Upgrade Device: AFL

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Friday, December 4, 2015

How To Make Fiber Optic Patch Cables... Kinda

Times are tough these days, which is why many people are looking to save a few dollars any way they can. A couple weeks ago we made a video showing you How To Build an Inexpensive Wall Mount Fiber Box. We've already had quite a few customers thank us for that cost saving solution. Today, let's talk about making your own fiber optic patch cables.

Seems like just about everyone in the low voltage industry has made their own ethernet cat5e/cat6 cables at least once in their life (me included). And I'm sure you have too. So you're thinking, those are really easy and only take a few minutes, why don't I just start making my own fiber cables. Unfortunately, we're not comparing apples to apples here. Making your own fiber cables CAN be an easy process, but it's not very economical. I'm talking about the FAST fiber connectors from AFL Telecommunications. Although these connectors require only a couple minutes per strand to complete, they are much pricier than regular connectors and still require a couple expensive tools. It wouldn't make sense to buy these unless you already had the tools and did fiber terminations regularly. Even then, the cost of the connectors make this an expensive way to make fiber jumpers. If this is still something your interested in, watch the video below.

The other option for making fiber cables would be epoxy fiber connectors. These connectors have been around for quite a while now and are fairly inexpensive. The problem with these connectors is the amount of time involved in terminating them. In addition, you still need all the tools and testing equipment to get the job done. Well, I thought you were going to show us how to make fiber jumpers? That's where the "kinda" comes in. Watch the video below for a brief explanation on making fiber cables, but when it comes down to it, buying pre-made fiber cables is the way to go. You can order them in any length you need, with any type of fiber, and any type of connector. If you need more than 2 strands of fiber, or plan on using them for a long distance, I would recommend Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Cable. Pre Terminated fiber assemblies are just like the fiber jumpers, but can be pulled long distances and are much more durable. To order any of the products talked about in this article, simply click the links above or visit Discount-Low-Voltage.com.

How To Make Fiber Patch Cords... Kinda

We hope you enjoyed the video. To follow the Discount-Low-Voltage.com Blog, simply click the "Follow" link on the right hand side of the page.

Want more to see more Fiber Friday articles? Check out the others here:
April 2, 2010 - How To Terminate Unicam SC Fiber Connectors
March 26, 2010 - How To Terminate Unicam ST Fiber Connectors
March 12, 2010 - How To Install Fiber Optic Fan Out Kit
February 12, 2010 - Loose Tuber Fiber Vs. Tight Buffer Fiber
February 5, 2010 - FAST Fiber Connector FAQ

The AFL HiLite fiber optic visual fault finder is the star of this weeks Product Video Blog.

First, some information on visual fault finders:
Fault finders are designed to troubleshoot faults on fiber optic cables by sending a red laser beam through the fiber optic cable. Light generated by these units will escape from sharp bends and breaks in jacketed or bare fibers, as well as poorly mated connectors. They can identify faults in fiber optic jumper cables, distribution frames, patch panels, and splice trays. In addition, they can also be used to aid installation of AFL FAST fiber optic connectors.

Watch the Video!

Features and Benefits of the AFL HiLite:
- Compact, lightweight size
- Visible red laser source, 650 nm
- Easily locate faults in fiber optic cable, fiber jumpers, and more
- Includes 2.5mm adapter for popular SC and ST fiber optic connectors
- High power, 1 mW
- Universal connector interface for quick connection
- Easy to order from Discount-Low-Voltage.com

How To Splice Fiber Optic Cable - Mechanical Splice

Instructions for splicing fiber optic cable with the AFL CS004162 mechanical splice kit. Watch quick overview video at bottom of post.

1.0 GENERAL
1.01 These instructions describe the operation of the SpliceConnect™ Universal Mechanical Splicing Tool. Please be sure to read these instructions carefully before proceeding.

WARNING: Always wear eye protection when handling optical fibers. Dispose of any cut or cleaved ends properly. Do not touch the wedge with bare hands.

1.02 The SpliceConnect™ CS004162 Universal Mechanical Splicing Tool Kit Contains:
• Mechanical Splicing Tool
• Instruction Manual
• Fiber Holder (900µm)
• Fiber Holder (250µm)
• Instructions Video (CD)
• Carrying Case

1.03 Tools and materials required:
• CT-30A Universal Cleaver (recommended)
• Fiber Prep Fluid
• Marking Pen
• Fiber Stripper
• Lint-free Cloth Wipes

2.0 INSTALLATION
2.01 Identify components of the kit. (see Figure 1)

2.02 Securely set the mechanical splice into the tool with the “F” logo upside down and on the left side. (see Figure 2)

2.03 Push the Red lever fully to engage the wedge into the splice. (see Figure 3)

2.04 Avoid damage to the fibers by making sure the fiber holder grooves and stripper are free of dust. (see Figure 4)

2.05 For 250µm: Mark 35mm from the end of the fiber. Strip the fiber to the mark. Clean the bare fiber. (see Figure 5)

For 900µm: Mark 35mm from the end of the fiber. Strip the fiber to the mark by removing 7mm at one time. Clean the bare fiber. (see Figure 5)

2.06 For 250µm: Place end of the fiber coating at the 10mm mark on the cleaver and cleave the bare fiber. The result is 10mm of bare fiber remaining after cleave. (see Figure 6)

For 900µm: Place end of the fiber coating at the 15mm mark on the cleaver and cleave the bare fiber. The result is 15mm of bare fiber remaining after cleave. (see Figure 6)

2.07 For 250µm: Set the fiber onto the holder with a protrusion of 25mm (10mm of bare fiber and 15mm of buffer coating). Gripping the front portion of the holder, slide the clamp downwards to lock the fiber. (see Figure 7)

For 900µm: Set the fiber onto the holder with a protrusion of 25mm (15mm of bare fiber and 10mm of buffer coating). (see Figure 7)

2.08 Set the fiber holder in the tool in line with the arrows on the rail. The fiber end should coincide with the tip of the fiber guide. (see Figures 8 and 9)

2.09 Slide the fiber holder forward until it is secured by the fiber holder lock. (see Figures 10 and 11)

2.10 Repeat steps 2.05 through 2.09 for the opposite fiber.

2.11 Insert opposite side of holder and fiber should bend on the side of the inserted holder. (see Figures 12 and 13)

(Except for 250µm to 900µm, the fiber on the opposite side of the inserted fiber holder should bend. (see Figure 14)

2.12 Press down the fiber bend and the opposite side should form a bend. (see Figures 15 and 16)

2.13 Balance the fiber bends on both sides. If the fiber bends cannot be balanced, restart the process with a new mechanical splice. (see Figures 17 and 18)

2.14 When the fiber bends on both sides are balanced, push the yellow lever to disengage the wedge. Fiber splice is completed. (see Figure 19)

2.15 For 250µm: Release the fibers from the fiber holder by sliding the clamps towards the splice side. Make sure the fiber does not get caught by any part of the splice tool. Remove the splice gently. (see Figures 20 and 21)

For 900µm: Release the fibers from fiber holders by opening the fiber holder covers. Make sure the fiber does not get caught by any part of the splice tool. Remove the splice gently. (see Figures 22 and 23)