AFL says its new FOCIS Duel fiber inspection microscope delivers advanced LC connector analysis performance to minimize fiber handling operating costs. Launched at the BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition 2018 (Feb. 4-8), AFL asserts that the "field-ready, straightforward FOCIS Duel is the world's first fiber inspection probe with two optical ports." With one port enhanced for fast subjective patch cord end-face inspection, the second port supports all the features of AFL's FOCIS Flex inspection system, which the company launched in 2014.
According to the company, the FOCIS Duel features female "plug-in" fiber-optic connector adapters for rapid end-face inspection operation, and LC adapters to mechanically accommodate the duplex LC connectors typically used in data centers. With no moving parts and no operator adjustments needed to provide automatic image analysis to industry standards and custom criteria, FOCIS Duel supports time-sensitive, rugged environments, says AFL.
The FOCIS Duel can be used for field testing, standards-compliant analysis, record archiving, and network management. The tool's Bluetooth transceiver interworks with AFL's FOCIS app for Android and iOS smart phones and tablets. Offering connectivity to AFL's aeRos cloud-based workflow management platform, the FOCIS app offers pinch-to-zoom capability on end-face images, clear tabular presentation of inspection results, image and report sharing by email and text, and other features.
According to AFL, fiber-optic network owners and maintenance contractors can reduce operating expenses via the FOCIS Duel's 2.4-inch TFT LCD display, six soft buttons, straightforward GUI, instant on button, and lightweight form factor, all of which enable significant productivity. UPC and APC adapters, auto-focus, auto-capture, auto-analysis to IEC and IPC rules, image saving, image/tabular data/pass/fail results transfer over Bluetooth, and PDF report generation round out the unit's operating features.