Optical fiber connector tuning index tool

A method of testing for eccentricity orientation a first optical fiber connector having a ferrule extending therefrom comprising:

• inserting the connector in a tool having a first adapter for receiving the connector;
• inserting a test connector in the tool in a second adapter, said test connector having an eccentricity vector of known direction so that the ferrule ends of the two connectors abut in engagement;
• measuring the insertion loss;
• disengaging the ferrules and rotating one of the connectors through a first incremental angle;
• re-engaging the ferrule ends;
• measuring the insertion loss;
• continue the steps of disengaging, rotating re-engaging, and measuring until the connector being rotated has rotated through three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees;
• noting the angular orientation of the connectors relative to each other at the stage of minimum measured insertion loss.

A tool for providing selectable insertion loss in optical fiber connections, said tool including:

• first apparatus comprising a centrally located optical jack and at least a first indexing member;
• second apparatus comprising a centrally located optical jack and a plurality of second indexing members, said first and second apparatuses being shaped to engage each other in a mating relationship;
• and
• a spring member adapted to urge the first and second indexing members into engagement with each other in one of a plurality of stable rotational positions in a manner that allows eccentricity of the optical fiber connection to be measured.

A tuning index tool comprising:

• a hollow member having a retaining wall and an interior wall spaced from said retaining wall, said interior wall having a first connector adapter member;
• a movable member having an end wall, said end wall having a second connector adapter;
• and
• a spring member located between said retaining wall and said end wall for forcing said end wall into contact with the interior wall, in which said movable member is axially rotatable relative to said hollow member when said end wall and said interior wall are out of contact.