Product category:
Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications
News Release from: Megger | Subject: XC8513 dual-wavelength cross-check reflectometer
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 10 March 2004
Reflectometer completes tests in 30
seconds
Fast, reliable testing of virtually all premises and campus fibre networks - including CCTV and legacy installations - is easy with Megger's new XC8513 dual-wavelength cross-checking reflectometer.
Fast, reliable testing of virtually all premises and campus fibre networks - including CCTV and legacy installations - is easy with Megger's new XC8513 dual-wavelength cross-checking reflectometer Like the popular XC850 single-wavelength model, the new XC8513 brings the benefits of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) to data networks, without the complexity and cost usually associated with OTDR testing solutions
With the ability to measure at 850nm and 1300nm, Megger's new reflectometer is an ideal and cost-effective choice for installers who need to test systems at both wavelengths - for example, when there are contractual obligations to document the performance of links at both 850nm and 1300nm.
When used at 850nm, the XC8513 - which is invaluable when installing, fault-finding, and documenting LAN fibre installations of all types - measures all connector and fibre losses, and shows faults, such as macrobends, indicating the position of fibre features to within 0.5 metre.
Operation at 1300nm is useful when it is necessary to measure the fibre loss for links operating at this wavelength, which is predominantly used for fibre backbones and in CCTV installations.
In use, the XC8513 quickly and easily measures the loss and length of a fibre segment, including both the fibre itself and the connectors.
The instrument stores the results for use in reports, and also indicates the cause and precise location of fibre features, allowing faults to be located much more easily than with a conventional light source and optical power meter.
The XC8513 is a duplex instrument, and measures both fibres of a duplex link automatically without reconnection.
The results are stored in a format that allows the overlay of the trace pairs, while retaining Telcordia compatibility.
It may also be used in simplex or duplex-loopback mode, where its high dynamic range <16dB is essential.
Operator preferences are easily entered using the instrument's menu system, or they can be set up on a PC, and loaded into the XC8513 via a plug-in memory card.
The use of a PC not only eliminates the time needed to set up the instrument on site, but also means that operators can carry out tests accurately and effectively without the need for extensive training or experience.
At 850nm, the new XC8513 can be used on fibre segments up to 2km long, and typical event dead-zone performance is two metres at 850nm.
At 1300nm, the typical dead zone is eight metres.
The time taken to power the instrument, make a measurement, and store it is less than 30 seconds.
The operator is guided through the basic sequence by following highlighted soft keys.
Megger offers the XC8513 in two versions.
The XC8513ST features a bright back-lit colour display, and offers an economical choice where the instrument will be used primarily indoors, while the XC8513SSR has a transflective colour display which is equally easy to read indoors and in bright outdoor light.
Both versions include a full alphanumeric keyboard, which makes it easy to enter test identification data.
Both versions of the XC8513 also support data entry via an external barcode scanner.
Configuration data, test identification data, and measurement traces are stored on removable memory cards in Telcordia GR196 format, as well as in standard CSV format, ensuring compatibility with virtually all OTDR software packages, and with Microsoft Office applications.
Splash-proof, dust-proof, and rubber-armoured, the XC8513 is designed for the harsh reality of site installation.
It comes with a large carrying bag, which has space for the XC8513, plus a selection of Megger patchcord boxes and additional equipment, such as light sources and power meters.
The battery capacity of the XC8513 exceeds ten hours of use, and the instrument can be used while the battery is charging from the included charger/power supply or the optional in-car charger/power supply. Request a free brochure from Megger ...
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