EXFO FiberBasix 50 – Handheld testers

The EXFO FiberBasix 50 is a series of handheld testers, including ELS-50 Light Source and EPM-50 Power Meter, designed for field technicians to test,  troubleshoot, and use for fiber optic fault locator networks. The ELS-50 Light Source combines up to three wavelengths in a single configuration, and the EPM-50 Power Meter, offers high accuracy and referencing capabilities. These testers are compact, portable, and easy to use, making them an essential tool for field technicians. This article will discuss the features and benefits of the EXFO FiberBasix 50 series, how they work, and their applications.

Features and Benefits

• The EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers have several features and benefits that make them an excellent tool for testing and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. Some of these features and benefits include:
• Compact and Portable: The EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers are compact and portable, making them easy to carry around in a pocket or tool bag. They are lightweight and durable, making them an ideal tool for field technicians.
• Easy to Use: The EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers are easy to use, with a simple interface that allows technicians to quickly and easily perform tests and troubleshoot problems.
• Multiple Test Functions: The EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers have multiple test functions, including a power meter, light source, and visual fault locator. This makes them a versatile tool for testing and troubleshooting fiber optic networks.
• Long Battery Life: The EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers have a long battery life, which means they can be used for extended periods without recharging. This is particularly useful for field technicians who may be working in remote locations.

How it Works

The EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers work by emitting a light signal into the fiber optic cable and measuring the signal’s power at the other end. The power meter function measures the signal’s power, while the light source function emits a light signal into the cable. The visual fault locator function emits a bright red laser beam into the cable, which can be used to locate breaks, bends, faulty connectors or splices, and other causes of signal loss.

Applications

• The EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers have several applications in the field of fiber optic network testing and troubleshooting. Some of these applications include:
• Testing Power Levels: The power meter function of the EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers can be used to test the power levels of the signal in the fiber optic cable. This is useful for ensuring that the signal is strong enough to transmit data over long distances.
• Testing Cable Length: The light source function of the EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers can be used to test the length of fiber optic cables. By measuring the time it takes for the light signal to travel through the cable, the technician can calculate the length of the cable.
• Identifying Faults: The visual fault locator function of the EXFO FiberBasix 50 series testers can be used to identify breaks, bends, faulty connectors or splices, and other causes of signal loss in fiber optic cables. It is a quick and easy way to locate cable faults, making fixing the problem easier.

EXFO FiberBasix 50 – Handheld Testers Specifications:

ELS-50 Specifications:

• Size (H x W x D): 189 mm x 78 mm x 37 mm (7 7/16 in x 3 1/16 in x 1 7/16 in)
• Weight: 0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
• Temperature Operating: -10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
• Temperature Storage: -30 °C to 70 °C (-22 °F to 158 °F)
• Relative humidity: 0 % to 95 % non-condensing
• Accessories: Soft pouch, LSA-89 FC connector adapter, quick reference sticker in five languages, certificate of compliance, three AA batteries, rubber boot protector
• Central wavelength (nm): 1310 ± 20, 1490 ± 10, 1550 ± 20
• Spectral width (nm): ≤5
• Output power (dBm): ≥–5
• Power stability (dB): ±0.10
• Battery life (hours): 60
• Tone generation (Hz): 270, 1 k, 2 k

EPM-50 Specifications:

• Size (H x W x D): 189 mm x 78 mm x 37 mm (7 7/16 in x 3 1/16 in x 1 7/16 in)
• Weight: 0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
• Temperature Operating: -10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
• Temperature Storage: -30 °C to 70 °C (-22 °F to 158 °F)
• Relative humidity: 0 % to 95 % non-condensing
• Accessories: Soft pouch, PMA-22 FC connector adapter, quick reference sticker in five languages, certificate of calibration, certificate of compliance, three AA batteries
• Power meter port: InGaAs
• Power range (dBm): 10 to –60
• Number of calibrated wavelengths: 5
• Power uncertainty: ±5 %
• Resolution (dB): 0.01
• Display units: dB/dBm/W
• Tone detection (Hz): 270, 1 k, 2 k
• Battery life (hours): >300