AFL has launched its FlexScan FS300-325 Quad OTDR, designed specifically for contract installers and network operators deploying and maintaining both single-mode and multimode networks, including Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Passive Optical Networks (PONs), Passive Optical LANs (POLANs) and point-to-point networks. The new OTDR includes many of the same capabilities found in AFL’s FlexScan FS200 family of single-mode OTDRs including:
- A rugged, pocket-sized package
- Fast power-on, plus easy setup and easily understood results
- AFL's SmartAuto multi-pulse testing for both high resolution and long range
- AFL's LinkMap icon-based view of the tested network with clear pass/fail indications
- Internal and external results storage with USB and wireless communications
- Bluetooth interface to AFL’s FOCIS connector inspection products
In addition to new multimode test capability, AFL says the FS300-325 OTDR enhances the FlexScan line's ease-of-use with a larger, higher-resolution (800x480) gesture-recognition touchscreen display, integrated user-configurable Print-to-PDF, longer battery life, plus improved Bluetooth/WiFi communications. The OTDR is available in a variety of kits which add a choice of launch cables, cleaning supplies, as well as the company's FOCIS Flex connector inspection probe and OFI Optical Fiber Identifier. All kits include a carry case plus AFL’s TRM 3.0 Test Results Manager reporting software.
Commenting on his company's choice of OTDR, Shawn Fouts, Project Engineer at Petrospec Engineering Inc. noted, “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.”
Petrospec provides wellbore and instrumentation systems to the oil and gas industry. The company's products are designed to withstand high temperatures, pressures and hostile chemicals.
Fouts added, “When it comes to testing and diagnosing fiber-optic sensors, we trust AFL’s line of tools including OTDRs, connector inspection scopes, optical FASTConnect products, tracking and reporting software and technical support to ensure that we provide the highest quality products and service to our customers.”