NetTest CMA8800 OTDR

The CMA8800 Communications Media Analyzer includes all the features of the CMA4000 OTDR plus adds a GPIB Interface, Optical Switch and Built-In Printer

With its modular design, the CMA8800 Communications Media Analyzer meets the most demanding test requirements for a variety of applications from fault location to testing high fiber count networks. The CMA8800 includes all of the features of the CMA4000 plus a GPIB Interface, Optical Switch option and Built-In Printer option. In addition, it can be configured with a power meter, light source and Visual Fault Locator to handle any optical testing requirements.

Benefits

The all-in-one system for characterizing optical networks:

• Commissioning
• Fault location / restoration
• Maintenance
• End to End optical loss budget testing
• System documentation

Specifications

Detailed Product Description

Leading technology for the amateur or pro The CMA8800 offers all the features of a mainframe OTDR in a rugged, economical, field-portable unit. When the CMA8800 is configured with one of our many single-, dual-, tri- or quad-wavelength OTDR modules, it becomes the world's fastest OTDR for testing multimode or single-mode fiber. With a test range from 21 dB to 50 dB, you can test longer lengths with less averaging time. Along with dead zones as short as three meters, you can be sure you're getting complete and accurate data for your entire length of fiber.

The optional Optical Switch, when used in conjunction with the S918A bare ribbon fiber adapter, becomes the most efficient method for testing bare ribbon fibers. The built-in printer option allows the user to print the test results right in the field, saving valuable time. In addition, the GPIB Interface lets you conduct tests remotely, using a computer to control the CMA8800.

Time saving, intelligent software minimizes the necessary steps needed to perform frequent functions. Its multi-tasking ability allows the CMA8800 to test, analyze and display data faster than any other OTDR available. Based on hundreds of hours of field operation observations, NetTest engineers created workflow and logic scripts for the most complicated day-to-day OTDR tasks. The result is a simplified, easy-to-use operational interface, which decreases field test time, technician training and the chance of operator-induced errors.

Combining the CMA8800 Construct mode with the reporting capability in NetTest's industry-leading NetWorks Emulation software provides the fastest, most efficient solution on the market for installation, commissioning and reporting of high fiber count cables where bi-directional testing is required.

Test modes for your specific application

From the Power-On state, the user may select from several different modes of operation, each designed to expedite specific operations such as fault locating, repetitive high count fiber testing customized maintenance testing, power level testing, visual fault testing, and storage maintenance.

Fault Locate mode provides the fastest and easiest solution on the market for determining the fiber length or fault location. Fully automated, one-button operation makes it the ideal mode for the novice user. Results are compiled and displayed in as little as seven seconds and include:

• Table format with distance to fault
• Combined trace and table format
• Event table analysis

Construct Mode simply eliminates time consuming setups common to repetitive practices of testing, storing, analyzing and documenting high fiber count cables. From the setup screen, the operator can quickly select one or all wavelengths to test, the file naming structure and specific fiber count for a given cable. Once setup, the OTDR acts as a "task master," to automatically:

• Select the wavelengths
• Test the fiber at all selected wavelengths
• Analyze the trace data
• Store the trace and analysis data to either floppy or hard drive
• Alert the technician to move to the next fiber to be tested and increment the filename to the next sequential number
• Continue this process until all fibers have been tested

Expert OTDR allows the user to perform traditional OTDR functions with dedicated hard keys tied to frequently used OTDR parameters such as pulse width, range/resolution and wavelength. This mode provides on-the-fly parameter changes for increased speed and determination of fine-tuned settings. Key features of Expert mode include:

• Realtime Testing
• Splice Optimization
• Loss Mode Setup
• Dual Wavelength Testing
• Trace Compare Mode
• Trace Shift Capability
• Trace Analysis
• Event Table Editing

Designed with ease of use in mind, all Instrument Setup Parameters are available from a single Quick Setup Screen accessible through a dedicated hardkey. From here, any or all automatic setups may be set and run in succession, once the test button has been pressed. Some of the Automatic Setups include:

• AUTOMODE: Selects optimum Pulse Width, Distance Range, Distance Resolution and Number of Averages for the fiber lengths attached prior to testing each fiber.
• AUTO ANALYSIS: Initiates a fiber trace analysis immediately upon completion of the data acquisition process.
• AUTO SAVE: Automatically saves the trace data and Analysis information to the storage medium of choice.
• AUTOPRINT: Automatically prints the trace data and Analysis information to the Printer of choice.

SPECIAL MODES - Sometimes specific applications may require specialized testing or functions.

Dual Pulsewidth - Allows full dynamic range testing with initial connector deadzones of less than 50 meters.

Multiple Wavelength - Suited for high fiber count bare fiber testing applications such as reel testing.

PON Mode - Optimized for optical networks utilizing optical splitter technology.

Test Suite Mode - In conjunction with the optical switch option, the Test Suite Mode allows successive testing of up to 12 fibers without user intervention.