ADJUSTMENTS

Tension:

The Tensioner is used to apply tension to the fiber before it is cleaved. Normal setting of this tensioner is 210 of for 125 um fibers (larger fibers may require more tension). To change the setting, raise the lever “C” to the TENSION OFF position (up), now turn adjuster screw “X” (accessible through the hole in the bottom of the case) using 2 mm screwdriver clock wise to increase the tension and vice versa.

NOTE: If correct tension is not known it is best to start with a high tension to ensure cleave and then gradually reduce it until a satisfactory cleave is obtained. This will avoid blade damage caused by failure to cleave.

Blade adjustment:

The diamond blade may become worn after many cleaves, in this case it should be raised to a new position. Proceed as follows: using a 2 mm wrench turn the adjuster screw “Y” (accessible through the hole in the rear of the case) clock wise quarter of a turn. The blade cannot be lowered.

SPLICING

GENERAL

Outline of FSM-20CSII Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer.

The FSM-20CSII Arc Fusion Splicer is used for splicing SM (Single Mode) optical fiber and MM (Multi Mode) optical fiber.

Mutual aligning of both SM and MM optical fibers is performed automatically by image processing microcomputer built into the splicer.

The power source applicable for this system is AC85 – 265V (50/60Hz) or DC10-15V. The AC voltage selection is automatic. NEVER USE a cleaning spray on the machine. Spray that includes FREON gas causes abnormally strong discharges. This reduces the life time of the electrodes and may cause damage to the mirrors and lens.

OPERATION

Keyboard Panel

            This section gives the key functions of the FSM-20CSII. Fig. 2.1 shows the key layout on the top panel of the splicer. Table 2.1 shows their respective functions.

 

                                                              Keyboard Layout

   
Table 2.1

No.	Name	Function
1	RESET Key	When the RESET which is pressed, the system stops in any step of operation and the fibers move back to Z axis home position. The splice accepts the RESET with a beeping sound and displays “READY” is displayed on the monitor.
2	SET Key	This is used to initiate the gap setting of two fiber end faces and automatic alignment of the fibers. The instructions “GAP SET “ “FIBER OK” and “ALIGNING” are displayed on the monitor at each stage.
3	MODE Key	The FSM-20CSII can be preset to 20 different modes for various fibers SM1~SM10, MM1~MM10). This key is used to select the mode. In SM mode, core axis alignment is performed automatically and in the MM mode, fiber axis alignment is performed manually.
4	X/Y Key	This is used for the automatic field change operation. When the X/Y key is pressed, the fiber image is changed from (X) to (Y) or (Y) to (X). If this is done after a gap set operation, the fibers are adjusted to the center of the monitor and focused automatically.
5	ARC Key	This is used to perform an arc but it will not function while the system is in its automatic splicing operation. No fiber stuffing occurs if this key is operated from the “READY” state or if an arc has already occurred. “**ARC**” is displayed on the monitor just before the discharge is produced. If gap setting has been done, loss estimation automatically follows the discharge operation. This function may be used to re-arc a splice after the automatic process has finished.
6	CND Key	This is used to select the menu options.
7	MOTOR Key	This is used for controlling the splicer motors manually.
8	(up) Key (down) Key	These are used for moving the ‘*’ cursor wherever applicable in the menus and options. When manual motor control is selected, these keys act as “backward” and “Forward” direction controls.
9	ENT Key	This is used to select a menu option for discharge conditions or select a motor control.
10	HEAT Key	This is used to start the heater process. The heat indicator lamp lights during heating.
11	Condition/Comment Input keys.	These are used for input of the operating parameters or the comments.

Splicing SM Type Optical Fiber

Selecting Splice Mode.

Confirm “READY” is displayed on the monitor and select SM mode.

Setting Optical Fiber

1.         Strip, clean and cleave the optical fibers.

2.         Open the wind protector.

3.         Lift the fiber clamps and the sheath clamps.

4.         Place the optical fiber in the V-grooves.

5.         Carefully close the sheath clamp until it clicks. Check that the bare fiber is seated at the bottom of the V-groove. Ensure the fiber end face is positioned between the V-groove and the discharge electrodes.

6.         Repeat for the other fiber.

7.         Carefully close the fiber clamps and then the wind protector.

8.         Press the “SET” key.

The mirror is set, “GAP SET” is displayed and the optical fibers move forward to their initial gap.

 If the CLEANING ARC function is ON, a short discharge now occurs to remove dust from the fiber surface. Press “RESET” and prepare the fibers again if any dust remains after cleaning.

If the CLEAVE ANGLE function is ON, the end face angles are checked and an error occurs if either is more than 5 or 3 degrees.

Now, the splicer either continues with the splice procedure, or, if the PAUSE function is ON, it stops to allow operator inspection of the fiber images. “FIBER OK” is displayed and a beep is sounded. Press “SET” to continue the splice procedure.

CAUTION:     

The “RESET” key may be pressed at any time to terminate the splice procedure. However, if this is done when the fiber image is not correctly focused or positioned on the monitor, then the image may not be recognized on the next GAP SET. This may lead to collision of the fibers and require them to be prepared again. If the operator is any doubt as to when the “RESET” key was pressed, lift the wind protector and press the “SET” key procedure. However, if this is done when the fiber image is not correctly focused or positioned on the monitor, then the image may not be recognized on the next GAP SET. This may lead to collision of the fibers and require them to be prepared again. If the operator is any doubt as to when the “RESET” key was pressed, lift the wind protector and press the “SET” key Error 3 “TOO DARK” will result and the field and focus motors will move to their correct positions. Lower the wind protector and proceed as normal.

Tube Heater (option)

1.         Slide the heat shrink sleeve, through which the fibers are already inserted, to the center of the spliced portion.

2.         Open the heater cover.

3.         Keep the reinforcing material (steel rod) position downward inside the heat shrink sleeve. Close the heater cover.

4.         Press the “HEAT” key and check that the heat indicator lamp is lit.

5.         When the sleeve is shrunk completed, the heat indicator lamp is turned off and a beep is sounded. Reinforcing takes approximately 2 and half minutes.

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the Optical Fiber Guide Unit (V-groove)

When the V-groove of the optical fiber guide unit becomes dirty, it causes axial offset of the optical fiber.

Ensure the splicer is switched off. Lift the fiber clamp and wipe the V-groove with a cotton stick dipped in alcohol. Alternatively, scour the V-groove with end face of a cleaved fiber.

Cleaning the Objective Lens.

If the objective lens is dirty, a bad image may be seen on the monitor and cause abnormal operation of the splicer.

Ensure the splicer is switched off. Remove the electrode cover, loosen the electrode screws and move the electrode towards the back of the splicer (take care not to damage the tip through any unintentional contact). Wipe the objective lens with a cotton stick dipped in alcohol. Move the electrode back, keeping it firmly pressed into place while tightening the screws lightly.

After cleaning, discharge a few time.

 Cleaning the Mirrors

            When either of the mirrors is dirty, a bad image may be seen on the monitor and cause abnormal operation of the splicer.

Cleaning procedure is as follows.

1.         Open the wind protector (the Up/Down mirror is reset automatically) and turn off the splicer.

2.         Wipe the mirrors inside the wind protector and in front of the V-grooves with a cotton stick dipped in alcohol.

If the mirror has large visible dust, like sand, on its surface, blow it away before wiping (DO NOT use an aerosol gas cleaner for this).

Replacing the Up/Down Mirror.

            If the mirror has scratches on its, surface, a bad image may be seen on the monitor and cause abnormal operation of the splicer.

Replacement procedure is as follows.

Note:- Use the hexagonal wrench, tweezers and spare mirror provided in the splicer carrying case.

1.         Press the “SET” key to set the mirror. Press the “RESET” key and turn off the splicer.

2.         Open the wind protector, loosen the screws (“D”) fixing the electrodes and remove the electrodes carefully.

3.         Remove the screws (“A”) on the mirror attachment using the hexagonal wrench. Remove the mirror attachment (“B”) with the tweezers. Take care not to drop the screw or the mirror attachment inside the splicer.

4.         Push the new mirror firmly against the holder (“C”) while tightening the screw. Confirm that no gap is visible between the mirror attachment and the holder.

5.         Push both electrodes until the flanges touch the electrode fixture and lightly tighten screws (“D”).

CAUTIONS

Notes on Use.

1.         During discharge, the electrode generates a voltage of about 4,000V. Do not touch it. Make sure to ground the splicer main body during use. If there are drops of water on the splicer main body, dry thoroughly before use.

2.         Do not discharge while the electrodes are not in place.

3.         When alcohol, oil (including hand grease), etc. are adhered to the electrodes, abnormal discharge occurs. However, after discharging several times, such liquids will disappear and a normal discharge will be produced.

4.         Turn the power switch off before plugging or unplugging the power cord from the splicer main body.

5.         Do not clean the objective lens, switches or panels with any chemical except for alcohol. Such chemicals may cause discoloration or deterioration.

6.         Be careful not to get dust or sand on the splicer. Specifically do not rub the V-grooves with a hard material, such as metals, because they are precisely machined.

7.         No lubrication is needed on the splicer. Lubrication may adversely affect operation.

8.         Precise adjustments have been made to all parts of the splicer. Do not loosen screws or make any modification (except for mirror, electrode replacement, etc.) If there is something wrong with the splicer, consult the manufacturer.

Notes on Storage and Transportation.

1.         Always use the carrying case of the splicer to prevent moisture, vibration and impact when storing and transporting the splicer.

2.         Do not store in a place where high humidity or temperatures can be expected.

3.         Clamp is to assist in cleaving at the specified distance from the end of the primary coating. It indicates the distance from the diamond blade in millimeters.