User guide

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OMNIScanner User Guide
Chapter 7 – Fiber Optic Reference
Establishing the Reference
Accurate, repeatable measurements of optical power and signal loss are
fundamental for the installation and maintenance of fiber optics.
To make an accurate measurement, you need to know the loss in your
attached launch cable and the power being transmitted. OMNI Scanner
requires this reference value to compensate for the signal loss in the launch
cable. The reference value must be stored before a loss measurement can
be calculated. It is then subtracted from the actual measurement to deter-
mine loss.
Once the reference value is established, consistent readings for loss, delay,
and length measurements are ensured.
The Launch Cable
The launch cables are 2 m fiber cables and need to be of good quality and in
excellent condition. Always clean the launch cable before use.
Note: The launch cable used to set
the reference value should be the
same type of fiber as the cables to
be tested and certified, 50/125,
62.5/125 or singlemode.
The fiber cables included with your OMNI Fiber kit are duplex launch cables.
To properly connect when setting the reference or taking actual measure-
ments, the fibers are clearly marked: one fiber has a white jacket-end and
the other fiber has a black one. These colors are consistently used for all
graphics through this user guide to avoid confusion.
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