June 5, 2008 -- At InfoComm 2008, Neutrik will announce that its ruggedized fiber-optic connector system, OpticalCon, is now IP65 rated for dust tight and water jet protection.
The company says the upgrade extends both the indoor and outdoor capabilities of OpticalCon system, as it seals the connector against dust, which is prevalent in most corporate and smart podium environments, as well as protects the connector against water jet, which is needed for most outdoor applications. To achieve an IP65 connection, additional seals and gaskets have been employed on the chassis connector and cable ends.
For users who already have earlier versions of the OpticalCon fiber-optic connector system, an upgrade kit is offered. The IP65 rated upgrade kit enables the original OpticalCon system to be combined with the upgraded NO2-4FDW chassis connector or NAO2-4S75W coupler. The new cable ends are 100% backwards compatible and work with all existing chassis installations, according to Neutrik.
"With the introduction of our upgraded OpticalCon, we have fine-tuned our technology to offer the AV market the ultimate in dust and weatherproof connections," says Jim Cowan, president of Neutrik USA. "AV integrators now have the comfort of knowing that Neutrik's OpticalCon connections have the IP65 rating for extreme dust and weatherproof durability, while maintaining all the features and benefits of the original product."
The OpticalCon system is based on a standard optical LC-Duplex connection; however, Neutrik contends that the system improves this original design to ensure a safe and rugged connection. The system enables up to four copper wires to run power or data signals through. A special SMPTE-version1 has been optimized for broadcast applications, which provides an additional ground-shell contact.
In order to create a simplified installation, one can connect a conventional LC-Duplex connector on the rear, which causes the chassis connector to act as a "feed-through." The OpticalCon cable connector comes pre-assembled with a choice of three mobile field cables, which can be ordered at almost any length.
The OpticalCon system also features a rugged connection, all metal housing and heavy-duty cable retention. The system uses conventional LC connectors, which the company notes are easy to clean, and has a Push-Pull locking mechanism. In addition, colored labeling plates are included to identify the fiber mode.