UniCam FAQs

1. What is advantage/comparison of a UniCam® Connector compared to a field-polished connector?
The UniCam Connector offers 3 distinct advantages over any field-polished solution. The first is lower installed cost, which factors in purchase price of the connectors and consumables, the installation time, expected first time successful termination percentage, and the labor rate. The second advantage is reliability, which is evident in the increased yield from the Continuity Test Set and the knowledge that each UniCam Connector is factory tested for insertion loss and the factory-controlled and measured polishing process. The third advantage is ease of installation, as the installer does not have to worry with epoxies or using the right polishing films, or electrical power. UniCam Connectors can be installed as easy as strip, clean, cleave, cam and crimp. UniCam Connectors offer equivalent insertion loss performance, but due to the factory-controlled polishing process, UniCam Connectors will outperform any hand-polished connector in reflectance. UniCam Connectors meet or exceed the mechanical and optical performance specified by EIA/TIA 568.B. Refer to Corning Cable Systems PGS 28, "Generic Specification for Simplex Optical Fiber (Multimode) No-Epoxy, No-Polish Connectors" and PGS 34, "Generic Specification for Simplex Optical Fiber (Single-Mode) No-Epoxy, No-Polish Connectors."

2. What is the optical performance?
UniCam Connector optical performance characteristics can be found in the product specification sheets.

3. What is Corning Cable Systems' recommended field-installed APC connector?
The UniCam Connector is not currently available with an angled polish. For angled-polish applications, fusion splicing pigtails are recommended.

4. Can UniCam Connectors be used for jumpers and patch cords? What are the differences?
UniCam LC, SC, ST® Compatible and FC Connectors may be used to make patch cords in the field. Additional boots and crimp rings are included in each single pack of connectors, and the crimp tool is included in each complete UniCam Connector Tool Kit. The instructions for creating such patch cords can be found in SRP-006-150 and in the UniCam Connector Installation video (LAN-600CD-EN). These UniCam Connectors have met the industry standards for mechanical, optical and environmental performance as specified by EIA/TIA 568.B for this application.

5. Is the Continuity Test Set (CTS) necessary? What is required?
The Continuity Test Set (CTS) is not required, but it is recommended to achieve optimal installation results. The pieces required to use the CTS are the Visual Fault Locator (VFL), a patch cord from the VFL to the CTS adapter, and a CTS adapter that matches the connector style being installed. The components for the CTS may be purchased as a separate kit (TEST-UNICAM-CTS or TEST-UNICAM-CTS-SF) or as part of the UniCam Connector Tool Kit (TKT-UNICAM-CTS or TKT-UNICAM-ELITE).

6. What steps does Corning Cable Systems take to ensure that every UniCam Connector shipped should work right out of the package?
Each UniCam Connector type meets or exceeds the requirements of EIA/TIA 568.B. Each UniCam Connector polish is evaluated with an automated 200x visual inspection system and for the premium connectors an automated interferometer test, as well as inspections of the internal fiber stub. Finally, each connector is tested for insertion loss and proper cam operation and mateability to an adapter. Each end face is cleaned, capped with a protective dust cap, and the connector is packaged. A random sampling of connectors from each lot is then installed on fiber to simulate a field installation. No connector is shipped until it meets all of our exacting requirements.

7. Where do I get the latest installation procedures?
UniCam Connector installation procedures are available in three forms. The primary source for installation procedures is SRP-006-150. This is a small booklet that is included with each tool kit. A critical steps guide, SRP-006-083, offers an overview and reminder of key installation steps. Finally, the UniCam Connector Installation Video (LAN-600CD-EN) is available as well.

8. Can I become a certified UniCam Connector installer?
Currently, Corning Cable Systems does not offer a national UniCam Connector installer certification. We do offer training on UniCam Connector installation via Corning Cable Systems training classes, or you may contact your Corning Cable Systems Sales Engineer to schedule a local UniCam Connector training session.

9. What do I need to obtain 0.5 dB maximum insertion loss for LC or SC 50 µm UniCam Connectors?
To obtain 0.5 dB maximum and 0.2 dB average insertion loss for LC and SC laser-optimized 50 µm fiber, the installer will need to use the LOMMF connector (95-050-41-X or 95-050-99-X), install the connector on Corning Cable Systems MIC® or FREEDM® One cables with Corning® laser-optimized fiber, install the connector according to SRP-006-150 using the Elite™ Tool Kit (TKT-UNICAM-ELITE) and test the connector using Corning Cable Systems testers and a master reference jumper.

10. Is a UniCam Connector appropriate for 1 Gig E, 10 Gig E, video and OC-192?
LC, SC, ST Compatible, MTP and MT-RJ laser-optimized multimode UniCam Connectors meet or exceed the optical performance standards for 1 Gig E, 10 Gig E and Fibre Channel. Single-Mode UPC polished SC, ST Compatible and LC connectors have been tested to high data-rate OC-192 standards. For digital video, where reflectance is required to be near UPC (-55 dB) levels, the UniCam Connector is appropriate and has a successful track record. For analog video and CATV environments where an angled polish (-65 dB) is the requirement, a UniCam Connector is not appropriate as it is not available with an APC polish. Corning Cable Systems recommends fusion spliced pigtails for APC applications (depending on the installation environment).

11. When using the Continuity Test Set (CTS), I can't get my light to go out; what does "significantly dim" mean?
CTS is a guide to help an installer determine when the field fiber has contacted the factory fiber. "Significantly dim" is an apparent change in the CTS brightness when the connector is cammed. A "dark" or "dim" termination is not an indication of the performance loss. Refer to section 2.2 in SRP-006-150 for further instructions.

12. Will my black UniCam Connector installation tool be compatible with the Continuity Test Set (CTS)?
The black UniCam Connector installation tool is not compatible with CTS. Currently the blue (Generation 2) and the grey (Generation 3) are the installation tools that are compatible with CTS. Refer to the UniCam Connector Tool Kit specification sheet for ordering information.

13. How do I know if I have a Senior (SR) or Junior (JR) LC UniCam Connector?
The difference between a SR and JR UniCam LC Connector is that JR does not have a ferrule with a spring. In other words, you can't push on the ferrule to make it retract into the connector housing. The old LC Junior part number is 95-XXX-98 and the new LC Senior will be 95-XXX-99. Refer to the UniCam Pretium™-Performance Multimode Connectors, LC, SC, ST® Compatible specification sheet for more information.

14. What can I do to improve insertion loss?
Cleave quality and proper fiber insertion are keys to success. The Elite Tool Kit is the best means to improve insertion loss. The Elite Tool Kit includes the CTS System, a VFL-350 visual fault locator and the FBC-012 high-precision cleaver.

15. I have a high-loss link; how do I determine which end is bad?
Troubleshooting high-loss UniCam Connector links can be done with an OTDR or with a VFL and a patch cord. Using the VFL and patch cord, remove the UniCam Connector from the adapter and slide the boot down the cable to expose the cam. Now attach the VFL and patch cord to the UniCam Connector observing the brightness of the cam. Replace the brightest UniCam Connector in the link and then retest. If using an OTDR refer to the operation instructions of the device.

16. I want to install UniCam Connectors on a fan-out cable; is there anything special I should know?
The most critical step in terminating UniCam Connectors on fan-out cable is to leave 4 mm of the 250 µm coating extending beyond the 900 µm fan-out tubing. The 4 mm will allow the fiber to piston in the fan-out tubing and still maintain the fiber mating in the splice area of the UniCam Connector. Refer to Sections 3.5 (MT-RJ), 4.5 (LC) and 5.6 (SC, ST Compatible, FC) of SRP-006-150 for further instructions.

17. How do I know if my FBC-001 Cleaver is bad? Or my FBC-012? Can I change the blade? What is the life?
The best way in the field to determine if a cleaver has gone bad is to change cleavers and compare the results of terminations with the new and old cleaver. The cleaver blade life is different for the FBC-001 and FBC-012. The FBC-001 is designed to be a disposable cleaver. The blade should last 1,000 cleaves and be replaced with a new cleaver. The FBC-012 is designed to last 24,000 cleaves per blade (12 positions per blade). After the 24,000 cleaves the blade is replaceable in the field.

18. Are UniCam Connectors reusable?
UniCam Connectors are not reusable once the crimp tube has been crimped. If you are using CTS and the light does not significantly dim you can un-cam the connector, remove the field fiber and re-try with the same or a new fiber. Do not twist the fiber; retract slightly, twist, then re-insert. Refer to Sections 3.7 (MT-RJ), 4.7 (LC) and 5.8 (SC, ST Compatible, FC) in SRP-006-150 for further instructions.

19. If I want to test as I go, how should I?
Corning Cable Systems recommends when installing more than a few UniCam Connectors that the installer install only one or two on each end of the link to be terminated. After installing this select few, one can then test to ensure that the termination method being used is correct. If problems are encountered with the initial termination technique, then one can alter their technique in order to achieve better performance. As always, for the best performance from the UniCam Connector be sure to follow the appropriate sections of SRP-006-150.

20. Will index matching gel dry out? Leak out? Expire? Blow away?
The gel in the back of the UniCam Connector is designed to withstand normal usage for a life in excess of 20 years. There have been no reports of the gel drying out, leaking or failing in any way. For more information, refer to "Long-Term Reliability and Performance of Silicone-Based Index Matching Gels in No-Epoxy, No-Polish Connectors."

21. What's the pull-out force of the UniCam Connector (jacketed, tight-buffered and fan-out)?
The UniCam Connector is designed to withstand two types of withdrawal force depending upon the termination style. When installed upon 900 µm tight-buffered fiber or 900 µm tubing, the UniCam Connector is designed to withstand no more than 0.5 lbs of pull-out force. When the UniCam Connector is installed on jacketed cable containing aramid yarn, which acts as strength member, the pull-out force shall not exceed 10 lbs.

22. Are UniCam Connectors a temporary fix connector only?
UniCam Connectors have been installed in local area networks for more than 10 years. Over 30 million UniCam Connectors are installed to date with no issues of failing performance due to degradation of the connector. The typical installation for a UniCam Connector is on MIC® Cable where the connector is installed on the inside of LANscape® Solutions housings on the back of a patch panel, or at the workstation for a fiber-to-the-desk application. UniCam Connectors have been deployed worldwide in high-speed networks for use by the government, financial firms, high-technology firms and everything in between. End-users, consultants and contractors have been choosing the UniCam Connector again and again because it is fast and easy to terminate, but mostly because it works.

23. What cables can use UniCam Connector?
See the chart entitled UniCam Connector Cable Compatibility.

24. What are the most common first time installer errors?
The three most important aspects of installing a UniCam Connector are cleave quality, cleave length and insertion technique. The cleave quality and length will depend on the installer's cleaving technique and precision. There are two different cleavers specified for UniCam Connector installation; the FBC-001 and the FBC-012 cleaver. The FBC-001 delivers consistent cleaves, depending on the installer's technique. The FBC-012 is a much higher-precision cleaver relying on the technique of the installer much less. The third biggest factor is the insertion of the fiber into the back of the connector. If the fiber end-face is damaged upon insertion, the quality of the termination will suffer greatly. SRP-006-083 outlines the critical steps for successful UniCam Connector termination.

25. When do I use a mandrel wrap?
Mandrel wraps should always be used when power through testing multimode fiber. For more information on mandrel wrapping, refer to AEN 68, "Improving Multimode Fiber Testing Accuracy with Mandrel Wrapping."

26. Do I need to clean my UniCam Connector end-face?
Corning Cable Systems recommends cleaning all connectors prior to testing or insertion into an adapter. The UniCam Connector is manufactured in a clean room environment with the strictest care taken to keep the connector end-face clean. However, once the connector leaves the factory, Corning has no bearing on the connector cleanliness and therefore, recommends that it be cleaned prior to testing.

27. I have not installed a UniCam Connector before or in a while, what should I do?
If you would like to ensure that your UniCam Connector is installed properly be sure to follow SRP-006-150, and review SRP-006-083. If you would like a visual reference, see the UniCam Connector Installation Video, LAN-600CD-EN, available through your distributor. Install a few connectors in your shop before going to the installation site to make sure you are using the proper technique. Test your trial connectors to quantify their quality, before installing all of the system connectors.

28. Can I rent a kit or tester?
Yes, Corning Cable Systems has a full line of rental equipment for use in assisting your termination and testing needs. See the Corning Cable Systems Fiber Optic Splice and Test Equipment Rental Program section of our Web site for more information.

29. Can I use UniCam Connectors in outdoor cabinets?
UniCam Connectors meet or exceed the requirements of TIA/EIA 568.B, which includes operation from 0° to 60°C. Corning Cable Systems does not recommend the use of UniCam Connectors on loose tube cable, even with a fan-out kit, in an uncontrolled temperature environment that exceeds the temperature range specified in TIA/EIA 568.B.

UniCam® Connector Frequently Asked Questions