1. Splicing Process

1.1 Tools
Splicing machine, cleaver, fiber, stripper, 99% isopropyl alcohol, cotton, heat‑shrink sleeves.

1.2 Discharge Test

· Why: Lets the splicer adjust to current conditions for better discharge and splice quality.
· How:
  – Load fiber, select "Discharge Test". Wait until "Discharge OK" appears.
  – For empty discharge, press ARC. Keep testing until you get "OK". You might see "too strong" or "too weak" first.
· When to do it:
  – After moving the machine (generally >300 km)
  – After altitude change (>1000 m)
  – After replacing electrodes (required)
  – After significant latitude change
  – Not before every splice.

1.3 Fiber & Sleeve Type

· Fiber: Choose SM, MM, DS, NZ in splice mode.
· Sleeve: Usually 40 mm or 60 mm. Use the correct heating mode. Some machines use custom sleeves – avoid mismatches.

1.4 Prepare the Fiber
Fiber = core + coating + cladding. We splice bare fiber (core).
Strip off the coating with strippers, clean with alcohol and cotton, then cleave. Cleaver has length markings – keep the end face nearly vertical (1–2° tolerance). Always clean before cleaving. And always put the heat‑shrink sleeve on before cleaving.

1.5 Splice
Place fibers in the splicer – roughly halfway between the V‑groove end face and the electrode center line. Lower the clamps and cover, press SET. Splicing takes ~15 seconds (varies by machine). The screen shows magnified images – the machine aligns, focuses, then discharges.
After splicing, slide the sleeve so the splice is centered. Apply light tension (no bending), place in heater, close lid, press HEAT. Heating takes ~90 seconds – the machine beeps and the light flashes when done. Remove and let cool. That's it.

1.6 Clean Up
Put tools back in their places. Dispose of scraps – watch for tiny fiber shards.

1.7 Common Tips

· Keep things clean. Especially the V‑groove, fiber clamps, and mirrors inside the splicer.
· Cleave right: end face 89°±1°. Once cleaved, don't let the tip touch anything – otherwise reclean and recleave.
· Position fiber about halfway – not too far, not too close. Takes practice.
· Never open the防风盖 (wind protector) during splicing.
· Heating (reinforcement): Place splice dead center in the sleeve, keep slight tension. Prevents bubbles and weak joints. Heating and splicing can run at the same time. After heating, don't touch the hot part.
· Handle fiber scraps carefully – they're thin, hard glass splinters.

2. Routine Maintenance

Keep the splicer clean and dry. Don't store it in humid or hot places.

Cleaning supplies: Cotton, cotton swabs, air blower, alcohol.

What to clean:

· Fiber clamps: Wipe one direction with alcohol‑dampened swab.
· V‑groove: Use the Sumitomo tool if you have it, or an alcohol swab, or even a bare fiber. An air blower works well. Never blow with your mouth.
  Why: The alignment range is only tens of microns – any dirt throws off the image.
  How: Open cover, lift clamps, wipe V‑groove one way with an alcohol swab or a pointed stick.
  Never use hard objects or excessive force – you'll damage the groove.
· Optics (mirror, LED, CCD): Wipe with alcohol swab.
· Cleaver: Keep blades away from contact.

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3. Consumables

· Cleaver blade: 12 cutting positions, ~2500 cuts per position → ~30,000 cuts total.
· Electrodes: Replace roughly every 2000 discharges.
  When cleaning or changing electrodes, don't touch the tips – they're delicate.