It is recommended at this time to run a quick OTDR test. This test will gather some necessary data useful when determining optimal OTDR settings.

Verify that there are no fibers connected to the far end of the fiber under test, then press TEST on the Fiber OWL 7+. You may need to press the enter key to reveal the TEST soft-key.

Wait for the OTDR trace to complete. The trace acquisition time may vary depending upon several factors.

First, determine the precise length of the fiber ring to be used later for the “dead zone length” setting. The length on the fiber ring itself should not be used because the actual length may be off by a few meters.

To get the most accurate reading, zoom all the way out, then place the red cursor at the beginning of the spike where the fiber ring ends and the fiber under test begins. This will be the event closest to the length shown on the fiber ring. Lock the cursor in place and zoom in as far as possible. Then, unlock the cursor to move it as close as possible to the point right before the spike begins. Record the red cursor length value in meters.

Next, determine the approximate length of the fiber under test to be used to set the test “range” setting.

Zoom all the way out and place either cursor near the event signifying the end of the link under test. Take care to use the actual “end-of-fiber” event and not an echo that may be present. Record this value as it will be used later when determining the OTDRs test “range”.