AUTHOR'S PREFACE Installing fiber optic connectors is not difficult: when my two sons were 10 and 13, I trained them to install connectors. They achieved the three goals of installation: low power loss, low installation cost, and high reliability. They did so, even though they had their CD players plugged into their ears! (Now I've dated myself!) This text guides you to achieve these three goals. This is no idle boast: in training installers, I have observed the results and refined these procedures to include only those instructions that work for almost all trainees. The procedures in this manual reflect refinement from 21 years of training, more than 500 presentations, and more than 7900 trainees. With very few exceptions, all trainees have achieved these three goals! So will you. This text guides you through successively increased understanding and knowledge, from basic to subtle. Chapter 1 provides the basic understanding of connectors in the network. Chapter 2 provides a detailed understanding of the language of fiber connectors: their functions, structure, performance, types, similarities, advantages, and installation methods. With this understanding, you can understand Chapter 3. Chapter 3 presents the principles of installation for four commonly used methods. This understanding of the principles underlying the procedures has three benefits. First, you know the consequences of failure to follow the instructions. Second, you are more likely to follow the instructions than you would be without this understanding. Third, you perform troubleshooting with an extensive understanding of the potential causes of high loss and low reliability. Chapter 4 presents instructions for inspecting connectors that require polishing. These instructions show you how to inspect, rate, and diagnose causes of high loss. With this chapter, you can easily identify causes of high loss and appropriate corrective actions. Chapters 5-8 present detailed instructions for four commonly used methods. Each set of instructions guides you to achieve the three goals. These instructions include 'do not do's' and cautions. These 'do not do's' and cautions help you avoid the commonly-made errors I've observed during training of more than 7000 installers. With minor modifications, these chapters can be used to install or train with any connector available. In addition, each chapter contains two useful sections: a troubleshooting section and a one-page summary. The troubleshooting section helps you recognize the symptom of an error and identify the step(s) at which the error occurred. This section speeds up achieving the three goals. During field installations, you can use a copy of the one page summary as a guide and reminder. Chapter 5 presents installation and polishing of multimode connectors. In addition, it contains polishing instructions for singlemode epoxy and quick cure adhesive connectors to achieve -50 dB reflectance. Chapter 6 presents installation and polishing of multimode connectors with quick cure adhesive. Chapter 7 presents installation and polishing of multimode connectors with hot melt adhesive. Chapter 8 presents installation of both multimode and singlemode connectors with the no-polish, no adhesive method, also known as the 'cleave and crimp' method. This manual contains review questions for Chapters 2-8 to assist you and the trainer in assessing and reinforcing understanding. When used prior to hands on training, these questions can lead to excellent results, both in training and in field installation. This manual is one of a series on Mastering Fiber Optics. Published manuals are: Professional Fiber Optic Installation-Essentials For Success Mastering The OTDR-Trace Acquisition And Interpretation Best Regards, Eric R. Pearson, CFOS/T/C/S/I