beam, examine the fiber. If light is
coming out of the rubber jacket or on the side of the ferrule, the fiber is
defective.
6. Deactivate the VFL by sliding the Power switch to Off.
230
FTB-200
28 Communicating with Other

Users
Your MultiTest Module offers two ways to communicate:
text messages
voice (via the optional talk set)
Sending and Receiving Text Messages

To facilitate communication between opposite ends of a fiber (especially
on models with no talk set), you may send text messages to compatible
units (such as FOT-930, FTB-3930, FOT-920 or FTB-3920) through their
FASTEST ports.
It is possible to send a predefined message or to write one of your own
(maximum 30 characters). However, custom messages are not kept in
memory.
IMPORTANT
The messaging feature does not work with the talk set port.
The messaging feature will not work if both units try to send a
message at the same time.
You cannot use other features while sending or receiving a

message.
You cannot cancel the operation.
231
Communicating with Other Users

To send a text message:

1. Connect the units at each end of the same fiber via their FASTEST ports.
MULTITEST
FTB-3930
2. From the main window, select the Messages tab.
List of sent
and received
messages
232
FTB-200

3. Ensure that the port indicated (SM or MM) is the one you use.
Otherwise, do as follows:
3a. In the function bar, press Setup, then select the FASTEST tab.
3b. Change the FASTEST port, then return to the Messages pane.
4. Scroll through the Predefined messages list and select a message.
OR
Enter a custom message in the New message text box.
5. Press the Send button next to your type of message (predefined or
new).
After a few seconds, your message will automatically appear on the
receiving unit (if its MultiTest Module application runs) and on the Message
log pane. If an incompatible unit (or no unit) is detected at the other end,
or if the FASTEST port of the receiving unit is in use, an error message will
appear.
When you receive a message:
Your unit emits a short beep and displays the received message.
Press Close to clear the display and return to your previous function.
Press Reply to access the Messages tab and reply to the message. You
will then need to return to your previous function manually. However,
your last readings will be lost.
Note: If the message was written with a language not supported by your unit, you
will see unreadable characters only.
233

Communicating by Voice
With the optional talk set, you can establish full-duplex digital voice
communication over a dedicated fiber, even while other functions are in
use.
The talk set provides adjustable headset volume and uses a dedicated port.
It is not compatible with the FOT-920 or FTB-3920 talk sets.
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
Talk set port
Note: You may use any commercially available headset equipped with a
microphone. It is also compatible with the GP-92B speakerphone.
While communication is established, the actions and displays of each unit
may differ as follows:
234
You can send or receive a call at any time, except during a FASTEST. To
receive a call, you must be running the MultiTest Module application.
Once communication is established, it will be maintained even if you

use the units other test tools (including FASTEST).
If communication is lost, calling unit will automatically try to

reestablish communication.
FTB-200

To communicate between units:

Receiving Unit
Calling Unit
1. Connect the receiving unit to the

other end of the fiber via its talk set
port, and plug in your headset.
FTB-3930
MULTITEST
1. Connect the calling unit to one end of

the fiber via its talk set port, and plug
in your headset.
2. From the main window, select the

Messages tab.
235

Receiving Unit
Calling Unit
3. Press Talk. Your unit establishes

communication with receiving unit.
If no compatible unit is detected at
the other end, a message appears.
When receiving the call, the unit

beeps. A phone icon appears to
indicate that communication is
established.
4. Talk to the receiving unit.
2. Simply answer (no need to press a

key).
5. To end the communication, press

End from the Talk set pane.
3. To end the communication, press

End from the Talk set pane.
To adjust the headset volume (calling or receiving unit):

From the Talk set pane, move the Headset volume slider to the top
(volume increase) or to the bottom (volume decrease).
You cannot adjust or mute the ring sound.
236
FTB-200
29 Managing Data
You can copy, move, rename, delete files and folders directly on your unit.
You can transfer files from your unit to a USB memory drive, a
CompactFlash card or a computer. You can also transfer data from a
storage device or a computer to your unit.
Your unit is equipped with 2 types of USB ports:
USB host port (type A connector)

drives
to connect USB memory
USB secondary port (type B connector)

to transfer data directly
between your unit and a computer using a USB cable.
IMPORTANT
To avoid any problems and prevent malfunctioning, use only the
USB drives approved by EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc..
237
Managing Data
To view the free disk space on your unit:

1. From Main Menu, press System Info.
2. Select Platform. The free disk space is displayed next to Available
Flash items.
3. When you have finished, close System Information.

To manage files or folders on your unit only:
From Main Menu, select File Manager.
238
FTB-200
Managing Data
To transfer files or folders between your unit and a CompactFlash

card or a USB memory drive:
1. Insert the CompactFlash card into the card reader until it stops. Ensure
that the holes for the connector pins are towards the back of the card
reader and that you see the label with a small arrow on top.
CAUTION
Applying too much pressure on the card will cause irreparable
damage to the card.
OR
Connect the USB memory drive to the USB host port.
2. From Main Menu, select File Manager. The list of available drives and
folders should include the card (Storage Card) or the memory drive
(Removable Disk). You can now manage your files and folders as you
wish.
Note: If you do not see the card or the memory drive, simply close File Manager
and reopen it.
3. When you have finished, simply remove the card or the memory drive.
CAUTION
Always use the card readers eject button to remove the card from
your unit.
239
Managing Data
To transfer files or folders between your unit and a computer:
IMPORTANT
You must install Microsoft ActiveSync on the computer you want to
use with your unit. Otherwise, you will not be able to transfer data.
Before connecting your unit to a computer, you have to install the
required software on the computer. For more information on the
installation, refer to the Release Notes on the installation CD.
1. If it is not already done, install Microsoft ActiveSync. Follow the
instructions given on the screen.
2. Connect the provided USB cable to the computer (type A end) and
your unit (type B end).
Note: The computer and your unit do not need to be off when you connect the
cable.
240
FTB-200
Managing Data
3. Once ActiveSync indicates that the computer and your unit are
connected, right-click the ActiveSync icon then select Explore to
access the files and folders stored on your unit.
OR
On the computer desktop, double-click My Computer. Double-click
Mobile Device to access the files and folders stored on your
unit.
You can now manage your files and folders as you wish.
4. When you have finished, simply disconnect the USB cable.
241
30 Testing Network Connections

The two most common basic tests widely used in networking are the
ping test and the trace route test. With these tests, you can ensure that IP
packets travel as expected from a local host to a remote host and vice
versa.
Performing a Ping Test

The ping test is a basic test that measures the average time it takes for a
packet to reach the remote host. With this test, you can quickly verify that
the remote host functions properly.
The ping test has six common parameters:
The URL (IP address)
The number of packets to send
The packet size
The maximum time allowed for a packet to reach the remote host
The maximum number of hops allowed for reaching the remote host
(TTL)
A flag to indicate whether a packet can be fragmented.
When the test is complete, you can export the results. You can later import
the generated text file (tab-delimited) directly into Microsoft Excel.
243
Testing Network Connections

To perform a ping test:

1. From ToolBox CE, select the Programs tab, then select
IP Testing Tools.
2. From IP Testing Tools, select the Ping tab.
244
FTB-200

3. Enter an URL or an IP address to reach. You can press the Default

button to use the unit's default ping address. The default value cannot
be configured.
4. Set the parameters:
Packet size
Number of packets to send
Timeout limit
TTL limit
Clear the Allow fragmentation check box if you prefer sending

complete packets to the host.
5. Press the Start button.

You can stop a ping test at any time by pressing the Stop button.
245

Performing a Trace Route Test

The trace route test is used to evaluate the average number of nodes that
are required to reach the final host. It is often use to troubleshoot networks
(identify routing problems or accesses blocked by firewalls).
This trace route test utility enables you to:
Enter a remote host address.
Set the maximum time allowed for a packet to reach the remote host.
Set the maximum number of hops allowed for reaching the remote
host (TTL).
Choose whether to resolve DNS for the IP address or not.
When the test is complete, you can export the results. You can later import
the generated text file (tab-delimited) directly into Microsoft Excel.
246
FTB-200

To perform a Trace Route test:

1. From IP Testing Tools, select the Trace Route tab.
2. Enter an URL or an IP address to reach. You can press the Default
button to use the unit's default trace route address. The default value
cannot be configured.
3. Set the other parameters:
Timeout limit
TTL limit
Select or clear the Resolve IP addresses check box if you want to

get the host name for the corresponding IP address of nodes.
4. Press the Start button.

You can stop a trace route test at any time by pressing the Stop button.
247

Exporting the Results
Exporting the Results

When a test is complete, you can export the results of the current test page.
If you want to keep your results for future use, you must export them
because result files cannot be opened directly from your unit.
Results are sent to a text file. Fields are separated by the TAB character to
simplify the importation into a Microsoft Excel worksheet.
By default, the application suggests a file name:
For ping test:

Ping for [URL] on [YEAR]_[MONTH]_[DAY].txt
For trace route test:

Trace Route for [URL] on [YEAR]_[MONTH]_[DAY].txt
Where:
[URL] is the entered URL or IP address,
[YEAR] is the year of the test,
[MONTH] is the month of the test,
[DAY] is the day of the test.
Example:
For a ping test at www.yoursite.org made on January 3rd, 2006, the
suggested filename would be:
Ping for www.yoursite.org on 2006_01_03.txt
To export results:
Press the Export button. If necessary, modify the suggested file name.
248
FTB-200
31 Maintenance
To help ensure long, trouble-free operation:
Always clean fiber-optic connectors before using them.
Keep the unit free of dust.
Clean the unit casing and front panel with a cloth slightly dampened
with water.
Store unit at room temperature in a clean and dry area. Keep the unit
out of direct sunlight.
Avoid high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations.
Avoid unnecessary shocks and vibrations.
If any liquids are spilled on or into the unit, turn off the power
immediately and let the unit dry completely.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments and procedures for operation and
maintenance other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
249
Maintenance
Cleaning EUI Connectors

Regular cleaning of EUI connectors will help maintain optimum
performance. There is no need to disassemble the unit.
IMPORTANT
If any damage occurs to internal connectors, the module casing will
have to be opened and a new calibration will be required.
To clean EUI connectors:
1. Remove the EUI from the instrument to expose the connector
baseplate and ferrule.
Turn
Pull
Push
2. Moisten a 2.5 mm cleaning tip provided by EXFO with one drop of

isopropyl alcohol (alcohol may leave traces if used abundantly).
3. Slowly insert the cleaning tip into the EUI adapter until it comes out on
the other side (a slow clockwise rotating movement may help).
3
5
250
FTB-200
Maintenance
4. Gently turn the cleaning tip one full turn, then continue to turn as you
withdraw it.
5. Repeat steps 3 to 4 with a dry cleaning tip.
Note: Make sure you dont touch the soft end of the cleaning tip.
6. Clean the ferrule in the connector port as follows:
6a. Deposit one drop of isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free wiping cloth.
IMPORTANT
Isopropyl alcohol may leave residues if used abundantly or left to
evaporate (about 10 seconds).
Avoid contact between the tip of the bottle and the wiping cloth,
and dry the surface quickly.
6b. Gently wipe the connector and ferrule.
6c. With a dry lint-free wiping cloth, gently wipe the same surfaces to
ensure that the connector and ferrule are perfectly dry.
6d. Verify connector surface with a portable fiber-optic microscope
(e.g., EXFOs FOMS) or fiber inspection probe (e.g., EXFOs FIP).
WARNING
Verifying the surface of the connector WHILE THE UNIT IS ACTIVE
WILL result in permanent eye damage.
7. Put the EUI back onto the instrument (push and turn clockwise).
8. Throw out cleaning tips and wiping cloths after one use.
251
Maintenance
Cleaning Detector Ports
Cleaning Detector Ports

Regular cleaning of detectors will help maintain measurement accuracy.
IMPORTANT
Always cover detectors with protective caps when unit is not in use.
To clean detector ports:
1. Remove the protective cap and adapter (FOA) from the detector.
2. If the detector is dusty, blow dry with compressed air.
3. Being careful not to touch the soft end of the swab, moisten a supplied
cleaning tip with only one drop of isopropyl alcohol.
IMPORTANT
Alcohol may leave traces if used abundantly. Do not use bottles
that distribute too much alcohol at a time.
4. While applying light pressure (to avoid breaking the detector window),
gently rotate the cleaning tip on the detector window.
5. Repeat step 4 with a dry cleaning tip or blow dry with compressed air.
6. Discard the cleaning tips after one use.
252
FTB-200
Maintenance
Recharging the Main Battery

The main Lithium-Ion battery will last about 8 hours in normal operation.
The clock battery is recharged automatically along with the main battery.
In ToolBox CE, the charge status is shown above Main Menu.
The unit also indicates the charge status with LED on its front panel
(see LED Panel Description on page 4):
Status LED
Battery Charge Status
Green
Fully charged
Green, flashing
Charging
Yellow
Low
Red
Error
253
Maintenance
IMPORTANT
Batteries are not charged at the factory. Fully charge them

(about 3 hours) before using the unit for the first time.
The time required to charge batteries depends on various

factors such as the type of modules currently in use and the
ambient temperature.
Never store at temperatures above 60 C (140 F).
Charge only with specified charger.
Depending on the way the unit is used, after a while, the charge
status icon may no longer correspond to the actual power level
of the battery (e.g., icon indicates that power level is sufficient,
but unit turns off because battery is too weak). A complete
calibration cycle will be necessary (see Recalibrating the Battery
on page 255).
To recharge the main battery:

Connect the unit to a power outlet using the AC adapter/charger. The
charge cycle will start and end automatically.
254
FTB-200
Maintenance
Recalibrating the Battery

Depending on the way the unit is used, after a while, the charge status icon
may no longer correspond to the actual power level of the battery
(e.g., icon indicates that power level is sufficient, but unit turns off because
battery is too weak). A complete calibration cycle will be necessary.
You can perform a recalibration with the battery calibration utility:
The utility will charge the battery until it is full.
It will then discharge the battery completely.
You will have to let the battery recharge completely.
The whole calibration process can take several hours. You can stop the
process at any time, but the battery will still need calibration.
When a calibration step is underway, the LED preceding the step name
appears in yellow. When a step is complete, the LED turns to green.
255
Maintenance
To recalibrate the batteries:

1. From ToolBox CE, select File Manager, then select
Program Files>Metrino>MiniShell>BatteryCalibration. Select
Metrino.BatteryCalibration.Application to start the utility.
256
FTB-200
Maintenance
2. Connect the AC adapter/charger to your unit.

3. Press the Start Calibration button (the Stop Calibration button will
become available). Once calibration is complete, the Start Calibration
button will become available again.
257
Maintenance
Replacing Battery
Replacing Battery
WARNING
Do not throw battery into fire or water and do not short-circuit the
batterys electrical contacts. Do not disassemble.
To replace the main battery:
1. Turn off the unit. If you let the unit in suspend mode (see Turning On or
Off the Unit on page 25), you will have to change the main battery
within 15 minutes. Otherwise, the unit will not be able to revert to your
exact work environment (equivalent of a shutdown).
2. Open the battery compartment door located on the top of the unit
(simply turn the cap counterclockwise and pull it away).
3. Replace battery.
4. Close the battery compartment door.
Note: You cannot replace the clock battery yourself.
258
FTB-200
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
Verifying Your OTDR

You can perform several tests to ensure your OTDR operates within
specifications.
Deviation is measured to determine if the OTDR needs recalibration.
Setting your OTDR to zero can only be done at EXFO. However, you can
test your OTDR to verify the accuracy of its measurement origin.
To measure the deviation:
1. Connect at least 2 km of fiber to the OTDR output port.
2. Set the distance range at 2.5 km and acquisition time at 180 seconds.
3. Measure the deviation between a 10 ns pulse and a 30 ns pulse for
each laser.
30 ns
10 ns
The deviation () should be between 2.0 dB and 3.0 dB. The deviation must
be measured in the linear backscatter region. Do not measure the
deviation near distinct reflections.
Performance will be affected if the observed deviation is beyond these
limits. The OTDR will eventually require a factory calibration.
Note: This does not affect the precision of distance or loss measurements.
259
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
To evaluate the launch level:

1. Connect at least 2 km of fiber to the OTDR port.
Ensure that the OTDR port and connectors are properly cleaned
and that the fiber settings are accurate (IOR, Helix factor and RBS).
Do not use a test jumper between the OTDR and the fiber under
test to limit the number of connectors.
2. Set the distance range to the fiber length used for the evaluation, the
pulse width to the shortest value available, and the acquisition time to
15 seconds.
3. Evaluate the launch level at 0 km by extrapolating the linear region of
the curve.
The launch level should be located within the launch window (light green
rectangle) appearing on the left side of the Y axis on the graph. If the
launch level is below this window, clean the output connector again, retest
the fiber and change the output connector if necessary. If the situation
persists, you will observe a degradation in dynamic range. Return the
OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of distance or loss measurements.
260
FTB-200
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
To verify the OTDRs zero:

1. Connect a patchcord, approximately 10 m long, to the OTDR port. The
exact length of the jumper must have been measured mechanically.
Ideally, you should use an unjacketed patchcord.
Ensure that the OTDR port and connectors are correctly cleaned.
Ensure that the fiber settings are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
2. Set the distance range to less than 2 km, the pulse width to 10 ns and
the acquisition time to 30 s.
3. Take a distance measurement, positioning marker A as shown below.
Note: You can also press the Analyze button from the Event pane. The analysis
should return the right position directly.
The position of the marker should be equal to the length of the jumper
( 2 m). For example, 8 to 12 m if the jumper is 10 m long.
If the distance error is beyond this limit, return the OTDR to EXFO.
261
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
To measure the event and attenuation dead zones:

1. Connect 2 km of fiber directly to the OTDR port. Use the shortest pulse
width and distance range possible.
Ensure that the fiber settings are accurate (IOR, Helix factor
and RBS).
2. Measure the length (E) of the first reflection at 1.5 dB from the
maximum, as shown below. This is the event dead zone.
3. Measure the distance (A) between the beginning of the reflection and
the point where the trace returns to the backscattering level with a
0.5 dB uncertainty, as shown below. Use A and B markers in the
Measure pane. This is the attenuation dead zone.
1.5 dB
0.5 dB
E
A
If the results exceed the maximum permitted specification (refer to the

calibration certificate that came with your product), performance will be
affected. A damaged output connector may be the cause.
The reflectance of the output connector should be below 35 dB to attain
an adequate dead zone. If reflectance is greater than 35 dB (e.g., 20), the
incorrect dead zone will be the result of a bad connection. If this is the
case, carefully clean the connector. If the problem persists, change the
output connector. If the problem remains even after changing the output
connector, return the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of the distance or loss measurements.
262
FTB-200
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
To measure the dynamic range:

1. Connect the OTDR as indicated below. Other configurations are
possible, such as the one explained in the section on how to determine
measurement range, if you use the shortest fiber length from that
setup. In all cases, the fiber should have several sections longer than
2 km, with no loss greater than 8 dB and with an average attenuation
not exceeding 1 dB/km.
Ensure the OTDR port and connectors are correctly cleaned, and that
the fiber settings are accurate (IOR, Helix factor and RBS).
OTDR
2km or more
2km or more
1 to M reels of fiber
Fiber End
( Add as needed )
263
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
2. Set the distance range to 160 km (singlemode fiber), the pulse width to
the longest value available and the acquisition time to 180 seconds.
1 dB
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is the difference between the launch level and the position
on the curve where the peak-to-peak noise level is 1 dB, plus a correction
factor relative to the noise amplitude (which is 5.2 dB).
If the result falls below the minimum permitted specification (refer to the
calibration certificate that came with your product), you will observe a
degradation of performance. It could be caused by a damaged output
connector. If this is the case, clean the connector. If the problem persists,
change the output connector. If the problem remains even after changing
the output connector, return the OTDR to EXFO.
Note: This does not affect the precision of the distance or loss measurements.
264
FTB-200
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
To determine the measurement range (singlemode models only):

1. Connect the OTDR as indicated below. Other configurations are
possible, but the fiber should have several sections longer than 2 km,
with no loss greater than 8 dB and with the average attenuation not
exceeding 1 dB/km. A variable attenuator will be used to adjust the loss
in the span.
One or several non-reflective events with a nominal loss of 0.5 dB
should be present. Join a series of fiber reels between the OTDR and
the variable attenuator for a length of approximately 20 km. Join
another series of reels to complete the fiber length needed for the test.
Make sure the fiber settings are accurate (IOR, Helix factor and
RBS).
Measured
Fiber Event
20 km
OTDR
2 km or more
2 km or more
1 to M reels of fiber
Variable attenuator
4 km min
Fiber End
( Add as needed )
265
Maintenance
Verifying Your OTDR
2. Set the distance range to 80 km (singlemode fiber), the pulse width to

the longest value available and the acquisition time to 180 seconds.
The measurement range using the non-reflective event method represents

the amount of attenuation (in dB) between the launch level and a 0.5 dB
splice (which can be detected and measured to an accuracy of 0.1 dB).
You can measure it by simply making an acquisition on a fiber with a
known attenuation and a known 0.5 dB splice. Attenuation between the
splice and the launch level is added until the analysis can no longer
measure the splice to within 0.1 dB.
266
FTB-200
Maintenance
Recalibrating the Unit
Recalibrating the Unit

Manufacturing and service center calibrations are based on the
ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, which states that calibration documents must not
contain a recommended calibration interval, unless this has been
previously agreed upon with the customer.
Validity of specifications depends on operating conditions. For example,
the calibration validity period can be longer or shorter depending on the
intensity of use, environmental conditions and unit maintenance. You
should determine the adequate calibration interval for your unit according
to your accuracy requirements.
For FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform: under normal use, EXFO

Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. recommends calibrating your
Compact Modular Platform every year
OTDR module every year
MultiTest module every three years.
267
Maintenance
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only)
Recycling and Disposal

(Applies to European Union Only)
Recycle or dispose of your product (including electric and
electronic accessories) properly, in accordance with local
regulations. Do not dispose of it in ordinary garbage receptacles.
This equipment was sold after August 13, 2005 (as identified by
the black rectangle).
Unless otherwise noted in a separate agreement between EXFO and a

customer, distributor or commercial partner, EXFO will cover costs
related to the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of
end-of-lifecycle waste generated by electronic equipment introduced
after August 13, 2005 to an European Union member state with
legislation regarding Directive 2002/96/EC.
Except for reasons of safety or environmental benefit, equipment

manufactured by EXFO, under its brand name, is generally designed to
facilitate dismantling and reclamation.
For complete recycling/disposal procedures and contact information, visit

the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com/recycle.
268
FTB-200
32 Troubleshooting
Solving Common Problems
Problem
Cause
Unit does not power up. Battery is discharged.
Solution
Charge the battery.
Replace the battery with a fully
charged one.
Connect the unit to an external
power supply using the AC

adapter/charger.
Unit is not connected

to an external power
supply.
Connect the unit to an external power

supply using the AC adapter/charger.
External power supply Make sure the external power supply

is unplugged.
is plugged in at both ends.
Unit screen
is dark.
Battery door is not in

place or is defective.
Replace the battery door properly.
Units backlight is off.
Press the backlight button.
Battery is discharged
and unit has shut
down.
Charge the battery.

Replace the battery with a fully
charged one.
Connect the unit to an external
power supply using the AC

adapter/charger.
External keyboard is not External keyboard has Unplug the keyboard and then
working.
not been detected.
plug it again.
Turn off the unit, plug in the
keyboard, and turn on the unit.
Screen characters are

dim.
Brightness is not set

properly.
Adjust brightness.
269
Troubleshooting
Solving Common Problems
Problem
Cause
Solution
One of the application is

not responding.
Press
Impossible to calibrate Screen calibration is

the touchscreen via the very poor.
Stylus control panel.
Press
and hold it down until the
unit beeps twice or the corresponding

LED turns to red to shutdown the unit,
then turn it on again to reset it.
and hold it down until the
unit beeps twice or the

corresponding LED turns to red to
shutdown the unit.
Press simultaneously
and
to display the calibration window.
Units operating time is

reduced.
Battery is probably
worn out.
Replace the battery.
Battery was not fully

charged.
Charge the battery.

Perform a complete battery
calibration cyclea.
Battery indicator
remains low after a full
charge.
a.
270
Battery is not
completely charged.
Perform a complete battery

calibration cyclea.
A complete battery calibration cycle consists of a full charge, immediately followed by a full discharge,
then followed by a full charge.
FTB-200
Troubleshooting
OTDR
OTDR
Problem
Cause
Solution
The application displays The fiber under test is Ensure that the fiber under test is
too long.
shorter than the maximum length the
a message indicating
OTDR can measure.
that a Non-resolved
fiber end event has
been found.
In multimode fiber
testing, launch level
remains out of the
launch window (light
green rectangle) even
after cleaning and
verifying connection.
Wrong fiber type

selected.
If you are testing C fiber, from the
Auto or Advanced main window,

select MM 50 m.
If you are testing D fiber, from the
Auto or Advanced main window,

select MM 62.5 m.
271
Troubleshooting
MultiTest
MultiTest
Problem
Possible Cause
Light reaches at least one

During offset nulling, you
get the following message: detector (power meter or
FASTEST).
Light detected during
nulling.
When using the power

meter, you get Power Too
Low or Power Too High.
Solution
Ensure protective caps are

tightly screwed on FASTEST
and power meter ports and
perform the nulling again.
Do not use rubber cover.
Power of the signal

received at the power
meter port is outside its
measurement range.
Check the connections.

Ensure you use the proper
fiber and connector type and
that you use your power
meter within specifications.
When measuring ORL, you Measured reflected power

get Too Much Power.
is higher than emitted
power. The ORL reference
is incorrect.
Always perform ORL

reference before each ORL
measurement.
When measuring ORL, you Reflection is below

get ORL exceeds.
sensitivity of ORL meter.
Perform an ORL zero

measurement to increase the
sensitivity of the detector.
Ensure mandrel is correct and
that patchcord and
connectors are in good
condition.
272
FTB-200
Troubleshooting
MultiTest
Problem
Possible Cause
Unable to establish FASTEST Remote units FASTEST

communication.
port is in use.
Remote unit is not
compatible.
Solution
Wait until FASTEST
completes, turn source

and ORL meter off or exit
Probe mode (FOT-930).
Make sure remote unit is
an FOT-930, FTB-3930,
Selected port on master Set the port (SM or MM)
unit differs from actual

port to which fiber is
connected.
Compatibility set to
FOT-930 / FTB-3930
but remote unit is not
an FOT-930 or
FTB-3930.
During FASTEST, you get a
message saying that
loopback reference was
not performed.
ORL values are inaccurate
for short fibers at 1310 nm
during a FASTEST.
correctly in Setup
(FASTEST tab) on master
unit.
Set the compatibility to
FOT-920 / FTB-3920 in
Setup (FasTesT tab) on
master unit.
Loopback reference was

Perform a loopback reference
selected, but not performed before FASTEST measurement.
(or reference is outdated).
Measure ORL manually.
Unable to communicate
with an FOT-920 using the
talk set.
Talk sets of the FOT-920

and FOT-930/FTB-3930 are
not compatible.
Unable to establish
connection with
compatible talk set.
Probe mode is activated on Deactivate Probe mode.

remote unit (FOT-930 only).
Use text messaging instead.
273
Troubleshooting
MultiTest
Problem
Unable to send a text

message.
Possible Cause
Solution
Selected port differs
On the sending unit, set
Receiving units port is
Wait until FASTEST
Remote unit is not
Make sure remote unit is
from actual port to

which fiber is
connected.
in use.
compatible.
the correct port (SM or

MM) in Setup (FASTEST
tab).
completes, turn source

and ORL meter off or exit
Probe mode (FOT-930).
an FOT-930, FTB-3930,
On Results tab, a box

The application is unable to Perform the measurements
indicates Invld instead of calculate the FASTEST ORL again.
a numerical value.
value (e.g., at 1310 nm for
short fibers).
On Results tab, a box
The calculated value makes Perform the measurements
indicates - - - - instead of no sense (e.g., negative
again. Note that the
a numerical value.
ORL value).
calculated value is usually
shown on the printed report.
When printing a report,
The Fiber ID column is too Rename fiber IDs that have a
long name.
rightmost columns are not wide. The width of this
printed.
column is determined with
the widest name.
When saving data in text
formats, some ORL values
are higher than the
indicated sensitivity.
274
Saved text files containing

symbols such as > may
not open properly in some
applications.
The actual measured value is

used instead, even if it is not
accurate.
FTB-200
Troubleshooting
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site
Finding Information on the EXFO Web Site

The EXFO Web site provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
regarding the use of your FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform.
To access FAQs:
1. Type http://www.exfo.com in your Internet browser.
2. Click on the Support tab.
3. Click on FAQs and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be given
a list of questions pertaining to your subject.
The EXFO Web site also provides the products most recent technical
specifications.
275
Troubleshooting
Contacting the Technical Support Group
Contacting the Technical Support Group

To obtain after-sales service or technical support for this product, contact
EXFO at one of the following numbers. The Technical Support Group is
available to take your calls from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(Eastern Time in North America).
Technical Support Group
400 Godin Avenue
Quebec (Quebec) G1M 2K2
CANADA
1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)

Tel.: 1 418 683-5498
Fax: 1 418 683-9224
support@exfo.com
To accelerate the process, please have information such as the name and
the serial number (see the product identification label), as well as a
description of your problem, close at hand.
Transportation
Maintain a temperature range within specifications when transporting the
unit. Transportation damage can occur from improper handling. The
following steps are recommended to minimize the possibility of damage:
276
Pack the unit in its original packing material when shipping.
Avoid high humidity or large temperature fluctuations.
Keep the unit out of direct sunlight.
Avoid unnecessary shock and vibration.
FTB-200
33 Warranty
General Information
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (EXFO) warrants this equipment
against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year
(FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform and OTDR module) and of three
years (MultiTest module) from the date of original shipment. EXFO also
warrants that this equipment will meet applicable specifications under
normal use.
During the warranty period, EXFO will, at its discretion, repair, replace,
or issue credit for any defective product, as well as verify and adjust the
product free of charge should the equipment need to be repaired or if the
original calibration is erroneous. If the equipment is sent back for
verification of calibration during the warranty period and found to meet all
published specifications, EXFO will charge standard calibration fees.
IMPORTANT
The warranty can become null and void if:
unit has been tampered with, repaired, or worked upon by

unauthorized individuals or non-EXFO personnel.
warranty sticker has been removed.
case screws, other than those specified in this guide, have been
removed.
case has been opened, other than as explained in this guide.
unit serial number has been altered, erased, or removed.
unit has been misused, neglected, or damaged by accident.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED,

IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXFO BE LIABLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
277
Warranty
Liability
Liability
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from the use of the product,
nor shall be responsible for any failure in the performance of other items to
which the product is connected or the operation of any system of which
the product may be a part.
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from improper usage or
unauthorized modification of the product, its accompanying accessories
and software.
Exclusions
EXFO reserves the right to make changes in the design or construction of
any of its products at any time without incurring obligation to make any
changes whatsoever on units purchased. Accessories, including but not
limited to fuses, pilot lamps, batteries and universal interfaces (EUI) used
with EXFO products are not covered by this warranty.
This warranty excludes failure resulting from: improper use or installation,
normal wear and tear, accident, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or
other acts of nature, causes external to the product or other factors beyond
EXFOs control.
IMPORTANT
EXFO will charge a fee for replacing optical connectors that were
damaged due to misuse or bad cleaning.
Certification
EXFO certifies that this equipment met its published specifications at the
time of shipment from the factory.
278
FTB-200
Warranty
Service and Repairs
Service and Repairs

EXFO commits to providing product service and repair for five years
following the date of purchase.
To send any equipment for service or repair:
1. Call one of EXFOs authorized service centers (see EXFO Service
Centers Worldwide on page 280). Support personnel will determine if
the equipment requires service, repair, or calibration.
2. If equipment must be returned to EXFO or an authorized service
center, support personnel will issue a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number and provide an address for return.
3. If possible, back up your data before sending the unit for repair.
4. Pack the equipment in its original shipping material. Be sure to include
a statement or report fully detailing the defect and the conditions under
which it was observed.
5. Return the equipment, prepaid, to the address given to you by support
personnel. Be sure to write the RMA number on the shipping slip. EXFO
will refuse and return any package that does not bear an RMA number.
Note: A test setup fee will apply to any returned unit that, after test, is found to
meet the applicable specifications.
After repair, the equipment will be returned with a repair report. If the
equipment is not under warranty, you will be invoiced for the cost
appearing on this report. EXFO will pay return-to-customer shipping costs
for equipment under warranty. Shipping insurance is at your expense.
Routine recalibration is not included in any of the warranty plans. Since
calibrations/verifications are not covered by the basic or extended
warranties, you may elect to purchase FlexCare Calibration/Verification
Packages for a definite period of time. Contact an authorized service center
(see EXFO Service Centers Worldwide on page 280).
279
Warranty
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide

If your product requires servicing, contact your nearest authorized service
center.
EXFO Headquarters Service Center
400 Godin Avenue
Quebec (Quebec) G1M 2K2
CANADA
280
1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)

Tel.: 1 418 683-5498
Fax: 1 418 683-9224
quebec.service@exfo.com
EXFO Europe Service Center

Le Dynasteur
10/12, rue Andras Beck
92366 Meudon la Fort Cedex
FRANCE
Tel.: +33.1.40.83.85.85
Fax: +33.1.40.83.04.42
europe.service@exfo.com
EXFO China Service Center/

Beijing OSIC
Beijing New Century Hotel
Office Tower, Room 1754-1755
No. 6 Southern Capital Gym Road
Beijing 100044
P. R. CHINA
Tel.: +86 (10) 6849 2738

Fax: +86 (10) 6849 2662
beijing.service@exfo.com
FTB-200
Technical Specifications
IMPORTANT
The following technical specifications can change without notice.
The information presented in this section is provided as a reference
only. To obtain this products most recent technical specifications,
visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com.
FTB-200 Compact Modular Platform

Display
Interfaces
Touchscreen, color, 640 x 480 TFT 163 mm (6.4 in)

USB A main
USB B remote
RJ-45 LAN 10/100 Mb/s
Compact Flash
Fiber inspection probe connector port (video)
Internal 80 MB (Flash)
USB sticks 1 GB and 2 GB (optional)
Compact Flash cards (optional)
Rechargeable Li-Ion
8 h of operation as per Bellcore TR-NWT-001138
AC/DC adapter, input 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 2 A max, output: 24 VDC, 90 watts
Storage
Batteries 2
Power Supply
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Temperature
Operating
Storage 3
Relative humidity
Size (H x W x D)
Weight
Vibration
Mechanical shock
5 C to 50 C
(23 F to 122 F)
40 C to 70 C
(40 F to 158 F)
322 mm x 197 mm x 109 mm
(12 11/16 in x 7 3/4 in x 4 5/16 in)
2.5 kg
(5.4 lb)
< 1.5 g at 10 Hz to 500 Hz (on three main axes)
< 760 mm on six sides and eight main edges (according to GR-196-CORE)
ACCESSORIES
FP1
FP5
GP-10-069
GP-302
GP-308
GP-2001
GP-2011
GP-2012
GP-2013
GP-2014
FP1 200X Fiber Inspection Probe

FP5 400X Fiber Inspection Probe
Semi-rigid FTB-200 carrying case
USB mouse
DC car adapter/inverter
USB keyboard
Compact Flash Ethernet WiFi card
Compact Flash Bluetooth card
Compact Flash RS-232 card
Compact Flash memory 1 GB card
GP-2015
GP-2016
GP-2017
GP-2019
GP-2020
GP-2021
GP-2023
GP-2024
GP-2025
GP-2027 (A-E-I-J-S-U)
Compact Flash memory 2 GB card

10 feet RJ-45 LAN cable
Spare FTB-200 battery
USB micro drive 1 GB
USB micro drive 2 GB
Spare AC charger FTB-200
Spare neck strap
Spare belt strap
Spare battery door
Portable printer. Specify: A-North America, E-Europe, I-India,
J-Japan, S-Australia and New-Zealand, U-United-Kingdom
PM-200 Built-in Power Meter Specifications 4

Calibrated wavelengths (nm)
Power range (dBm)
Uncertainty (%) 5
Display resolution (dB)
InGaAs
GeX
Automatic offset nulling range 6

Tone detection (Hz)
850, 1300, 1310, 1490, 1550, 1625, 1650

10 to 86 (InGaAs)
26 to 64 (GeX)
5 % 3 pW (InGaAs)
5 % 0.4 nW (GeX)
0.01 = max to 76 dBm
0.1 = 76 dBm to 86 dBm
1 = 86 dBm to min
0.01 = max to 54 dBm
0.1 = 54 dBm to 64 dBm
1 = 64 dBm to min
Max to 63 dBm for InGaAs
Max to 40 dBm for GeX
270/1000/2000
Notes
1. All specifications valid at 23 C (73 F).
2. Standard recharge time is 3 h. Recharge temperature: 0 C to 35 C (32 F to 95 F).
3. Not including internal batteries. Battery maximum storage temperature 60 C (140 F).
4. At 23 C 1 C, 1550 nm and FC connector. With modules in idle mode. Battery operated.

5. Up to 5 dBm
6. For 0.05 dB, from 18 C to 28 C
281
OTDR
OTDR
All specifications below apply to the FTB-7200D-12CD-23B multimode (MM)/singlemode (SM) model and the FTB-7200D-12CD multimode-only version.
Model
Wavelength (nm)
Dynamic range2, 3 (dB)
Event dead zone4 (m)
Attenuation dead zone4 (m)
FTB-7200D-12CD-23B/FTB-7200D-12CD
850 20/1300 20
1310 20/1550 20
27/26
37/35
1/1
1/1
3/4
4.5/5
Distance range (km)
Multimode: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.3, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40

Singlemode: 1.3, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260
Multimode: 5, 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000
Singlemode: 5, 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000, 2500, 10 000, 20 000
Class CPR 1 or 2
0.03
0.01
0.001
Multimode: 0.04 to 2.5
Singlemode: 0.04 to 5
Up to 128 000
(0.75 + 0.0025 % x distance)
User-defined (60 min maximum)
Guaranteed: ) 0.4
1.5 (1300 nm), 7 (1550 nm)
Laser, 650 nm 10 nm
CW, typical Pout in 62.5/125 m: 3 dBm (2 mW)
Pulse width (ns)

Launch conditions5
Linearity (dB/dB)
Loss threshold (dB)
Loss resolution (dB)
Sampling resolution (m)
Sampling points
Distance uncertainty6 (m)
Measurement time
Real-time refresh (s)
Stable source output power7 (dBm)
Visual fault locator (optional)
282
Notes
1. All specifications valid at 23 C 2 C (73.4 F 3.6 F) with an FC/PC connector, unless otherwise specified.
2. Typical dynamic range with longest pulse and three-minute averaging at SNR = 1.
3. Multimode dynamic range is specified for 62.5 m fiber; a 3 dB reduction is seen when testing 50 m fiber.
4. Typical dead zone for multimode reflectance below 35 dB and singlemode reflectance below 45 dB,
using a 5 ns pulse.
5. Controlled launch conditions allow 50 m and 62.5 m multimode fiber testing.
6. Does not include uncertainty due to fiber index and sampling resolution.
7. Typical output power is given at 1300 nm for multimode output and 1550 nm for singlemode output.
FTB-200
OTDR
All specifications below apply to the FTB-7200D-12CD-23B multimode (MM)/singlemode (SM) model and the FTB-7200D-12CD multimode-only version.
Model
Wavelength (nm)
Dynamic range2, 3 (dB)
FTB-7200D-12CD-23B/FTB-7200D-12CD 850 20/1300 20
27/26
1310 20/1550 20
37/35
Distance range (km)
Multimode: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.3, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40
Singlemode: 1.3, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260
Pulse width (ns)
Multimode: 5, 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000
Singlemode: 5, 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000, 2500, 10 000, 20 000
5
Launch conditions
Class CPR 1 or 2
Linearity (dB/dB)
0.03
Loss threshold (dB)
0.01
0.001
Multimode: 0.04 to 2.5
Singlemode: 0.04 to 5
Sampling points
Up to 128 000
(0.75 + 0.0025 % x distance)
Measurement time
Guaranteed: ) 0.4
1.5 (1300 nm), 7 (1550 nm)
Laser, 650 nm 10 nm
Event dead zone4 (m)

Attenuation dead zone4 (m)
1/1
3/4
1/1
4.5/5
Notes
1. All specifications valid at 23 C 2 C (73.4 F 3.6 F) with an
FC/PC connector, unless otherwise specified.
2. Typical dynamic range with longest pulse and three-minute averaging
at SNR = 1.
3. Multimode dynamic range is specified for 62.5 m fiber; a 3 dB reduction
is seen when testing 50 m fiber.
4. Typical dead zone for multimode reflectance below 35 dB and
singlemode reflectance below 45 dB, using a 5 ns pulse.
5. Controlled launch conditions allow 50 m and 62.5 m multimode
fiber testing.
7. Typical output power is given at 1300 nm for multimode output and
1550 nm for singlemode output.
Singlemode OTDR Module Specifications8

Model
Wavelength
Dynamic
(nm)
range at 10 s9 (dB)
FTB-7200D-XXX
1310 20/1550 20
35/34
FTB-7300D-XXX
1310 20/1490 10/1550 20/1625 10
38/34/37/35
FTB-74XXB-B
1310 20/1410 10/1550 20/1625 10
40/37/4012/38
FTB-74234C
1310 20/1550 20/1625 10
41/40/38
FTB-75XXB-B11
1310 20/1550 20/1625 10
43.5/43.513/41.5
FTB-7503B-B-ER11
1550 20
44
For complete details on all available configurations, refer to the Ordering Information
Dynamic
range at 20 s9 (dB)
37/35
39/35/38/36
41.5/38.5/40.512/39
42.5/41.5/39.5
45/4513/43
45.5
section.
Event
dead zone10 (m)
1/1
1/1/1/1
3/3/3/3
3/3/3
3/3/3
3
Attenuation
dead zone10 (m)
4.5/5
4.5/5.5/5/5
10/10/15/16
8/10/10
10/15/16
15
General Specifications
Distance range (km)
Pulse width (ns)
Linearity (dB/dB)
Loss threshold (dB)
Sampling points
Measurement time
7200D/7300D series
1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260
5, 10, 30, 100, 275, 1000, 2500,
10 000, 20 000
0.03
0.01
0.001
0.04 to 5
Up to 128 000
(0.75 + 0.0025 % x distance)
Guaranteed: ) 0.4
Typical: ) 0.3
8 (7200D), 4.5 (7300D)
Laser, 650 nm 10 nm
Notes
8. All specifications valid at 23 C 2 C (73.4 F 3.6 F) with an FC/PC connector,
unless otherwise specified.
9. Typical dynamic range with a three-minute averaging at SNR = 1.
10. Typical dead zone of singlemode modules for reflectance below 45 dB, using
a 10 ns pulse (5 ns pulse for 7200D and 7300D).
11. Typical dynamic range on NZDS fiber with a three-minute average at SNR = 1.
7400B-B/ 7500B-B/74234C-B series

1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260
10, 30, 100, 275, 1000, 2500,
10 000, 20 000
0.05
0.01
0.001
0.08 to 5
Up to 52 000
(1 + 0.0025 % x distance)
)1
5
Laser, 650 nm 10 nm
CW, Pout maximum: )800 W
12. Typical dynamic range at 1550 nm for the FTB-7423B-B configuration is 2 dB lower
at 10 s and 1 dB lower at 20 s.
13. Typical dynamic range at 1550 nm for the FTB-7503B-B and FTB-7523B-B
configuration is 2 dB lower.
15. Typical output power value at 1550 nm.
283
MultiTest
MultiTest
SPECIFICATIONS1
External Power Meter
Detector type
Measurement range (dBm)
Uncertainty2, 3
Wavelength range (nm)
Display resolution2 (dB)
Calibrated wavelengths
Recommended recalibration
period (years)
Automatic offset nulling4
Measurement-distance units
FTB-3932
Ge
10 to 70
5 % 0.1 nW
800 to 1650
0.01
40
Sources
Wavelengths5 (nm)
Standard
1310 20
1550 20
Emitter type Laser

Minimum output power5 (dBm)
Spectral width6 (nm)
Stability7 (8 hours) (dB)
Laser
1/1
) 5/) 5
0.05
FasTesT
Wavelengths (nm)
Standard
1310
1550
Loss range8 (dB)

Loss precision9 (repeatability) (dB)
Side-by-side
Loopback
Length measurement range (km)
Length measurement uncertainty10
(10 m + 1 % x length)
Dedicated ORL
ORL range (APC / UPC) (dB)
ORL uncertainty9 (dB)
Resolution2 (dB)
All SM Wavelengths
65/55
0.5
0.01
3
Yes
FTB-3932X
GeX
26 to 55
5 % 3 nW
800 to 1650
0.01
42
3
Yes
kilometers, meters, kilofeet, feet, miles
FTB-3933
InGaAs
6 to 73
5 % 0.05 nW
800 to 1650
0.01
40
3
Yes
-4
1310 20
1550 20
1625 10
Laser
1/4/7
) 5/) 5/) 5
0.05
-5
1310 20
1490 10
1550 20
Laser
1/7/4
) 5/) 5/) 5
0.05
-12C (second port)

850 25
1300 +50/10
-12D (second port)

850 25
1300 +50/10
LED
30/30 (50/125 m)
50/135
0.05
LED
24/24 (62.5/125 m)
50/135
0.05
60
-4
1310
1550
1625
56
-5
1310
1490
1550
56
-12C (second port)

850
1300
-12D (second port)

850
1300
0.15
0.25
200
0.15
0.25
200
40
46
0.15
0.25
200
0.15
0.25
5
0.15
0.25
5
Talk Set
Emitter type
Wavelength (nm)
Dynamic range at 1550 nm (dB)
Dynamic range MM11 (dB)
Laser
1550 20
45
40
VFL9
Emitter type
Wavelength (nm)
Output power (dBm)
Laser
650
3
General Specifications
Size (H x W x D)
Weight
Temperature
operating
storage12
Relative humidity
Warranty (years)
9.6 cm x 2.5 cm x 26 cm
0.5 kg
(3 3/4 in x 1 in x 10 1/4 in)

(1.1 lb)
0 C to 50 C
40 C to 70 C
3
(32 F to 122 F)
(40 F to 158 F)
Standard Accessories
User guide, Certificate of Calibration, connector adapter (FOA) according to chosen connector, mandrel and alcohol cleaning pads.
Notes:
1. At 23 C 1 C and 1550 nm with FC connector and on batteries, unless otherwise
specified.
7. After a warmup time of 6 minutes, in CW source mode.
2. Resolution, uncertainty and linearity are functions of input power; uncertainty is valid at calibration
conditions.
9. Typical value.
3. Traceable to NIST; up to 20 dBm for GeX.

4. Power of > 45 dBm for Ge, > 30 dBm for GeX and > 57 dBm for InGaAs.
5. In High source mode.
8. Typical value, at 1550 nm for SM and 850 nm for MM.
10. For fiber length ) 120 km.

11. For graded-index MM fibers; typical.
12. Without batteries.
6. As defined by Telcordia TR-TSY-000887, rms for lasers and at 3 dB for LEDs; typical
values for LEDs.
284
FTB-200
Index
Index
! ................................................................ 189
***** indication ........................................ 152
A
AC LED ...................................................... 4, 5
AC requirements ......................................... 13
accessing
power meter.......................................... 35
source.................................................. 165
accuracy, trace ............................................ 84
acquiring traces
Advanced mode............................. 73, 105
Auto mode ............................................ 69
Template mode...................................... 95
acquisition
automatic, in Advanced mode............... 73
Advanced mode..................................... 73
Auto mode ............................................ 67
changing resolution............................... 80
custom time values.............................. 105
date ............................................. 160, 161
duration............................................... 128
interrupting ..................................... 67, 74
pulse width used ................................. 128
setting analysis detection thresholds ... 136
Template mode................................ 91, 95
time, autorange..................................... 77
wavelength used ................................. 128
active trace selection ................................. 122
Advanced mode
acquiring traces ..................................... 73
acquisition-specific fiber parameters ... 127
setting the autorange acquisition time .. 77
testing ................................................... 73
after-sales service ...................................... 276
analysis
after acquisition ............................. 85, 139
fiber span............................................. 141
thresholds, detection ................... 129, 136
thresholds, pass/fail ............................... 86
analyzing a trace. see analysis, after acquisition
analyzing results........................................ 182
application, starting .................................... 26
applications, typical................................... 182
Att. column in events table........................ 112
attenuation
fiber section ........................................... 86
LSA measurement method................... 150
measurement....................................... 150
reflectance ........................................... 152
two-point measurement method ......... 150
Auto mode
selecting test wavelength ................ 67, 73
setting fiber parameters......................... 70
testing ................................................... 67
automatic acquisition time. see autorange acquisition time
automatic zoom reset................................ 124
autonaming
MultiTest...................................... 184, 187
OTDR...................................................... 65
autorange acquisition time.......................... 77
average loss in Trace Info. tab ................... 128
average splice loss in Trace Info. tab ......... 128
B
backreflection measurement ..................... 207
basic OTDR theory ....................................... 60
battery
charge status ....................................... 253
clock .................................................. 7, 31
LED ...................................................... 4, 5
285
Index
maintenance recommendations .......... 253

recharging ........................................... 254
replacing or removing ......................... 258
buttons
scroll, in the events table ..................... 109
trace editing, in events table ............... 109
buttons, zoom. see controls, zoom
C
cable and fiber names ............................... 187
calibrated wavelengths ............................. 181
calibrating the touchscreen......................... 27
calibration
certificate............................................. 267
interval ................................................ 267
Canadian Standards Association (CSA).......... ix
cancelling dark current effects ............ 37, 196
capacitors.................................................... 12
car outlet, charging battery with............... 254
caution
of personal hazard................................... 8
of product hazard.................................... 8
certification information ............................... ix
changing batteries .................................... 258
circuit performance ............................. 37, 196
cleaning
detector ports...................................... 252
EUI connectors..................................... 250
fiber ends ...................................... 64, 186
front panel .......................................... 249
clearing
power meter display .............................. 45
traces from the display (OTDR) ............ 123
clock battery. see battery
cold shutdown ............................................ 25
color of traces in display ........................... 110
communication
talk set................................................. 234
text messages ...................................... 231
component under test. see DUT
configuring application ......................183190
286
connector, threshold loss ............................ 86

connectors, cleaning ................................. 250
connectors, illustration of.................. 181182
controls, zoom .......................................... 125
conventions, safety........................................ 8
CR2032-type battery. see battery
Create Ref./Template OTDR. seeTemplate mode
CSA................................................................ix
Cumul. column in events table .................. 112
cumulative loss .......................................... 112
current, electrical......................................... 13
customer service........................................ 279
D
dark current effects, eliminating.......... 37, 196
data points .................................................. 84
data, transferring ...................................... 182
date of trace acquisition.................... 160, 161
decrementation, file name .......................... 65
default trace name ...................................... 65
definition of the OTDR................................. 55
deleting events .......................................... 134
delimiting fiber span ................................. 114
description
LED panel............................................. 4, 5
ORL meter ............................................ 203
power meter ........................................ 193
description of event types ......................... 169
detailed report........................................... 162
detecting module ........................................ 19
detection, modulation............................... 181
detector
see. power meter
detector port, cleaning .............................. 252
detector types ........................................... 181
device under test. see DUT
dial
Distance ................................................. 80
moving .................................................. 82
Pulse ...................................................... 80
Time....................................................... 80
FTB-200
Index
disappearing marker ................................. 144

displaying
fiber sections ....................................... 114
fiber span ............................................ 124
injection level in events table............... 114
pass/fail messages ................................. 87
traces................................................... 121
distance
between events ................................... 145
equation ................................................ 60
range ..................................................... 80
distance unit ............................................. 183
dual-wavelength trace color in display ...... 110
DUT ........................... 197, 200, 205, 212, 215
E
electronic offsets, eliminating ............. 37, 196
ending talk set communication ................. 236
end-of-fiber
detection threshold ..................... 129, 136
event ................................................... 169
equation of distance ................................... 60
equipment returns .................................... 279
establishing talk set communication ......... 234
EUI
baseplate ....................................... 63, 185
connector adapter ......................... 63, 185
dust cap......................................... 63, 185
EUI connectors, cleaning ........................... 250
event
deleting ............................................... 134
description of types ............................. 169
difference with fault .............................. 60
distance measurement......................... 145
effect of setting as span start/end . 88, 141
fault notification.................................... 87
insertion .............................................. 132
location ....................................... 112, 113
loss. see event loss
marking fault in events table ................. 87
name, displaying ................................. 111
non-reflective, averaged loss................ 128

number ................................................ 112
reflectance ........................................... 112
threshold, pass/fail................................. 86
thresholds, pass/fail message................. 87
undeletable.......................................... 134
event loss
average, in Trace Info. tab ................... 128
in events table ..................................... 112
measurement....................................... 146
total, in Trace Info. tab ........................ 128
event types
description ........................................... 169
continuous fiber................................... 170
echo..................................................... 179
end of analysis ..................................... 171
end-of-fiber.......................................... 169
fiber section ......................................... 176
launch level.......................................... 175
merged reflective event ....................... 177
non-reflective event ............................. 172
positive event....................................... 174
reflective event..................................... 173
reflective event (possible echo) ............ 180
span end .............................................. 169
span start............................................. 169
events table
description ........................................... 109
locating event ...................................... 113
scroll buttons ....................................... 109
trace editing buttons ........................... 109
exclamation mark ...................................... 189
EXFO service centers .................................. 280
EXFO universal interface. see EUI
EXFO Web site ........................................... 275
287
Index
F
failed events, flagging................................. 87
FAQs.......................................................... 275
FasTesT
thresholds............................................ 189
wavelengths, selecting ........................ 212
fault
difference with event............................. 60
marking in events table ......................... 87
notification, for events .......................... 87
favorite wavelengths ................................. 181
features ..................................................... 181
fiber
attenuation.......................................... 112
identifying by name....................... 65, 159
identifying visually ............................... 165
measuring optical power ....................... 41
section attenuation................................ 86
sections display.................................... 114
span length ......................................... 128
type in Trace Info. tab.......................... 128
see also fiber span ................................. 88
fiber and cable names ............................... 187
fiber ends, cleaning............................. 64, 186
fiber length measurement......... 181, 211, 221
fiber parameters, setting
acquisition-specific (Advanced mode).. 127
default ................................................... 78
fiber span
analysis ................................................ 141
average loss in Trace Info. tab ............. 128
average splice loss in Trace Info. tab.... 128
delimitation ......................................... 114
length in Trace Info. tab ................ 88, 128
setting ................................................... 88
total loss in Trace Info. tab .................. 128
zooming (automatic) ........................... 124
fiber under test. see DUT
file name, in trace display ......................... 116
flagging failed events.................................. 87
forced selection of test wavelength ...... 70, 76
288
four-point measurement method vs. LSA .. 146

Fresnel reflection ......................................... 61
front panel, cleaning ................................. 249
FTB-200 shutting down ............................... 25
FTB-200 trace format................................. 155
FTTx mode/wavelengths ............................ 212
FTTx results ................................................ 182
G
General tab................................................ 116
grid display................................................ 116
H
hard drive LED ........................................... 4, 5
hazard, laser radiation............................. 911
headset, using ........................................... 235
helix factor
admissible values ................................... 78
in Trace Info. tab.................................. 129
modification ........................................ 127
setting ................................................... 78
hiding traces.............................................. 121
high-power source .................................... 181
high-resolution feature................................ 84
I
identification label..................................... 276
identifying fiber under test........................ 165
incrementation, file name ........................... 65
indoor use ................................................... 12
injection level, in events table.................... 114
input current ............................................... 13
inserting a module ...................................... 17
insertion loss (IL). see loss
installing unit .............................................. 12
intermittent signal............................... 50, 230
FTB-200
Index
IOR
in Trace Info. tab ................................. 129
modification ........................................ 127
obtaining ............................................... 78
setting ................................................... 78
L
label, identification ................................... 276
laser safety information ...........................911
laser safety LED ......................................... 4, 5
laser source. see source
laser, using OTDR as source....................... 165
launch level ............................................... 260
least-square approximation. see LSA
LED panel description................................ 4, 5
length unit ................................................ 183
length, fiber .............................. 181, 211, 221
light source. see source
list of favorite wavelengths ............... 181, 194
Loc. in events table.................................... 112
locating events .......................................... 113
loopback referencing method ................... 214
loss
average for fiber span.......................... 128
average splice ...................................... 128
connector .............................................. 86
cumulative for fiber span..................... 128
in events table ..................................... 112
measurement....................................... 146
measurement, positioning markers ..... 149
non-reflective events average .............. 128
splice ..................................................... 86
loss measurement
description........................................... 181
performing .......................................... 200
reference ..................................... 197, 214
saving results ....................................... 202
thresholds............................................ 189
see also power meter
LSA measurement method

definition ............................................. 150
vs. four-point ....................................... 146
vs. two-point........................................ 150
M
mail feature. see text messages
maintenance
battery ................................................. 253
detector ports ...................................... 252
EUI connectors ..................................... 250
front panel........................................... 249
general information ............................. 249
marker
disappearing on zoom ......................... 144
too close to one another...................... 144
maximum input current............................... 13
measurement
attenuation (two-point and LSA) ......... 150
event distance...................................... 145
event loss ............................................. 146
event RBS level ..................................... 145
ORL ...................................................... 153
units..................................................... 118
with power meter .................................. 41
measurement units.................................... 183
measuring
loss ...................................................... 200
ORL ...................................................... 203
power .................................................. 200
message feature. see text messages
modulation
detection of ................................. 181, 201
source .......................................... 181, 227
VFL....................................................... 229
module
detection ............................................... 19
insertion................................................. 17
removal.................................................. 17
289
Index
mounting EUI connector adapter ........ 63, 185

multimode port................................. 211, 227
multiple referencing .................................. 214
multiwavelength trace file, displaying....... 121
N
naming
reference trace....................................... 94
trace automatically ................................ 65
naming results automatically ............ 184, 187
non-reflective event, averaged loss ........... 128
nulling offsets. see offset nulling
number
in events table ..................................... 112
of the event ......................................... 112
O
offset nulling............................... 37, 181, 196
opening trace file ...................................... 107
operating light source ............................... 165
optical detector performance.............. 37, 196
optical return loss. see ORL
optical return loss. see ORL measurement
option used at start-up ............................... 32
ORL measurement
description................................... 181, 203
performing .......................................... 207
thresholds............................................ 189
ORL zero measurement, performing ......... 205
ORL, module required for calculations ...... 153
OTDR
basic theory ........................................... 60
definition............................................... 55
internal components ............................. 61
using as laser source............................ 165
OTDR software
file compatibility between versions...... 156
launch level.......................................... 260
290
P
parameters
Advanced mode..................................... 77
helix factor............................................. 78
IOR......................................................... 78
Rayleigh backscatter coefficient ............. 78
Template mode...................................... 92
trace display......................................... 116
pass/fail message display ............................. 87
pass/fail test
disabling ................................................ 87
enabling................................................. 87
when to perform ................................... 87
pass/fail thresholds. see thresholds
performing
null measurement .......................... 37, 196
optical power measurement .................. 41
ORL measurement................................ 207
ORL zero measurement ........................ 205
power or loss measurement................. 200
photodetector ............................................. 60
PON testing ............................................... 182
ports, illustration of........................... 181182
power LED ................................................. 4, 5
power measurement. see loss
power meter
accessing ............................................... 35
buttons description................................ 36
clearing the display ................................ 45
creating a report .................................... 46
description................................... 181, 193
detector types ...................................... 181
display ................................................. 193
measurement......................................... 41
modulated signal detection ................. 201
printing a report .................................... 48
recalling results ...................................... 44
reference values ..................................... 40
results .................................................... 43
FTB-200
Index
setting thresholds .................................. 38

thresholds.............................................. 38
wavelength list .................................... 194
power reference, setting ........................... 197
power source, AC ........................................ 13
precision, trace............................................ 84
prefix, naming........................................... 187
product
features ............................................... 181
identification label............................... 276
specifications ............................... 275, 281
protective cap ........................................... 252
pulse
dial ........................................................ 80
in Trace Info. tab ................................. 128
setting width ......................................... 80
R
radiation hazard, laser..............................911
RBS (Rayleigh backscatter)
description............................................. 61
in Trace Info. tab ................................. 129
modification ........................................ 127
obtaining ............................................... 78
setting ................................................... 78
RBS level measurement event.................... 145
re-analyzing a trace ................................... 139
recalibration .............................................. 267
recalling results, power meter ..................... 44
receiving text message .............................. 233
red, value in .............................................. 189
reference
mode ..................................................... 40
values, setting........................................ 40
reference measurement
loopback method ................................ 214
multiple ............................................... 214
power meter........................................ 197
side-by-side method ............................ 214
reference trace
naming .................................................. 94
parameters............................................. 92
selection............................................... 101
reference, zero power.......................... 37, 196
Refl. column in events table ...................... 112
reflectance
attenuation .......................................... 152
detection threshold...................... 129, 136
of event ............................................... 112
of non-reflective events........................ 152
source of inaccurate measurements....... 79
removing a module ..................................... 17
repairing unit............................................... 12
replacing or removing battery ................... 258
report
content ................................................ 162
creating for power meter results............ 46
of trace ................................................ 159
printing.......................................... 48, 162
resetting fiber parameters, Auto mode ....... 70
restrictions Ref. Creation/Template mode .... 92
results
autonaming ......................................... 187
ORL measurement................................ 209
processing features .............................. 182
saving .................................................. 184
return loss. see ORL measurement
return merchandise authorization (RMA) .. 279
ring volume ............................................... 236
S
safety
caution..................................................... 8
conventions ............................................. 8
information........................................ 911
warning ................................................... 8
same pulse and time for all wavelengths..... 81
saving
format, FTB-200 ................................... 155
power/loss results ................................ 202
291
Index
results automatically............................ 184

trace in different formats..................... 155
scroll buttons ............................................ 109
selecting
active trace .......................................... 122
Automatic OTDR test wavelength .... 67, 73
reference trace..................................... 101
test wavelength, automatically........ 70, 76
wavelength in Auto mode ............... 67, 73
sending text message................................ 232
service and repairs..................................... 279
service centers ........................................... 280
setting
fiber span .............................................. 88
pass/fail thresholds ................................ 86
power reference .................................. 197
power thresholds (power meter) ........... 38
reference values..................................... 40
source wavelength............................... 228
thresholds............................................ 189
shipping to EXFO ...................................... 279
shutdown
cold vs. warm ........................................ 25
FTB-200 ................................................. 25
side-by-side referencing method ............... 214
signal, modulating ...... 50, 227, 228, 229, 230
signal-to-noise ratio .................................... 81
singlemode port................................ 211, 227
software. see application
source
accessing ............................................. 165
activating............................................. 228
function overview ................................ 165
high-power.......................................... 181
modulating signal................ 181, 227, 228
multimode........................................... 181
operating............................................. 165
operation and display .......................... 227
setting wavelength .............................. 228
singlemode .......................................... 181
status................................................... 227
source see also laser
292
span end
description........................................... 169
effect of setting on events table .... 88, 141
span position, updating ............................ 141
span start
description........................................... 169
effect of setting on events table .... 88, 141
specifications, product ...................... 275, 281
splice loss
average, in Trace Info. tab ................... 128
detection threshold...................... 129, 136
threshold ............................................... 86
start-up option ............................................ 32
stopping trace acquisition ..................... 67, 74
storage requirements ................................ 249
storing
changing default trace name ................. 65
trace autonaming .................................. 65
suffix, naming ........................................... 187
summarized report .................................... 162
swapping traces ........................................ 142
symbols, safety .............................................. 8
system under test. see DUT
T
talk set
compatibility........................................ 234
description........................................... 234
ending communication ........................ 236
establishing communication ................ 234
placing a call........................................ 235
port...................................................... 234
receiving a call ..................................... 236
voice and ring volumes ........................ 236
technical specifications...................... 275, 281
technical support....................................... 276
temperature for storage ............................ 249
Template mode
acquiring the reference trace ................. 94
applying parameters to other traces ...... 92
FTB-200
Index
description............................................. 91
naming the reference trace.................... 94
reference trace naming.......................... 94
restrictions............................................. 92
selecting reference trace...................... 101
setting parameters................................. 92
test settings used................................... 92
testing ................................................... 91
Template OTDR. see Template mode
test tools
light source.......................................... 227
ORL meter............................................ 203
power meter........................................ 193
test wavelength, forced selection.......... 70, 76
test, settings used in Template mode.......... 92
testing
Advanced mode..................................... 73
Auto mode ............................................ 67
Template mode...................................... 91
text messages
compatibility........................................ 231
description................................... 182, 231
modifying ............................................ 232
receiving .............................................. 233
sending................................................ 232
theory, OTDR............................................... 60
thresholds ......................................... 182, 189
analysis detection ................................ 136
connector loss ....................................... 86
detection ............................................. 129
end-of-fiber detection ......................... 136
fault notification.................................... 87
fiber section attenuation ....................... 86
pass, fail, warning ................................. 87
pass/fail message ................................... 87
power .................................................... 38
reflectance detection ................... 129, 136
setting pass/fail...................................... 86
setting, power meter ............................. 38
splice loss .............................................. 86
splice loss detection..................... 129, 136
trace analysis ......................................... 86
Time dial
custom-time mode............................... 105
setting ................................................... 80
time in Trace Info. tab ............................... 128
time, custom values................................... 105
tools
talk set ................................................. 234
visual fault locator ............................... 229
see also test tools
total loss in Trace Info. tab ........................ 128
touchscreen calibration ............................... 27
trace
accuracy................................................. 84
acquisition in Advanced mode ............... 73
acquisition in Auto mode....................... 69
acquisition in Template mode................ 95
analysis ................................................ 139
analysis detection thresholds ............... 136
autonaming ........................................... 65
changing default name.......................... 65
color in trace display ............................ 110
compatibility between ToolBox versions156
editing buttons .................................... 109
export formats ..................................... 155
opening file.......................................... 107
pass/fail analysis threshold..................... 86
purpose of swapping ........................... 142
re-analyzing ......................................... 139
stopping the acquisition .................. 67, 74
storage, in different formats ................ 155
swapping ............................................. 142
trace display
behavior on zoom................................ 125
clearing traces...................................... 123
description ........................................... 109
displaying file name ............................. 116
parameters........................................... 116
trace formats, FTB-200 .............................. 155
Trace Info. tab
average loss ......................................... 128
average splice loss................................ 128
backscatter .......................................... 129
293
Index
displaying traces .................................. 121

end-of-fiber threshold ......................... 129
fiber type used..................................... 128
helix factor........................................... 129
hiding traces........................................ 121
IOR ...................................................... 129
pulse.................................................... 128
reflectance threshold ........................... 129
span length ......................................... 128
splice loss threshold............................. 129
time ..................................................... 128
total loss.............................................. 128
wavelength.......................................... 128
trace report
creating ............................................... 159
printing ............................................... 162
transferring data ....................................... 182
transportation requirements ............. 249, 276
two-point
attenuation.......................................... 150
measurement method vs. LSA ............. 150
measurement method, definition ........ 150
type
in events table ..................................... 112
of event ............................................... 112
typical applications ................................... 182
U
undeletable events .................................... 134
unit
installing................................................ 12
repairing ................................................ 12
ventilation ............................................. 12
unit recalibration....................................... 267
units of measurement ............................... 183
updating span position ............................. 141
using light source...................................... 165
294
V
ventilation ................................................... 12
VFL
1 Hz pulsed output .............................. 168
continuous wave output ...................... 168
modulating signal .................. 50, 229, 230
operation and display .................... 50, 230
performing a test ........................... 50, 230
status ................................................... 229
using.................................................... 165
visual fault locator. see VFL
voice volume ............................................. 236
volumes (ring and voice) ........................... 236
W
warm shutdown .......................................... 25
warning thresholds...................................... 87
warranty
certification.......................................... 278
exclusions ............................................ 278
general................................................. 277
liability ................................................. 278
null and void........................................ 277
wavelength
indication in Trace Info. tab ................. 128
selecting, in Auto mode ................... 67, 73
wavelengths
calibrated............................................. 181
FasTesT................................................. 212
list of favorite............................... 181, 194
source .................................................. 228
Z
zero measurement, ORL ............................ 205
zero-power reference .......................... 37, 196
zoom
controls................................................ 125
resetting automatically ........................ 124
window display.................................... 116
FTB-200
P/N:1043882
www.exfo.com info@exfo.com
CORPORATE
HEADQUARTERS
400 Godin Avenue
Quebec (Quebec) G1M 2K2 CANADA

Tel.: 1 418 683-0211 Fax: 1 418 683-2170
EXFO AMERICA
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Plano TX, 75075 USA

Tel.: 1 972 907-1505
EXFO EUROPE
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Tel.: +33.1.40.83.85.85 Fax: +33.1.40.83.04.42
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2006 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. All rights reserved.

Printed in Canada (2006-05)

Exfo FTB 200 v2 User Guide

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COMPACT MODULAR

Copyright 2006 EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. All rights reserved.

1 Introducing the FTB-200 .............................................................................. 1

2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 9

3 Getting Started with Your Unit ................................................................. 15

4 Setting Up Your Unit .................................................................................. 27

Compact Modular Platform

5 Using the Built-In Power Meter and VFL ...................................................35

6 Inspecting Fibers with a Probe ..................................................................51

7 Introducing the OTDR .................................................................................55

8 Setting Up Your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer ..............................63

9 Testing Fibers in Auto Mode ......................................................................67

10 Testing Fibers in Advanced Mode ..............................................................73

11 Testing Fibers in Template Mode ............................................................... 91

12 Customizing Your Optical Time Domain Reflectometer ......................... 103

13 Analyzing Traces and Events ................................................................... 107

14 Analyzing the Results Manually .............................................................. 143

Compact Modular Platform

16 Creating and Printing Trace Reports .......................................................159

17 Using the OTDR as a Light Source or VFL ................................................165

19 Introducing the FTB-3930 MultiTest Module ...........................................181

20 Customizing Your MultiTest Module ........................................................183

22 Measuring Power or Loss .........................................................................193

23 Measuring Optical Return Loss ................................................................203

24 Performing Automated IL/ORL/Length Measurements (FASTEST) ............ 211

25 Managing Test Results ............................................................................. 223

26 Using a Light Source ................................................................................ 227

29 Managing Data ......................................................................................... 237

31 Maintenance ............................................................................................. 249

32 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 269

Compact Modular Platform

A Technical Specifications ............................................................................281

Compact Modular Platform

73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and

Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Vice-President Research and

400 Godin Avenue, Quebec (Quebec)

73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classifications, requirements, and

Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use EMC

Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Vice-President Research and

400 Godin Avenue Vanier, Quebec,

Compact Modular Platform

73/23/EEC - The Low Voltage Directive

Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared:

Safety of Laser Products-Part 1: Equipment Classification, Requirement, and

EN 61326: 1997/ A2:

Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory

EN 55022: 1998/ A1:

Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of

Stephen Bull, E. Eng

Vice-President Research and Development

Introducing the FTB-200

Touchscreen (LCD and touchscreen optimized for outdoor use

USB ports (host and client)

CompactFlash card reader

Possibility to connect a probe

Optional built-in power meter and VFL