Rev.0.

03

This User Manual explains the use, performance characteristics, and cautions about MINI4S+ 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 MINI4S+ fusion
splicer.

Thank you for choosing MINI4S+ 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. MINI4S+ has a menu-driven
user interface with dynamic function buttons and a fully automatic splice process.
For more information of MINI4S+, please contact local agent or visit our official
website.
[Link]

01
Contents

Chapter1 Technical Parameters

1.1 Applicable Fiber Type 05
1.2 Splice Loss 05
1.3 Splice Mode 05
1.4 Heat Oven 05
1.5 Power Supply 06
1.6 Size and Weight 06
1.7 Environmental Conditions 06
1.8 Others 06

Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Safety Warning and Precautions 07
2.2 Operational Safety Warnings 07
2.3 Maintenance and External Care Precautions 08
2.4 Transport and Storage Precautions 08
2.5 Installation 09
2.6 Splice Overview 09
2.7 Power Supply Method 10
2.8 Charging Process 11
2.9 Charging Methods 11
2.10 Battery Status 11
2.11 Battery Refresh Cycle 12
2.12 Heat Oven 12

Chapter 3 Basic Operation

3.1 Power Connection 13
3.2 Battery Check 13
3.3 Turn On the Splicer 14
3.4 Adjust Monitor Position 14
3.5 Adjust LCD Backlight Brightness 14

02
 Contents

3.6 Preparing the Fiber 15

3.7 How to Make a Splice 16
3.8 Inspecting the Fibers 17
3.9 Splicing 18
3.10 How to Protect the Splice 19

Chapter 4 Splice Mode

4.1 Displaying the Active Splice Program 20
4.2 Selecting a Splice Program 20
4.3 General Splicing Steps 21
4.4 Parameters for Normal Splicing Process 23

Chapter 5 Splice Option 25

Chapter6 Heater Mode
6.1 Heater Template 26
6.2 Select Heat Mode 26
6.3 Edit Heat Mode 27
6.4 Deleting Heat Mode 27
6.5 Heat Mode Parameters 28

Chapter 7 Maintenance Menu

7.1 Replace Electrodes 29
7.2 Stabilize Electrodes 30
7.3 Diagnostic Test 30
7.4 Dust Check 31
7.5 Motor Calibration 31
7.6 Arc Calibration 32
7.7 Electrode Setting 32
7.8 Quick Optimize 33
7.9 Motor Drive 34

03
Contents

7.10 Update Software 34

Chapter 8 Other Functions & Utilities

8.1 Data Storage 35
8.2 Display Splice Record 35
8.3 Delete Splice Record 35
8.4 Cancel Data Storage 35
8.5 System Setting 35
8.6 Monitor Position 36
8.7 Power Save Option 37
8.8 System Information 38

Appendix A 39
Appendix B 41
Appendix C 44

Battery precautions 46

04
 Chapter 1 Technical Parameters

1.1 Applicable Fiber Type

SM(ITU-TG.652&G.657)/MM(ITU-TG.651)/DS(ITU-TG.653)/NZDS(ITU-TG.655)
/ITU-TG.657A/ITU-TG.657B
Fiber count: Single
Applicable fiber / cable diameter: 0.25mm/0.9mm/2.0mm/2.4mm/3.0mm/ Indoor
Cable
Applicable fiber diameter: Cladding diameter: 80mm to 150μm / Coating
diameter:100 to 1000μm

1.2 Splice Loss

Same fiber is spliced, measured by insertion method relevant to ITU-T standard.
The typical values of splice loss are:
SM:0.025dB
MM:0.015dB
DS:0.045dB
NZDS:0.045dB
G.657:0.025dB

1.3 Splice Mode

128 kinds of splice modes; 12 kinds of preset splice mode
It can store up to 10,000 records and 2,000 splice images.
Splice time: 8s Average SM / SM, 6s Quick mode.

1.4 Heat Oven

3 kinds of applicable protection sleeve: 40mm, 60mm, SC Connector
Heating time: 8 to 900s optional.
Cooling time: 0 to 180s optional
Typical heating time: 10s, micro Sleeve 60mm coating dia. 250Um 5s
Heating mode: 32 in-built heat modes available; 4 kinds of preset heating mode
Heater: Specific heater for MINI4S+ fusion splicer.

05
1.5 Power Supply
AC 100-240V input or DC 9-14V
Lithium battery: 11.1V, 5.2Ah
Typical 220 cycles(Splice & Heat) / Single battery < 2 Batteries Standard >

1.6 Size and Weight

Size：Length×width×height= 124mm×123.2mm×138mm
weight：1.43kg (without battery)

1.7 Environmental Conditions

Operating conditions: altitude: 0 to 5000m, relative humidity: 0 to 95%,
temperature: -10 to 50 ℃ , the maximum wind velocity: 15m / s;
Storage conditions: relative humidity: 0 to 95%, temperature: -20 to 60 ℃ ,
battery: -20 to 40 ℃ for long-term storage

1.8 Others
Observation and display: Two cameras (orthogonally view), 4.3-inch color LCD
touch screen
320x magnification for single X or Y view, or 160x magnification for both X and Y
view.
Tension test：1.96 to 2.25N.
Terminals:

Port Descriptions

SD card Inside the inner device, SD card drive, program for storage

USB External outside the device, data encryption function and image
save

06
 Chapter 2 Installation

2.1 Safety Warning and Precautions

As MINI4S+ is designed for fusion splicing silica glass optical fibers, it is very
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
the following safety rules and general precautions in this manual regarding the use
and handling of MINI4S+ at any time. Any behaviors that do not follow the warnings
and cautions will break the safety standard about design, manufacture, and usage
of the fusion splicer. The users will be liable for any consequences incurred from
violation of the related requirements!

2.2 Operational Safety Warnings

① Never operate the splicer in an environment where flammable liquids or vapors
exist.
② DO NOT touch the electrodes when the splicer is on.
Note: Only use specified electrodes for the fusion splicer. Select [Replace electrode]
in maintenance menu to replace electrodes, or turn off the splicer and disconnect
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,
except for the permitted-to-disassemble / modify components or parts by users
stated in this manual. Component replacement and its internal adjustment must be
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:

07
 Fumes, bad smell, abnormal noise or over heat.
Liquid or other matter falls into cabinet
The splicer is damaged or dropped.
If any of these faults occurs, please contact our service center immediately. Leaving
the splicer in a damaged state without any prompt measures may cause equipment
failure, electric shock, or fire and may result in injury or death.
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 MINI4S+ 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 MINI4S+ 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.
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.

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.
② Pack the fusion splicer well for long time storage.
③ Keep the splicer clean and dry.
④ The splicer is precision adjusted and aligned. Always keep the splicer in its
carrying case to protect from damage and dirt. Put cushion package outside the
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
2.5 Installation
Important! Follow these instructions carefully.

Unpacking the Splicer

Hold the handle upwards, and then lift the splicer out of the carrying case. As shown
below.

2.6 Splice Overview

Heat oven

Indicator

Handle

On/off button
Battery
Display

09
 USB port

Port of battery charge

2.7 Power Supply Method

Following is the way of installing a battery.

Insert the battery

Insert the battery into
the power unit dock until
it clicks into place.

Take out the battery

Shut off fusion splicer.
Press on release button
at lateral, drawing power
supply unit out of the
fusion splicer.

10
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%.

2.9 Charging Methods

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

When battery is separated from fusion splicer, charging method is as follows:

Note: Try your best not to charge battery when the battery is working for the
running fusion splicer which is splicing or heating fibers for fear of shortening the
battery’s life.

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:

11
2.11 Battery Refresh Cycle
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
charging completes. Battery refreshing process completes.

2.12 Heat Oven

Heat oven lid open

cooling tray

12
 Chapter 3 Basic Operation

3.1 Power Connection

Follows are 2 ways of power supply for the fusion splicer, of which the inner slot
for power supply unit is able to support:
1. AC adapter, if external power source supply adopted;
2. Removable battery, if battery power supply adopted.

Insert battery
Place battery into power
unit slot until it clicks
into the right place.

Draw battery out

Shut off fusion splicer. Press on
release button at lateral, drawing
battery out of the fusion splicer.

3.2 Battery Check

Before fusion splicer operation, Please check and ensure the residual electric quality
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
the ways of electric quality check for battery, please refer to chapter2 for battery
status in detail)

13
3.3 Turn On the Splicer
Press [Power] key on the operation
panel, and wait the splicer to be
turned on and move to Workbench
page.

3.4 Adjust Monitor Position

Users can adjust the monitor position by moving it with a desired angle for the
clearest display.

3.5 Adjust LCD Backlight Brightness

Enter into Power save option
interface, and select LCD
Brightness option to adjust LCD
backlight brightness until you
find the clearest position.

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
3.6 Preparing the Fiber
3 steps should be carried out before splicing:.
[Link]
Remove at least 50mm of secondary coating (valid for both tight and loose tube
secondary coating) and approximately 30~40mm of primary coating with an
appropriate stripper.

Note: always remember to slip a

heat-shrinkable sleeve onto either
end of the fibers at the beginning
of each fiber preparations.

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

(Clamping on bare fiber)

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

15
3.7 How to Make a Splice
① Open the safety shield.

② Raise the fiber clamps. Position

the fibers into V-grooves. Make
sure the fiber ends are between
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
③ Clamp the fiber in position
by lowering both sets of fiber
clamps.

④ Close the safety shield.

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 To change between Front View and Back View, adjust Monitor position.

17
③ If you find any defects as shown in the following pictures, remove the fiber and
prepare again.

Note:The fibers are checked

dust on fiber lip
automatically when you press
Splice button. The splicer
automatically focuses the fibers
and checks for damage or dust
chip large cleave angle
particles.

3.9 Splicing
① Select any appropriate splice
mode.

② Start splicing by pressing

button.

Note: If the splicer is set as

“Auto mode”, splicing will start
automatically once the safety
shield is closed.

18
3.10 How to Protect the Splice
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
② Raise left and right fiber clamps on the splicer. Hold the heat-shrink tube, lift the
spliced fibers and hold them taut, move the heat-shrink tube so that it is centered
over the splice point.
③ Move both the fibers and the heat-shrink tube over to the heat oven and place
them in the oven clamps.

Open the heat oven lid Position of splices

Moving the fiber into heat oven

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

Heating Indicator

Heat Button

19
Chapter 4 Splice Mode

MINI4S+ 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.
Therefore, it is much easier to modify and further optimize the parameters for more
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).

4.2 Selecting a Splice Program

To select another splice program
other than the active one, you
must enter Select splice mode
menu.
① Enter main menu

20
② Select Splice Mode

③ Highlight the program you

want to select.

④ Back to initial interface

4.3 General Splicing Steps

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.

21
Fusion
During fusion, the fibers are joined together and subjected to five different currents
as illustrated below. An important parameter, which changes during splicing, is
the distance between the fibers. During Pre-fusion, the fibers are apart. With the
current phase changing, fibers are spliced gradually.

Splicing Process
The most important splicing parameters are the time and current, each current
phase is shown below, that the name and function and other parameters are
important to the splice process are described under “Parameters for Normal
Splicing Process” on the next page.
The following figure shows the discharge conditions (The relationship between the
“discharge intensity" and "motor move"). We can change the splicing parameters
listed below to change the discharge conditions.

Diagram of ARC discharge condition

A: pre-fuse power B: Arc power C: cleaning Arc

D: pre-fuse time E: Arc time F: Overlap
G: Taper wait time H: Taper time related to taper length I: Taper speed

22
4.4 Parameters for Normal Splicing Process

parameter description

A list of splice modes stored in the splicer database is displayed.

Upon inputting the appropriate mode, the selected splice mode
Template
stored in database area is copied to a selected splice mode in
user-programmable area.

Name Title for a splice mode expressed in up to seven characters.

Detailed explanation for a splice mode expressed in up to 15

Note
characters. It is displayed at “Select splice mode” menu.

Focus-L Set the focus parameter for lens X.

Focus-R Set the focus parameter for lens Y.

Arc adjust Set to adjust arc power according to the fibers’ conditions.

If “Proof test” is set to “ON”, a pull-test is performed upon opening

Pull test
the windproof cover or by pressing the SET button after splicing.

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
estimate and 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
Minimum
splice loss may occur even with optimized arc conditions. To make
loss
the actual 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).

Cleave An error message is displayed if the cleave angle of either the left
angle limit or right fiber ends exceed the selected threshold (cleave limit).

23
 Set the relative position of the splicing location to the center of
Gap electrodes. Splice loss may be improved in the case of dissimilar
position fiber splicing by shifting [Gap position] towards a fiber whose MFD
is bigger than the other fiber MFD.

Set the end-face gap between the left and right fibers at the time
Gap
of aligning and pre-fusion discharge.

parameter description

Set the overlap amount of fibers at the fiber propelling stage.

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
Cleaning
with an arc discharge for a short period of time. The duration of
Arc time
the cleaning arc can be changed by this parameter.

Set the pre-fuse arc power from the beginning of arc discharging
to the beginning of fibers propelling. If “Preheat Arc Value” is set
Preheat
too low, axial offset may occur if cleaved angles are relatively poor.
Arc 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
Preheat
to the beginning of fibers propelling. Long [Preheat Arc Time] and
Arc time
high [Preheat Arc Value] lead to the same results.

Fuse Arc Set Arc power.

value

Fuse Arc Set Arc time.

time

24
 Chapter 5 Splice Option

As to the Splice Mode setting.

① Select [Splice option] in menu from
main menu.
② Select a parameter to be changed.

parameter description
If “Auto start” is set to ON, splicing starts automatically as soon as
Auto start the wind protector is closed. Fibers should be prepared and placed
into the splicer in advance.
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
Arc Y : Enlarged display of Y-axis image
Estimate X/Y : Composite display vertically of X-axis and Y-axis images
Gap set

25
Chapter 6 Heater Mode

The splicer provides max 32 heat modes including 4 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, MINI4S+ has its optimum heating mode. These
modes can be found in the database area for reference. Copy the appropriate mode
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

6.2 Select Heat Mode

To select another heating mode
other than the active one, you must
enter Select heat mode menu.
① Enter main menu

② Select Heater Mode

26
③ Touch on Select Heat mode

④ Back to original interface

6.3 Edit Heat Mode

Tube-heating conditions stored
in heating mode can be edited or
changed.
① Enter edit heat mode menu via
touching on heater mode menu.

6.4 Deleting Heat Mode

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

Note: The gray mode (60mm)

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

27
6.5 Heat Mode Parameters
parameter description

Set sleeve type. List of all heat modes are displayed. Selected
Template
mode 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

Note the monitor during splicing or heating process. Max number of
characters used is 15.

Set the length of heat-shrink sleeve.

Heater
Long: protection sleeves over 30mm.
control
Short: 30mm protection sleeves or below.

Heater
Sets heating temperature.
temperature

Heater time Sets heating time from the beginning to the heating completed.

Cooling time Cooling fan operating Time

28
 Chapter 7 Maintenance Menu

The splicer has a function to perform routine maintenance. This section describes
how to use the maintenance menu.
① Press Menu button, and select [Maintenance menu].
② Select a function to perform.

7.1 Replace Electrodes

As electrodes are worn out during the splicing process, oxide generated on the tips
of electrodes should be regularly eliminated. It is recommended that the electrodes
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.

29
⑤ We recommend all users to do stabilizing electrodes and arc calibration after
electrodes replacing to keep good splice results and splice strength (Details are
described below).

7.2 Stabilize Electrodes

In the event of sudden change in environmental conditions, especially when the
splicer is moved from lower altitudes to higher altitudes, the arc power may become
unstable, resulting in higher splice loss. In such case, it takes time for arc power to
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.
Operation Procedure
① Select [Stabilize electrodes].
② Place prepared fibers into the splicer for splicing.
③ Press [SET] button, and the splicer will begin to stabilize the electrodes
automatically in the following procedures:
• Repeat arc discharge five times to measure the arc position.
• Perform splicing rapidly.
•Perform stabilizing electrodes 20 times consecutively to precisely locate the
electrodes position.

7.3 Diagnostic Test

MINI4S+ has a built-in diagnostic test function that allows the user to evaluate
several critical variable parameters with only one simple step. Perform this function
in case of splicer operation fault.

Operation Procedure
① Select [Diagnostic Test] in [Maintenance Menu]

30
② Execute [Diagnostic test], then the following checks will be made.

Parameter Description
1 LED calibration Measure and adjust the brightness of the LED.
Check the optical path for dust or dirt and judges whether they disturb
2 Dust check fiber observation. If contamination exists, press the return button twice
to display the location.
3 Motor Calibration Automatically calibrate the speed of 4 motors.
4 Arc Calibration Automatically calibrate the arc power factor and fiber splicing position.

7.4 Dust Check

Through image acquisition, the splicer detects dust and contaminants on the splicer,
camera, and objective lenses that may disturb normal observation of fibers and
result in improper splicing. This function checks the optical path for the presence
or absence of contaminants, and judges whether they will affect the quality of fiber
splicing.
Operation Procedure
① Select [Dust check] in [Maintenance menu].
② If fibers are set in the splicer, remove them and press [SET] again to start the
dust check.
③ If no dust exists, splicer will prompt out message for operation completion. If
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
contamination will be shown on the screen. Then clean the objective lenses, and [Dust
check] until the message “Operation Complete” is shown on screen.
Note:
If contamination still exists after cleaning the objective lenses, please contact your
nearest sales agent

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.

31
7.6 Arc Calibration
Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity and pressure are constantly
changing, which creates variability in the arc temperature. MINI4S+ is equipped with
temperature and pressure sensors that are used in a constant feedback monitoring
control system to maintain the arc power at a stable level. However, changes in arc
power due to electrode wear and glass adhesion cannot be calibrated automatically.
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
discharge center. It is necessary to perform an arc power calibration to eliminate
those problems.

Note :
* 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”
will be shown on screen. Otherwise, set prepared fibers on the splicer again and
redo arc calibration until the message “Operation Complete” is displayed.

Note :
* 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
2500 discharge to ensure the best splice results.
① Select [Electrode Setting] in [Maintenance Menu].
② Set the electrode caution and electrode warning.

32
 Parameter Description

If actual arc discharge exceeds the set value, a message“Caution!

Electrode
Replace Electrodes” is displayed when turning on the splicer.
caution
Fiber Fox recommends that this parameter should be set to“4500”

If actual arc discharge exceeds the set value, a message

Electrode “Warning! Replace Electrodes” is displayed when turning on the
warning splicer. Fiber Fox recommends that this parameter should be set
to “5500”

7.8 Quick Optimize

MINI4S+ fusion splicer bares optimizing function inside. The operator just need
carry out simple operation for adjusting 4 motors’ calibration of fusion splicer.
1 Select quick optimize in maintenance menu.

2 Follows are the optimizing functions in Quick optimize.

parameter description

Adjust position Adjust the motor’s position automatically.

Motor
Adjust 4 motor speeds automatically.
calibration

33
7.9 Motor Drive
This function is used to test if 4 motors of the fusion splicer operate normally.

① Select “Motor drive”.

② Touch screen to select motor.

③ Touch the icons of L press and R

press to drive motor, observing if the
motor can be driven normally.

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
 Chapter 8 Other Functions & Utilities

8.1 Data Storage

This splicer stores up to 5000 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.

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

If you don’t want to store the records, press the “ON” button in the “Cancel the
data storage” 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.

35
 parameter description

Buzzer Sets the sound volume of the buzzer

Automatic If select “On”, when the fiber is placed into heat oven, which
heating will automatically execute heating.

Language Sets a language to be displayed on the screen.

Sets the operational direction of splicer. “Front” is for front

Monitor
monitor operation. “Rear” is for rear monitor operation. Refer
position
to next page in detail.

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
Password factory, the password is set as “0000”.
If you have forgotten your password after you changed another
one, contact the nearest sales agency.

If you select “ON”, pull test will be performed after fusion

Pull test
splicing completion.

Dust check: check dust and contaminants in optical path to

Dust check avoid optical fiber inspection disturbance. If contaminants exist,
press confirm key to display the contaminants’ position.

“On”: passwords are needed to input for entering into the

Password
fusion splicing window when power on. “OFF”: No passwords
lock
are needed when power on.

Display fusion splicer’s basic information: Machine serial NO.,

System Software version, FPGA version, total Arc count, current Arc
information count, Last maintenance, Production date, Sales Region,
Product OEM.

8.6 Monitor Position

The direction of the splicer display before shipping from the factory is set to
“Front”, but users can change it to “Rear”. When [Monitor position] is changed, the
direction of the arrow keys is reversed.

Changing monitor position

① Select “Monitor Position” in “System setting” menu.
② Select the desired monitor position (front/ rear).

36
8.7 Power Save Option
This function is important for power conservation. If the power saving function is
not set during battery pack use, the number of splice cycles will be reduced.
(1) Insert a power unit and turn on the splicer.
(2) Select “Power Save Option” in “System Setting” menu.
(3) Change values of “Monitor Shut Down” and “Splicer Shut Down”.

parameter description

To avoid power loss when battery is used, setting this function turns
off the power supply to the LCD monitor if the splicer does not operate
Monitor Shut
after a certain period of time. When the power supply for monitor turns
Down
off, the LED near the power key blinks. Press any key to turn on the LCD
monitor.

Automatically turns off the power supply of the splicer if it performs no

Splicer Shut operation for a certain period of time. The function serves to prevent the
Down battery capacity from running low if the splicer is left on for an extended
period of time.

LCD Brightness Adjust LED backlight brightness.

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

parameter description

Machine Serial
Display the fusion splicer’s serial number.
Number

Software
Display the fusion splicer’s software version.
Version

FPGA Display FPGA’s version.

Total Arc
Display total number of arc discharges.
Count

Display the number of arc discharges after electrode

Current Arc
replacement. Performing [Replace Electrode] resets this
Count
parameter to zero.

Last
Display the date of last maintenance.
Maintenance

Sales Region Display sales region of the machine.

Product OEM Display the manufacturer of the machine.

38
 Appendix A

High Splice loss: Cause and solutions

Symptom Name Cause Remedy

There’s dust in
Fiber core Clean the V-grooves
V-grooves and
axial offset and fiber hammer
fiber hammer

There’s dust in
Clean the V-grooves
V-grooves and
Fiber core and fiber hammer
fiber hammer
angle error
Bad fiber end-
Check the cleaver
face quality

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-

Check the cleaver
face quality
Dust
combustion Dust still present Clean fiber thoroughly
after cleaning or
fiber or cleaning increase[Cleaning Arc
arc. Time]

Bad fiber end-

Check the cleaver
face quality

Bubbles Pre-fuse power Increase [Pre-fuse

too low or pre- Power] and/or[Pre-fuse
fuse time too Time].
short.

39
 Fiber stuffing too Perform [Arc
small Calibration].

Separation Pre-fuse power Decrease [Pre-fuse

too high or pre- Power] and/or [Pre-fuse
fuse time too Time].
long.

Decrease [Overlap]
Fiber stuffing too
Fat and Perform [Arc
much
Calibration].

Arc power not Perform [Arc

adequate Calibration].
Thin
Some arc Adjust [Pre-fuse
parameters not Power],
adequate [Pre-fuse Time] or

Some arc Adjust [Pre-fuse

Splicing line parameters not Power], [Pre-fuse Time]
adequate or

Note:
A vertical line sometimes appears at the splice point when MM fibers or dissimilar
fibers (different diameters) are spliced. We call it as “Splicing line”. This does not
affect splice quality (such as splice loss and tensile strength).

40
 Appendix B

High Splice loss: Cause and solutions

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
solve the problem, the splicer may require service by a qualified service center. In
this case, please contact sales agents.

Error Message Cause Solution

Left Fiber Place Press RESET button, and reload the fibers
Error The fiber end-face is placed on to make sure that fiber end face is placed
Right Fiber Place the electrode centerline. between V-groove and the centerline of
Error electrodes.

The fiber is not set correctly

at the bottom of the V-groove, Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-
Press Motor
which results in that the fiber position the fiber at the bottom of the
Distance Over Limit
offsets beyond motor formation V-groove.
range.

Press Motor Error Motor might be damaged. Consult your nearest sales agent.

Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-

Search Fiber End The fiber is not set correctly at
position the fiber at the bottom of the
face Failed the bottom of the V-groove.
V-groove.

Confirm the electrodes are in proper

Arc Failure Arc discharge does not occur.
position; Replace the electrodes.

Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-

Align Motor The fiber is not set correctly
position the fiber at the bottom of the
Distance Over Limit at the bottom of the V-groove.
V-groove.

The fiber is not set correctly Press the “RESET” button; correctly re-
Search Fiber Clad
at the bottom of the position the fiber at the bottom of the
Failed
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

Unknown Fiber Type
sides. than 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
Limit the camera range. “motor calibration” .

41
 Error Message Cause Solution
Shock occurred to the Carry out “motor calibration”. If the
Focus Motor Home
splicer during the splicing problem still exists, please contact sales
position Error
process. agent.

Too much [Overlap] setting Adjust [Overlap] parameter setting.

Fiber End face Gap
Wrong
The motor is not calibrated Perform [Motor Calibration].

Press the “RESET” button; re-position

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
Error Message Cause Solution
Too much [Overlap] setting Adjust “Overlap” parameter setting.
Fat Splicing Point
The motor is not calibrated. Perform “Motor Calibration”.

Arc power is too low Perform “Arc Calibration”.

The level of pre-discharge Decrease pre-discharge or pre-discharge

Thin Splicing Point is set too high time.

Insufficient “Overlap” setting Adjust “Overlap” parameter setting

43
Appendix C

Questions and Troubleshooting

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

45
Battery precautions

[Link] not touch or hit battery with pointed or sharp items.

[Link] not transport or store the battery together with metals.
[Link] not throw, drop, impact, or bend battery, or any knock or stomp on the battery
is forbidden.
[Link] not connect the anode and cathode terminals of the battery with metals such
as electric wire for fear of short circuit trouble.
[Link] 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.
[Link] no case the battery cell can be dismantled.
[Link] not immerse the battery into water or seawater, because the battery cell
cannot bear moist environment.
[Link] not place or use the battery beside or near the heat source such as fire or
heater.
[Link] not heat battery or throw it into water.
[Link] not directly solder the battery.
[Link] not charge battery near or beside the fire or in a very hot environment.
[Link] not place the battery into microwave oven or any high pressure vessel.
[Link] 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.
[Link] 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.
[Link] 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
 The End
* Products models and specifications are subject to
change without prior notice.