1. Introduction
The Komshine FX37 Digital Fiber Optical Fusion Splicer is a high-precision, core-to-core alignment splicing machine designed for FTTx (Fiber to the x) and FTTH (Fiber to the Home) applications. It combines advanced splicing and heating functions for various fiber types, including 250μm, 900μm, flat cable, and fiber jumper. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of your FX37 fusion splicer.
2. Setup
2.1 Unpacking and Kit Contents
Carefully unpack all components and verify against the following list:
- Komshine FX37 Fusion Splicer Main body
- Komshine KF-52 High Precision Fiber Cleaver
- Tri-hole Fiber Coat Stripper
- Instruction CD
- Internal Battery
- Charger, AC Power Cord
- Spare Electrodes (one pair)
- Cooling Tray
- Alcohol Pump Bottle
- Blower Brush
- User Manual (this document)
- Carrying Case
2.2 Component Identification
Familiarize yourself with the main components of the FX37 splicer:
- 4.3-inch HD Capacitive Touchscreen: For clear display and intuitive operation.
- Silicone Keypad: Waterproof and dustproof for comfortable handling.
- Optical Fiber Fixture: Secures fibers during splicing.
- Electrode: Performs the fusion splicing.
- Sleeve Position: For heat shrinking protection sleeves.
- Cooling Tray: For cooling heat-shrunk sleeves.
- Terminal Ports: USB, SD, External Power.
2.3 Powering On
The FX37 can be powered by its internal 14.8V (7800mAh) lithium polymer battery or via the 100-240V AC adapter. Ensure the battery is charged before initial use. A DC 12V automobile power outlet is also available for charging.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 User Interface
The FX37 features a friendly and intelligent flat GUI interface on its 4.3-inch HD capacitive touchscreen, making it easy to operate. The interface supports multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
3.2 Fiber Preparation
Before splicing, proper fiber preparation is crucial:
- Stripping: Use the Tri-hole Fiber Coat Stripper to remove the fiber coating to the required length.
- Cleaning: Clean the stripped fiber with alcohol using the provided alcohol pump bottle and lint-free wipes.
- Cleaving: Use the Komshine KF-52 High Precision Fiber Cleaver to achieve a clean, perpendicular fiber end face. The recommended cleave length for 250μm (Coat) is 8-16mm, and for 900μm it is 16mm.
3.3 Splicing Process
The FX37 utilizes an IPAS Core to Core Alignment (Image Pattern Analysis Alignment System) for precise fiber alignment and ultra-low splicing loss.
- Place Fibers: Carefully place the prepared fibers into the optical fiber fixtures on the splicer.
- Initiate Splicing: Select 'Splice Mode' on the touchscreen. The splicer will automatically align the fibers using its HD CMOS sensors and perform the fusion splice.
- Splicing Time: Typical splicing time is 7 seconds.
- Heating: After splicing, move the splice protection sleeve over the splice point and place it in the heating oven. Select 'Heater Mode'.
- Heating Time: Typical heating time is 18 seconds for S-160 (60mm) tubes.
- Cooling: Once heating is complete, carefully remove the sleeve and place it in the cooling tray.
3.4 Applications
The Komshine FX37 is ideal for a wide range of fiber optic applications, including:
- FTTx (Fiber to the x) deployments
- FTTH (Fiber to the Home) installations
- General fiber optic projects
- Telecommunication network maintenance
4. Maintenance
4.1 Electrode Maintenance
The electrodes have a life expectancy of approximately 4,000 splices. When splicing quality degrades or the splicer indicates electrode replacement, follow the instructions in the Instruction CD to replace them with the spare pair provided.
4.2 Cleaning
Regular cleaning of the fiber fixtures, V-grooves, and objective lenses is essential for optimal performance. Use the provided blower brush and alcohol pump bottle with lint-free wipes to keep these components free from dust and fiber debris.
4.3 Environmental Protection
The FX37 is designed with robust protection features:
- Wind Protection: Rated for Wind 15.
- Shock Proof: Designed to withstand impacts.
- Water Proof: Protects against water ingress.
- Dust Proof: Prevents dust from affecting internal components.
- Explosion-Proof: Enhanced safety features.
These features ensure reliable operation in various indoor and outdoor environments, adapting to different temperature and humidity conditions.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Komshine FX37, consider the following general troubleshooting steps:
- Poor Splicing Loss: Ensure fibers are properly stripped, cleaned, and cleaved. Check electrodes for wear or contamination.
- Display Issues: Verify power connection and battery charge. If the screen is unresponsive, try restarting the device.
- Heating Problems: Ensure the heating oven is clean and the protection sleeve is correctly positioned.
- General Malfunctions: Refer to the Instruction CD for more detailed troubleshooting guides or contact Komshine support.
6. Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications of the Komshine FX37 Digital Fiber Optical Fusion Splicer:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Alignment | IPAS Core to Core Alignment (Image Pattern Analysis Alignment System) |
| Applicable fibers | SMF(ITU-T G.652), MMF(ITU-T G.651), DSF(ITU-T G.653), NZDSF(ITU-T G.655), EDFA, EI980, Splicing available with different type fiber(SM/MM), ITU-T G.657 |
| Compatible Fiber / Cable | 0.25mm/0.9mm/3.0mm/ Flat/Drop cable |
| Fiber cleave length | 250 (Coat) : 8 ~ 16mm, 900 : 16mm |
| Typical splice loss | SMF : 0.02dB, MMF : 0.01dB, DSF : 0.04dB, NZDSF : 0.04dB |
| Typical splicing time | SPLICE : Typical 8sec, Tube Heat : Typical 25sec with S-160(60mm) Tube |
| Return loss | >60dB |
| Program | SPLICE Mode : 100, Heat Mode : 50 |
| Storage of splice result | 4,000 results |
| Operating altitude | 0 ~ 5000m above sea level |
| Operating condition | -10 to 50 °C, humidity : 95%, non-Condensing |
| Storage condition | -40 to 80 °C, 0 to 95% RH |
| Protection | Wind 15, shock proof, water proof, dust proof |
| SIZE, Weight | 138W 160L 135H (include Monitor), 2.3Kg (include Battery) |
| Terminal | USB, VGA, External Power |
| Power | DC 14.8V Battery (7800mAh), 100 ~ 240V AC Adapter |
| Additional power | DC 12V automobile power outlet available |
| No of splice/Heating with Battery | 330cycle, lithium polymer batteries |
| Electrode | 4,000 times splicing without exchange |
| Mechanical proof test | 2N / 4.4N (OPTION) |
| Display | Two CMOS cameras and 5.7 color LCD monitor |
| Fiber view and magnification | X/Y 300X, 170X |
| Dimension | 138(W) 160(L) 135(H) mm |
7. User Tips
While no specific user reviews or Q&A were provided, general best practices for fusion splicers include:
- Always ensure a clean working environment to prevent dust and debris from contaminating fibers or the splicer.
- Regularly inspect and clean the V-grooves and objective lenses for optimal splicing performance.
- Keep spare electrodes on hand and replace them as recommended or when splicing quality deteriorates.
- Utilize the carrying case for transport and storage to protect the device from physical damage and environmental factors.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your vendor or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase records handy when seeking support.