AFL adds multimode fiber capabilities with FlexScan FS300-325 Quad OTDR
AFL has expanded its FlexScan line of field test instruments with the FlexScan FS300-325 Quad OTDR. The FS300-325 Quad OTDR adds multimode fiber test capabilities to the FlexScan portfolio, making it useful to a wider range of contract installers and network operators in the installation and maintenance of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other PON infrastructures such as passive optical LANs (POLANs), as well as point-to-point networks.
Speaking June 11 at a product unveiling at AFL’s new facility in Westford, MA, Michael Scholten, senior product line manager within the company’s test and inspection business unit, said the FS300-325 Quad OTDR complements the new multimode capabilities with a larger, higher resolution touchscreen display. The 800x480 display also supports gesture recognition. Other new features include user-configurable Print-to-PDF record capability, longer battery life, and improved Bluetooth/WiFi communications.
The FS300-325 Quad OTDR also shares several features with earlier units:
- A small, rugged package
- Rapid power on, easy setup, and delivery of results in an easily understood format
- SmartAuto multi-pulse testing for high resolution and long range
- A LinkMap icon-based view of the tested network with clear pass/fail indications
- Internal and external results storage capabilities
- Bluetooth interface to the company’s FOCIS connector inspectors.
Other sources at the company indicate that a backlog of orders for the new OTDR has already formed. “We chose to add the FlexScan Quad OTDR to our toolbox due to its compact and robust design, user-friendly features and easy-to-navigate touchscreen, ability to test single-mode and multimode fibers with a single unit, as well as ease of downloading diagnostic traces for desktop computer viewing and permanent storage,” commented one customer, Shawn Fouts, project engineer at Petrospec Engineering Inc., via an AFL press release announcing the new instrument.
AFL supplies the FlexScan FS300-325 Quad OTDR in a variety of kits with the customer’s choice of of launch cables, cleaning supplies, FOCIS Flex connector inspection probe, and OFI Optical Fiber Identifier. All kits also include a carry case as well as AFL’s TRM 3.0 Test Results Manager reporting software.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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