At this week's 2012 FTTH Conference & Expo, fiber-optic network products provider OFS has announced a number of ease-of-use product enhancements to its line of Fitel hand-held fusion splicers.
The upgrades, which include a built-in battery recharger, a selectable display layout, and more user-friendly LCD monitors, enhance the performance of the company’s S123 Clad Alignment Splicer, the S153 Active Alignment Splicer, and the S178 Core Alignment Splicer products.
The built-in battery recharger eliminates the need for carrying a separate external charger into the field. The recharger operates during fusion splicing, with a red icon indicating recharging status. The selectable display layout enables users to select their preferred display style for viewing the fiber image during the splice operation. Users can choose from a conventional layout, a side-by-side display, and a top-to-bottom comparison, all at the flip of a software switch.
Additionally, LCD monitors on the FITEL machines have been re-designed to provide even greater visibility while the product's windshield is open. The opening angle of the windshield has been slightly narrowed with no change to accessibility to the splice chamber.
The product enhancements are the result of consultations with end users, who provided feedback on performance of the machines under real-world conditions, said Linda Dembowski, general manager of the company’s Optical Connectivity Solutions business. “There is no better source for product improvements than the product’s users,” Dembowski added. “OFS is dedicated to continuous improvement of our splicers based on proven, real-world experience.”
The upgraded machines are part of OFS’ full range of rugged hand-held fusion splicers for FTTH applications, billed as offering speed, durability, and low loss in small, lightweight hand-held design. The machines are designed to endure harsh operating conditions by improving shock/impact resistance with rubber pads embedded on four corners of the splicer body. They also are water resistance-compliant to IPX2 and dust resistance-compliant to IP5X.
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