The new Yokogawa AQ1210 optical-time domain reflectometer (OTDR) has been re-engineered internally to bring the features and user-friendly operation of the AQ7280 flagship OTDR to the installers and testers of passive optical networks (PON) and fibre to the antenna (FTTA).
The OTDR uses an optimised operating system, which, in conjunction with the 5.7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen display and built-in smart mapper, enables the operator to rapidly characterise fibres in ranges from 200m to 256km and generate easy-to-read pdf reports with icons clearly highlighting events.
Measuring 210 x 148 x 69mm and weighing 1kg, the AQ1210 can be operated using the touch screen or adjacent hardware keys. It is therefore compact and lightweight enough to be easily handled while testing the so called ‘last mile’ of fibre to the consumers’ premises and also rugged enough to be used in more demanding and hostile environments where low temperatures, for example, affect touch screen operation.
Different measurement functions can be performed simultaneously, saving time during tests. These include OTDR, Optical Power Meter (OPM), Visible Fault Locator (VFL), and automatic PASS/FAIL analysis of the surface of the optical fibre using a fibre inspection probe. The internal battery, which provides in excess of 10 hours of operation - more than enough for a working day - is conveniently charged via a type-C USB port using a USB charger nowadays commonly used to recharge smartphones. The AQ1210 also includes two USB type-A ports and supports wireless connectivity, promoting easy sharing of test results.