JONARD FOD-2000 Fiber Optic Drop Cable Slitter
In today’s FTTx installations a common element is the fiber optic flat drop cable. These can be 2-12 fiber cables that are made to be easily slid into through ducting or direct buried to service the last mile of a FTTx installation. In addition these cables can be used as self-supporting aerial assemblies to serve as the traditional communications pole to the point of entrance on the home. These varying requirements make the cable design very unique to be able to withstand snow/ice and also all the typical heat/UV issues as well.
In addition these cables can be used as neighborhood/premise distribution cables when used in 12 fiber configurations and then needed to be penetrated in a mid-span configuration. This presents unique challenges to be able to penetrate the cable without damaging the fibers inside.
The Jonard FOD-2000 Fiber Optic Drop Cable Slitter is a patent pending tool that simplifies the slitting of drop cable jackets at the end of the cable or mid-span. For Flat Cables.
For use on the end of a fiber the FOD-2000 puts a slit on both sides of the jacket allowing easy access to the fiber or strength member. The V-Groove type of construction allows the tool to slide up as far as necessary, and then is slid down the cable to the end. The slit that is created allows the jacket to be opened up and then cut to the proper length. The ease of use makes this tool truly unique! To use just position the tool around the cable, pull and slit.
If needed to be used in a mid-span situation the Jonard FOD-2000 can be easily disassembled into two pieces positioned on the cable, and the process indicated above can be easily repeated. We have included a demonstration video for your review.
Designed for .250" flat drop cables. The FOD-2000 comes completely assembled with two blades, which can be reversed once the blades are worn. Replacement blades are also available under part number FOD-RB25 for a package of 25 blades.
Fiber Solutions Inc. (FSI) is a WMBE Certified woman-owned stocking distributor of fiber optic products including cable, connectors, patch cables, termination supplies, splice closures, cleaning supplies, patch panels, hybrid adapters, stripping tools, crimp tools, polishing materials, and cleavers. Also available for immediate delivery is a complete offering of test equipment, microscopes, inspection products, etc. Fiber Solutions can offer complete fiber optic training courses in a standard or customized format to meet your requirements. FSI works hard to be your One-Stop shop for all your fiber optic requirements.
If you have any requirements please contact us at 800-743-4237, info@fibersolutionsinc.com, or www.fibersolutionsonline.com
EXFO FIP-400 Fiber Optic Inspection Probe
Today’s super high speed fiber optic highway requires that constant maintenance is done to make sure the connection points are impeccably cleaned. Fiber Solutions offers many superb cleaning products to help maintain the cleanliness of your fiber optic connection points.
In an effort to properly maintain fiber optic connections you must inspect the total connection from both the patch cord to the patch panel bulkhead. Only a fiber optic inspection probe will allow the inspection of the patch cord as well as the patch panel bulkhead.
We will review the EXFO FIP-400 and how that tool can be utilized to facilitate a complete inspection and also store the file for further review and inspect it with Connector Max Analysis software.
Most optical network problems are often caused by dirty and/or damaged connectors. Using a fiber inspection probe to ensure that connectors/adapters are clean and exempt of any defect is where accurate testing starts.
The EXFO FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe, makes checking connectors and other fiber terminations for polish quality and cleanliness very easy. The extreme optical resolution of the FIP-400 allows you to see scratches and dirt particles as small as 1 μm. Also, the available USB converter allows you to send image captures to a portable platform or a PC.
Relating to Patch cord inspection the FIP-400 has a significant number of inspection tips, including single fiber and multi-fiber inspection tips. This can be used either as a stand-alone tool, or with a USB interface to store an image to an EXFO portable platform such as a FTB-200, FTB-500, FTB-1, etc or PC.
The Patch Panel bulkhead inspection allows you to see the back end connector of a bulkhead without disturbing or breaking any of the surrounding connectors, or fibers. This is invaluable as the patch panel real estate is becoming increasingly crowded with the deployment of FTTx. Patch panels that used to hold 48 fibers now can deploy as many as 288 fibers in the same rack mount space.
ConnectorMax software enables an inexperienced field technician to analyze defects and scratches and measure their impact on connector performance. Results are then compared against pre-programmed IEC/IPC standards or user-defined criteria, leading to accurate pass/fail verdicts established right on-site. This enables a technician to be proficient in fiber Optic inspection with less training thus saving $.
This demonstration video outlines how easy the EXFO FIP-400 is to use, which will allow you to get to the bottom of costly fiber optic maintenance issues in less time.With millions of $ on a fiber per minute it is imperative to develop an inspection plan to keep your network performing at the peak.
Fiber Solutions Inc. (FSI) is a WMBE Certified woman-owned stocking distributor of fiber optic products including cable, connectors, patch cables, termination supplies, splice closures, cleaning supplies, patch panels, hybrid adapters, stripping tools, crimp tools, polishing materials, and cleavers. Also available for immediate delivery is a complete offering of test equipment, microscopes, inspection products, etc. Fiber Solutions can offer complete fiber optic training courses in a standard or customized format to meet your requirements. FSI works hard to be your One-Stop shop for all your fiber optic requirements.
If you have any requirements please contact us at 800-743-4237, info@fibersolutionsinc.com, or www.fibersolutionsonline.com
WHAT’s A PON POWER METER OR OTDR?
Many technicians ask why do I measure my PON system differently than a conventional fiber with one wavelength? In a typical PON system there are two wavelengths on the incoming fiber. This means that both data/video have been combined via a coupler to transmit on a single fiber. So it is probable that you would have 1490nm and 1550nm on the same fiber.
In a conventional fiber optic system you would have only one wavelength on the fiber. In those situations a regular power meter is fine because it will provide specific power level readings at individual wavelengths.
However in a PON system you have two wavelengths traveling on the same fiber. So….in order to accurately measure performance at a specific wavelength you must filter out the individual wavelengths I.E. 1490nm or 1550nm so that you can measure those wavelengths independently. This type of “filtering” allows you to determine specific performance of individual network elements.
In addition a complete PON Power Meter will allow you measure the specific power levels of the incoming wavelengths and then pass the signal through to the ONT. This will than allow the ONT to transmit a third wavelength back upstream and the PON meter can measure that performance as well. This type of testing allows a complete performance evaluation of all the network elements involved in a PON system. This type of performance is invaluable when attempting to troubleshoot network performance. This cannot be accomplished with a standard power meter.
PON Power meters come in three different feature sets dependent on budget:
BASIC: A Basic PON Power meter W/filters. This unit will allow you to measure the specific incoming wavelength and give an accurate power level reading at a specific wavelength. In addition a VFL (Visual Fault Locator) can be added to assist in troubleshooting any problems that may exist on the fiber. This is FSI P/N TE-P-OPM4-FTTx-A
STANDARD: A PON power meter w/Filters to simultaneously test 1310/1490/1550nm and provide pass/fail criteria. Through a system called “Pass Thru Mode” these units completely test an ONT functionality of both downstream receiving and upstream transmission. Data storage is also available to record findings for download later. This is represented by FSI P/N’s: TE-P-950950-F, TE-PPM352C-xx-E, and TE-PPM353c-xx-E.
ADVANCED: Same as the STANDARD W/VFL functionality. This is represented by FSI P/N TE-PPM-352C-VFL-xx-E
So…….with all this performance that can be gained by the use of a PON power meter why 
would I need a PON OTDR, and what does that do for me? Well a PON OTDR typically transmits a signal at 1610/1625nm. In a typical PON system when testing needs to be performed downstream from the splitter you may have anywhere from 8 to 32 or 64 customers on the fiber. If you perform a test from the ONT at 1310nm or 1550nm you could interfere with all of those customers. However a PON OTDR transmitting at 1650nm will not interfere with the “live traffic” and it will allow you to troubleshoot the fiber.
PON OTDRS are available in two different product configurations:
OFS/Fitel LBT-101 Basic PON OTDR
EXFO AXS-100 w/1550/1625nm capability
In addition 1625nm capability can be added to any EXFO AXS-100 
As networks evolve into hybrids of conventional fibers used for backbone transmission and PON networks more sophisticated tools are becoming vital tools to help in troubleshooting the network to keep it operating at peak efficiency. In addition these tools are absolutely necessary to be able to isolate issues without negatively impacting the balance of the traffic.
For more information on these and other products don’t hesitate to contact us here at Fiber solutions, Inc. 800-743-4237 or info@fibersolutionsonline.com
Fiber Solutions, Inc is a recognized leader in fiber optic cleaning products. We at Fiber Solutions are proud to be an authorized distributor of ITW Chemtronics. They are a supplier of all types of fiber optic swabs, fiber optic cleaning wipes, and solvents all used for cleaning fiber optic end faces.
ITW Chemtronics is the acknowledged industry leader in solutions for the electronics, telecommunications and critical environments markets. Their full line of products are engineered to meet all your Cleaning needs.
As telecommunications companies upgrade and expand their fiber optic networks and plan for Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) to accommodate high speed Internet access, the need for an effective, repeatable and cost effective means of cleaning optical fiber connections becomes essential. The limitations of traditional cleaning methods, lack of formal cleaning procedures and the misuse and overuse of cleaning products can not only result in signal degradation but can also damage the optical fiber end face polish.
New methods for cleaning end faces have been under study for some time, in both Outside Plant and OEM environments. A new method of cleaning has been developed, which has been proven in the field to be more efficient in removing contaminants and is expected to be more cost effective in servicing the millions of connections projected for FTTH. The Combination Cleaning methodology can be used on fiber end faces on cable assemblies, and in adapters/patch panels.
In the coming decade, growing consumer demand for high speed Internet access is anticipated to expand well beyond existing business requirements. Effectively cleaning fiber optic connections, that support high-speed data transmission rates, is essential to assuring trouble-free transmission of the full spectrum of data, Internet and video services.
To meet the need for contemporary high speed connections engineers have created a broad assortment of mechanical ferrule connectors and alignment sleeves, which are commonly in use today. However, in many cases these connectors themselves present a new set of cleaning problems. It has been reported that as many as 70% of all transmission problems are actually caused by soiled connectors. The fact that end faces must be cleaned each time a connection is made is new information to some technicians and engineers. Soils from many ambient sources, unless they are completely removed, can accumulate on the end faces and around the sides of ferrules and in the alignment sleeve. These soils can cross contaminate other connectors, causing measurable signal deterioration.
Combination Cleaning was first introduced in 2002. Since that time, this 3rd technique to traditional wet or dry cleaning processes have proven to be the most effective means of precision cleaning fiber optic end face connections. It has been “field proven” in many millions of successful cleaning operations.
Some contend that as many as 80% of the soils on a fiber optic end face is dust. While the “dust” is certainly a possible contaminant, it is also possible that the remaining 20% of contaminants can cause 80% of network problems. The combination cleaning process is designed to remove the widest range of soils over the complete end face.
There is a significant science in the procedure that works on all connectors and removes dust contamination, fluid contamination and combinations of these soils most- typically encountered in OSP and OEM. It is a fast and effective means to clean whether you work in a RBOC, MSO, CLEC, Enterprise or R&D, Military or CATV Network.
Fiber Solutions Inc. (FSI) is a WMBE Certified woman-owned stocking distributor of fiber optic products including cable, connectors, patch cables, termination supplies, splice closures, cleaning supplies, patch panels, hybrid adapters, stripping tools, crimp tools, polishing materials, and cleavers. Also available for immediate delivery is a complete offering of test equipment, microscopes, inspection products, etc. Fiber Solutions can offer complete fiber optic training courses in a standard or customized format to meet your requirements. FSI works hard to be your One-Stop shop for all your fiber optic requirements.
The main limit to performance in optical fiber is attenuation. Optical fiber attenuation, commonly known as loss, refers to the weakening or degradation of the optical signal as it passes through the glass fiber over the total distance of the fiber. Insertion loss and back reflection (return loss) are two tests that will enable a technician to correct attenuation problems on a fiber span.
Testing the fiber will show you where the weakened signals are located. Physical characteristics of the fiber, increased signal levels, amplification nonlinearity, inconsistent or 'dirty' connector end-faces as well as components on the fiber such as splices and connector terminations can all be a factor that can cause increased attenuation. Attenuation (loss and back reflection) can be measured by using an Optical Power Meter and an Optical Light Source, or an Integrated Power Meter / Light Source for bidirectional testing (pair needed), or an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and a Handheld Power Meter. (It is recommended to utilize a fiber reference jumper for all scenarios). When testing large fiber counts, data storage and the ability to download the information to a computer, is essential.
Using any of the above mentioned test scenarios; the light source will send a continuous wave signal, which simulates the operating wavelength of the emitter on the transmission equipment, down the fiber in question. At the far end of this fiber the power meter will be connected. The result of this test will be the loss of dB which is a relative reading and is equal to the transmitted power minus the received power. This test gives a numerical value for the power received. To obtain accurate loss measurements, a reference setting function must be available on the power meter. The setting of a reference requires a test jumper be connected to power meter, and also the light source and connected by a coupler. A reference reading is than taken, and than the power meter/light source are attached to the different ends of the cable under test. The resultant reading will be the loss or attenuation of the fiber under test only. Attenuation will differ depending on the direction in the fiber itself. Different results can be obtained when measuring from A to B and from B to A.
Back reflection (return loss) is the ratio of the light backscattered or reflected in the reverse direction of the forward direction of travel. Back reflection limits and/or degrades system performance. Unlike attenuation, which can be reduced by cleaning the connector interfaces etc., the effects of back reflection can only be resolved by re-polishing connector faces, or even changing the type of connector interfaces such as UPC or APC connector polishes.
While every effort should be made to keep attenuation to a minimum such as effective fusion splicing techniques, proper bend radius consideration, proper fiber end face maintenance techniques, etc., sometimes attenuation must be added to a circuit because the receiver on the network element cannot accept the signal level. An attenuator is a passive device used to reduce the amplitude of a light signal without significantly changing the waveform itself. Primarily there are five different configurations of attenuators and each configuration has its own strength.
Hybrid Attenuator Plug, (Male to Female) or The Opposing Ends are a Different Connector Type. The hybrid style is ideal for reducing the intensity of a signal just prior to going into a receiver. This type of attenuator is typically available with similar connector ends with male/female configurations. They can also be available with different connector types on each end as well. The high performance characteristics of this type of attenuator make it the perfect choice for DWDM systems, CATV, EDFA, with Instrumentation and other highly amplified systems, LAN and Telecommunication Networks and high-speed data-com.
Patch Cord Attenuator. (In Line) (Attenuator is within a cable assembly) the attenuating fiber patch cord is ideal for high power applications and can be easily installed into fiber splice enclosures. The Patch Cord style offers simplified system set-up and reduced installation costs by combining the functions of patch cords and fixed attenuators in one convenient package.
Bulkhead Attenuator (Female to Female) The bulkhead style of attenuators are ideal when two
male connectors need to be mated with a fixed attenuator. Many times you will find this type at the patch panel. This type of attenuator is ideal for applications where return loss is not as critical and price is a consideration.
LoopBack Attenuator. The loopback style is ideal for simulating losses associated with outside plant cable runs allowing BER testing on engineering and production test standards
3 Step Attenuator. This attenuator is a completely passive device using bend radius of a 3mm jacketed cable as a means of attenuation without introducing back-reflection. It is designed to fit onto your existing cable assembly and it leaves no lasting effects on cable jacketing.
Fiber Solutions Inc. (FSI) is a WMBE Certified woman-owned stocking distributor of fiber optic products including cable, connectors, patch cables, termination supplies, splice closures, cleaning supplies, patch panels, hybrid adapters, stripping tools, crimp tools, polishing materials, and cleavers. Also available for immediate delivery is a complete offering of test equipment, microscopes, inspection products, etc. Fiber Solutions can offer complete fiber optic training courses in a standard or customized format to meet your requirements. FSI works hard to be your One-Stop shop for all your fiber optic requirements.
Fiber optics is moving to the point where it is being widely deployed in ring, and point to point configurations. As the use of fiber increases the more access is required in the middle of a cable to support a new customer, or street or subdivision in a different area then was originally planned. These mid-span access points may need to pull out a single fiber or multiple fiber tubes, depending upon the architecture.
When making these entries the outer sheath of the cable needs to be removed from the cable without damaging the buffers of fibers inside. This access can be accomplished with different types of jacket strippers which will be discussed in a different blog. In addition often times there may be Kevlar, “icky pick” and binding tapes to deal with as well.
Once the appropriate buffer tube is accessed, consideration needs to be given as to how to make the Mid-Span access of the tube. There are Mid-Span Access tools that are considered to be cable manufacturer specific and some that are adaptable to multiple cable types. The purpose of this blog is to review each of these tools and review their specifications and how they can be applied in various configurations.
GENERAL MID-SPAN ACCESS TOOLS
Ripley MSAT (80785)
- Quickly and easily access fibers in 2, 2.5 and 3mm buffer tubes in a mid-span location without fiber damage
- All blades precisely factory mounted in tube slitting channels with no adjustment required by the installer
- Tool design incorporates buffer tube size gages on the tool body for ease of selecting proper tube slitting channel
- Convenient spring loaded lever opens and closes the tool and lever becomes flush with the top of the tool body when closed
- For use with the following diameter buffer tubes: 2.0mm 1.8-2.2 mm (0.071”- 0.086”) 2.5mm 2.3-2.8 mm (0.090”-0.110”) 3.0mm 2.8-3.2 mm (0.110”- 0.126”)
- Made in the U.S.A
- Replacement Blade: Part No: 80794 1 set (2 each) 1/16” Allen wrench included
- Part No.: 80785
RIPLEY MSAT-5 (80930)
• Allows easy mid-span access to optical fibers in loose buffer tubes
• Access tube sizes from 1.9mm to 3.0mm
• Shaves precise opening to prevent fiber damage
• Sizing channels to easily determine tube size
• Locking mechanism ensures tool will remain closed through the entire shaving operation
• Replacement Blade: Part No.: 80935 (5 blades – 2 screws)
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Dimensions: 3.9 x1.5x0.7 in (99x38x18mm)
• Weight: 1.36oz (38.5g)
Corning UAT-300
The universal access tool (UAT3) simplifies a mid-span access on any Corning Cable Systems single-tube fiber optic cable product, including ribbon cable. Unlike other access tools requiring strength and awkward handling, the UAT3’s design allows controlled movement. Its
unique drive mechanism easily pulls the tool along the buffer
tube as the T-handle is turned. As the tool passes down a length of tube, two blades on opposite sides of the tool score the outside of the tube. These precise cuts on the outside of the tube may then be split to expose the bundled or ribbon fibers inside.
The UAT3 provides an easy and reliable method to access fibers. The concern of accessing dark fibers among “hot fibers” for adding a customer drop is no longer an ordeal. The UAT3 is compatible with single-tube products having outside diameters of 5 mm to 24 mm.
CABLE SPECIFIC MID-SPAN ACCESS TOOLS
Corning OFT-000
The optical fiber access tool (OFAT) is designed to provide mid-span fiber access in standard Corning Cable Systems ALTOS® Cables. This rugged hand tool will accommodate buffer tubes from 2.4 to 3.0 mm. The OFAT clamps over a buffer tube. As the tool is pulled along the buffer tube, two offset blades split the tube without damaging fibers inside.
Draka Comteq Mid-Span Buffer Access tool
This revolutionary tool provides quick and easy access to fibers every time, even in the hands of inexperienced installers. The precision-ground blade and special inserts hold the buffer tube firmly in place in the shaving channel, ensuring that only the tube wall is cut, and not the
fibers.
Kit Includes: Carrying case, 1 hand tool, 1 fiber spatula, 1 spare socket head screw, 1 allen wrench, 1 spare blade, 3 Inserts: 2.5/12f, 2.8/12f, 3.0/12f.
Ripley 42555 Bright Path/Comscope Mid-Span Access Tool
- Especially designed to mid-span access CommScope BrightPath Self Support Figure 8 Outdoor Drop Cable
- Tool has two precise shaving channels, one to remove the outer MPDE jacket and one to access the 4mm buffer tube fibers
- Fixed control of blade cutting depth and angle protects fibers from
damage
- Cable is easily inserted and removed by opening and closing spring loaded tool halves with a convenient and quick turning thumb screw
- Replacement Blade Part No. for A & B Channel: CB229
- Part No.: 42555
Fiber Solutions knowlegeable sales staff is available to help you work through and discuss the applictions you are involved with to determine the best possible tool for your application. Contact us at 800-743-4237 or e-mail at info@fibersolutionsinc.com or visit our web site www.fibersolutionsonline.com and let us know how we can help.
Fiber Optic Cleaning in Military, Aerospace, Broadcast, and Hostile Environment Applications
The New Sticklers® MCC-FK05 Fiber Optic Military-Ready Cleaning Kit has been specifically engineered to help field personnel to clean fiber networks quickly, reliably and inexpensively. This kit puts the time-saving Sticklers® cleaners in a convenient “flyable” kit available to go anywhere. In the military environment “Go Anywhere” can include field maneuvers, flight lines, flight decks, as well as military bases around the world. It gives field personnel the tools to get the job done right.
The Kit contains cleaners, wipes and swabs. Kit includes two cans of cleaning fluids, one mini-tub of Clean Wipes 90, one box of Clean Wipes 400, 25 Clean Wipes Singles, 10 of each of the S25, S16, S12, XMT, and P25 size CleanStixx. The kit is packaged in low visibility canvas bag and also contains a LED flashlight. With room for extra supplies, inspection scopes, strippers, clamps or other tools, each kit can be customized for either cleaning bare fiber before fusion splicing, or for cleaning connector end-faces, or both. CleanStixx also allow you to clean bulkheads as well.
- Contains the Most Popular Items for Cleaning Fiber Optic Connectors and for Cleaning Before Splicing
- Delivers 800+ Perfectly Clean Connectors and/or Splices
- Easy-Open Zipper and Convenient Self-Sealing Pouches for Holding Tools, Meters or Extra Supplies
- Features the Unique Sticklers® Nonflammable TravelSAFE™ Cleaning Fluid
- Making Cleaning Easy, Consistent and Fast Will Reduce the Costs of Sustaining Your Fiber Network
Fiber Solutions can also customize a kit to also accommodate Fiber Optic Inspection. Fiber Solutions can supply the JDSU FIT-S115 Inspection Kit. This kit includes a power meter, 
Optional Visual Fault Locator and Digital Inspection Probe. This probe is available in either 200 or 400x magnification. This probe coupled with the available Military Connector tips can allow you to clean and inspect Multi Fiber Pin and Sockets found in most military Mil-C-38999 connectors.
Fiber Solutions Inc is a well-established Woman Owned fiber-optic distribution company providing the finest products in fiber optic test equipment. In addition Fiber Solutions offers fiber optic cleaning supplies, cable assemblies, patch panels, splicing products, hand tools, and many other fiber-optic related products. We at Fiber Solutions are pleased to be a provider of some of the finest fiber optic cleaning supplies available in the fiber-optic industry including all those available from Micro Care, Sticklers, Chemtronics, US Conec, NTT, NTT-AT, Cletop, Seiko Giken, and many others. You can find all of these products available on our website at http://www.fibersolutionsonline.com. You can also contact our customer service representatives at 800-743-4237, or e-mail us at info@fibersolutionsinc.com.
New Sticklers® Fiber Optic Splice & Connector Cleaner
The new Sticklers® Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner is the only fiber optic cleaner created specifically for fast, reliable and consistent "wet-dry" cleaning. This solvent has been specifically created to meet the demanding needs of today's high speed gigabit fiber optic networks.
The optical-grade liquid easily removes fingerprints, oils, dust, lint and surface films. It was also created to be fast-drying. The benefit of this feature is that it will not allow the fiber face to collect additional dust and debris while the liquid dries.
When used in conjunction with the Sticklers CleanStixx swabs as a "wet-dry" cleaner, the Connector Cleaner dissipates the static that "locks" particulate on to the fiber optic end-faces. In addition the “Wet-dry” process reduces static clean of particulates and debris on the fiber face.
The new Sticklers Fiber Optic Splice and Connector cleaner can be used on single-mode and multi-mode fiber as well as plastic optical fiber.
The packaging is an integral benefit of the Fiber Optic Splice and Connector cleaner. It features the orange Triton™ dispensing cap, so techs are able to spray the liquid, or dampen a cleaning stick, or wet a wipe, all from one easy-to-use, spill-proof package. The can itself contains enough solvent for over 400 applications, so the cost of each cleaning event is only pennies.
The spill-proof canister is "TravelSAFE™" — that is, the nonflammable liquid can be shipped, even by air, without hazmat hassles. This is important to technicians who are traveling via air to perform fiber optic splices, and cleaning.
Fiber Solutions Inc is a well-established Woman Owned fiber-optic distribution company providing the finest products in fiber optic test equipment. In addition Fiber Solutions offers fiber optic cleaning supplies, cable assemblies, patch panels, splicing products, hand tools, and many other fiber-optic related products. We at Fiber Solutions are pleased to be a provider of some of the finest fiber optic cleaning supplies available in the fiber-optic industry including all those available from Micro Care, Sticklers, Chemtronics, US Conec, NTT, NTT-AT, Cletop, Seiko Giken, and many others. You can find all of these products available on our website at http://www.fibersolutionsonline.com. You can also contact our customer service representatives at 800-743-4237, or e-mail us at info@fibersolutionsinc.com.
MicroCare CleanStixx™ Fit Every Size and Type of Fiber Optic Connector
The new Sticklers® CleanStixx™ fiber optic cleaning swabs are a unique answer to need for cleaning fiber optic connectors. The CleanStixx when used in conjunction with the new 
Sticklers® Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner, can work together to provide a unique Wet/Dry cleaning process uniquely qualified to work on today's gigabit networks.
Some of the unique features of the CleanStixx swabs include:
- Unique color coding to identify the Five Sizes of CleanStixx™ Swabs, So You Can Clean Any and All Types of Connectors
- CleanStixx™ Swabs Rotate Off-center, For the Best Possible Cleaning of the End-Face
- CleanStixx™ Swabs Conform to Every End-face, Including Tough-to-Clean APC Configurations
- CleanStixx™ Swabs Clean the Entire End-Face, Not Just Contact Area
- Only Sticklers® CleanStixx™ Swabs Can Clean Any Connector, Any Configuration, Any Size, Every Time
Designed to be used with the Sticklers® Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner,
CleanStixx™ swabs out-perform foam or cloth swabs. Plus, the fast-drying Connector Cleaner makes "wet-dry" cleaning a snap.
Each CleanStixx™ swab is color-coded for the type of connector it is designed to clean. For example, the popular SC connectors are cleaned with the blue CleanStixx™ swab; LC connectors are cleaned with the green CleanStixx™ swab and so on. This makes training easy, and with a quick glance you can confirm you have the right CleanStixx™ swab for the job at hand.
In short, CleanStixx™ swabs will leave end-faces clean and residue-free. Available in five sizes, there is a stick for every style of fiber optic connector. Only Sticklers® CleanStixx™ fiber optic swabs can clean any connector, any size, and configuration, just about every time.
Fiber Solutions Inc is a well-established Woman Owned fiber-optic distribution company providing the finest products in fiber optic test equipment. In addition Fiber Solutions offers fiber optic cleaning supplies, cable assemblies, patch panels, splicing products, hand tools, and many other fiber-optic related products. We at Fiber Solutions are pleased to be a provider of some of the finest fiber optic cleaning supplies available in the fiber-optic industry including all those available from Micro Care, Sticklers, Chemtronics, US Conec, NTT, NTT-AT, Cletop, Seiko Giken, and many others. You can find all of these products available on our website at http://www.fibersolutionsonline.com. You can also contact our customer service representatives at 800-743-4237, or e-mail us at info@fibersolutionsinc.com.
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What can I do with a Fiber Optic Visual Fault Locator?
Many customers call and seem confused by the many applications of Visual Fault Locators. 
Many technicians don't understand that Visual Fault Locators (VFL) are distance/loss sensitive, and cannot provide assistance over great lengths.
However visual fault locators do have many benefits and applications. The goal of this article is to establish and outline the six ways to best utilize a visual fault locator.
- Detect breaks within OTDR dead zone.
- Highlights sharp bends where loss can occur
- Optimizes mechanical/fusion splices
- Detects defective connectors
- Ensures end-to-end connectivity on multi-fiber cable assemblies
- Detect major scratches on fiber end faces
Finding breaks within an OTDR Dead Zone: Essentially this means that if there is a break in a cable in a patch panel for instance, an OTDR may not be able to detect it because it is too close. A VFL can isolate this anomaly. The brightness of the "red light" will glow through either the 900um coating, or the 2 & 3 mm jacketing material, including the “Yellow Jacket”. This can identify fiber faults inside the deadzone of an OTDR.
Highlight sharp bends where loss can occur: The role of the visual fault locator is that it can be applied at one end of a cable and glow through the jacket to identify the trouble spot. Fiber optic cable has a minimum bend radius that must be maintained at all times. The visual fault locator will help greatly in this application.
Optimizing mechanical/fusion splices: Mechanical fusion splices are optical connections made through Index Matching Gel that are aligned by hand and then the mechanical connection of the splice is made. A visual fault locator applied at one end of the fibers being terminated will introduce a “Red Light” to the connection process. As the fibers are aligned, and “optimized” the glow of the “Red Light” will reduce as the best possible connection is achieved.
Another application relevant to fusion splicing is using the VFL to identify the fibers from both ends when doing a mid-span splice. Essentially just apply a VFL at each end and splice the two lit fibers together.
Detect defective/broken connectors: One of the major sources of frustration in FTTH installs is broken/defective connectors. This occurs often when using 900um pigtails/cable assemblies. Essentially if the cable assembly is mishandled the fiber will break right at the exit point of the protective boot. This anomaly can also be easily identified with the use of a visual fault locator, and it will produce a bright glow through the boot, or at the source of the break.
Ensuring end-to-end connectivity on multi-fiber cable assemblies: During the installation of FTTx systems today, multi-fiber cable assemblies are often used. These multi-fiber assemblies are used either in the CO/Headend to connect patch panels to the OSP cable, or as multi-fiber splitters in the RTU’s. Both of these scenarios are potential sources of broken fibers, and a visual fault locator is an essential tool to help detect these breaks without disturbing additional customer fiber that may be on the circuit under test.
Detect major scratches on fiber end faces: The role of detecting defective connectors and imperfections can be found by hooking up the fault locator on one end of jumper and then shining the fiber face under test on to a piece of paper. When you arrive within 1/2" of the paper you should receive a tight red dot when the polish is correct. If there are imperfections you may receive a star configuration indicating some type of imperfection. This can then be further investigated through the use of an inspection probe or microscope.
As you can see a Fiber Optic Visual Fault Locator is an invaluable tool in any technician’s tool bag that is responsible for fiber optic testing and installation. There are many varieties of VFL’s available and selection can be made based upon distances if using for fusion splicing applications. Additional criteria may be determined based upon costs if focusing primarily on FTTx applications. No matter what the applications VFL’s are becoming a necessity in the tool bag. It is actually quite remarkable that such a small and inexpensive tool can help resolve such major revenue blocking issues.
Fiber Solutions Inc is a well-established Woman Owned fiber-optic distribution company providing the finest products in fiber optic test equipment. In addition Fiber Solutions offers fiber optic cleaning supplies, cable assemblies, patch panels, splicing products, hand tools, and many other fiber-optic related products. We at Fiber Solutions are pleased to be a provider of some of the finest test equipment available in the fiber-optic industry including all those available from Greenlee, EXFO, Noyes, Optical Wavelength Laboratories, JDSU, and many others. You can find all of these tools available on our website at http://www.fibersolutionsonline.com. You can also contact our customer service representatives at 800-743-4237, or e-mail us at info@fibersolutionsinc.com.
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