Light travels down the core of the fiber reflecting off the mirror-like

interface where the core and cladding meet. Dust particles as small as
1 µm diameter on the optical fiber end, obscuring the core, can
significantly degrade performance. Particles 8 µm in diameter or
larger on the end of the core can cause a complete failure of the
optical system.
Avoid touching the ends of optical cables or ports.
NOTE:
If touched they must be cleaned.
Optical connectors must be cleaned immediately before being mated
even if dust protectors were installed.
To clean the optical connectors you will need:
• Lens-grade, lint-free tissue (the type sold for eyeglasses or camera
lenses works well)
• Industrial grade isopropyl alcohol (note that the type sold for
medicinal use is not suitable since it is diluted with water, mineral
oil and other contaminants)
• Canned dry air (used for optical transmitter or receiver ports)
Procedure
Use the following procedure to clean the end of an optical connector:
CV-8448F
1. Fold the lint-free tissue so that it is at least 4-layers thick.
2. Saturate the tissue with isopropyl alcohol (industrial
TFOCA-II™
grade).
3. Use the tissue to thoroughly clean the outside of the optical Field Installable Kit
cable connector ferrule.
4. Move to a clean spot of the tissue ensuring it is still
saturated with alcohol and is still at least 4-layers thick.
Installation
5. Put the clean part of the tissue against the end of the
connector ferrule. Instructions
6. Place your fingernail against the tissue directly over the
connector end and “scrape” the end so that it is thoroughly
clean.
7. Use the compressed air to remove any dust from the optical
transmitter or receiver port that the cable is to be mated to. Part Number 24001115-000
Do not insert any liquids into the ports.
8. Mate the cable to the port immediately (before it can collect Revision A
any dust).

DNE Part No. 24001115-000, Revision A

Overview
These instructions describe how to install the optional
TFOCA-II™ Field Installable Kit, DNE Part Number 21001070. Note
that this kit for the CV-8448F (only).
This kit mounts to the CV-8448F chassis and mates to the standard ST
optical connectors.
See “Cleaning Optical Connectors” for instructions on cleaning and
handling optical connectors.
Procedure
Use the following procedure to install the TFOCA-II adaptor to the
CV-8448F:
1. Carefully remove the TFOCA-II adaptor from its
packaging.
2. Remove the protectors from the male ST optical connectors
on the TFOCA-II adaptor and store them for future use.
Figure 1. Mounting the TFOCA-II Adaptor to the CV-8448F
DNE Part No. 24001115-000, Revision A
3. Remove the protectors from the female ST optical
connectors on the CV-8448F and store them for future use.
4. Use the screws and washers provided in the TFOCA-II
adaptor kit to mount the adaptor to the bottom of the CV-
8448F as shown in Figure 1. Do not fully tighten the screws
at this point.
5. Connect the RX male ST optical connector to the FRX
female optical connector on the CV-8448F.
6. Connect the TX male ST optical connector to the FTX
female optical connector on the CV-8448F.
7. Slide the adaptor bracket to remove any tension from the
TFOCA-II adaptor optical cables.
8. Tighten down the mounting screws to secure the bracket in
place. This completes the TFOCA-II installation procedure.
Figure 2 illustrates the installed TFOCA-II adaptor.
Figure 2. TFOCA-II Adaptor Installed on a CV-8448F
Cleaning Optical Connectors
Fiber optical cable consists of two main components; an outer
“cladding” and an extremely thin glass ”core.” The core can be as
small as 8 to 9 µm in diameter. For reference, a human hair is
typically greater than 50 µm in diameter.
DNE Part No. 24001115-000, Revision A