So, this means that there is a new link budget formula that separates the two different types of connections.
fiber loss + splice loss + test cord connection loss + mid-span connection loss.
In the Fiber OWL 7, the user is prompted for the type of reference cable, either standard or reference-grade. Most of the time this will be standard grade.
The key point to remember here is that the test cords automatically COUNT AS CONNECTIONS, and mid-span connections DO NOT INCLUDE THE CONNECTIONS ON THE ENDS OF THE FIBER DURING THIS STEP!
Let's cover some examples to demonstrate.