Fiber-Optic Radiance Collector User`s Manual
Contents
1. ANCE Always place a 3mm x 1mm o ring on the SMA ferrule before inserting it Keep the inside of the collector clean and dry Cover the SMA fitting with tape or a vinyl cap whenever the fiber optic cable is detached Do not use a wrench to tighten the connector so much that it could damage the plastic threads Do not use acetone to clean any part of the collector Upon removing the collector from salt water before removing fiber optic cables rinse thoroughly with fresh water FIBER OPTIC CABLE CONTRUCTION amp WATERPROOFING Most off the shelf cables are constructed with a waterproof outer jacket but this alone does not guarantee the assembly is watertight The SMA connector on the end of the cable must also be properly sealed at the time of manufacture Most high quality cables are sealed in this way Further water entry into a cable will not necessarily cause problems Nevertheless it is best avoided and users should be aware of the following considerations The most likely entry point for water is where the cable s outer jacket enters the fiber optic connector This is normally covered by a strain relief boot as shown below This boot may or may not form a seal by itself SMA termination with boot removed The arrow in the lower picture marks the point where the jacket enters the connector At some point inside the connector the jacket ends at which point it must be sealed In high quality commerci2. Fiber Optic Radiance Collector User s Manual Revision D HOB 2s ES Hydro Optics Biology and Instrumentation Laboratories Inc ae www hobilabs com AIS RN A Revisions D May 1 2008 Correct o ring label on drawing C June 16 2004 Change o ring from 5 102 to 3mm x 1mm B June 16 2004 Add discussion of cable waterproofing A June 13 2003 First release DESCRIPTION The HOBI Labs fiber optic radiance collector attaches to an SMA terminated fiber optic cable to provide a submersible optical receiver with a controlled field of view When properly assembled the collector protects the sensitive end of the fiber optic from water Note that the fiber optic cable itself supplied by the user must also be constructed so as to prevent water from entering its own outer jacket See below for an explanation of this For the most robust water seals such as those used in the underwater cables built into HOBI Labs instruments the collector includes mounting holes and an o ring gland for a face seal These can be used to incorporate it into a larger structure to seal and reinforce the entire fiber optic cable However those features are unnecessary for many stand alone applications of the collector 4 Mounting holes for f 41 sockel cap screws on 0 687 centers optional FRONT 1 4 36 Thread for SMA SIDE F Gland for Parker Fi 2 012 o ring optional BACK AL Gland fo
3. al cables the connector is typically filled with epoxy encapsulating the jacket and providing an adequate seal However since the seal is internal the only way to be sure is to consult the manufacturer If in doubt you can provide extra protection by sealing the ends of the boot or even encapsulating it entirely with a waterproof adhesive such as the silicone caulking that is used for sealing fish tanks
4. r 3 mm x 1 mm o ring o ring fits around SMA ferrule SUPPLIED PARTS e Collector e 2 012 o ring and spare needed only if mounting to a special fixture e 3mm x 1mm o ring and spares USING THE COLLECTOR Before connecting an SMA to the light collector you must place an o ring 3 mm internal diameter 1 mm thick around the SMA ferrule as shown in the photograph below This prevents water from entering the collector body as well as setting the proper insertion depth for the ferrule IMPORTANT DO NOT ASSEMBLE THE COLLECTOR WITHOUT THIS O RING DOING SO CAN DAMAGE THE COLLECTOR For best results tighten the connection by holding the end of the cable stationary and gently rotating the collector This help to work the o ring into the correct position without pinching it The connector should be hand tightened rather than using a wrench to avoid stripping the plastic threads Inserting SMA connector with 3mm ID 1mm thick o ring in place Note that when you remove the SMA the o ring will generally remain on the ferrule and it is easy to overlook the fact that it is there If the collector is to be mounted onto a sealing surface first place a lubricated Parker size 2 012 O ring in the larger groove around the SMA thread pass the end of the fiber optic patch cord through the sealing surface and then attach the cord to the collector Use 4 screws not supplied to attach the collector to the sealing surface PRECAUTIONS AND MAINTEN
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