OTDR
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14 Using the OTDR as a Light
Source or VFL
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If you want to perform measurements with a power meter and your
OTDR as a source, the OTDR port can transmit a special tone. This port
can be used only to transmit—not detect that tone.
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The Visual Fault Locator (VFL) application is used to set the OTDR to
send a red signal along the fiber, which can be used for visual fault
location and fiber identification.
Note:
The VFL option will be available only if your OTDR is equipped with a VFL
port.
C
AUTION
Never connect a live fiber to the OTDR port without a proper setup.
Any incoming optical power ranging from –65 dBm to –40 dBm will
affect the OTDR acquisition. The way the acquisition will be
affected depends on the selected pulse width.
Any incoming signal greater than –20 dBm could damage your
OTDR permanently. For live-fiber testing, refer to the SM Live port
specifications for the characteristics of the built-in filter.