INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

 PART ONE: SETTING UP THE INTERFEROMETER 

1.                Refer to the Parts Identification and Locations Page to become familiar with the terms and location. 

2.                Carefully remove the microscope from the carrying case.  Try not to move the focus dial.   When packed at the factory your microscope was pre-focused and aligned.  A clean glass reference flat has also been installed for your convenience.  In the event that the microscope has been disturbed through use or to change connector mounts, the following steps will guide you through the alignment process.  

3.                Plug the A.C. adapter into a 110-120V.A.C. outlet, and the D.C. connector into the rear of the microscope.  In the event that A.C. power is not available, you may use the 9v battery adapter supplied with any 9v battery. 

4.                Carefully loosen the two thumbscrews that hold down the connector mount, one to two turns, to allow the mount to tilt slightly when required.  Try not to move the connector mount, as this will disturb the alignment. 

5.                Take out one of the glass reference flats.  Using a soft cotton cloth or lens tissue, carefully wipe clean both sides of the flat.  Wipe both sides at the same time, by covering both sides with the cloth and wiping between your thumb and index finger.  By applying pressure on both sides at the same time you can avoid breaking the thin glass flat. 

6.                Carefully slide the glass reference flat in between the connector mount and the top of the stage. First lay the glass reference flat on the center of the stage in front of the connector mount.  Then align the glass reference flat with the top of the stage.  Gently slide the glass reference flat under the connector mount until the glass reference flat no longer protrudes in front of the stage, but is not flush. 

7.                Turn on the ON/OFF switch to the on position by sliding your finger upward along the ON/OFF switch.  The indicator on the front of the microscope should glow blue, and blue light should light up the connector aperture. 

8.                Gently and carefully insert the connector to be inspected into the connector aperture, stop when you feel the slightest

resistance.  Be careful not to push hard and break the fragile glass reference flat. 

9.                The Zoom Eyepiece should be set to 10x magnification.  This can be accomplished by grasping and turning the large (11/2in.X1/2in.) knurled black collar counterclockwise. 

10.           Look into the eyepiece and attempt to focus by turning the focus dial slowly in both directions. 

11.           Carefully insert the connector to be examined into the 2.5mm. bore in the center of the connector mount.  It should slide in with little resistance.  Stop inserting when the connector touches the glass reference flat. 

12.           If the fiber cannot be seen, try rotating the connector slowly, this can help you locate the center of rotation and thus find the fiber.  If you still cannot find the fiber gently push the connector mount to the rear of the microscope, this will insure that the mount is properly seated against the two rear locating screws.  

13.           In the event that you can not obtain an image, you must pre-focus the microscope.  This is done by first removing the connector, then removing the glass reference flat.  Take out another reference flat and make a small mark on the top surface with a marker.  If necessary you can scratch the top surface of the reference flat with sandpaper or other abrasive surface.  Observe through the connector aperture as you slide in the reference flat with the mark on the top surface, position the mark in the center of the connector aperture by eye.  Adjust the focus dial until the mark on the top surface of the glass flat is in clear focus. It may be necessary to move the flat to find the mark.  When the top surface of the reference flat is in focus, remove the marked flat and replace with the clean on.  Set the marked flat aside for future use in finding the focus point. 

14.           Re-insert the connector to be inspected, stopping on the reference flat.  Again, be careful not to push too hard and break the fragile glass reference flat.  Repeat step #12 to locate the fiber image.   

15.           If the if the fiber’s center is not centered in the field of view, you will have to reposition the connector mount.  This can be accomplished by adjusting the position adjusting screws using an 0.050in. hex key.  There are two screws at the rear of the connector mount for front to back positioning, and one screw on each side of the connector mount for side to side positioning.  Refer to figure 1 on page 9 for the location of the adjustment screws.   The connector can then be found by slowly repositioning the connector mount while observing through the eyepiece.  You will find it helpful to set the zoom eyepiece to 20X for more accurate centering of the fiber in the field of view. Once the connector is centered in the field of view, one of the side adjusting screws should be backed out slightly (approximately  10°).  This will allow the mount to tilt up and down when necessary, while maintaining the side to side location. 

16.           Once the image is located in the center of your field of view and in focus, you are ready to measure the radius of curvature, the apex offset , and fiber undercut or protrusion. 

17.           To illuminate the fiber core when checking patch cords, simply insert the end of any 2.5mm ferrule into the center of the blue power on indicator at the front of the instrument.  This will provide an easy reference to determine if any scratches reside in the core area.  If there is no connector on the other end, a bare cleaved fiber may be inserted, but it must  held in the center of the opening for best results. 

18.           When not in use for long periods of time, it is advisable to return the unit to the carrying case or cover with a suitable dust cover to prevent the buildup of dust on the optics.

You are visitor number to this Web page.