FAQ

Which adapter is included by the OTDR and are the adapters interchangeable?

The OTDR comes with an ST or FC adapter on the output, the adaptors are not interchangeable.

The solution to test other types of cables that are not ST or FC is simple; you should always use a launch cable or pulse suppressor cable when using the OTDR, just make sure that one end of the cable is the connector style of the OTDR output and the other end the connector style of the cable that the customer is going to test.

A second solution is to use a bulkhead on the FUT (Fiber Under Test) side that is hybrid, for example FC to SC.

How to prevent a high back reflection and pulse saturation in the trace?

Dirt on the cable will cause high back reflection and pulse saturation as shown in the trace.

The solution is to use always a launch cable (pulse suppressor cable) when testing a fiber. This will help the user to keep the connector at the OTDR as clean as possible.

Also, it is important that the cable that is put into the connector at the OTDR is kept free of contamination and dirt by cleaning the cable with an alco pad (for example the CleanTex ct806 pads) before connecting.