[Elecraft] need fiber optic 'wire'

Sat Mar 16 00:02:04 2002

On Fri, 15 Mar 2002 [email protected] wrote:

> Folks,
> I am trying to work out an idea of using a fiber optic 'wire' to get an
> indicator light up to the K2 (or K1) front panel. Was gonna use this
> light  to emphasize that I was in the Split VFO mode. However, am having
> trouble locating a piece of fiber optic wire. Anyone out there have a
> short piece that might mail to me for this experiment? 

OK.  First things first.  "Wire" is definately not a good analogy.  It's a
"strand" as in a strand of glass. (Which is actually what it is if you're
talking about the real thing.)  The *real* stuff is most likely NOT what
you want to use though.  It is far too small.  The multi-mode fiber we use
is 62.5-microns diameter.  The single-mode fiber we use (more popular for
long-haul circuits) is only 4-microns diameter.

I can send you some of both.  You'll be hard pressed to use it without
proper stripping, cleaving and polishing tools though.  You're probably
better off with monofil fishing line for this type of project.  It will
work with the same concept as the "real" fiber but is thicker so you'll
have more visible light at the other end.  An added benefit is that you'll
not end up with glass splinters working with fishing line.  Without the
proper tools and precautions, you will definately have a few after working
with the "real" thing.  You'll also be hard pressed to remove the buffer
without the right tools.

> What I have in mind is a small-diameter (say about a 1/32-inch dia. or
> even less). I thought of locating one of those fiber optic table lamps
> that were popular a few years ago and snipping off one of the limbs. Been

It's fishing line.

73 de John - KC4KGU
K2 #2490