From: gwl@wasp.eng.ufl.edu (Gerry Lawrence)
Subject: RE: fiber connectors
Keywords: fiber connector
Reply-To: gwl@wasp.eng.ufl.edu (Gerry Lawrence)
Organization: University of Florida  Engineering Computer Services
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 92 14:55:07 GMT



   tg@utstat.uucp (Tom Glinos) writes:

> Do connectors and tools still cost a small fortune?
> I've been quoted something like $600 for our local support
> organization to put on ends to some fibre that we are getting.
                                 ^^^^ -For how many?
> I'm tempted to go buy the tools and connectors, but is this a good idea?


Of course, if $600.00 includes on site diagnostics when/if they break,
for ever, this may be a good deal...  Ask about the "warranty".


But gone are the days when you needed a degree in engineering and a $20K
fusion splicer to "do" fiber.  Today, with the right equipment, anyone
can make a good connection.  Better, possibly than you can "buy" from
the "experts".  (See note below)  I'm guessing that you're the one that
gets called when the "network" is down,  this provides sufficiant
motivation to do the job right.  Your campus organization may not have
this motivation..... ;-)



Check out the 3M "hot melt" system , or the various systems from Siecor
et al.  The price of the entire "hot-melt" kit will save over the long run,
if you're planning on doing more fiber later. (who isn't?). 

Even if you're not planning on installing any more, it's good to
have the tools handy to diagnose and repair things if they go bad.  


It takes practice to make a good connector every time.  That's why some
installers use pre manufactured connectors and splice them on using systems
like the 3M "FiberLok" (TM).  To do this you'll need a fiber cleaver
like the Fujicura, coming in at about $1000.

Lately I've heard horror stories about hack installers that just make a
rough cleave and plug it in.  If it works they leave it for the
unsuspecting customer to discover down the road.  If it doesn't they
just cut it off and make another.  Good fiber techs are hard to find.

This situation is made worse by the fact that a poorly polished (or
UNpolished!)  connector can damage the equipment or other connector that
it is plugged into.  Be careful about what and who you let plug in to
that expensive fiber optic equipment!

Example: 

1) A poorly polished connector is pluged into a fiber modem, but it works
   OK.

2) During routine maintenence, the connector is disconnected and
   reconnected.

3) This time, however the bad connector scratches the modem's otics
   now the MODEM is bad!

This situation can quickly eat up those dollars you were saving for a
new workstation.


It takes experience and practice before you can make a perfect connector
everytime.  Guys that do this every day can make them faster and more
consistantly than you will be able to, at least at first.  But there is
no reason why you can't install a good system the first time.  You shouldn't
have to redo too many of them... ;-)



Basically you'll need:

  Fiber microscope - a must.

  Connector system, including grinding/polishing pads and "pucks".

  "consumables" -- alchohol, wipes, buffer tube, connectors, depends on
  the system you get.

  Fiber optic power meter.  Borrow from your "campus organization"?
   --Good ones cost much $$

  (optional) Optical Time domain reflectometer (much$$)


> No regrets, ever!  | Tom Glinos @ U of Toronto Statistics

-Then you don't have to worry about regretting geting in to your
 new "hobby" ;-)



NOTE/DISCLAIMER: I'm not associated with any company that manufactures
anything.  

Gerry Lawrence
Engineering Computer Services -University of Florida
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans.fddi