Tektronix UK has developed a handheld device for locating faults on fibreoptic cable links, whether over wide range networks used by PTTs or local area networks. The FibreScout faultfinder uses the same technology as the larger, more expensive optical time domain reflectometers, or OTDRs, to locate faults: the distance between the point at which the machine is connected into the network and the problem area is calculated by sending a signal down the cable and measuring the time it takes for the signal to return, after being reflected by a twist or complete break in the cable; this distance is proportional to the time period recorded. Maximum range is 20,000 yards, and Tektronix says it can pinpoint a fault to within 20 yards over this distance; accuracy increases when used on local nets. The compactness of the tool it weighs 5 lbs and can be held in one hand has been achieved by using surfacemount technology, a small liquid crystal diode screen, and by streamlining the software involved. Although the FiberScout, which Tektronix says is the first handheld faultfinder on the market, will initially be competing with large reflectometers, Tektronix states that it does not want to mislead its customers into thinking they are buying a fullyfledged OTDR some of the more sophisticated functions of the larger reflectometers have been omitted, and FibreScout will be sold on its portability, low cost and ease of use. With only four buttons required for operation, it is designed to be used without training at various points throughout a network, so that faults can be located more quickly. British Telecom has already expressed an interest, as has DEC for its local area networks. FibreScout is available now in two versions: the wide range faultfinder comes in at around UKP6,800, approximately a third the price of an OTDR; the local area network version costs just over UKP4,400.
