Most Recent Questions
Please select from the 20 most recent posts below.
You may also submit your own question or browse the archive of questions to the right.

I am using an FIS power meter and light source to test short runs of singlemode fiber , 160' and 260' on most of the strands I am getting a higer DB loss on 1550 then 1310 for example .33 / .94 or .23 / .76 Is the light source over powering the short fiber runs?
Higher loss at 1550nm is usually a good indicator of bends in the fiber at some point. 1550nm will always show more l (Read More)

We have to test a 9 micron loose tube outdoor fiber and a 50 micron loose tube outdoor fiber on the spool before installation. We have an FIS mini OTDR. Is there a bare fiber adapter. How would you suggest the testing be done.
The most efficient method of testing bare fiber with an OTDR is to use a pigtail and mechanical splice. It is never r (Read More)

When testing a fiber using and OTDR, how can the technician determine the correct IOR for the fiber in order to set the proper parameters on the test set to ensure the measurements will be accurate?
The index of refraction (IOR) can be found on the specification sheets for the fiber in question. This does actually (Read More)

Can 125um fiber be used in a 126um ferrule? Why such a close difference in size?
126um is the recommended ferrule hole size for 125um singlemode fiber. There are some 125.5um ferrules available for (Read More)

What is the use of IOR (Index of Refraction).
The index of refraction of a fiber is used in the calculation of the speed of light in the fiber, as well as many other (Read More)

I inherited a FIS 24 Port Heat Oven with thermometer and quite a few hot melt 3M connectors, but no instructions. From a 3M download, I noticed the 3M oven unit has a load adapter that one uses to insert and remove the connector from the oven port. Is the FIS oven similar? Could you give me some basic info on how the oven is used?
The FIS 24 port heat oven is designed for standard epoxy connectors. The oven has a maximum temperature of 150 degree (Read More)

I'm hunting for a remote fibre distance measurement. Some of our fibre runs are hundreds of k's from tech support. I was looking for a unit to constantly measure cable distance (eg 80km) and if it suddenly changes to 45km, we know where the break is, and can directly despatch the splicer... Any ideas?
An OTDR is the best solution for this. To run an OTDR for constant measurement you would want to get one that runs at (Read More)

can you tell me the difference or true meanining of a composite cable and a hybrid cable. I've heard both terms used interchangeably. Are thay the same? If so then how would you differenciate between a single-mode/multimode cable vs. fiber cable/copper cable? thanks
The correct terminology to use in these cases area as follows: Hybrid cables are a combination of singlemode and mult (Read More)

What is the index of refraction for your optical match gel: F1-0001V ?
The Index of Refraction of the F1-0001V Optical Matching Gel is 1.463. (Read More)

What should be the minimum length for an OTDR launch cable? Also, how does connecting a launch cable between the OTDR and the fiber being tested overcome the problem caused by connecting the fiber directly to the OTDRs output connector? Doesn't the "dead zone" created where the fiber is connected to the end of the launch cable casue the same problem?
The minimum length for a launch cable depends on the pulse width of the OTDR being used. A good rule of thumb is that (Read More)

Is there a difference between a single mode connector (ST, SC etc) and a multimode connector?
In general, there are two main differences between singlemode and multimode connectors. The first and most obvious wo (Read More)

What happens if you feed a optical node with a too high level of light
If the received light level is too high for the detector in an active node, the result of overdriving the detector can (Read More)

Is your training a certification course or certificate of completion? If it is certification, who is it through? If it is not, is your training recognized through any of the major associations as a step toward certification? P.S., I have heard your training is excellent. I am just inquiring as to how far it will get me.
Our trainer, John Bruno, is recognized throughout the industry. Upon completion of the training course you will recei (Read More)

Need to pad down single mode fiber between a FoxCom fiber transmitter and receiver for Satellite distribution solution. Can you recommend and solution? Thanks,
To "pad down" or attenuate a fiber signal, choices range from fixed level attenuators, or variable attenuators. Fixed (Read More)

Are there CECs offered with your fiber optic training classes?
We do offer BICSI CECs (continuing education credits) for our classes. You can earn 12 CECs for our 2 day fiber optic c (Read More)

I am sending video on a singlemode fiber from building A to building B. I would like to see if i can send two cameras back from building B to building A on the same singlemode fiber. If so what equipment will I need?
By using WDM's (Wave Division Multiplexers), you can send two different signals on the same fiber in opposite direction (Read More)

What wavelengths does the FIS mini OTDR test at?
The FIS Mini OTDR is available in several different packages. Avaiable wavelengths are 850nm, 1300nm, 1310nm, 1490nm, (Read More)

I have a number of people in my company who need training, who should I speak with?
The FIS Training Program holds Fiber Training classes throughout the country. You can view the schedule online by click (Read More)

If I order online, when will you receive my order?
Ordering information is received immediately after being placed on the website. A confirmation number will be emailed w (Read More)

What is the minimum order?
The minimum order for FIS is $50.00. All orders received below this dollar amount are subject to a $5.00 fee. (Read More)