EXFO MaxTester 730C – PON/metro OTDR

The EXFO MaxTester 730C is a handheld optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) designed for testing and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. It is specifically designed for testing passive optical networks (PON) and metro networks. The device features a 7-inch outdoor-enhanced touchscreen display, tablet-inspired design, 12-hour battery operation, and the ability to characterize and troubleshoot links up to 100 km with a dynamic range of up to 38 dB. In this article, we will discuss the features, advantages, and applications of the EXFO MaxTester 730C.

Features of the EXFO MaxTester 730C

The EXFO MaxTester 730C is a versatile OTDR that offers a range of features to make fiber optic testing and troubleshooting easier and more efficient. Some of the key features of the device include:

• 7-inch outdoor-enhanced touchscreen display: The device features a large, high-resolution touchscreen display that is easy to read even in bright sunlight. The display is also designed to be durable and resistant to scratches and other damage.
• Tablet-inspired design: The device is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, with a slim, ergonomic design that is similar to a tablet. This makes it easy to use in the field, even in tight spaces.
• Dynamic range of up to 38 dB: The device can characterize and troubleshoot links up to 100 km with a dynamic range of up to 38 dB. This makes it ideal for testing and troubleshooting long-haul fiber optic networks.
• Fast data acquisition: The device features fast data acquisition, with a sampling rate of up to 256,000 points per second. This allows it to quickly and accurately measure fiber optic links, even in challenging environments.
• Built-in optical power meter: The device also features a built-in optical power meter, which allows it to measure optical power levels and identify faulty components in the network.

Advantages of the EXFO MaxTester 730C

• The EXFO MaxTester 730C offers a range of advantages over other OTDRs on the market. Some of the key advantages of the device include:
• Versatility: The device is designed to be versatile and can be used for a range of applications, including PON testing, live fiber troubleshooting, and metro range testing.
• Ease of use: The device is designed to be easy to use, with a simple, intuitive interface that can be customized to meet the needs of the user.
• Durability: The device is designed to be durable and resistant to damage, with a rugged design that can withstand harsh environments and rough handling.
• Portability: The device is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for use in the field.

Applications of the EXFO MaxTester 730C

The EXFO MaxTester 730C is designed for use in a range of applications, including:

• PON testing: The device is specifically designed for testing PON networks, including FTTH and FTTx networks. It can quickly and accurately measure the length and loss of PON links and identify faults and other issues.
• Live fiber troubleshooting: The device can be used for live fiber troubleshooting, allowing technicians to identify and resolve issues in the network quickly.
• Metro range testing: The device can also be used for metro range testing, allowing technicians to test and troubleshoot long-haul fiber optic links.

EXFO MaxTester 730C – PON/metro OTDR Specifications:

• Size (H x W x D): 166 mm x 200 mm x 68 mm (6 9/16 in x 7 7/8 in x 2 3/4 in)
• Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
• Temperature Operating: -10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
• Temperature Storage: -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158 °F)
• Relative humidity: 0 % to 95 % non-condensing
• Display: 7-in (178-mm) outdoor-enhanced touchscreen, 800 x 480 TFT
• Interfaces:
  • Two USB 2.0 ports
  • RJ45 LAN 10/100 Mbit/s
• Storage: 2 GB internal memory (20000 OTDR traces, typical)
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery 12 hours of operation as per Telcordia (Bellcore) TR-NWT-001138
• Power supply: Power supply AC/DC adapter, input 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
• Wavelength (nm): 1310 ± 20/1550 ± 20/1625 ± 10/1650 ± 5
• SM live port built-in filter:
  • 1625 nm: highpass >1595 nm & isolation >50 dB from 1270 nm to 1585 nm
  • 1650 nm: bandpass 1650 nm ± 7 nm & isolation >50 dB out of 1650 nm ± 10 nm
• Dynamic range (dB): 39/38/39/39
• Event dead zone (m): 0.5
• Attenuation dead zone (m): 2.5
• PON dead zone (m): 30
• Distance range (km): 0.1 to 400
• Pulse width (ns): 3 to 20 000
• Linearity (dB/dB): ±0.03
• Loss threshold (dB): 0.01
• Loss resolution (dB): 0.001
• Sampling resolution (m): 0.04 to 10
• Sampling points: Up to 256 000
• Distance uncertainty (m): ±(0.75 + 0.0025 % x distance + sampling resolution)
• Measurement time: User-defined
• Reflectance accuracy (dB); ±2
• Typical real-time refresh (Hz): 4

In-line power meter

• Input power range (dBm):
  • 1490 nm: –65 to 18
  • 1550 or 1577 nm: –50 to 28
• PON power meter (nm): Two channels: 1490/1550
• Broadband power meter (nm): One channel: 1270 to 1625
• Power uncertainty (dB): ±0.2
• Calibrated wavelengths (nm): 1310, 1490, 1550 and 1625
• PON power meter spectral band (nm): 1450 to 1530
• Broadband power meter spectral band (nm): 1270 to 1625
• PON power meter selectable wavelengths (nm): 1490, 1550, 1490/1550
• Broadband power meter selectable wavelengths (nm): 1270, 1290, 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 1410, 1430, 1450, 1470, 1490, 1510, 1530, 1550, 1570, 1577, 1590, 1610,1625
• Display resolution (dB): 0.1
• PON power meter ORL (dB): –55
• Broadband power meter ORL (dB): –50

SOURCE

• Output power (dBm): –2.5
• Modulation: CW, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 1 kHz + blink, 2 kHz + blink