Rev.0.

01

This User Manual explains the use, performance characteristics, and cautions about MINI3S fusion splicer
and how to install and operate it. The primary goal of this manual is to make the user as familiar with the
splicer as possible.
 Preface

Important!
We recommend all users to read this manual before operating MINI3S fusion splicer.

Thank you for choosing MIN3S Arc Fusion Splicer. This product delivers ultra fast
splicing time and has an incredibly short shrinking time. It uses the profile alignment
technique and extremely accurate alignment process to ensure precise splice
loss estimation. A new shrinking technology makes that the shrink time is greatly
reduced, thus resulting in an extremely fast total cycle time. The splicer is designed
to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Its lightweight, yet robust, compact and
ergonomic design allows users to easily carry or move. MINI3S has a menu-driven
user interface with dynamic function buttons and a fully automatic splice process.
For more information of MINI3S, please contact local agent or visit our official
website.

01
Contents Contents

Chapter1 Technical Parameters 3.6 Preparing the Fiber 15

1.1 Applicable Fiber Type 05 3.7 How to Splice 16
1.2 Splice Loss 05 3.8 Inspecting the Fiber 17
1.3 Splice Mode 05 3.9 Splicing 18
1.4 Heater 05 3.10 How to Protect Splice 19
1.5 Power Supply 06
1.6 Size and Weight 06 Chapter 4 Splice Mode
1.7 Environmental Conditions 06 4.1 Displaying the Active Splice Program 20
1.8 Others 06 4.2 Selecting a Splice Program 20
4.3 General Splicing Steps 21
Chapter 2 Installation 4.4 Parameters for Normal Splicing Process 23
2.1 Safety Warning and Precautions 07
2.2 Operational Safety Warnings 07 Chapter 5 Splice Option 25
2.3 Maintenance and External Care Precautions 08 Chapter6 Heater Mode
2.4 Transport and Storage Precautions 08 6.1 Heater Template 26
2.5 Installation 09 6.2 Select Heat Mode 26
2.6 Splice Overview 09 6.3 Edit Heat Mode 27
2.7 Power Supply Method 10 6.4 Deleting Heat Mode 27
2.8 Charging Process 11 6.5 Heat Mode Parameters 28
2.9 Charging Methods 11
2.10 Battery Status 11 Chapter 7 Maintenance Menu
2.11 Battery Refresh Cycle 12 7.1 Replace Electrodes 29
2.12 Heater 12 7.2 Stabilize Electrodes 30
7.3 Diagnostic Test 30
Chapter 3 Basic Operation 7.4 Dust Check 31
3.1 Power Connection 13 7.5 Motor Calibration 31
3.2 Battery Check 13 7.6 Arc Calibration 32
3.3 Turn On the Splicer 14 7.7 Electrode Setting 32
3.4 Adjust Monitor Position 14 7.8 Quick Optimize 33
3.5 Adjust LCD Backlight Brightness 14 7.9 Motor Drive 34

02 03
Contents Chapter 1 Technical Parameters

7.10 Update Software 34 1.1 Applicable Fiber Type

SM(ITU-TG.652&G.657)/MM(ITU-TG.651)/DS(ITU-TG.653)/NZDS(ITU-TG.655)
Chapter 8 Other Functions & Utilities /ITU-TG.657A/ITU-TG.657B
8.1 Data Storage 35 Fiber count: Single
8.2 Display Splice Record 35 Applicable fiber / cable diameter: 0.25mm/0.9mm/2.0mm/2.4mm/3.0mm/ Indoor
8.3 Delete Splice Record 35 Cable

8.4 Cancel Data Storage 35 Applicable fiber diameter: Cladding diameter: 150μm / Coating diameter:100μm ~
3000μm
8.5 System Setting 35
8.6 Auto rotate screen 36
1.2 Splice Loss
8.7 Power Save Option 37
Same fiber is spliced, measured by insertion method relevant to ITU-T standard.
8.8 System Information 38 The typical values of splice loss are:
SM:0.03dB
Appendix A 39 MM:0.02dB
Appendix B 41 DS:0.05dB
Appendix C 44 NZDS:0.05dB
G.657:0.03dB
Battery precautions 46
1.3 Splice Mode
128 kinds of splice modes; 11 kinds of preset splice mode
Up to 10,000 redords and 2,000 splice image
Splice time: SM Quick Mode:7s.

1.4 Heat Oven

kinds of applicable protection sleeve
Heating time: 8 to 900s optional.
Typical heating time: 18s.
Heating mode: Factory Installed Mode: 5, User Installable Mode: 32
Heater: Specific heater for MINI3S fusion splicer.

04 05
1.5 Power Supply
Chapter 2 Installation
AC 100-240 input or DC 12.6V
Out put 11.1V, 3,000mAh, Typical 200cycles (Splice & Heat)

1.6 Size and Weight

2.1 Safety Warning and Precautions
Size：124(L)mm x 123(W)mm x 138(H)mm
As MINI3S is designed for fusion splicing silica glass optical fibers, it is very
weight：1.1kg (with battery : 1.3kg) important that the splicer should not be used for any other purposes. The splicer is
a precision instrument and must be handled with caution. Therefore, you must read
1.7 Environmental Conditions the following safety rules and general precautions in this manual regarding the use
Operating conditions: Altitude: 0 to 5000m, relative humidity: 0 to 95%, and handling of MINI3S at any time. Any behaviors that do not follow the warnings
temperature: -10 to 50 ℃ , the maximum wind speed: 15m / s; and cautions will break the safety standard about design, manufacture, and usage
Storage conditions: relative humidity: 0 to 95%, temperature: -20 to 60 ℃ , of the fusion splicer. The users will be liable for any consequences incurred from
battery: -20 to 30 ℃ for long-term storage violation of the related requirements!

1.8 Others 2.2 Operational Safety Warnings

① Never operate the splicer in an environment where flammable liquids or vapors
Observation and display: Two cameras (orthogonally view), 4.3-inch color LCD
exist.
touch screen
② DO NOT touch the electrodes when the splicer is on.
Fiber Display (Magnification) : X/Y (Single image): 260x, X&Y (Dual image): 130x
Note: Only use specified electrodes for the fusion splicer. Select [Replace electrode]
Tension test：1.96 to 2.25N.
in maintenance menu to replace electrodes, or turn off the splicer and disconnect
Terminals:
the AC power source or remove battery before replacing electrodes. Discharging is
prohibited before the electrodes are placed as a pair.
③ DO NOT disassemble or modify any components of the splicer without approval,
Port Descriptions except for the permitted-to-disassemble / modify components or parts by users
SD card Inside the inner device, SD card drive, program for storage stated in this manual. Component replacement and its internal adjustment must be
MINI USB External outside the device, data encryption function and image save implemented by authorized technicians or engineers.
④ Handle the main supply cable carefully. Pull out the cable from the electrical
socket by holding only the wall plug and not by pulling the cable. Always ensure this
cable to be in good condition. Otherwise, there is a risk of fire or electrical shock.
⑤ To prevent any fire or electrical shock, do not expose the splicer to rain or damp
conditions.
⑥ Safety glasses should always be worn during fiber preparation and splicing
operation. Fiber fragments can be extremely dangerous if they come into contact
with the eye, skin, or are ingested.
⑦ Turn off the fusion splicer immediately, and disconnect the adapter from the port
of power supply input on the splicer if user observes the following the following
faults, to avoid malfunction or beyond repair:

06 07
 Fumes, bad smell, abnormal noise or over heat. 2.5 Installation
Liquid or other matter falls into cabinet Important! Follow these instructions carefully.
The splicer is damaged or dropped.
If any of these faults occurs, please contact our service center immediately. Leaving Unpacking the Splicer
the splicer in a damaged state without any prompt measures may cause equipment
Hold the handle upwards, and then lift the splicer out of the carrying case. As shown
failure, electric shock, or fire and may result in injury or death.
below.
⑧ Do not use compressed gas or canned air to clean the splicer. They may contain
flammable materials that could ignite during the electrical discharge.
⑨ Please use MINI3S specific standard AC adapter only. Using an improper AC
power source may cause fuming, electric shock or equipment damage and may even
result in fire, injury or death.
⑩ Please use MINI3S specific AC power cord only. Do not place any heavy objects
on the AC power cord. Keep the power cord away from heat source. Do not modify
the power cord. Using an improper cord or a damaged cord may cause fuming,
electric shock or equipment damage and may even result in fire, injury or death.

2.3 Maintenance and External Care Precautions

① Always avoid using hard objects to clean V-grooves and electrodes.
② Always avoid using acetone, thinner, benzol or alcohol when cleaning any part of
the splicer, except for the places advised.
③ Use a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt from the splicer. 2.6 Splice Overview
④ If the outside of the splicer is dirty, plunge a soft cloth into diluted neutral
washing up liquid, wring out the cloth and clean. Dry the splicer with a dry cloth but
DO NOT use furniture polish or other cleaning agents.
⑤ Always follow the maintenance instructions in this manual. Heater
Indicator
2.4 Transport and Storage Precautions
① When the splicer is moved from cold to warm environment, you should allow the
splicer to warm up gradually. Otherwise, the condensation generated inside will
bring harmful effects to the splicer. Handle
② Pack the fusion splicer well for long time storage.
③ Keep the splicer clean and dry. On/off button
④ The splicer is precision adjusted and aligned. Always keep the splicer in its Battery
carrying case to protect from damage and dirt. Put cushion package outside the Display
carrying case for long distance transportation.
⑤ Always avoid leaving the splicer in direct sunlight or expose to excessive heat.
⑥ Keep the humidity to a minimum level where the splicer is stored. The humidity
must not exceed 95%.

08 09
 2.8 Charging Process
The battery indicator will be illuminated one by one
BATTERY
along with increasing electric quality until battery is INDICATOR

fully charged upto 100%.

MINI USB 2.0 Port

Port of battery charge

2.9 Charging Methods

When battery is connected with fusion splicer, charging method is as follows:

2.7 Power Supply Method

Following is the way of installing a battery.

Insert the battery

Insert the battery into
When battery is separated from fusion splicer, charging method is as follows:
the power unit dock until
it clicks into place.

Take out the battery Note: Try your best not to charge battery when the battery is working for the
Shut off fusion splicer.
Press on release button
running fusion splicer which is splicing or heating fibers for fear of shortening the
at lateral, drawing power battery’s life.
supply unit out of the
fusion splicer.

2.10 Battery Status

There are 2 ways for viewing battery level.
BATTERY
① If the battery is connected to the slicer, then its level will be INDICATOR
displayed on the upper right side of the screen.
② Battery level is indicated by Battery LED indicator. As shown
below:

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2.11 Battery Refresh Cycle
Chapter 3 Basic Operation
The battery should be refreshed or activated periodically for fear of aging caused
by battery memory effect. The method is as follows:
Keep the splicer in power-on status to discharge until the splicer switched off
automatically due to completely discharging. Then go on to charge until fully
3.1 Power Connection
charging completes. Battery refreshing process completes.
Follows are 2 ways of power supply for the fusion splicer, of which the inner slot
for power supply unit is able to support:
2.12 Heat Oven 1. AC adapter, if external power source supply adopted;
2. Removable battery, if battery power supply adopted.

3.2 Battery Check

Before fusion splicer operation, Please check and ensure the residual electric quality
Heat oven lid open of the battery, which should be equal to 20% or more. Otherwise the battery is not
able to support fusion splicing and heating operations of the fusion splicer.( As to
cooling tray the ways of electric quality check for battery, please refer to chapter2 for battery
status in detail)

12 13
3.3 Turn On the Splicer 3.6 Preparing the Fiber
Press [Power] key on the operation 3 steps should be carried out before splicing:.
panel, and wait the splicer to be 1.Stripping
turned on and move to Workbench Remove at least 50mm of secondary coating (valid for both tight and loose tube
page. secondary coating) and approximately 30~40mm of primary coating with an
appropriate stripper.

Note: always remember to slip a

heat-shrinkable sleeve onto either
3.4 Adjust Monitor Position end of the fibers at the beginning
of each fiber preparations.
Users can adjust the monitor position by moving it with a desired angle for the
clearest display.

2. Clean bare fibers with pure alcohol-soaked gauze or lint-free tissue.

3. Cleave the fiber
In order to ensure the best splicing result, cleave the fibers with high quality cleaver
such as DC-09 fiber cleaver, and strictly control the cleaving lengths shown as
below.

Examples of cleaving lengths

tight secondary
coating primary coating

use blue V-grooves

3.5 Adjust LCD Backlight Brightness (Clamping on bare fiber)

Enter into Power save option

interface, and select LCD Important!
Brightness option to adjust LCD From this moment, you must be very careful with the fibers to ensure that they do
backlight brightness until you not become dirty again.(For example, avoid putting them down on a dusty working
find the clearest position. surface, or even waving them around in the air). Also check if the V-grooves are
clean, if not, wipe them clean.

Note: The LCD monitor is a precise component produced by manufacturing factory

under strict quality control. However, some tiny dots in different colors may still
remain on the screen. Meanwhile, the screen brightness may not appear uniform,
depending on its viewing angles. Note that these symptoms are not defects, but are
natural phenomenon.

14 15
3.7 How to Make a Splice ③ Close the fiber holder.
① Open the safety shield.

④ Close the wind proof cover

3.8 Inspecting the Fibers

① Before continuing with splicing, inspect the fibers whether they are clean and
well-cleaved.

imaging area imaging area imaging area

a. b. c. Fiber ends
above and
fiber ends visible Fiber ends outside below monitor,
on the monitor monitor not possible
to find
automatically.
② Open the fiber holder. Position
the fibers into V-grooves. Make
sure the fiber ends are between
② To change between Front View and Back View, adjust Monitor position.
the V-groove edges and the
electrode tip.

Note: Make sure to avoid sliding the

fibers along V-grooves, but rather
position them over V-grooves and tilt
them down into place (as shown in the
picture).

16 17
③ If you find any defects as shown in the following pictures, remove the fiber and 3.10 How to Protect the Splice
prepare again. After splicing, protect the joint by using a heat-shrink sleeve and the heat oven
which is mounted onto the splicer. “Shrink” process can be activated via pressing
the “HEAT” key.
① Open the heat oven lid
Note:The fibers are checked ② Raise left and right fiber holders on the splicer. Hold the heat-shrink tube, lift the
dust on fiber lip
automatically when you press spliced fibers and hold them move the heat-shrink tube so that it is centered over
Splice button. The splicer the splice point.
automatically focuses the fibers ③ Move both the fibers and the heat-shrink tube over to the heat oven and place
and checks for damage or dust them in the oven clamps.
chip large cleave angle
particles.
Open the heat oven lid Position of splices

3.9 Splicing
① Select any appropriate splice
mode.

Moving the fiber into heat oven

② Start splicing by pressing ④ Press the “HEAT” key to begin heating, when the heating process is finished, the
button. heating indicator will be turned off automatically and companied by prompt sound of
the buzzer.

Note: If the splicer is set as Heating Indicator

“Auto mode”, splicing will start

automatically once the wind proof Heat Button
cover is closed.

18 19
Chapter 4 Splice Mode ② Select Splice Mode

MINI3S has an intuitive and simple but very powerful program structure to operate.
Splice programs define arc currents, splice times as well as various parameters
used when performing a splice. Therefore, it is essential to select the correct splice
program.
There are a number of “Preset” splice programs for common fiber combinations. ③ Highlight the program you
Therefore, it is much easier to modify and further optimize the parameters for more want to select.
unusual fiber combinations.

4.1 Displaying the Active Splice Program

The active splice program is
always displayed at the top of the
screen (see below).
④ Back to initial interface

4.2 Selecting a Splice Program

To select another splice program
other than the active one, you
must enter Select splice mode
menu.
4.3 General Splicing Steps
① Enter main menu This section explains the steps involved in automatic splicing process and describes
how various program parameters are related to this process. The normal splicing
process can be divided into two sections: pre-fusion and fusion.

Pre-Fusion
During pre-fusion, the splicer performs automatic alignment and focusing, where
the fibers are subjected to a low pre-fusion current for cleaning purposes; a pre-
fusion image is also taken. At this point, the user is informed of any problems
recognized in the pre-fusion image, such as a poorly prepared fiber. The splicer will
then issue a warning before the fibers are fused together.

20 21
Fusion 4.4 Parameters for Normal Splicing Process
During fusion, the fibers are joined together and subjected to five different currents Parameter Description
as illustrated below. An important parameter, which changes during splicing, is A list of splice modes stored in the splicer database is displayed.
the distance between the fibers. During Pre-fusion, the fibers are apart. With the Upon inputting the appropriate mode, the selected splice mode
Template
current phase changing, fibers are spliced gradually. stored in database area is copied to a selected splice mode in user-
programmable area.
Splicing Process Name Title for a splice mode expressed in up to seven characters.
The most important splicing parameters are the time and current, each current Detailed explanation for a splice mode expressed in up to 15
Note
phase is shown below, that the name and function and other parameters are characters. It is displayed at “Select splice mode” menu.
Focus-L Set the focus parameter for lens X.
important to the splice process are described under “Parameters for Normal
Focus-R Set the focus parameter for lens Y.
Splicing Process” on the next page.
Arc adjust Set to adjust arc power according to the fibers’ conditions.
The following figure shows the discharge conditions (The relationship between the
If “Proof test” is set to “ON”, a pull-test is performed upon opening
“discharge intensity" and "motor move"). We can change the splicing parameters Pull test
the windproof cover or by pressing the SET button after splicing.
listed below to change the discharge conditions. Loss estimate should be regarded as a reference. Since the loss is
calculated upon the fiber image, there is certain difference with the
Loss
real value. The estimate method is based on a single mode fiber and
estimate
calculates at the wavelength of 1.31μm. The estimated value can be a
valuable reference, but cannot be used as the basis of acceptance.
This amount is added to the estimate splice loss originally calculated.
When splicing specially or dissimilar fibers, a high actual splice loss
Minimum
may occur even with optimized arc conditions. To make the actual
loss
splice loss concur with the estimated splice loss, set the actual splice
loss to minimum value (minimum loss).
An error message is displayed if the estimated splice loss exceeds
Loss Limit
the selected threshold (loss limit).
Core angle An error message is displayed if the bend angle of the two fibers
limit spliced exceeds the selected threshold (Core angle limit).
Diagram of ARC discharge condition Cleave angle An error message is displayed if the cleave angle of either the left or
limit right fiber ends exceed the selected threshold (cleave limit).
Set the relative position of the splicing location to the center of
A: Pre-fuse power B: Arc power C: Cleaning Arc
electrodes. Splice loss may be improved in the case of dissimilar
D: Pre-fuse time E: Arc time F: Overlap Gap position
fiber splicing by shifting [Gap position] towards a fiber whose MFD is
G: Taper wait time H: Taper time related to taper length I: Taper speed
bigger than the other fiber MFD.
Set the end-face gap between the left and right fibers at the time of
Gap
aligning and pre-fusion discharge.

22 23
 Parameter Description
Set the overlap amount of fibers at the fiber propelling stage.
Chapter 5 Splice Option
Relatively small [Overlap] is recommended if [Preheat Arc Value] is
Overlape
low, while relatively large [Overlap] is recommended if [Preheat Arc
Value] is high.
A cleaning arc burns out micro dust on the surface of the fiber with As to the Splice Mode setting.
Cleaning Arc
an arc discharge for a short period of time. The duration of the ① Select [Splice option] in menu from
time
cleaning arc can be changed by this parameter.
main menu.
Set the pre-fuse arc power from the beginning of arc discharging
to the beginning of fibers propelling. If “Preheat Arc Value” is set ② Select a parameter to be changed.
Preheat Arc
too low, axial offset may occur if cleaved angles are relatively poor.
value
If “Preheat Arc Value” is set too high, fiber end faces are fused
excessively and splice loss gets worse.
Set the pre-fuse arc time from the beginning of arc discharging to
Preheat Arc
the beginning of fibers propelling. Long [Preheat Arc Time] and high
time
[Preheat Arc Value] lead to the same results. Parameter Description
Fuse Arc Set Arc power. If “Auto start” is set to ON, splicing starts automatically as soon as
value Auto start the wind protector is closed. Fibers should be prepared and placed
Fuse Arc Set Arc time. into the splicer in advance.
time If “Pause 1” is set to ON, splicing operation pauses when fibers are
Pause 1 forwarded to gap-set position. Cleave angles are displayed during
the pause.
If “Pause 2” is set to ON, splicing operation pauses after fiber
Pause 2
alignment is completed.
Alignment failure may appear after “Pause2” for a long period.
Therefore, realign after “Pause2” is needed. Setting to “OFF” will
Realign after
prevent the implementation of realign function. Manual splicing,
pause 2
rather than setting the realign to “OFF”, is recommended when there
is an axial displacement of the splicer
Ignore splice error
Cleave end
Cleave Setting to “OFF” ignores the faults and continues to complete the
angle splicing even if the message “Cleave Angle Error” appears.
Setting to “OFF” ignores the faults and continues to complete the
Core angle
splicing even if the message “Core Angle Error” appears.
Loss Setting to “OFF” ignores the faults and continues to complete the
Fat splicing even if the message “Loss Error”, “Cleave Shape Error”, “Fat
Thin Error”, or “Thin Error” appears.
Fiber immage on screen
Paulse 1 Set the displaying method of the fiber image on the screen during
Align splicing operation.
Paulse 2 X : Enlarged display of X-axis image
Y : Enlarged display of Y-axis image
Arc
X/Y : Composite display vertically of X-axis and Y-axis images
Estimate
Gap set

24 25
Chapter 6 Heater Mode ③ Touch on Select Heat mode

The splicer provides max 32 heat modes including 5 heat modes preset by factory
and the rest that can be defined by users. Select a heating mode that best matches
with the protection sleeve used.
For each type of protection sleeve, MINI3S has its optimum heating mode. These
modes can be found in the database area for reference. Copy the appropriate mode ④ Back to original interface
and paste it to the user–programmable area. Users can edit those parameters.

6.1 Heater Template

Parameter Description
60mm For standard protection sleeve of 60mm
40mm For standard protection sleeve of 40mm.
33mm For standard protection sleeve of 33mm
6.3 Edit Heat Mode
6.2 Select Heat Mode Tube-heating conditions stored
To select another heating mode in heating mode can be edited or
other than the active one, you must changed.
enter Select heat mode menu. ① Enter edit heat mode menu via
① Enter main menu touching on heater mode menu.

6.4 Deleting Heat Mode

① Select Heater mode menu.
② Select Heater Mode
② Select Delete Heat Mode.
③ Select the heat mode to be
deleted

Note: The gray mode (40mm,

60mm) is the system preset
initial heat modes which cannot
be deleted.

26 27
6.5 Heat Mode Parameters
Chapter 7 Maintenance Menu
Parameter Description
Set sleeve type. List of all heat modes are displayed. Selected mode
Template
will be copied to a user-programmable area.
Name Title for a heat mode.
Title of the heat mode displayed in the bottom right corner of The splicer has a function to perform routine maintenance. This section describes
Note the monitor during splicing or heating process. Max number of how to use the maintenance menu.
characters used is 15. ① Press Menu button, and select [Maintenance menu].
Set the length of heat-shrink sleeve. ② Select a function to perform.
Heater
Long: protection sleeves over 30mm.
control 7.1 Replace Electrodes
Short: 30mm protection sleeves or below.
Heater
Sets heating temperature. As electrodes are worn out during the splicing process, oxide generated on the tips
temperature
of electrodes should be regularly eliminated. It is recommended that the electrodes
Heater time Sets heating time from the beginning to the heating completed.
should be replaced after 2500 arc discharges. When the number of arc discharges
reaches a count of 2500, a message prompting to replace the electrodes is
displayed immediately after turning on the power. Using the electrodes without a
replacement will result in greater splice loss and reduced splice strength.
Replacement Procedure
① Select [Replace electrodes] in [Maintenance Menu].
② Instruction messages will appear on the screen to turn off the power. Click on OK
until LCD shuts down to continue.
③ Remove the old electrodes.
ⅰ ) Loosen screw located on electrode cover.
ⅱ ) Take electrodes out of the electrode covers. (Electrodes are fixed in electrode
cover)

loosen screw Remove old electrode

Install new electrode

electrode cover

Tighten screw

④ Clean the new electrodes with alcohol-impregnated clean gauze or lint-free

tissue, and install them in the splicer.
ⅰ）Insert the electrodes in the electrode covers.
ⅱ）Place the electrode covers on the splicer, and tighten the screws.

28 29
⑤ We recommend all users to do stabilizing electrodes and arc calibration after ② Execute [Diagnostic test], then the following checks will be made.
electrodes replacing to keep good splice results and splice strength (Details are
Parameter Description
described below).
1 LED calibration Measure and adjust the brightness of the LED.
Check the optical path for dust or dirt and judges whether
7.2 Stabilize Electrodes 2 Dust check they disturb fiber observation. If contamination exists, press
the return button twice to display the location.
In the event of sudden change in environmental conditions, especially when the
3 Motor Calibration Automatically calibrate the speed of 4 motors.
splicer is moved from lower altitudes to higher altitudes, the arc power may become
Automatically calibrate the arc power factor and fiber
unstable, resulting in higher splice loss. In such case, it takes time for arc power to 4 Arc Calibration
splicing position.
be stabilized. In this case, stabilizing electrodes will expedite the process to set the
arc power stable. If many tests are needed until the “Operation Complete” message
appears in [Arc calibration], use this function as well. 7.4 Dust Check
Operation Procedure Through image acquisition, the splicer detects dust and contaminants on the splicer,
① Select [Stabilize electrodes]. camera, and objective lenses that may disturb normal observation of fibers and
② Place prepared fibers into the splicer for splicing. result in improper splicing. This function checks the optical path for the presence
③ Press [SET] button, and the splicer will begin to stabilize the electrodes or absence of contaminants, and judges whether they will affect the quality of fiber
automatically in the following procedures: splicing.
• Repeat arc discharge five times to measure the arc position. Operation Procedure
• Perform splicing rapidly. ① Select [Dust check] in [Maintenance menu].
•Perform stabilizing electrodes 20 times consecutively to precisely locate the ② If fibers are set in the splicer, remove them and press [SET] again to start the
electrodes position. dust check.
③ If no dust exists, splicer will prompt out message for operation completion. If
7.3 Diagnostic Test dust is detected during the dust check process, the message “Found Dust On The
Lens” will be displayed on screen. Press the return button twice, and the location of
MINI3S has a built-in diagnostic test function that allows the user to evaluate
contamination will be shown on the screen. Then clean the objective lenses, and [Dust
several critical variable parameters with only one simple step. Perform this function
check] until the message “Operation Complete” is shown on screen.
in case of splicer operation fault.
Note:
If contamination still exists after cleaning the objective lenses, please contact your
Operation Procedure
nearest sales agent
① Select [Diagnostic Test] in [Maintenance Menu]
7.5 Motor Calibration
Motors are adjusted at the factory before shipping. However, settings may be
changed in various reasons. This function automatically calibrates the speed of 4
motors.
Operation Procedure
① Select “Motor Calibration” in “Maintenance Menu”.
② Load prepared fibers in the splicer and press “SET” button.
③ Speeds for all motors are automatically calibrated. Upon completion, message
will be displayed.
Note:
Perform this function when "Fat " or "Thin" error occurs, or fiber aligning or focusing
takes too much time.

30 31
7.6 Arc Calibration Parameter Description
Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity and pressure are constantly If actual arc discharge exceeds the set value, a message“Caution!
Electrode
Replace Electrodes” is displayed when turning on the splicer.
changing, which creates variability in the arc temperature. MINI3S is equipped with caution
Fiber Fox recommends that this parameter should be set to “2500”
temperature and pressure sensors that are used in a constant feedback monitoring
If actual arc discharge exceeds the set value, a message“Warning!
control system to maintain the arc power at a stable level. However, changes in arc Electrode
Replace Electrodes” is displayed when turning on the splicer.
power due to electrode wear and glass adhesion cannot be calibrated automatically. warning
Fiber Fox recommends that this parameter should be set to“3500”.
Also, the center position of arc discharge sometimes shifts to the left or to the
right. In this case, the fiber splicing position has to be shifted in relation to the arc
7.8 Quick Optimize
discharge center. It is necessary to perform an arc power calibration to eliminate
those problems. MINI3S fusion splicer bares optimizing function inside. The operator just need carry
out simple operation for adjusting 4 motors’ calibration of fusion splicer.
Note :
1 Select quick optimize in maintenance menu.
* Arc calibration is performed automatically in SM mode only. So, arc calibration
does not have to be performed when splicing in SM mode.
* Performing Arc Calibration function changes the arc power value. The arc power
value is used in the algorithm program for all splicing. The arc power value will not
be changed in the splice modes.

Operation procedure
① Select [Arc Calibration] in [Maintenance Menu] to display arc calibration on the
screen.
② Place prepared fibers into the splicer, and press [SET] to perform arc calibration.
③ The splicer will show up two values on the screen after each arc calibration. If the
value shown on the right-hand side meets 11±2, the message “Operation Complete” 2 Follows are the optimizing functions in Quick optimize.
will be shown on screen. Otherwise, set prepared fibers on the splicer again and
Parameter Description
redo arc calibration until the message “Operation Complete” is displayed.
Adjust position Adjust the motor’s position automatically.
Note : Motor calibration Adjust 4 motor speeds automatically.
* Use standard SM、DS or MM fiber for arc calibration.
* Ensure clean fibers for arc calibration. Dust on the fiber surface affects arc
calibration.

7.7 Electrode Setting

Set the electrode change warnings. We recommend replacing the electrodes every
4500 discharge to ensure the best splice results.
① Select [Electrode Setting] in [Maintenance Menu].
② Set the electrode caution and electrode warning.

32 33
7.9 Motor Drive
Chapter 8 Other Functions & Utilities
This function is used to test if 4 motors of the fusion splicer operate normally.

① Select “Motor drive”.

8.1 Data Storage
This splicer stores up to 10,000 splicing results. Contents of data stored are
different depending on splicing mode.

8.2 Display Splice Record

Splicing results stored in the splicer can be displayed.
Select Data Storage Menu and Select Display Splice Record to view.
② Touch screen to select motor.
8.3 Delete Splice Record
Splicing results can be cleared by part or whole.
① Select “Delete Splice Record”, and then input specific number (Start Splice
Record and End Splicer Record) of splicing results to be cleared.
② Select Delete Splice Record and press confirm key to conform. Selected
splicing results are cleared and replaced with following splicing results.

8.4 Cancel Data Storage

③ Touch the icons of L press and R
press to drive motor, observing if the If you don’t want to store the records, press the "OFF" button in the "Splice Data
motor can be driven normally. Save" Menu.

8.5 System Setting

This menu is used to change settings in detail, or for an administrator to limit
functions for operator to select or change.

7.10 Update Software

① Select “update software” in “system setting”.
② Connect the USB driver with the copy of upgrade files to the USB port
③ Press “OK”, and then the splicer will process the update automatically. Upon
completion, the splicer will restart automatically.

34 35
 Parameter Description
Buzzer Sets the sound volume of the buzzer
Automatic If select “On”, when the fiber is placed into heat oven, which will
heating automatically execute heating.
Language Sets a language to be displayed on the screen.
Auto Rotate When you press "ON" in the system setting menu, the screen can
Screen auto rotate the screen.
Power Save Sets the time of Monitor Shut Down, time of Splicer Shut Down
Option and LCD brightness.
Set Calendar Sets the system time.

Changes the password to access some menus as “Power on

Option” and “Menu Lock”.
At the time of shipment from the factory, the password is set as
Password “0000”.
If you have forgotten your password after you changed another
8.7 Power Save Option
one, This function is important for power conservation. If the power saving function is
contact the nearest sales agency.
not set during battery pack use, the number of splice cycles will be reduced.
If you select “ON”, pull test will be performed after fusion splicing (1) Insert a power unit and turn on the splicer.
Pull test
completion. (2) Select “Power Save Option” in “System Setting” menu.
Dust check: check dust and contaminants in optical path to avoid (3) Change values of “Monitor Shut Down” and “Splicer Shut Down”.
Dust check optical fiber inspection disturbance. If contaminants exist, press
confirm key to display the contaminants’ position.
Parameter Description
“On”: passwords are needed to input for entering into the fusion To avoid power loss when battery is used, setting this function turns off
Password lock splicing window when power on. “OFF”: No passwords are the power supply to the LCD monitor if the splicer does not operate after
Monitor Shut Down
needed when power on. a certain period of time. When the power supply for monitor turns off, the
LED near the power key blinks. Press any key to turn on the LCD monitor.
Display fusion splicer’s basic information: Machine serial NO.,
System Software version, FPGA version, total Arc count, current Arc Automatically turns off the power supply of the splicer if it performs no
information count, Last maintenance, Production date, Sales Region, Product operation for a certain period of time. The function serves to prevent the
Splicer Shut Down
OEM. battery capacity from running low if the splicer is left on for an extended
period of time.

LCD Brightness Adjust LED backlight brightness.

8.6 Auto Rotate Screen

When you press "ON" in the system setting menu, the screen can auto rotate the
screen.

36 37
8.8 System Information
Appendix A
Select “System information”. The following information is displayed.

Parameter Description
Machine Serial
Display the fusion splicer’s serial number. High Splice loss: Cause and solutions
Number

Software Symptom Name Cause Remedy

Display the fusion splicer’s software version.
Version
There’s dust in
Fiber core Clean the V-grooves and
FPGA Display FPGA’s version. V-grooves and
axial offset fiber hammer
Total Arc Count Display total number of arc discharges. fiber hammer

Display the number of arc discharges after electrode There’s dust in

Current Arc Clean the V-grooves and
replacement. Performing [Replace Electrode] resets this V-grooves and
Count Fiber core fiber hammer
parameter to zero. fiber hammer
angle error
Last Bad fiber end-
Display the date of last maintenance. Check the cleaver
Maintenance face quality

Product Display the manufacturer of the machine. Bad fiber end-

Check the cleaver
face quality
Fiber core Pre-fuse power Increase [Pre-fuse
bending too low or pre- Power] and/or[Pre-fuse
fuse time too Time].
short.
The mode
Increase [Pre-fuse
field Arc power not
Power] and/or[Pre-fuse
diameters adequate
Time].
mismatch
Bad fiber end-face
Check the cleaver
Dust quality
combustion Dust still present Clean fiber thoroughly or
after cleaning fiber increase[Cleaning Arc
or cleaning arc. Time]
Bad fiber end-face
Check the cleaver
quality
Bubbles Pre-fuse power Increase [Pre-fuse Power]
too low or pre-fuse and/or[Pre-fuse Time].
time too short.

Fiber stuffing too

Perform [Arc Calibration].
small
Separation Pre-fuse power too Decrease [Pre-fuse
high or pre-fuse Power] and/or [Pre-fuse
time too long. Time].

38 39
 Fat
Fiber stuffing too
much
Decrease [Overlap] and
Perform [Arc Calibration].
Appendix B
Arc power not
Perform [Arc Calibration].
adequate
Thin Some arc Adjust [Pre-fuse Power],
parameters not [Pre-fuse Time] or High Splice loss: Cause and solutions
adequate [Overlap].
During the splice operating process, if the error messages are shown on the screen,
please follow the solution precisely as shown in the list below. If it is not possible to
Some arc Adjust [Pre-fuse Power],
solve the problem, the splicer may require service by a qualified service center. In
Splicing line parameters not [Pre-fuse Time] or
this case, please contact sales agents.
adequate [Overlap]

Error Message Cause Solution

Note:
Left Fiber Place Press RESET button, and reload the fibers
A vertical line sometimes appears at the splice point when MM fibers or dissimilar Error The fiber end-face is placed to make sure that fiber end face is placed
fibers (different diameters) are spliced. We call it as “Splicing line”. This does not Right Fiber Place on the electrode centerline. between V-groove and the centerline of
affect splice quality (such as splice loss and tensile strength). Error electrodes.

The fiber is not set correctly

at the bottom of the Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-
Press Motor Distance
V-groove, which results in position the fiber at the bottom of the
Over Limit
that the fiber offsets beyond V-groove.
motor formation range.
Press Motor Error Motor might be damaged. Consult your nearest sales agent.

The fiber is not set Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-
Search Fiber End
correctly at the bottom of position the fiber at the bottom of the
face Failed
the V-groove. V-groove.

Arc discharge does not Confirm the electrodes are in proper

Arc Failure
occur. position; Replace the electrodes.
The fiber is not set correctly Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-
Align Motor Distance
at the bottom of the position the fiber at the bottom of the
Over Limit
V-groove. V-groove.

The fiber is not set Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-
Search Fiber Clad
correctly at the bottom of position the fiber at the bottom of the
Failed
the V-groove. V-groove.
Prepare the fiber (stripping, cleaning, and
Fiber Border There’s dust or dirt on the
cleaving) again; clean the lens; redo [Dust
Position Wrong fiber surface
Check]
There’s dust or dirt on the Prepare the fiber (stripping,
fiber surface cleaning, and cleaving) again.
Different fiber types on two Use an appropriate splice mode other than
Unknown Fiber Type
sides. AUTO splice mode to re -splice.
AUTO splice mode can only detect the
Non-standard optical fibers
standard SM, MM, NZ fibers.
Fiber Clad Over Fiber edge is not located in Adjust the fiber position and perform “motor
Limit the camera range. calibration” .

40 41
 Error Message Cause Solution Error Message Cause Solution
Shock occurred to the Carry out “motor calibration”. If the Too much [Overlap] setting Adjust “Overlap” parameter setting.
Focus Motor Home
splicer during the splicing problem still exists, please contact sales Fat Splicing Point
position Error The motor is not calibrated. Perform “Motor Calibration”.
process. agent.
Arc power is too low Perform “Arc Calibration”.
Too much [Overlap] setting Adjust [Overlap] parameter setting.
Fiber End face Gap The level of pre-discharge Decrease pre-discharge or pre-discharge
Wrong is set too high time.
Thin Splicing Point
The motor is not calibrated Perform [Motor Calibration].

Press the “RESET” button; re-position Insufficient “Overlap” setting Adjust “Overlap” parameter setting
The fiber is misplaced. the fiber correctly at the bottom of the
V-groove.
Focus Motor
Distance Over Limit There’s dust or dirt on the Prepare the fiber (stripping,
fiber surface Cleaning and cleaving) again.

There’s dust or dirt on the Execute the [Dust Check] after cleaning
lenses. the lenses and mirrors.

It may result in large splice loss if you

Fiber Mismatch, Different fiber types on two
continue to splice, Please use the proper
Continue? sides.
splice mode corresponding to the fibers.

Check the condition of the fiber cleaver.

If the blade is worn, rotate the blade to a
Bad fiber end-face
Cleave Angle Over new position or change a new one, and
Limit then re-prepare the fibers.
[Cleave Angle Limit] is set Increase the “Cleave Angle Limit” to an
too low. adequate limit. (standard value: 3.0°）.

Increase the “Core Angle Limit” to an

[Core Angle Limit] is set
adequate limit.
Core Angle Over too low.
(standard value: 1.0°）.
Limit
Dust or dirt is on the Clean the V-groove and the fiber holders.
V-groove or fiber holders. Prepare and reload the fiber again.
Too large axial offset Prepare the fiber (stripping, cleaning, and
Fiber Axis Align （>0.4μm） cleaving) again.
Failed
The motor is not calibrated Perform “Motor Calibration”.
There’s dust or dirt on the Prepare the fiber (stripping,
fiber surface cleaning, and cleaving) again.
Perform the “Dust Check” after cleaning
Dust or dirt is on the lenses
the lenses.

Fiber is Dirty “Cleaning Arc time” is too

Set the “Cleaning Arc time” to 180ms
short

It is difficult to identify
the fiber core by using the Use MM splice mode (clad alignment) to
method of core alignment to splice the unidentified fiber core.
splice.

42 43
Appendix C

Questions and Troubleshooting turned off

The following gives the solution of some of the common problems for reference. If 10. Fiber protection sleeve adhered to heating plate after shrinking
you cannot solve the problems, please contact the manufacturer directly. • Use a cotton swab or a similar soft tip object to push and remove the sleeve.
1 .Power does not turn off when press “ON/OFF” button. 11. Forgot passwords
• Press and hold the key “ON/OFF” until the LED flashes, release the button, and • Contact your nearest sales agency.
the splicer will be turned off. 12. No arc power change after [Arc Calibration]
2. Few splices can be made with a fully charged battery pack • An internal factor is calibrated and adjusted for the specific arc power
• Enable it to conserve power usage. selected. The displayed arc power in each splice mode does not change.
• The battery power degrades due to memory effects and Long-term storage. 13. Forget to put the optical fiber during the process of maintenance function
Recharge the battery after a fully discharging. • It is invalid to press the return key. You need to open the wind cover and put
• The battery pack has reached the end of its service life. Install a new battery the prepared fibers and press the “SET” or “RESET” button to continue
pack. 14. Fail to upgrade
• Don’t use the battery at a low temperature. • When users use the "new" U-disk to upgrade, the splice may not be able to
3. Error message appears on monitor correctly identify the upgrade program file; you need to reset the U-disk, and
• Refer to appendix 2. restart the splicer.
4. High splice loss • Check whether the upgrade file name and the format are correct.
• Clean the V-grooves, fiber clamps, wind protector LEDs, and objective lenses. • If you cannot solve the problems, please contact the manufacturer directly.
• Replace the electrodes.
• Refer to appendix 1.
• The splice loss varies according to the cleave angle, arc conditions and fiber
cleanliness.
5. Monitor suddenly turned off
• when you enable the power saving function, the splicer will switch to the power
saving state after an extended period of splicer inactivity. Press any key to return to
the normal state.
6. Splicer power suddenly turned off
• when you enable the power saving function, the splicer will turn the splicer power
off after an extended period of inactivity.
7. Mismatch between Estimated splice loss and Actual splice loss
• The estimated loss is a calculated loss, so it can be used for reference only.
• The optical components of the splicer may need to be cleaned.
8. Fiber protection sleeve does not shrink completely
• Extend the heating time.
9. Method to cancel heating process
• Press the “HEAT” button to cancel the heating process. And the LED will be

44 45
Battery precautions

1.Do not touch or hit battery with pointed or sharp items.

2.Do not transport or store the battery together with metals.
3.Do not throw, drop, impact, or bend battery, or any knock or stomp on the battery
is forbidden.
4.Do not connect the anode and cathode terminals of the battery with metals such
as electric wire for fear of short circuit trouble.
5.Do not allow battery’s anode or cathode terminal to touch with the aluminum layer
of package made from aluminum laminated plastic film material for fear of short-
circuit.
6.In no case the battery cell can be dismantled.
7.Do not immerse the battery into water or seawater, because the battery cell
cannot bear moist environment.
8.Do not place or use the battery beside or near the heat source such as fire or
heater.
9.Do not heat battery or throw it into water. The End
10.Do not directly solder the battery. * Products models and specifications are subject to
11.Do not charge battery near or beside the fire or in a very hot environment. change without prior notice.
12.Do not place the battery into microwave oven or any high pressure vessel.
13.Do not allow the battery work or place it in hot temperatures such as in strong
sunshine or hot environment in car for a long time, for fear that battery might be
overheated, on fire, weakened functionally, or shortened in life.
14.Any usage of the damaged battery is forbidden. The battery should be kept away
from fire source when electrolyte leakage occurs or the battery emits electrolyte
smell for fear battery might catch on fire or explode.
15.If there is electrolyte contacting with your skin or into other part of body due to
leakage, please rinse with water immediately. If the eye is contacted with electrolyte,
rinse with water immediately and go to see a doctor nearest.

46