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Clearfield FieldShield Assist Installation Manual

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Type: Installation Manual
Category: Control Unit
Pages: 17
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FieldShield Assist Module

Installation Manual 

 ______________________________________________________

Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017

 


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Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net 

2

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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3

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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4

FieldShield Assist Module

Installation Manual 

 _________________________________________________________

Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017

Tool

Image

Cordeless Drill

1/4” Drive Socket

#3 Phillips Screwdriver

Recommended Tools

 


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5

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

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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Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net 

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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7

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 3Attach 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 4Attach 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 1Unpack 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 2Remove 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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Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net 

8

FieldShield Assist Module

Installation Manual 

 _________________________________________________________

Manual 017252 Rev A - May 2017

Step 1Open the Assist Module

Lift up on the hinged top of the FieldShield Assist 

Module (Figure 1)

Figure 1

 

Using the Assist Module

Step 3Insert 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 4Insert 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 2Loosen 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.

 


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9

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 5Close 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 6Enable 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 8Reset 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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10

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.

 


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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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Direct: 763.476.6866 • National: 800.422.2537 • www.SeeClearfield.com • techsupport@clfd.net 

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 1Remove 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 2Replace Battery

Remove inside cover. Disconnect depleted battery 

and connect new battery (Figure 2).

Step 3Replace Inside Cover

Use hex key wrench to replace the (4) inside cover 

screws. 

 


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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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14

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

 


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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.

 


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17

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

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