TREND Networks has expanded its fibre testing range with seven affordable new products in the FiberMASTER series. A simple handheld OTDR, PON OTDR, Power Meter and Light Source, and Inspection Probe will enable cable installers to get the dependable test results needed, while saving time on training, and thousands of pounds.
The new testers uniquely feature industry-leading dynamic range, enabling users to test longer fibers, PON systems and to maintain accuracy on high-loss fibers.
“Demand for fibre cable is growing as high data volumes and bandwidth requirements are increasing. At the same time, skilled technicians are hard to find and technicians coming into the industry often have minimal training,” says Tim Widdershoven, Marketing Director for TREND Networks. “The new range is designed so that even those with limited experience or training can quickly be up and running, carrying out accurate tests while saving more than 50% compared to other premium brands.”
For instance, the new FiberMASTER OTDR, designed for Tier 2 fibre cable certification, is among the smallest touchscreen OTDRs in the world and is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to ensure quality. It features simple setup to ensure test accuracy to ISO/TIA/IEEE standards. Available in Quad, Multi-Mode and Single-Mode models, the OTDR includes easy to understand visual event maps to help even novice users to interpret test data correctly.
Convenient and handheld, installers can quickly access a wide range of key troubleshooting data with the OTDR, such as distance to fault, length measurement, and distance to connectors or splices via the tester’s intuitive user interface. For dependable accuracy, distance is independently verified by German test laboratory GHMT AG in accordance with the Telcordia GR-196 specifications. Professional PDF reports can also be generated at the end of the job. A PON (Passive Optical Network) OTDR model for telecoms applications is also available.
The range also includes a high-quality Power Meter and Light Source kit to get reliable, instant results to identify how much loss there is on a cable, to support reporting of multi-mode and single-mode cabling. Fibre optic connectors are tested to industry standards to provide a Pass/Fail result, and test records and reports can be saved and generated.
The FiberMASTER OTDR, PON OTDR and Power Meter and Light Source all work with the compact new FiberMASTER video inspection probe to capture images of the connector on each end of the cabling, so that users can check for dirt or damage. The handheld tester provides automatic Pass / Fail results to the standard for connector end faces.
“A video inspection probe is truly an essential for any kind of fibre optic measurements or troubleshooting,” says Tim. “When fibre optics have problems it’s usually due to contamination on connectors that you can’t see with the naked eye. You should always check a connector is clean before you test it, as dirt will affect the accuracy of your results. Similarly, you can avoid wasting time on repairs if it is only cleaning that is needed.”
The new range of FiberMASTER products has been developed at TREND Networks’ Research & Development excellence centre for fibre products in the USA, which has more than 30 years’ experience developing OTDRs and other fibre testing equipment.
“Testers are renowned for being a significant investment, so our new product range is affordably priced so that cable installation companies can ensure that all technicians have the quality testers they need, whenever they need them, and don’t have to share equipment,” explains Tim. “As a global brand, our efficiencies in production, vast experience, and economies of scale in engineering and development enable us to keep costs competitive, while still maintaining all the product benefits.”
The FiberMASTER series ideally complements the existing range of TREND Networks testers. It is available to pre-order now from TREND Networks distributors or direct from the online shop.
