Fluke Networks unveils FiberInspector Ultra endface inspection platform

Fluke Networks today unveiled its FI-3000 FiberInspector Ultra, billed as "the industry's most efficient, most complete endface inspection camera." The manufacturer says the FI-3000 allows fiber-optic technicians to find endface contamination – the most common cause of fiber failure – on nearly any fiber connection. Technicians using the FI-3000 can get a "Live View" of the fiber endface instantly on their phone or Versiv Cabling Certification System, and then use a gesture-based interface to zoom in on individual fibers or perform a pass/fail test in seconds.

"A speck of dust that's invisible to the human eye can cause intermittent errors or even complete failure on a fiber optic connection," asserts Mike Hughes, VP of Product Management at US Conec, a specialist in the development and supply of high-density optical interconnects, in testimonial. "That's why it's essential that every fiber interconnect – even on cables straight from the factory – be inspected before it's connected."

Per Fluke Networks, "The FI-3000 FiberInspector Ultra offers an extensive feature set that makes testing single fibers or MPO trunks easy and efficient. The multiple camera design with autofocus provides a Live View of the entire endface on a smart phone or Versiv tester instantly. Touching 'Test' provides an automated PASS/FAIL result compliant with IEC 61300-3-35 in seconds."

According to the company, the FI-3000 also features unique ergonomics that support easy inspection of panels or cables, with controls on the back which make it easy to operate with one hand. The unit's built-in PortBright illumination makes it easy to find the right port in dark or crowded patch panels. LEDs indicate Pass or Fail conditions, and the tool's handy holster not only keeps the FI-3000 at hand, but also includes room for the included single fiber adapter, plus various tips and fiber cleaning supplies.

"The FI-3000 FiberInspector is the most efficient tool we've evaluated for inspection of MPO connectors," offers Ed Wilson, Senior Operations manager of Curran IT, a leading independent engineering, IT and facilities services business.

The tester works with iOS or Android smart devices through the FI-IN App. The app allows users to store results, or even share them with others as an image or a PDF report. The FI-3000 also works with the company's Versiv Cabling Certification System, which allows Versiv users to generate inspection reports, as they do currently for copper, fiber loss, and OTDR testing, using Fluke's LinkWare PC or LinkWare Live software, and integrate them into a single, complete project report. With over 40,000 users and 20 million results uploaded to the cloud, LinkWare is the industry's most versatile cable test reporting platform, contends the company.

"Customers who need to inspect both single fibers and MPOs have either had to purchase two cameras or use single fiber cameras with inefficient manual adapters to inspect MPOs," concludes Mark Mullins, Communications Manager and Founding Member of Fluke Networks. "Either way, the result is inefficiency. Now with the FiberInspector Ultra, customers have a single solution not only for all their inspection needs, but one that can also integrate with their solution for fiber loss, OTDR, and even copper certification."

The Fluke Networks FI-3000 FiberInspector Ultra Camera for MPO and single fibers is available for purchase from resellers worldwide starting at $4,350 US MSRP and is also available for rent from select suppliers. Learn more at www.flukenetworks.com/FI3000Ultra.