How To Clean ST & LC Fiber Optic Tactical Snake Cables

http://www.markertek.com

Using a Lightel ViewConn 6200 Scope, Chemtronics Electro-Wash and QbE Fiber Optic Cleaning Wipes, Dan at Markertek shows us how to properly inspect and clean tactical fiber optic cables. A straight forward and simple process that ensures a clean and reliable signal every time.

The Lightel VC-6200-PL is a portable hand-held video microscope, ruggedized for field use, for inspecting and cleaning fiberoptic connector endfaces. The dual microscope operation significantly reduces inspection time allowing inspection of both patchcord and bulkhead adapters without changing tips. For single mode and multimode connectors.

The ViewConn Plus dual microscope design can significantly reduce inspection time. Patchcords drop into the top mounted scope, and with the flip of a switch, you can inspect in-adapter connectors with the hand held probe. In seconds, both male and female connector pairs can be inspected without changing tips.

Like all ViewConns, the VC-6200-PL has a built-in patchcord cleaner allowing you to inspect, clean and re-inspect the connector while helping keep your hands free. A USB output is included for image capture and storage on your PC.

Electro-Wash® PX is a fast drying, one step precision cleaning and degreasing agent safe for most plastics. Engineered with very low surface tension, this high pressure aerosol formulation flushes areas clean and evaporates instantly leaving no residue.

QbE® Cleaning Platform is the patented Precision Wipe System for cleaning fiber optic end-faces. It is a self-contained cleaning tool that can be used dry or wet. The QbE® is convenient and economical for use in field or OEM applications.


TRANSCRIPT:

Hi this is Dan from the Markertek Video Supply. today what I want to go over is at tactical fiber-optic cables and testing and inspecting for cleanliness. What we're working with here is a four channel tac fiber optic snake from Camplex. It's a 2-Channel LC 2-Channel ST. It's a hybrid with both connector types in the cable. And what I want to go over his is in the past you had seen our process of utilizing the little one-click fiber optic cleaners here which are great great cleaner for cleaning the basics of fiber optic cables.

But sometimes there are some dirt and residue that may linger on the cable and the first step in and properly cleaning a fiber-optic cable is to do a dry cleaning. Typically you would do three wipes across the Chemtronics QBE cable cleaner and inspect. You'll see that there are still little bits of dirt remaining on the cable. So, the next step from there, starting with a fresh pad because you don't want to bring any residue that was left from the previous cleanings or at least a fresh area and what we're using here's a Chemtronics QBE wipes with the Chemtronics Electro-Wash® PX solution.

You just a little dab in the corner here so you have your wet area and three (3) times you're going to go across from wet to dry. Not too much pressure, but enough to make sure you're cleaning the residue off. Three (3) times and a little bit of time to air dry, doesn't need much, and then a follow-up inspection.

So what you see here on the Lightel ViewConn 6200 Scope is a very very clean fiber-optic cable. There are going to be times, however, when you find that even still that wasn't quite enough. What my fiber optic engineers in the Markertek fiber lab have suggested, and this is a great little trick, they saturate the pad just a little bit more. You don't want super wet. You hold the fiber-optic ST or LC Connector to get some of that moisture back onto that fiber cable and loosen up some of that residue and then dry wipe. And that should really get every little bit of dirt, grime, oil and grease off that fiber connector. This is just a little cleaning tip and trick we've learned by becoming the fiber-optic experts at Marketek Video Supply. So again, just a simple little process, but one that will definitely improve the quality and the function of your fiber optic cables and longevity of their life in the field.