I have not, but I'll check it out. Our installers are using some stupid OTDR from Viavi. It has dynamic range to go 100,000ft or some such, but it stops the trace when it hits 2.5dB of total attenuation. It also *only* has the auto/smart mode. They just push a "test" button and the machine either tests the whole drop or it stops the test at the first problem (wherever the 2.5dB limit is reached). I wanted to teach them how to read the trace, but they can't actually *see *the trace.
The intention is that the installer is only testing the drop cable up to the splitter/tap point, and the manufacturer pitches it as "no training required". They're right, and I can understand the use case, but the reason I think this machine is stupid is because it's a fully functional OTDR and the limits are applied in software, so it costs $4,500 or some such. It's like buying your kid a Mustang and adding a restrictor plate so he can't drive over 55. If they'd bought these guys real OTDR's I'd have gladly taught them how to use them. On Tue, Nov 5, 2024 at 1:30 PM Jason McKemie < [email protected]> wrote: > Has anyone used the Exfo Optical Explorer? Looks like it is essentially a > simplified OTDR with other functionality, but should work for basic > fault-finding. > > > https://www.exfo.com/en/products/field-network-testing/xpon-wifi-speed-test/opticalexplorer/ > > > > On Wed, Oct 30, 2024 at 8:17 AM <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Yeah I’d love if I could find one of those cheap OTDR’s at 1650nm. Last >> time I looked all the cheapos were 1310 or 1550. >> >> >> >> >> >> *From:* AF <[email protected]> *On Behalf Of *[email protected] >> *Sent:* Tuesday, October 29, 2024 5:04 PM >> *To:* AnimalFarm Microwave Users Group <[email protected]> >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] OTDR Recommendations >> >> >> >> You can shoot active pon fiber with the right wavelengths and filters. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> *From:* Josh Luthman >> >> *Sent:* Tuesday, October 29, 2024 2:58 PM >> >> *To:* AnimalFarm Microwave Users Group >> >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] OTDR Recommendations >> >> >> >> IDK what you mean by PON features unless you want an inline unit to watch >> the traffic. Veex just came out with one that will do that. I don't see >> the need, but it is cool. >> >> >> >> We bought the one (or one like) Cassidy linked and then bought this >> second: >> >> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CW3B9ZM8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 >> >> Cassidy - get a super cheap/fast PON meter that just reads the light from >> the OLT rather than waiting for the OTDR to boot. Or just clamp and see if >> there is light - >> https://www.amazon.com/YEDEMC-Optical-Identifier-800-1700nm-Functions/dp/B09JLL6NPM/ >> >> >> >> On Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 4:45 PM Cassidy B. Larson <[email protected]> >> wrote: >> >> We’ve been getting these smaller OTDR/VFL/OPMs from Amazon for our field >> techs. This way they can see if there’s a problem with the drop at least. >> If it’s anything past that, the splicers with the fancier/costlier OTDRs >> get involved. Price point is right and it does what they need it to do. >> >> >> >> >> https://www.amazon.com/YEDEMC-Mini-Pro-Mulit-Function-5m-60Km-Dynamic/dp/B092LNWZ4Y/ >> >> >> >> -c >> >> >> >> On Oct 29, 2024, at 2:39 PM, Jason McKemie < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >> >> >> Does anyone have any recommendations for an OTDR that won't break the >> bank but is reasonably easy to use? My Exfo just stopped powering up today, >> so evidently I'm in the market for a new one. The Exfo is about 14 years >> old, so I assume they've come a little ways since then. I don't need >> anything for super long distances, mainly just access, PON features are a >> plus. -- >> AF mailing list >> [email protected] >> http://af.afmug.com/mailman/listinfo/af_af.afmug.com >> >> >> >> -- >> AF mailing list >> [email protected] >> http://af.afmug.com/mailman/listinfo/af_af.afmug.com >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> -- >> AF mailing list >> [email protected] >> http://af.afmug.com/mailman/listinfo/af_af.afmug.com >> -- >> AF mailing list >> [email protected] >> http://af.afmug.com/mailman/listinfo/af_af.afmug.com >> > -- > AF mailing list > [email protected] > http://af.afmug.com/mailman/listinfo/af_af.afmug.com >
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