Cleaning the TX Matrix and T640 Fiber-Optic Components Overview

Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Components

While you install the TX Matrix router or replace a fiber-optic array cable, small deposits of oil, dust, and debris can enter the TX-SIB and T640-SIB fiber-optic array adapters, the fiber-optic array cable connectors, and the loopback connectors and adapters used to test the optical connections. These deposits can cause loss of light, reducing signal power and causing intermittent problems with the optical connection.

We recommend that you use a dry cloth cleaning tool, such as USConec's In-Bulkhead-Connector (I.B.C.) Cleaning Tool (see Figure 1) to clean the fiber-optic components. This tool removes dust and oil from the fiber optics.

Note: You can order the dry cloth cleaning tool (part number 8037) and cleaning adapter (part number 8485) from REALM Communications Group. Call 408-203-5956.

Figure 1: Cleaning Tool and Adapter

Note: As part of your routine maintenance, we recommend that you clean all exposed fiber-optic components each time you disconnect and reconnect a fiber-optic cable.

If the state of any link between a TX-SIB and a T640-SIB is incorrect, we recommend that you clean the corresponding TX-SIB and T640-SIB fiber-optic array adapters and the fiber-optic array cable connectors on the connecting fiber-optic array cable.

Cleaning with a Dry Cloth Cleaning Tool

1. Attach an electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap to your bare wrist, and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
2. Bring the interface offline, and disconnect the fiber-optic array cable between the TX-SIB and T640-SIB as described in Removing a TX Matrix Fiber-Optic Array Cable.

   Warning: Do not look directly into a fiber-optic array adapter or a connector at the end of a fiber-optic array cable attached to an adapter. The fiber optics emit laser light that can damage your eyes.

3. Insert the fiber-optic array adapter into the connector slot and hold in place (see Figure 2).

   Figure 2: Inserting the Fiber-Optic Array Adapter into the Connector Slot

   
4. Remove the dust cap from the cleaning tool.
5. Insert the tip of the dry cloth cleaning tool into the fiber-optic array adapter (see Figure 3).

   Figure 3: Inserting the Cleaning Tip into the Keyed Slot of the Fiber-Optic Array Adapter

   

   Note: The fiber-optic array adapter is keyed to ensure that the cleaning tip can be inserted in only one way.

6. Rotate the thumb wheel in the direction indicated on the cleaning tool until the thumb wheel clicks to indicate a completed cleaning action (see Figure 4).

   Figure 4: Rotating the Thumb Wheel

   
7. Clean the four visible ferrules.
8. Rotate the fiber-optic array adapter 180 degrees so that it aligns with the remaining four ferrules.
9. Rotate the dry cloth cleaning tool 180 degrees (see Figure 5).

   Figure 5: Rotating the Cleaning Tool and Fiber-Optic Array Adapter

   
10. Repeat these steps for all fiber-optic components that require cleaning.
11. Replace the dust cap on the cleaning tool.
12. Connect the fiber-optic array cable between the TX-SIB and T640-SIB and bring the interface online as described in Installing a TX Matrix Fiber-Optic Array Cable.
13. If the state of any link between a TX-SIB and a T640-SIB is still incorrect, contact your customer support representative.