Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
______________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017

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FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Table of Contents
Product Packaging
3
Parts List
3
Recommended Tools
4
Recommended Installation Distances
5
Microduct Installation Best Practices
6
Assist Module Setup
7
Attaching to Tripod
7
Using the Assist Module
8
Display Settings
10
Setting Distance Counter
10
Setting Inactivity Alarm
11
Assist Module Maintenance
12
Battery Replacement
12
Drive Belt Cleaning
13
Drive Belt Replacement
15
Standard Warranty
16
Proprietary Notice
17
Technical Support
17

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FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Product Packaging
(Actual packaging may vary.)
Remove packing materials to find the Assist Module wrapped in a protective bubble wrap sleeve,
with the optional Elevating Tripod and the 1/4” - 20 Thread Metal Mounting Adapter each packaged separately.
Parts List
Part
Image
Assist Module
Elevating Tripod (optional item)
1/4” - 20 Thread Metal Mounting Adapter (optional item)

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FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Tool
Image
Cordeless Drill
1/4” Drive Socket
#3 Phillips Screwdriver
Recommended Tools

5
FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
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Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Recommended Installation Distances
Every situation is different, but as a general rule, it is typically easier to install fiber using a push and pull combination, rather
than pushing or pulling by itself. By using a combination push/pull method, installers have access to the fiber from both ends
of the microduct when troubleshooting.
NOTE
: If a fiber gets stuck or snags during installation, the fiber can be pulled back a couple inches from the end being fed into the duct and re-
pulled past the bind point. Sometimes the connector needs to be rocked past a snag point by carefully alternating pushing and pulling from both
ends.

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6
FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Microduct Installation Best Practices
Maintain Minimum Bend Radius of Microducts
FieldShield microducts can be bent down to as little as a 6 inch bend radius before straining the side wall integrity of the
duct. Do not bend microducts tighter than this when cornering as it may cause the conduit to kink. If space permits, it is
always best to use two sweeping 45° turns rather than one 90° turn.
De-Burr Between All Coupled Microduct Joints
Prior to coupling two microducts, make sure to prepare the face of each microduct by de-burring the inside bore to a cone
shape.
Properly de-burring the bore of the microduct reduces the chance of the fiber or pull string getting stuck or snagging when
passing through the microduct coupler.
Consult Local Regulations for Installation Depths and Restoration Procedures
The depth microducts can be buried will vary depending upon local conditions and regulations. Under all conditions, the
microduct should be buried at a depth that will provide adequate protection during the frost cycle.
Rocks and debris should never be left in the bottom of a trench. If soil is predominently coarse with many rocks present, the
bottom of the trench should be bedded prior to microduct placement. Backfilling with a finer grade of material such as sand
will fill the voids between the duct and sidewwall and provide additional strength.
Pull Additional Microduct to Access Pull String
When installing microduct into a terminal or splice enclosure make sure to pull an extra 5 to 10 feet of microduct through the
installation port to expose and access the integrated pull string. If fiber is not being installed at the same time, make sure to
tape the pull string to the outside of the duct, prior to capping the duct.
Validate Microduct and Fiber Installation Prior to Restoration
When application permits, it is always best to install the fiber and ensure that it is working prior to restoring the installation
path. This provides the most flexiblity when troubleshooting is required and eliminates restoration rework if obstacles arise.
If fiber is not being installed at the same time as the microduct, but instead is being installated by a separate crew or when
the customer turns-on service, the microduct path should be validated or proofed to ensure that the path is capable to install
fiber at a later date.

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FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
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Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Step 3: Attach Mounting Adapter
To avoid accidently stripping the thread,
first attach the ¼”-20 thread metal mounting
adapter to the FieldShield Assist Module
(Figure 3).
Assist Module Setup
Attaching to Tripod
Watch the Installation Video
for the FieldShield Assist Module
https://youtu.be/WjdPfFMqEqk
Step 4: Attach Tripod Housing to Tripod
Slide the threaded tripod adapter over the tripod. Then, tighten the wing nut to clamp the Assist
Module in place on the tripod.
Step 1: Unpack Elavating Tripod
Remove tripod from packaging and set aside
the ¼”-20 thread mounting adapter packaged
along with the tripod (Figure 1).
Figure 2
Figure 1
Figure 4
Figure 3
Step 2: Remove Tripod Housing
Remove the the 5/8”-11 thread tripod housing
from the tripod (Figure 2).
Step 4: Attach Tripod Housing
Screw 5/8”-11 thread tripod housing onto the
metal thread adapter (Figure 4).

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FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Step 1: Open the Assist Module
Lift up on the hinged top of the FieldShield Assist
Module (Figure 1).
Figure 1
Using the Assist Module
Step 3: Insert Microduct
Insert the microduct into the retention clamp.
Make sure to stop before the fiber guide groove.
Tighten the two #3 screws on the retention
clamp to hold the microduct in place during fiber
installation. (Figure 3)
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Step 4: Insert Fiber
Insert 2 to 3 inches of the pushable fiber
assembly into the microduct and align the fiber in
the groove of the fiber guide. (Figure 4)
Step 2: Loosen Retention Clamp
Loosen the two #3 Philips head screws from the
green retention clamp (Figure 2).
NOTE
: The screws do not need to be entirely removed from
the top of the retention clamp to insert the microduct.
NOTE
: When using Direct Buried Toneable or Aerial
Figure-8, strip back the tone wire or strength member at
least 6 inches prior to inserting the duct into the retention
clamp.

9
FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
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Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Step 5: Close the Assist Module
Close the case and clamp the clam shell lock
closed on the front of the assist module, mak-
ing sure that the fiber stay in the fiber guide
grooves(Figure 5).
Figure 5
Step 7: Feed Fiber into Microduct
Use a ¼” drive socket to power the assist module
and feed the fiber into the microduct (Figure 7).
Make sure to maintain a consistent speed when
powering the cordless drill.
Figure 6
Figure 7
Step 6: Enable Distance Counter
Open the glare resistant display cover and press
the power button on the right to enable the instal-
lation distance counter (Figure 6).
NOTE
: The default unit of measurement for the assist
module distance counter is standard (feet), but can be
switched between standard and metric units.
Step 8: Reset Distance Counter
Once the fiber has been installed, reset the
counter switch on the FieldShield Assist Module
by turning the power button off, then powering
back on to continue with the next cable install.
NOTE
: To maximize installation distances, feed the fiber
off the spool at the same rate as the fiber being installed
through the FieldShield Assist Module. Failure to keep fiber
installation rates consistent and constant may increase the
amount of friction on the fiber during installation.
When using the Assist Module, pay
close attention to the clutch. If the
clutch begins to slip, reduce drill
speed to minimize heat build up.
Failure to reduce drill speed may
cause the Assist Module to fail.
!
IMPORTANT

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FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Step 1: Lift the glare resistant screen cover. Press the power button on the right side on the display to turn the assist
module on (Figure 1). Then press the settings button on the left to enter the menu.
NOTE:
The screen will display the current unit of measurement as Ft (Feet) for Standard and SI (System International) for Metric.
Figure 1
Display Settings
The FieldShield Assist Module is equipped with a glare resistant distance counter to instantly provide the installer with
accurate installation distances. By default, all FieldShield Assist Modules are set with the unit of measurement as Feet or
Standard.
Setting Distance Counter
Step 2: Slide the top drive belt on the inside of the assist module left (Figure 2) or right (Figure 3) to switch between units.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Step 3: Once the screen displays the correct unit of measurement, press the settings button four times until the screen
displays the number 5 (Figure 4). At that time, slide the top drive belt to the right until the screen displays “5. Add”
(Figure 5).
NOTE:
“Add” indicates that, upon pressing the settings button, changes will be saved to the memory. Turning the unit off at this point
before saving will discard all changes.
Step 4: Press the settings button once to save the current settings. After the settings have been saved, the display will
switch back to displaying the counter.

11
FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Step 1: Press the settings button twice to enter the second
menu option. (Figure 1).
Setting Inactivity Alarm
After 60 minutes of inactivity, the Assist Module provides an audible beep to remind the operator to turn off the device. The
amount of time before the inactivity alarm is activated can be adjusted from off to a maximum of 255 minutes.
Step 2: Adjust the inactivity alarm by sliding the top drive belt on the inside of the assist module left to decrease (Figure 2)
or right to increase (Figure 3) the amount of time.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure
Figure 5
Step 3: Once the timer has been set, save the current settings by pressing the settings button three times until the screen
displays the number 5 (Figure 4) .
At that time, slide the top drive belt to the right until the screen displays “5. Add” (Figure 5) then press the settings button.
Figure 1
NOTE
: Power off the Assist Module when not in use to prevent battery drain.

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12
FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Assist Module Maintenance
Battery Replacement
Over time, the drive belts wear out and need to be replaced on the FieldShield Assist Module. Clearfield provides
replacement belts and the process to install them is the same for both the top and bottom halves of the Assist Module.
Installation Procedure
Recommended Tools
Tool
Image
5/64” Hex Key Wrench
9 Volt Battery
Step 1: Remove Inside Cover
On the clamshell half with the LED display, use
a 5/64 hex key wrench to remove (4) screws,
located on each corner of the inside cover
(Figure 1).
Figure 2
Figure 1
Step 2: Replace Battery
Remove inside cover. Disconnect depleted battery
and connect new battery (Figure 2).
Step 3: Replace Inside Cover
Use hex key wrench to replace the (4) inside cover
screws.

13
FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Drive Belt Cleaning
Installation Procedure
Step 1: Use a shop towel and isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the Assist Module belt (Figure 1).
Note:
Hold the belt drive gear to prevent the belt from spinning while cleaning.
Recommended Tools
Tool
Image
Isopropyl Alcohol
Shop Towel
Figure 1

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FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Step 2: Once the visible part of the belt is clean, turn the belt drive gear to expose the other areas of the belt that has not
been cleaned yet (Figure 2).
Figure 2
Step 3: Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on the other belt until both belts are clean (Figure 3).
Note:
Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly. You should not need to wait more than five minutes after cleaning before using
the assist module to install fiber.
Figure 3

15
FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Drive Belt Replacement
Over time, the drive belts wear out and need to be replaced on the FieldShield Assist Module. Clearfield provides
replacement belts and the process to install them is the same for both the top and bottom halves of the Assist Module.
Installation Procedure
Recommended Tools
Tool
Image
5/64” Hex Key Wrench
Step 1: Using a 5/64 hex key wrench, unscrew the (12) screws to remove the Assist Module fiber guides, belt drive cover,
and inside cover (Figure 1).
Note:
The smaller of the two fiber guides should be installed on the same side as the drive gear (the right side when facing
the module from the front).
Step 2: Remove the two screws holding down each wheel clamp, using a 5/64 hex wrench (Figure 2).
Figure 1
Figure 2
Step 3: Once all eight screws have retention screws have been detached, remove the belt by sliding it over the two wheels.
Step 4: Slide the belt over the two wheels and seat the wheels in the retention clamps.
Step 5: Reassemble the FieldShield Assist Module in the reverse order.

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16
FieldShield Assist Module
Installation Manual
_________________________________________________________
Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Standard Warranty
Clearfield warrants to the original purchaser of the Product sold hereunder is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service, subject to exceptions stated herein.
Product Warranty
Products manufactured by Clearfield to customer prints and/or specifications are warranted for one (1) year or in accordance with the Product War-
ranty Classification section of this document. In all cases, the warranty period commences on the date of shipment to the original purchaser.
Warranty Claim Procedure
If any Product purchased from Clearfield is found defective under the above warranty, the following basic procedure must be followed:
a) Customer must contact Clearfield and obtain a Return Materials Authorization.
b) Following authorization, the Customer ships the product per Clearfield’s freight instructions to Clearfield’s manufacturing facility.
c) Clearfield shall repair or replace the defective Product at its sole option and discretion, and return the repaired or replacement Product to Custom-
er’s site, freight prepaid.
Note: If the Product is not found to be defective at Clearfield, the product will be returned to the Customer and the customer billed for freight in both
directions.
Limitations of Warranty
CORRECTION OF DEFECTS BY REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, AT THE OPTION OF CLEARFIELD INC, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE EXCLUSIVE
SOLE REMEDY FOR A BREACH OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. CLEARFIELD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR
ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED
WITH THE PRODUCT OR WITH AGREEMENT TO SELL PRODUCT TO BUYER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR LOST
PROFITS, LOSS OF USE, OR FOR ANY DAMAGES OR SUMS PAID BY BUYER TO THIRD PARTIES. THE FOREGOING LIMITATION OF LIA-
BILITY SHALL APPLY WHETHER THE CLAIM IS BASED UPON PRINCIPLES OF CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORT,
BREACH OF STATUTORY DUTY, PRINCIPLES OF INDEMNITY OR CONTRIBUTION, THE FAILURE OF ANY LIMITED OR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
TO ACHIEVE ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE.
CLEARFIELD WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LABOR OR MATERIALS COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLATION OR INCORPO-
RATION OF CLEARFIELD PRODUCTS AT CUSTOMER SITES, INCLUDING ANY COSTS OF ALTERATION, REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE
PRODUCT, OR ANY FIELD REPAIRS.
Other Limitations
Clearfield assumes no warranty liability regarding defects caused by:
1) Customer’s modification of Product, excepting installation activities described in Clearfield documentation.
2) Customer re-packaging of Product for shipment to third parties or destinations other than those originally shipped to by Clearfield, or any defects
suffered during shipping where the Product has been re-packaged.
3) Customer’s installation or maintenance, excepting activities described in and performed in accordance with Clearfield documentation.
4) Customer’s improper or negligent use or application of Product.
5) Other causes external to the Product, including but not limited to accidents, catastrophe, acts of God, government action, war, riot, strikes, civil
commotion, sovereign conduct, or the acts or conduct of any person or persons not party to or associated with Clearfield.
6) Environmental factors and weathering resulting in aging and damage not necessary or applicable to the function of the product.

17
FieldShield Assist Module
__________________________________________________________
Installation Manual
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Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017
Proprietary Notice
About FieldShield Product Line Application
Information contained in this document is copyrighted by Clearfield, Inc. and may not be duplicated in full or part by any person without prior written
approval of Clearfield, Inc.
Its purpose is to provide the user with adequately detailed documentation to efficiently install the equipment supplied. Every effort has been made to
keep the information contained in this document current and accurate as of the date of publication or revision.
However, no guarantee is given or implied that the document is error free or that it is accurate with regard to any specification.
Technical Support
Clearfield, Inc. can be contacted for any issues that arise with the supplied product.
If you need to return the supplied product, you must contact the Clearfield, Inc. Customer Service Department to request a Returned Materials
Authorization (RMA) number.
Clearfield, Inc.
7050 Winnetka Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55428
Toll Free:
800.422.2537
Phone:
763.476.6866
Fax:
763.475.8457
Customer Support: sales@clfd.net
Technical Support: techsupport@clfd.net