JDSU designed the PowerChek OP-1 Optical Power Meter (OPM) while keeping in mind that as fiber continues to expand into new applications, technicians who might be new to the technology need an easy-to-use test instrument.
To measure optical power, technicians generally have to use a test lead to accommodate for the fact that the fiber is located under a bulkhead port. PowerChek, however, has an adjustable arm that rotates 360 degrees, which provides technicians with easy access to any connection by engaging directly with the bulkhead. They no longer need to carry random test leads with them or worry about breaking leads or damaged connector heads. Instead, they attach the PowerChek connector type appropriate for the bulkhead port and insert the arm to perform the measurement. The risk of cross contamination and fiber damage is eliminated, JDSU says, since the physical contact in the PowerChek connector is on the edge of the female instead of the glass fiber. Additionally, PowerChek offers a touch screen display and onboard memory for measuring data and storing readings.
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