Harold M. Stein
Lynn Haber`s Technology Update in the November 1997 issue on fiber-optic adapters was very informative (see "Adapters bridge the gap between fiber-optic connectors," page 6). The last paragraph mentions two methods of cleaning these adapters: lint-free pipe cleaners and ethyl alcohol or pressurized air. The use of pipe cleaners and pressurized air does not consistently clean the female ferrule endface. The pipe cleaner may simply move the small dirt particles around, without removing them from the ferrule`s surface. The pressurized air may simply blow the dirt around, and might even introduce ambient dirt. Also, neither method will con-sistently remove small quantities of grease.
The 1-X-Center cleaning kit available from Prime Products Inc. was specifically developed to solve this problem. Manufacturers of critical controls, specifically in the avionic and space industries, use this cleaning kit for ST, FC, and SC connectors. Also, the company has developed the Avionic 1-X-Center Kit for the military-specification connector, which is now used in the space program. This kit cleans the female ferrule endface, the male endface, and
the exposed side.
Harold M. Stein
Prime Products Inc.
Springfield, MA