EXFO has added the FIP-435B fully automated wireless fibre inspection probe to its portfolio of portable fibre-optic test equipment. EXFO now allows connector testing to reach new heights by swapping wires for a Wi-Fi connection to Android smart devices, making connector certification accessible to anyone, anywhere.
By downloading the ConnectorMax2 Mobile application from Google Play, smartphone or tablet users can turn their device into a fully-fledged fibre inspection solution. Users simply connect the FIP-435B to the connector port, and the probe will automatically detect the connection, locate and centre the fibre image, adjust and optimize the focus and capture, run the pass/fail analysis as per selected standards and even save and report the results. The whole process takes just slightly longer than cleaning a connector port, making it difficult to justify overlooking this critical step.
The FIP-435B is particularly useful in fibre-to-the-antenna (FTTA) applications. First, the automation simplifies fibre testing for tower crews usually more familiar with copper or RF technology. Second, the LED indicator on the probe (an EXFO-only feature) immediately gives the pass/fail verdict for the connector end face without even having to look at the smart device screen. This allows climbers to reach the top of the towers with their smartphone in their pocket and with only the FIP-435B in hand. This screenless, one-hand operation means faster, more secure manipulations.
The FIP-435B is self-powered via an on-board rechargeable battery that lasts for a full day in the field. This prevents the unit from draining down the smartphone charge. Free from any wire, any cumbersome battery pack or any external Wi-Fi adaptor, the FIP-435B provides unmatched test ergonomics and freedom of operation to the end user to concentrate on the testing tasks, the company claims.
"By introducing a fully automated wireless inspection solution compatible with smart devices, EXFO is making this critical tool completely accessible to all field personnel involved in fibre networks. Now equipped to perform first-level troubleshooting tasks, we’ve empowered them to remove the most common source of issues,” said Étienne Gagnon, vice president of EXFO's physical layer and wireless division. "Users can also benefit from smart device connectivity to sync results and reports to cloud servers from any location via e-mail or other communication means available through the mobile device. This enables contractors to integrate and comply with current workflow and processes in the case where operators already made the switch to smart devices.”
This new wireless series of inspection probes also include a semi-automated version, the FIP-425B which offers the same features as the FTB-435B with the exception of the autofocus function. For more information about EXFO’s wireless fibre inspection probes, please visit EXFO.com/FIP435B.