The EXFO MAX-700 is a portable optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) designed for characterizing fiber-optic spans, including sections joined by splices and connectors. It provides an "inside view" of the fiber, enabling calculations of fiber length, attenuation, breaks, total return loss (ORL), and splice, connector, and total losses.
Function Description
The MAX-700 operates by sending short pulses of light into a fiber and analyzing the backscattered signals. It measures signal strength at specific time intervals to characterize events. The OTDR calculates distances using the formula: Distance = (c/n) * (t/2), where 'c' is the speed of light in a vacuum (2.998 x 10^8 m/s), 't' is the time delay from pulse launch to reception, and 'n' is the index of refraction of the fiber.
The device utilizes Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflection to assess fiber condition. Rayleigh scattering occurs due to small variations in material density, causing light to scatter in all directions, with a small amount reflecting back as backscattering. Fresnel reflections happen at abrupt changes in material density, such as connectors or breaks with air gaps, reflecting a large quantity of light.
The MAX-700 offers three trace acquisition modes:
- Auto Mode: Automatically calculates fiber length, sets acquisition parameters, acquires traces, and displays event tables and traces. It evaluates the best settings for the connected fiber link in under 5 seconds.
- Advanced Mode: Provides full control over all test parameters for comprehensive OTDR tests and measurements. Users can manually set acquisition parameters or allow the application to determine optimal values.
- Fault Finder Mode: Rapidly locates fiber ends and displays the fiber length, useful for quick tests without extensive parameter setup.
Important Technical Specifications
- Display: 7-inch color touchscreen (800 x 480 TFT).
- Interfaces: Two USB 2.0 host ports, RJ-45 LAN (10/100/1000 Mbit/s), fiber inspection probe connector port (video), and optional built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
- Storage: 4 GB internal memory (flash).
- Batteries: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, providing 7 hours of operation as per Telcordia (Bellcore) TR-NWT-001138. A separate rechargeable battery maintains the clock's date and time for weeks.
- Power Supply: AC/DC adapter (input 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 1.6 A max; output 24 VDC, 3.75 A).
- Computer: Intel ATOM processor running Windows Embedded Standard operating system.
- Wavelength (nm): MAXTESTER 710: 1310 ± 20/1550 ± 20; MAXTESTER 730: 1310 ± 20/1550 ± 20/1625 ± 10.
- Dynamic Range (dB): MAXTESTER 710: 29/28; MAXTESTER 730: 37/35/35 (typical with longest pulse and three-minute averaging at SNR = 1).
- Event Dead Zone (m): MAXTESTER 710: 2.5; MAXTESTER 730: 0.8 (typical for reflectance below –45 dB, using a 5 ns pulse).
- Attenuation Dead Zone (m): MAXTESTER 710: 10; MAXTESTER 730: 4/4.5/4.5.
- Distance Range (km): Singlemode: 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 (MAXTESTER 710); Singlemode: 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 260 (MAXTESTER 730).
- Pulse Width (ns): Singlemode: 5, 10, 30, 50, 100, 275, 500, 1000, 2500, 10000, 20000.
- Linearity (dB/dB): ±0.03.
- Loss Threshold (dB): 0.01.
- Loss Resolution (dB): 0.001.
- Sampling Resolution (m): Singlemode: 0.08 to 5 (MAXTESTER 710); Singlemode: 0.04 to 5 (MAXTESTER 730).
- Sampling Points: Up to 64,000 (MAXTESTER 710); Up to 128,000 (MAXTESTER 730).
- Distance Uncertainty (m): ±(0.75 + 0.005 % x distance + sampling resolution) (MAXTESTER 710); ±(0.75 + 0.0025 % x distance + sampling resolution) (MAXTESTER 730).
- Measurement Time: User-defined (60 min. maximum).
- Typical Real-Time Refresh (Hz): 3.
- Stable Source Output Power (dBm): –11 (MAXTESTER 710); –2.5 (MAXTESTER 730) (at 1550 nm).
Optional Built-In Power Meter and VFL (PM-1)
- Calibrated Wavelengths (nm): 850, 1300, 1310, 1490, 1550, 1625, 1650.
- Power Range (dBm): 26 to –64 (GeX).
- Uncertainty (%): ±5 % ± 0.4 nW (GeX) (up to 5 dBm).
- Display Resolution (dB): 0.01 (max to –54 dBm), 0.1 (–50 dBm to –60 dBm), 1 (–60 dBm to min).
- Automatic Offset Nulling Range: Max power to –40 dBm for GeX.
- Tone Detection (Hz): 270/1000/2000.
Visual Fault Locator (VFL) (Optional)
- Laser: 650 nm ±10 nm CW.
- Typical Pout in 62.5/125 μm: 3 dBm (2 mW).
Usage Features
- Multitasking: The unit supports multiple applications running simultaneously.
- Touchscreen: A seven-inch color touchscreen optimized for outdoor use (optional).
- USB Ports: Two USB 2.0 host ports for connecting memory keys or other USB devices.
- Ethernet Port: 10/100/1000 Base-T for network connectivity.
- Wireless Connectivity: Optional internal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices for data transfer and network access.
- Operating System: Windows Embedded Standard.
- Fiber Inspection Probe Port: For connecting a fiber inspection probe (FIP) to view fiber end-faces.
- Remote Access: Via TightVNC.
- Web Access: Direct Web browsing from the unit.
- Screen Captures: Ability to take screenshots.
- PDF Generation and Viewing: Built-in PDF file generator and viewer.
- File Transfer: Easy transfer of files and folders to USB storage devices.
- Application Updates: Via Update Manager.
- Dynamic Range and Dead Zones: Impressive dynamic range with short dead zones.
- Function Buttons: Dedicated buttons for adjusting screen brightness, displaying the on-screen keyboard, taking screen captures, and switching between tasks.
- On-Screen (Virtual) Keyboard: Supports multilingual input.
- Right-Clicking with Touchscreen: Pressing and holding the stylus on the screen for a few seconds brings up a shortcut menu.
- Power Management: Configurable power schemes (Standard, Always On, Max Battery) to manage monitor off time and system standby duration for AC and battery operation.
- Startup Application Selection: Users can configure the unit to automatically start a specific application after shutdown.
- Network Printer Configuration: Supports network printers compatible with PCL 6.
- Language Selection: User interface available in multiple languages.
- Date and Time Formats: Customizable display formats for date and time.
- Audio and Video Playback: Equipped with VLC media player for audio and video files. Adobe Flash Player can be installed for Flash format files.
- Data Management: Copy, move, rename, and delete files/folders using File Manager or USB Data Mover.
- Bluetooth Data Transfer: Transfer data between the unit and a computer via Bluetooth (Windows XP SP3 or later required on computer).
- Wi-Fi Network Connection: Connect to wireless networks for data transfer.
- FTP Server: The unit can be configured as an FTP server using FileZilla Server.
- Emergency System Tools: For disk integrity checks, backing up files, and restoring the unit to its initial state or from a specific Windows image.
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning EUI Connectors: Regular cleaning with a 2.5 mm cleaning tip and isopropyl alcohol is recommended to maintain optimum performance.
- Cleaning Detector Ports: Regular cleaning with compressed air and isopropyl alcohol is recommended for measurement accuracy.
- Cleaning Touchscreen: Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth dampened with water.
- Recharging Main Battery: Automatically recharges when connected to the AC adapter/charger. Battery LED indicates charge status.
- Replacing Batteries: Uses EXFO-designed lithium-ion batteries. Instructions provided for safe removal and installation.
- Verifying MAX-700: Procedures to measure deviation (between 10 ns and 30 ns pulses), evaluate launch level, and verify OTDR's zero to ensure operation within specifications.
- Measurement Range Determination: Procedure for singlemode models to determine measurement range using a variable attenuator and fiber reels.
- Recalibrating the Unit: Manufacturing and service center calibrations are based on ISO/IEC 17025 Standard. EXFO recommends annual calibration.
- Recycling and Disposal: Information available on EXFO's website for compliance with European Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC.
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