The FI-500 allows technicians to quickly determine if fiber ends are contaminated or damaged, and it slots between simple analog oscilloscopes and high-priced automated video models. Although the FI-500 costs nearly half as much as more automated inspection equipment, it offers many of the same features, including autofocus, a large backlit display, freeze frame, and a wide variety of tips for inspecting almost any fiber end.
"As fiber is deployed deeper into the data center network, it's important to have a full range of troubleshooting tools," says Stuart Hoiness, senior vice president of enterprise networking for Corning Optical Communications. "Cleaning the connector end face is often overlooked in troubleshooting. Therefore, this DIY tool from Fluke Networks will benefit from the data center market and should be part of any fiber installer's toolkit.".
The FI-500 provides illumination to help the user locate the correct fiber or port in dark or high-density panels, along with robust liquid lens technology for fast autofocus. Controls on the probe allow for one-handed operation, including a pause button that freezes the image, making it easier to inspect hard-to-reach locations. The compact probe provides a 610 x 460 micron field of view, with zoom range and centering functionality. The large display offers an instant view of fiber contamination, bulkhead, and patch cords. The rechargeable unit comes standard with adapters to support most UPC connectors. APC adapters are also available.
"For fiber technicians troubleshooting today's complex fiber installations, the FI-500 offers the simplicity and ease of use of a handheld inspection scope, but with advanced features to reduce troubleshooting and inspection time," said Harvey Trager of Fluke Networks. "We believe 9 out of 10 dentists would approve of the FI-500 helping technicians avoid holding a flashlight to their teeth."
"The ease of use makes the latest FiberInspector from Fluke Networks a great tool for diagnosing fiber-end contamination problems," says Greg Badnerosky, Project Supervisor at Fisk Technologies, a leading designer and installer of structured cabling systems. "The flashlight function is especially useful, as many of the fiber panels we encounter in installations are not well-lit."
