FIP-410B, FIP-415B, FIP-420B, FIP-425B, FIP-430B, FIP-435B

The FIP Fiber Inspection Probe may encounter conditions where the focus is poor and prevent a clear capture and analysis. A crisp and clear image is needed for both automatic and visual analysis.

Below are some troubleshooting steps to help optimize the focus.

Possible Cause 1: Auto-Focus is not available

Proposed Solution:

• On FIP-410B and FIP-420B, Auto-focus is not available. Refer to the user guide or spec sheet for more information.
• On these models, you will need to manually focus with the Focus knob on the probe while maximizing the Focus indicator in the ConnectorMax application.

Possible Cause 2: Auto-Focus is disabled

Proposed Solution:

• Use ConnectorMAX to enable this feature in the FIP controls.

• Auto-focus starts automatically only for the first fiber.
• Hold the magnification control button on the FIP probe for >1 second to reactivate the auto-focus process.

Possible Cause 3: The Connector is very dirty or damaged.

Proposed Solution:

• Try to clean the connector.
• Re-insert and try to focus.

Possible Cause 4: The Connector is not fully inserted into tip.

Proposed Solution:

• Ensure that the connector is fully inserted.
• Remove and reinsert connector into the tip, and then try to focus once again.

Possible Cause 5: Incorrect or incompatible tip.

Proposed Solution:

• Ensure the correct FIP tip for your application is installed.
• There are many different tips specific to connector types and ferrule size.
• Use an APC tip for APC (mostly green) connectors,  UPC tip for UPC (mostly blue) connectors.
• The APC tips will have an angle matching the APC connector end-face angle.
• If testing single-fiber APC connectors using a universal tip, ensure the key is properly aligned.
• Use the appropriate multifiber (MPO) tip for multifiber connectors.

Possible Cause 6: Incorrect test configuration selected.

Proposed Solution:

•  Ensure the correct Test Configuration is selected in ConnectorMAX, including the fiber type, connector type and tip.

Possible Cause 7: Trying to inspect the receive (Rx) side of a transceiver ( SFP, XFP, or other).

Proposed Solution:

• Usually you should be able to inspect the transmit (Tx) side of a transceiver using the appropriate test configuration settings in ConnectorMax software.
• However, the receive (Rx) side will typically have a non-contact connection with a lens. This will not be easy to focus for analysis.
• You may try a manual focus and visual inspection.