AFL Noyes OLS Series Optical Light Sources
AFL Noyes OLS Series Optical Light Sources provide stable test signals for single-mode and multimode link loss measurements, certification, continuity checks, and fiber identification. Available models include the OLS1-Dual, OLS2-Dual, OLS4, OLS7-FTTH, and OLS7-3, covering wavelengths from 850 to 1625 nm. Rugged construction, field-swappable adapters, AA battery operation, and selected Wave ID functions support field and laboratory testing. Simbol Test Systems is an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL Noyes.
Download the AFL Noyes OLS Series Optical Light Sources Specification Sheet (PDF)
AFL Noyes OLS Series Optical Light Sources
The AFL Noyes OLS Series Optical Light Sources are rugged fiber optic test instruments designed for single-mode and multimode link loss measurement, network certification, continuity testing, and fiber identification. The series includes multimode LED sources, single-mode laser sources, combined single-mode and multimode configurations, and specialized three-wavelength models for FTTH, telecom, and CATV networks.
Available models include the OLS1-Dual, OLS2-Dual, OLS4, OLS7-FTTH, and OLS7-3. Together, these instruments cover common fiber optic test wavelengths from 850 to 1625 nm, allowing technicians to select a source that matches the installed fiber, network application, optical power meter, and required testing procedure.
When paired with a compatible optical power meter, an OLS Series source can be used to measure insertion loss across installed fiber links. Selected models support Wave ID transmission, allowing compatible AFL power meters to identify incoming wavelengths automatically and helping reduce manual setup steps during multi-wavelength testing.
Rugged Optical Light Sources for Field and Laboratory Testing
The AFL Noyes OLS Series is designed for real-world fiber optic testing. The rugged handheld instruments feature splash-resistant controls, field-swappable connector adapters, long battery operation, and compact housings suitable for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and certification work.
- Single-mode and multimode options: Choose LED, laser, or combined source configurations according to the fiber network.
- Multiple test wavelengths: Available wavelengths include 850, 1300, 1310, 1490, 1550, and 1625 nm depending on model.
- Wave ID support: Selected models can transmit multiple encoded wavelengths for automatic identification by compatible AFL power meters.
- Continuous-wave output: CW mode provides a continuous optical signal without encoding.
- Fiber-identification tones: Selected models provide 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz test tones.
- Field-swappable adapters: Available FC, SC, ST, and LC adapters support different connector requirements.
- Accessible optical ports: Removable adapters allow access to the optical interface for inspection and cleaning.
- Portable power: Two standard AA batteries provide extended field operation.
- Optional AC operation: An external AC adapter is available for extended testing and laboratory use.
- Five-year warranty: OLS Series light sources are backed by AFL’s specified five-year product warranty.
AFL Noyes OLS Series Models
The OLS1-Dual is a dual-wavelength multimode LED source for testing at 850 and 1300 nm. It is designed for Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, enterprise LAN, campus, and other multimode fiber links.
The OLS2-Dual is a dual-wavelength single-mode laser source operating at 1310 and 1550 nm. It is suitable for single-mode networks, LAN/WAN links, telecom installations, and general single-mode loss testing.
The OLS4 combines multimode and single-mode sources in one instrument. It provides 850 and 1300 nm multimode LED output together with 1310 and 1550 nm single-mode laser output, supporting technicians who work with both fiber types.
The OLS7-FTTH provides 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm single-mode laser output for FTTH and passive optical network applications.
The OLS7-3 provides 1310, 1550, and 1625 nm single-mode laser output for telecom, CATV, maintenance, and out-of-band testing applications.
Wave ID and Fiber-Identification Functions
Wave ID allows selected OLS Series instruments to transmit two or more encoded wavelengths simultaneously. When the signal is received by a compatible AFL Wave ID optical power meter, the meter automatically identifies the wavelength and applies the appropriate calibration factor.
This coordinated process can reduce test time and help minimize errors caused by manually selecting an incorrect wavelength on the receiving power meter. Wave ID functionality depends on the selected OLS model and compatible receiving instrument.
Selected OLS models also generate test tones at 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz. These tones can be detected by compatible AFL power meters, Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers with access to the fiber end, or optical fiber identifiers used for non-intrusive mid-span testing.
Field-Swappable FC, SC, ST, and LC Adapters
OLS Series instruments accept field-swappable FC, SC, ST, and LC connector adapters. This allows one source to support multiple test-cord connector styles without replacing the complete instrument.
Removing the adapter provides access to the optical port for inspection and cleaning. Source ports and test-jumper end-faces should be inspected and cleaned before mating because contamination can affect output power, measurement stability, insertion-loss results, and long-term connector condition.
The referenced OLS Series uses UPC optical ports. The selected connector adapter and test jumper must be compatible with the source interface. APC connectors should not be directly mated with incompatible UPC optical interfaces.
Optical Link Loss Measurement and Certification
During insertion-loss testing, the OLS source is paired with a compatible optical power meter. A reference is established using suitable test jumpers and the required referencing method. The source and meter are then connected across the installed fiber to measure total link loss.
Testing should be performed at the wavelengths required by the applicable fiber type, network application, project specification, or industry standard. Multimode certification may also require appropriate mandrels or an encircled-flux mode conditioner to establish the specified launch condition.
Measurement quality depends on source stability, proper referencing, clean connectors, suitable test cords, compatible adapters, correct wavelength settings, and the condition of the installed link.
Why Buy AFL Noyes OLS Series Light Sources from Simbol Test Systems?
Simbol Test Systems supplies professional optical light sources, optical power meters, Optical Loss Test Sets, Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers, fiber identifiers, inspection systems, test cords, and connector cleaning products. As an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL Noyes, we support customers with product selection, calibration, repair, maintenance, and technical service.
Selecting the correct OLS Series model depends on the fiber type, test wavelengths, network application, connector format, Wave ID requirement, power-meter compatibility, and applicable test procedure. Simbol Test Systems can help configure an appropriate optical loss testing system for multimode, single-mode, FTTH, telecom, CATV, enterprise, or data center fiber networks.
AFL Noyes OLS Series Model Comparison
| Model | Fiber Type | Wavelengths | Emitter Type | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLS1-Dual | Multimode | 850 and 1300 nm | LED | Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, LAN, and multimode link testing |
| OLS2-Dual | Single-mode | 1310 and 1550 nm | Laser | Single-mode networks and LAN/WAN testing |
| OLS4 | Multimode and single-mode | 850, 1300, 1310, and 1550 nm | LED and laser | Combined loss testing of single-mode and multimode networks |
| OLS7-FTTH | Single-mode | 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm | Laser | FTTH and passive optical network testing |
| OLS7-3 | Single-mode | 1310, 1550, and 1625 nm | Laser | Telecom, CATV, maintenance, and out-of-band testing |
OLS Series General Specifications
| Brand | AFL Noyes |
| Product Series | OLS Series Optical Light Sources |
| Available Models | OLS1-Dual, OLS2-Dual, OLS4, OLS7-FTTH, and OLS7-3 |
| Supported Fiber Types | Single-mode and multimode, depending on model |
| Available Connector Adapters | FC, SC, ST, and LC |
| Optical Port Polish | UPC |
| Power Source | Two AA batteries or optional AC adapter |
| Typical Single-Mode Battery Life | Approximately 72 hours |
| Minimum Single-Mode Battery Life | 40 hours |
| Typical Multimode Battery Life | Approximately 30 hours |
| Minimum Multimode Battery Life | 20 hours |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 50°C, 90% RH, non-condensing |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C to 60°C, 90% RH, non-condensing |
| Dimensions | 14.0 x 8.1 x 3.8 cm |
| Weight | Approximately 0.29 kg |
| Product Warranty | Five years |
OLS1-Dual Optical Specifications
| Fiber Type | Multimode |
| Output Port | Single port |
| Wavelengths | 850 ±30 nm and 1300 nm +30/-20 nm |
| Emitter Type | LED |
| 850 nm Spectral Width | 45 nm typical |
| 1300 nm Spectral Width | 120 nm typical |
| Output Power | Greater than -20 dBm into 62.5 µm multimode fiber under specified conditions |
| Output Stability | ±0.1 dB over eight hours following a five-minute warm-up |
OLS2-Dual Optical Specifications
| Fiber Type | Single-mode |
| Output Port | Single port |
| Wavelengths | 1310 ±20 nm and 1550 ±20 nm |
| Emitter Type | Laser |
| Spectral Width | 5 nm maximum |
| Output Power | 0 dBm into 9 µm single-mode fiber |
| Output Stability | ±0.05 dB over one hour and ±0.1 dB over eight hours following a 15-minute warm-up |
| Tone Output | 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz |
OLS4 Optical Configuration
| Port | Fiber Type | Wavelengths | Emitter Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multimode Optical Port | Multimode | 850 and 1300 nm | LED |
| Single-Mode Optical Port | Single-mode | 1310 and 1550 nm | Laser |
OLS7 Optical Specifications
| Model | Wavelengths | Output Power | Tone Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLS7-FTTH | 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm, each ±20 nm | -5 dBm typical into 9/125 µm fiber | 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz |
| OLS7-3 | 1310, 1550, and 1625 nm, each ±20 nm | -5 dBm typical into 9/125 µm fiber | 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz |
Connector Adapter and Power Accessories
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 2900-50-0002MR | FC connector adapter |
| 2900-50-0003MR | SC connector adapter |
| 2900-50-0004MR | ST connector adapter |
| 2900-50-0006MR | LC connector adapter |
| 8800-00-0072PR | Universal flip-top dust cap for UCI outputs |
| 4050-00-0119PR | 100-240 VAC to 9 VDC AC adapter |
Model Selection Guide
Select the OLS1-Dual for 850 and 1300 nm multimode fiber testing. Choose the OLS2-Dual for 1310 and 1550 nm single-mode network testing.
Select the OLS4 when both single-mode and multimode links must be tested using one portable source. Choose the OLS7-FTTH for 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm FTTH testing, or the OLS7-3 for 1310, 1550, and 1625 nm telecom and CATV networks.
When ordering, specify the required connector type at the end of the model number. Connector options include FC, SC, ST, and LC. Test jumpers and additional connector adapters required for the intended configuration are purchased separately.
Professional Calibration, Repair, and Technical Support
Periodic calibration helps maintain confidence in source output power and stability during optical loss testing. Optical ports, connector adapters, and test-jumper end-faces should also be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Contact Simbol Test Systems with the required OLS model, test wavelengths, fiber type, connector configuration, power-meter model, and applicable test procedure to request availability, product selection assistance, calibration service, repair evaluation, maintenance, or technical support.