Platinum: Dura-Line FuturePath installation in Estes Park, CO
Dura-Line’s FuturePath Figure-8 Self-Support Aerial was used to bring broadband to a very unique city. Estes Park sits in the middle of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 8,000 feet. With all of their poles still being climbed, and only 40% access to their existing poles, they decided for a fiber installation they wanted to go up on the poles one time and never have to do it again. The initial project went up a 7-mile canyon and because of the FuturePath multi-chamber pathway design with a micro cable, they were able to jet fiber the entire route without splicing. This method brought the city’s installation cost down from $18 per foot to $7 per foot. In total, using the FuturePath Figure-8 Self-Support Aerial saved the City of Estes Park Power and Light $3.5 million in labor hours.
Dura-Line Corporation, duraline.com
Gold: EZ-Flip
EZ-Flip from Senko Advanced Components is a polarity-reversible duplex LC connector for round cable that allows the polarity to be switched without connector retermination or twisting the fiber. The connector’s features include a push/pull tab for high-density applications, a uniboot connector that aids cable management, the ability to reverse polarity without twisting the fiber, a visual indicator for polarity check, and short boot design that achieves a reduced connector length. It is available with multiple boot options, allowing the user to customize the connector’s length for optimal cable management. Senko says a technician can change the EZ-Flip’s polarity in three seconds.
Senko Advanced Components, senko.com
Silver: M611 Mobile Printer and Brady workstation software
The Brady M611 Mobile Label Printer and Brady Workstation Express Labels Mobile App allow installers to use the tools they’re already taking to the jobsite to improve cable-identification efficiencies and reduce waste. The printer’s Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity combine to provide the ability to get the correct labels with a few taps. The app allows on-site label creation as well as formatting and editing data files. Thanks to the smart chip embedded in Brady’s materials, cable installers can facilitate communication among the materials, the printer, and the app, to display the installed materials and status on the printer screen and in the app. Using this capability, installers always know which labels they’re printing on, without having to open the printer.
Brady Corporation, bradyid.com/m611