Wilcom F6121R User manual
hand-held ribbon fiber identifier
Operating Instructions
Introduction
The Wilcom Model F6121R Ribbon Fiber Identifier is a rugged, hand-held,
easy-to-use maintenance and installation instrument that identifies optical
fibers by detecting the optical signals that are transmitted through a ribbon
fiber. Check for signal presence before re-routing or maintenance, perform
continuity tests and check cable labeling. This ribbon fiber identifier uses a
safe macrobending technique that does not disrupt traffic. At the same time,
it avoids damaging or overstressing the fiber Thus, the probability of inter-
rupting service is eliminated.
Signals that the F6121R detect include continuous signal optical transmis-
sion, and low frequency modulated tones at 270, 1000, and 2000 Hz. When
the F6121R detects traffic on a fiber being tested, one of two Traffic LEDs
on the F6121R illuminates to indicate the presence and direction of trans-
mission. The presence of tone is indicated by illumination of one of three
Tone LEDs (Figure 1). The F6121R also has an easy to use thumb lock
feature for hands-free operation.
Operating the F6121R
Operation of the F6121R is simple, as outlined in the
following steps:
1. Choose the correct adapter head for the type of ribbon fiber to be
tested. The F6121R is supplied with three adapters, each with an
indexing notch which is part of the ambient light reduction
design as shown in Figure 2:
(A) deep-slot, for 3 mm jacketed fiber (i.e., pigtails and jumpers)
or loose tube fiber. (B) slotted, to accommodate jacketed ribbon
fiber up to 12 count; (C) shallow-slot, to accommodate bare
ribbon fiber up to 12 count;
2. Select the appropriate ribbon fiber adapter and slide it into the
mating slotted channel with slight downward pressure. Be sure to
place the adapter with the indexing notch facing the front of the
F6121R as shown in Figure 3.
3. Insert the fiber to be tested between the adapter and the top of the
clamp (refer to Figure 4). Slide the thumb switch fully upward
and ensure that the fiber is installed properly in the alignment
groove.
4. For hands-free operation, slide the thumb switch upward and “rock”
forward to lock, and the fiber will be held in place
( refer to Figure 4 ) “rock” backward to unlock.
F6121R
AB
Figure 3
Figure 1
04/04
813-114-002
Figure 2
Indexing notch on adapter
head faces front of unit
C
Presence of Traffic. Illumination of either Traffic LED indicates
the detection and direction of traffic. This is useful in determining
whether the fiber is transmitting or receiving at equipment terminal
locations.The F6121R also provides an audible tone alert when traf-
fic is detected.
Test Tone Detection. Illumination of any one of the
2 kHz, 1 kHz, or 270 Hz LEDs indicates that a test tone is being
detected, which ensures accurate identification of the fiber that is
under test.
The 2 kHz tone can be generated by a source such as as Wilcom
Models FS1316 (includes also 1kHz and 270 Hz),FS1317 (includes
also 1kHz and 270 Hz), and FS8514A (includes also 1kHz and 270
Hz). The F6121R can be used with all three units, as shown in Fig-
ure 5. The recommended wavelength is 1550nm for tone
indentification.
During operation at the lowest levels of tone detection
(approximately -40dB core power), the tone LEDs may flicker,
which indicates that the minimum range for detection was reached.
Minimum Detector Sensitivity*
Bare Ribbon Fiber -40.0 dBm @1310nm typical
Adapter -50.0 dBm @1550nm typical
Jacketed Ribbon Fiber -30.0 dBm @1310nm typical
Adapter -40.0 dBm @1550nm typical
3mm Adapter -32.5 dBm @1310nm typical
-40.0 dBm @1550nm typical
Insertion Loss
Ribbon Adapters < 0.20 db @1310nm typical
< 2.00 db @1550nm typical
3mm Adapter < 0.11 db @1310nm typical
< 0.80 db @1550nm typical
Self Test. Each time the thumb switch is operated, the F6121R performs a self test. When this occurs all LEDs will
illuminate and then after approximately one-half second turn off.
Low Battery Indication. When the battery voltage becomes low, the “LOW BAT" LED illuminates. The unit will con-
tinue to operate for some time, but the battery should be replaced with a fresh 9-volt alkaline battery as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement. To replace battery hold probe in hand, and with thumb on grip, slide cover downward.
Replace battery. To re-install cover reverse the steps. Gently place cover on probe and
align cover keys with probe keyways. Slide cover forward.
Maintenance. It is important that the optical ports remain clean and free of dust, dirt, grease, or other foreign matter.
Cleaning with lint-free swabs and isopropyl alcohol is recommended for optimum performance.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Ribbon fiber under test
*Sensitivity is color dependent. The F6121R is less sensitive to dark colors such as Black, Brown, and Dark Blue.
slide the thumb switch upward
and “rock” forward to lock,
and “rock” backward to unlock
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