As users call in with questions we will post answers to the most frequently asked questions here:

Question: I try downloading data into OWL Reporter software from my Fiber OWL meter, and it tells me that no device was found.  How do I download my data from my Fiber OWL?

Answer: You need to be at the Download Data screen in order to download data to OWL Reporter.  Follow these steps to get to the Download Data screen:

1)  Press the MENU key to get to the Main Menu.  

2)  Select the menu option for Stored Readings or Stored Data.

3)  Select the menu option for Download Data.

4) Follow the on-screen instructions.  If the screen displays a question asking you to press Yes or No to download; do NOT press any buttons at this time.  You must leave this screen displayed on the meter in order to download to OWL Reporter.

5)  From OWL Reporter, press the Download button.  Your data should download into the software, and your meter will return you to the Stored Data menu.

Question: When using the Fiber OWL or Micro OWL what does the term "site" mean?  (Click here for more detailed information about sites)

Answer: A site is a group or groups of fiber cables that have the same characteristics ( fiber type, length, in line connections, and splices ). Because fiber runs of this type will usually terminate at the same location they are referred to as a site.

Note: When using fiber loss wizard to certify fiber runs, a separate site must be used for each group of fibers that have different characteristics. The fiber wizard should then be run for each site to enter the fiber characteristics of that site.

Question: How do I use the Fiber OWL or Micro OWL to do bi-directional testing?

Answer: If using one fiber meter and light source, first run the fiber loss wizard for the site that you will be testing and enter the fiber characteristics. Next, test all of the runs in one direction first and append the letter "A" to the end of the fiber name when saving the data ( OFFICE-A00, ..., OFFICE-A07). Next, test all of the runs in the opposite direction but in the same sequence and save the data with the same name but add the letter "B" to the end instead of "A" (OFFICE-B00, ..., OFFICE-B07).

If using two meters and light sources to test in both directions simultaneously, set up the same site in both meters and use the same site name. When storing data use the same fiber run names but append the letter "A" in one direction and "B" in the other. Download the data from one meter into the OWL reporter software and save the data to a file. Then download the data from the other meter and save it to the same file name and choose the merge option.

Question: How do I display the loss in my fiber link on my meter?

Answer: The Fiber OWL, Micro OWL, WaveTester and ZOOM optical power meters are all capable of displaying the optical loss in a link.  Optical loss measurements are always given in dB.

A power meter, a light source, and at least one patch cord are required to measure the optical loss in a fiber link.  Optical loss measurement is a two step process: setting a reference, and testing the fiber link. 

To set the reference in the meter, otherwise known as "zeroing", attach the light source to the meter via the patch cord.  Make sure that the units are powered on, and are set to the same wavelength (e.g. 850nm).  You may now set the reference in the meter.  Each meter has a different way of setting zero, so consult the manual for instructions.  Double check your zero point by setting the meter to dB mode.  The number on the display should be approximately 0.00 dB.

Once you have set the zero point in the meter, you are now ready to test your fiber link.  

PLEASE NOTE: do not disturb the connection to the light source.  If you disconnect the patch cord from the light source between the time you zeroed the meter and tested the link, then your reference, or zero, point will be invalid.  If you are testing at two wavelengths, then either a duplex patch cord, or two patch cords, are recommended -- one for each light source port on the light source.

Disconnect the patch cord from the meter, and take the meter to one end of the link, and the light source to the other end.  Connect the meter and the light source to the fiber being tested.  Set the meter to display units in dB.  The resultant number will show the amount of loss in the link as a negative number.

Example: We are testing a fiber link at 850nm.  When we connect our 850nm light source to the meter, the dBm reading is -20.10.  We toggle to dB mode and see that the meter shows a reading of 0.00 dB.  

When we disconnect the patch cord from the meter, take the units to opposite ends of the fiber link, and connect them to the fiber under test, our meter shows -1.24 dB.  What this means is that the fiber link is losing 1.24 dB of optical power due to the total loss of the passive components of the fiber link (fiber loss, connector loss, and splice loss).

Optical loss can be used for PASS/FAIL readings as well.  The actual optical loss number on the meter is compared with the theoretical PASS/FAIL threshold calculated on your link budget calculation sheet.  A link will PASS when the number on the meter is between zero and the PASS/FAIL number.  Likewise, a link will FAIL when the number is lower than the PASS/FAIL number.

You may download our Link Budget Calculation Worksheet by clicking on the link.