Fluke Networks Replacement FI-500 Camera

Overview

Dirty fibre optic end faces are the major cause of problems in single-mode and multimode fibre optic systems. The FI-500 FiberInspector™ Micro removes the hassle associated with inspecting fibre end faces, especially in low light and high cable density situations.

It is very simple to use: Simply plug the cable into the FI-500 and touch the AF button. Within seconds, the fibre end face comes into sharp, clear view. And if you're working in a difficult to reach place or you cant get the image to stand still, just touch the pause button to freeze the image.

Today's high-density fibre patch panels make the inspection a challenge. Finding the cable or port to test can be tough, especially in the low light conditions found in most data centres and wiring closets.

The FI-500 is designed to simplify the inspection process. The built-in PortBright flashlight helps you find the right port or cable. The small-profile probe fits into tight spots and features pushbutton controls for simple operation. Autofocus provides a sharp view of the end face in a few seconds, while the pause button freezes the image on the crisp 320 x 240 display for more detailed inspection.

The FI-500 FiberInspector Micro fills the gap between a manual scope and a fully automated inspection scope. The FI-500 has the simplicity and practicality of a manual inspection scope, but with advanced features to reduce troubleshooting and inspection time.

Manual fibre inspection scopes are simple to use, but they don't work well on patch panels or situations where there is a high density of fibre. Holding it up to one eye and closing your other eye is often inconvenient or impractical, especially in a dark room.

Fully automatic inspection scopes analyze and grade the cleanliness of fibre connections which is important for many applications, but the analysis is usually not needed for quick basic troubleshooting.

Features

1. Fully automatic inspection scopes analyze and grade the cleanliness of fibre connections which is important for many applications, but the analysis is usually not needed for quick basic troubleshooting
• FI-500 includes 4 UPC tips; SC, LC, 1.25 mm and 2.50 mm
• Optional APC tip kit includes 4 APC tips; SC, LC, 1.25 mm and 2.50 mm. Other probe tips available
2. PortBright, a built-in flashlight illuminates dark areas and dense panels
3. Switch on PortBright with a convenient button on the probe
4. The pause button holds the image for viewing when it's hard to get it just right
5. Two-second autofocus reduces inspection time and keeps your other hand free (if the APC tip is not aligned with the connector, the connector or probe may require rotation and repeating auto-focus or manual focus)
6. Status bar to see battery charge and other information. Auto power off increases battery life
7. Bright 320 x 240 backlit display
8. Magnification of 200X with 1X, 2X and 4X zoom settings
• Rugged construction; vibration and drop tested to 1 meter
• Compact design allows you to access dense and crowded panels
• No batteries to change in the probe. The probe is powered by the display unit

PortBright™ Illumination and Compact Probe Design

Fibre panels are often densely packed with fibres small LC connectors. It can be difficult to see the port of interest without having extra lighting. You can use a separate flashlight, but then you need to hold more items or have a helper hold the flashlight. PortBright is a flashlight that is built into the probe and allows you to find the port and then connect the probe tip. PortBright is activated by a button on the probe itself.

The probe is only 23mm (0.95") wide and 51mm (2") thick which makes it easier to get into tight patch panels with less disruption of nearby fibres.

Autofocus

All manual scopes and many digital probes have manual focus rings. This may require two hands and is sometimes difficult to focus on densely packed patch panels. FI-500 can autofocus with the push of a button on the probe or on the display unit. Autofocus takes only 3-5 seconds and works great on UPC end faces.

Autofocus works on APC (angled physical contact) also, however, if the APC tip is not aligned with the connector, the connector or probe may require rotation and repeating auto-focus or manual focus.

Fibre Inspection, Power, and Cleaning Kits

Fibre Optic Inspection System (FI-500) - FiberInspector Micro with Probe, Display, 4 UPC tips (LC bulkhead, SC bulkhead, 1.25mm end face adapters and 2.50mm end face adapters), case, rechargeable batteries and universal power adapter.

Fibre Inspection and Cleaning Kit (FI-525) - FI-500 FiberInspector Micro and wet and dry cleaning supplies to remove contamination discovered during fibre inspection with the FI-500. Kit includes FI-500, NFC-KIT-BOX, and 1.25 mm swabs.

Complete Fiber Verification Kit (FTK1475) - The Complete Fiber Verification Kit is for contractors and network technicians who install and maintain premises networks with both multimode and single-mode optical fibre. Use this kit to verify optical loss and power levels at 850, 1300, 1310, and 1550 nm, inspect fibre end-faces, locate cable faults, connector problems, and polarity issues. Kit includes FI-500 FiberInspector Micro.

Full-Featured Inspection and Multimode Verification Kits (FTK1375) - The Full-Featured Inspection and Multimode Verification Kits are for contractors and network technicians who install and maintain multimode premises networks. Use these kits to verify optical loss and power levels at 850 and 1300 nm, inspect fibre end-faces, locate cable faults, connector problems, and polarity issues. Kit includes FI-500 FiberInspector Micro.