Table of ContentsContentsDesignCurrent drawings keep projects on time and within budgetTo ensure that installers in the field are working with the latest documents, always start with an accurate and well-coordinated drawing package.
Product UpdateCable-tracing devices can help find that missing linkAlthough various types of cable-tracing devices are available, this product update focuses on the basic devices used for locating copper cables inside a building: the tone generator and probe (see Product Update table, page 26). Installers routinely use copper-cable-tracing devices to verify, label and test a new installation or to trace existing cabling during renovation or maintenance projects. For example, when you are at an installation where someone has left a bundle of unlabeled wires, or
StandardsTIA studies conduit-fill requirementThe conduit-fill requirement for telecommunications cable is an issue that is being actively studied by a task group with the TR-41.8.3 working group of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA, Arlington, VA). The conduit-fill limit is currently addressed by the ANSI/EIA/TIA-569 standard, "Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces," which includes a conduit-fill table from Chapter 9 of the 1990 National Electrical Code (NEC). One goal of the task group is t
TechnologyQuick-connect fiber-optic connectors come into their ownTime is the best test for a new technology. That is certainly the case with the quick-connect fiber-optic connector. Both installers and their customers have been finding that these products are reliable and provide the performance they have come to expect from fiber-optic connectors. As a result, they are moving away from older and time-tested connector technologies and are switching to quick-connect products.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaProtect exposed fiber strandsQ: We had a contractor run one four-strand fiber backbone to every classroom in an elementary school. Two strands are "dark" for now, and the other two are connected to a "dumb" hub in the classroom, with the main hub located in the "headend" room. In some areas, when making this fiber connection, the contractor stripped back the cable sheath in excess of two feet. This appears to leave the fiber strand dangerously exposed to possible damage. Are there any industry standards that limit stripping
How to implement centralized cabling sytemsQ: At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Network Group, we are considering upgrading our existing 10Base-5 building backbones with a 10Base-T collapsed-backbone topology. The plan is to standardize on a riser- installation procedure for the entire campus, extending 100-Mbit/sec service, as required, to local networking devices in the riser. My concern is how to provide a solution to support this request.
EditorialFirestopping must move to the top of the installers checklistFirestopping has been the neglected stepchild of the cabling installation industry. This fact was brought home to me recently when I talked to Ed Phillips of Tel-Comm Contracting Inc. (Manchester, ME).
Trends can predict a telecommunications disasterAs technology continues to change rapidly, the type, quality and quantity of telecommunications required are diverse, and providing disaster recovery becomes a critical responsibility for managers. In planning for disaster recovery, responsible network professionals must incorporate cabling-plant considerations into their business continuation plans. Patterns and trends in the telecommunications industry may help predict a telecommunications outage. If we determine what the reasons are for these
To The EditorMore on "organic" networksThe following letter is in response to a question in Ask Donna (April 1996, page 57) submitted by Scott Conti, University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA), regarding rewiring "organic networks."
Reshaping flat-tipped ferrulesAfter reading "Sandia installation uncovers fiber issues" (see Industry Spotlight, June 1996, page 71), we would like to clarify a misinterpretation pertaining to hand-polishing and flat-tipped connectors. The statement on page 72, "properly executed hand-polishing was found to produce exceptional and consistent results, although only for flat-tipped connectors," is not correct. In our report pertaining to Sandia`s installation, which included only domed zirconia-ceramic ferrules in ST-type conn
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightWorld Bank installs zone cablingThe World Bank (Washington, DC) is installing an innovative modular wiring system in its new, 18-story headquarters building, scheduled for completion next spring.
2nd Man Cable Pulley eases cable pullsSometimes an idea is so simple, and yet so elegant, that it is difficult to believe it hasn`t been around for years. Data Connections Inc. (Greensboro, NC), has come up with such an idea and has applied for a patent. Rody Gibbs, the company president, says the new product, the 2nd Man Cable Pulley, is now shipping.
Light Brigade offers in-house training at new facilityWhen The Light Brigade Inc. recently moved into a new facility in Kent, WA, it also added new resources to its fiber-optic training curriculum. The 5700-square-foot building allocates space to promote the company`s continued growth--that is, 25% is for classrooms, 40% for administrative offices and 35% for warehousing.
Moves, Adds & ChangesTessco Technologies Inc. (Sparks, MD), a supplier to the wireless industry, has signed an agreement to acquire Cartwright Communications (Cincinnati, OH) for an undisclosed sum. Cartwright is a value-added distributor of radio-communications equipment serving the Cincinnati area. The acquisition will be operated as a wholly owned Tessco subsidiary.
New ProductsGrabber markersGrabber markers that identify cables come partially unrolled and snap around innerduct, conduit or fiber-optic cable. The tight mechanical grip of the markers enables them to be used on ribbed or corrugated cable. Made of rigid plastic, they are available in 4- to 8-inch lengths and range from 0.375 to 2 inches in diameter.
DMMs, thermometers and clamp metersThe DMM800 handheld RMS digital multimeters meet accuracy and resolution requirements for design troubleshooting and characterization work. The product series consists of the entry-level DMM830, the midrange DMM850 and the high-end DMM870. Models 850 and 870 feature a dual-numeric display, temperature testing and time stamping. In addition, two digital thermometers, the DTM520 and DTM510, perform accurate differential temperature measurements using J- or K- type thermocouples. The DCM 330, DCM
Wall-entry and grounding systemThe Arrestorport-Plus system arranges transmission line entry ports into a multirow unit that provides installation for the company`s Heliax transmission line and surge protector. The system routes damaging transients of a lightning strike away from valuable equipment on the outside of the equipment shelter. It also eliminates the maze of parts required for conventional wall-entry grounding systems.
Terminal blockIDC 0.5/0.8 PCB terminal blocks eliminate wire preparation and reduce installation time. Unstripped wire is inserted into the lever actuator and pressed down to seat the wire in the contact for a gas- tight connection. Lifting the actuator enables the wire to be removed. The wire can then be reinserted or a new wire can be terminated. The system accepts solid or stranded wires and requires no stripping or terminating tools.
Interconnection system brochureThe All-LAN interconnection system brochure includes product applications, features, benefits and a summary of the All-LAN technology. Each component of the system is shown, along with a description of the part and its relationship to the overall system. Also included are connector and cabling performance charts that depict specifications for near-end crosstalk, attenuation and return loss.
RJ-45 cable terminatorThe TM-1 high-speed desktop machine terminates RJ-45 cables. This 21-lb. machine has a 4-inch metal carrying handle for portability and plugs into regular 115V AC wall outlets. Dies are available to accommodate 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-wire cable termination. The device performs 96 operations per minute and can be automatically or pedal-operated. Priced at $1698.
Patch panelThe Linkport software-switchable Category 5 patch panel lets users disconnect any port. The remote SNMP-controlled patch panel also provides the ability to connect to one of two bus ports. Other features include redundant backup ports to replace malfunctioning ones, and the ability to disconnect all ports by sending a lock command from the management station.
Interconnection products catalogA 144-page interconnection products catalog covers five product categories, each with mechanical, electrical and environmental specifications and features. Categories covered are PLCC and SIMM sockets; personal computer memory card header connectors and card receptacles; one and two-piece connector systems; and Surface Mate products, including lever block and three types of compression connectors.
Crimping tools bulletinErgonomically designed Contour Crimp terminal crimping tools are featured in a company bulletin. The tools have contoured handles that minimize strain during long periods of use. Other features include cushioned nonslip handles, a controlled cycle mechanism and a built-in ratchet device. The bulletin includes performance data and a detailed selection chart of the three models with their optimum wire size for maximum die configuration performance.
By the Book....A buzzword starting to be heard in telecommunications circles is the acronym "SOHO," which stands for "small office/home office." In the age of telecommuting that is supposedly just dawning, the SOHO environment is expected to represent a major new market for telephony, computing and networking vendors. So why not for book publishers too?
Subminiature connectorEnhanced versions of the combination D* subminiature connectors feature PCB connectors with preinstalled 75/50-ohm coaxial-cable or high-power contacts. Other enhancements include redesigned cable-side connectors as crimp versions, a patented board-lock system for right angle and straight PCB Combo D connectors, and insulator material that is fully compatible with infrared soldering temperature requirements.
Fusion splicerEnhanced version of the M90 series 3000 fusion splicer features fully automatic, three-dimensional fiber positioning, programmable attenuation software and altitude compensation. In addition, the M90 has a service counter for cleaning and changing the electrodes, displays that show total splices made and hours used, and optimized parameter menus. Other features include expanded memory to store more than 1000 splice- loss values, a powerful processor and simplified mechanics and electronics.
Fiber-optic polisherThe OFL-12A polishes 6 to 12 ferrules in 4 minutes. The 50-lb. device offers mass-production polishing with no periodic recalibration and little need for repolishing. The polisher offers flat, Super PC, Ultra PC and Angle PC polishing styles, and it handles stainless steel, aluminum ceramic, zirconia ceramic and ceramic/steel composite materials. Various connector styles are also accommodated.
EMI/RFI enclosureEMI/RFI version of the Miracel Rack protects electronics from interference and adverse environmental conditions. Other refinements include thermal management to permit heat dissipation using natural convection and forced ventilation with fan units. Various options for cable feed are available.
Cable management systemCable management panels can be mounted on a standard 19-inch EIA rack to sort entangled cables and patch cords. These panels are made of cold-rolled metal with black enamel paint and are available in six configurations.
UPS systemsRack-mounted versions of the CFR uninterruptible power systems feature ferroresonant technology, isolation and noise attenuation and 19- or 23-inch front or midchassis rack-mounting brackets. The CFR-RM systems can be used in telecommunications equipment racks, cable-TV headend facilities, broadband communications networks or any mission-critical electric system. Prices start at $1663.
Data and network cable catalogA 16-page catalog of the company`s data cable products includes IBM LAN, coaxial, plenum, Category 3 and Category 5 cables. The catalog also features the company`s Composite Cable, a combination of copper and fiber-optic cable housed in a single jacket or skip binder. This composite cable allows for future adds, changes and upgrades by including voice, video and data capabilities in a single cable.
Digital multimeterThe LS33 stick-style digital multimeter measures up to 600V AC and 200V DC. This meter stores measurements in two ways: the hold button freezes the display, and the max button compares the newest reading with prior readings and then saves only the larger reading. The 5.5-oz. meter with 300A AC current clamp comes with a selection of lead and tip accessories.
Portable radiometerPortable IL1400A radiometer features a handheld probe for measuring the luminous intensity of any color LED beam. The barrel probe has an aperture that accepts LEDs up to 6 millimeters in diameter, and the radiometer instantly displays their direct luminous intensity readings in candela. Priced at $1480.
Utilities ID label kitThis identification label kit contains numbers, letters and symbols for marking transformers, fuse and switch locations, vehicles and other equipment. Made of reflective and nonreflective durable plastic, these peel-off labels come in a binder, with each page containing multiples of one character. The labels are printed with heavily pigmented ink to withstand harsh environments.
Fiber-optic isolatorsA family of fiber-optic isolators provides peak isolation to 70 dB. Applications for the fiber pigtailed and free-space coupled fiber isolators include fiber-optic amplifiers, fiber ring lasers, high-speed fiber-optic communications and cable-TV fiber-optic links. The isolators have an epoxy-free optical path for increased isolation performance, stability and long-term reliabilty. Prices range from $975 to $2995.
Communication laser diodesAdditions to the CLD family of laser diodes include five transmitters and four receivers. Transmitter modules operate at 622 Mbits/sec to 10 Gbits/sec. Receivers operate at 622 Mbits/sec to 5 Gbits/sec. Applications include high-speed data communications and telecommunications.
Wall-mounted panelThe Lanlinxs II wall-mounted panel for outside-plant, riser and building cable applications is suitable for applications where space is limited. The unit`s double doors allow separate accesss to utility and customer compartments, while cable routing arcs help maintain the fiber cable`s bend radius. Other features include 12- or 24-fiber capacity, an external cable clamp option and cable-entry grommet covers.
Cable markersMillennium fiber-optic cable markers snap onto any size cable to provide identification. Made from noncorrosive stainless steel, these one-piece markers require no cable ties or additional equipment to permanently identify cables. The markers can be custom screen-printed or embossed for high visibility. They are available to fit 3/8- to 2-inch pipe, cable duct or tubing.
Cable Installer TipsPrevent damage to fiber when pulling cableThe basic approach to pulling fiber-optic cable and copper cable is similar; however, optical fiber has a few idiosyncrasies. The glass fiber within the cable is fragile and, although the cable has been designed to protect the fiber, it can be damaged more easily than a copper wire. The most common damage is a broken fiber, which is difficult to detect. But fibers can also be cracked from too much tension during cable pulling or despooling. The second most common problem is bending the fiber on
Use wide-base "J" hooks to support Category 5 cableWhen Category 5 cable is pulled, it requires special handling and must be supported more than the less-sensitive voice-grade cable used in traditional cable pulls. Specifically, the bend radius of Category 5 cable can be exceeded and stress points created when using narrow-base fasteners such as cable ties and bridle rings to hang and support cable bundles. Overbending, twisting and stressing Category 5 cable can damage it, leading to network failure when data transmission speeds approach the fu
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 4
Issue 8
August 1996
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