Price range: $475.00 through $580.00
The fibreSales SC-LC Multimode Simplex Launch Cable helps fibre technicians overcome the launch dead zone when testing multimode fibre links with an OTDR. The launch cable places a controlled length of multimode fibre between the OTDR and the link under test, allowing the instrument to better characterise the first connection and the beginning of the fibre link.
Choose from OM1, OM3 or OM4 multimode fibre to match the network under test. Each fibre type comes in 100 m or 300 m launch lengths, allowing technicians to select the appropriate configuration for their OTDR, test settings and application.
fibreSales supplies each launch cable in a compact, lightweight protective case with built-in cable management. The case keeps the launch fibre organised and helps protect it from unnecessary stress during transport, storage and field testing.
An OTDR sends optical pulses into a fibre and measures the light that returns to the instrument. Technicians use this information to locate and analyse events such as connectors, splices, bends, losses and breaks along a fibre link.
However, the connection close to the OTDR creates a strong reflective event. The OTDR receiver needs time and distance to recover from this event, which creates an area known as the launch dead zone.
The OTDR may struggle to accurately characterise events that occur within this zone.
A launch cable adds a controlled length of fibre between the OTDR and the network under test. This additional fibre moves the first network connection further along the OTDR trace.
As a result, the OTDR can recover from the initial event before it reaches the first connection that technicians need to measure.
Selecting the correct fibre type matters when setting up an OTDR test.
fibreSales offers the SC-LC Multimode Launch Cable in:
Always select a launch cable that matches the multimode fibre type in the network under test.
Use an OM1 launch cable for OM1 fibre, OM3 for OM3 fibre and OM4 for OM4 fibre.
Matching the launch fibre to the network maintains a more consistent optical test path and avoids introducing an unnecessary fibre-type mismatch into the measurement.
fibreSales offers each OM1, OM3 and OM4 launch cable in 100 m and 300 m lengths.
| Fibre Type | Launch Length | Selection Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| OM1 | 100 m | Compact launch option for testing OM1 fibre where the OTDR and selected test settings provide a relatively short dead zone |
| OM1 | 300 m | Provides additional launch distance for OM1 testing when the OTDR or test settings require greater separation from the initial event |
| OM3 | 100 m | Compact option for testing OM3 fibre while helping move the first network connection beyond the OTDR launch dead zone |
| OM3 | 300 m | Provides a longer launch section for OM3 testing when the OTDR and test configuration require additional distance |
| OM4 | 100 m | Compact launch option for testing OM4 fibre where 100 m provides sufficient launch distance |
| OM4 | 300 m | Provides additional launch distance for OM4 testing when the OTDR and selected settings require a longer launch section |
The correct launch length depends on the OTDR, pulse width, dead-zone performance and test configuration.
Choose 100 m when the OTDR and selected test settings provide sufficient separation between the initial event and the first connection under test.
Choose 300 m when the test configuration requires additional launch distance.
Technicians should check the OTDR specifications and select the launch length for the actual test conditions rather than assuming that one length suits every multimode network.
Not all multimode fibre uses the same optical characteristics.
Therefore, technicians should avoid introducing a different multimode fibre type into the test path unnecessarily.
For example, when testing an OM3 network, use an OM3 launch cable rather than an OM1 launch cable. Likewise, use OM4 launch fibre when testing an OM4 link.
Matching the launch fibre with the installed network provides a more appropriate test configuration and helps technicians interpret OTDR results with greater confidence.
Without sufficient launch fibre, the OTDR may struggle to characterise the first network connection because it sits too close to the instrument.
The SC-LC Multimode Launch Cable creates additional distance before that connection.
Consequently, technicians can obtain a more useful view of the beginning of the fibre link and assess the first network event more effectively.
Pair the launch cable with professional OTDR testing equipment to build a practical multimode fibre testing setup.
The launch cable uses an SC connector at one end and an LC connector at the other.
This configuration supports test applications where the OTDR and the multimode fibre link require SC and LC interfaces.
Selecting the appropriate launch cable configuration also helps technicians avoid introducing unnecessary patch leads or adapters into the test path.
Fewer unnecessary connections simplify the test setup and reduce the number of additional connection points that technicians need to inspect, clean and manage.
Long launch fibres require careful handling.
Tight bends, crushing, pulling and poor storage can place unnecessary stress on the fibre.
Therefore, fibreSales supplies the multimode launch cable in a protective case with built-in cable management.
The case keeps the fibre contained and organised during transport and storage. It also reduces the need for technicians to repeatedly coil and uncoil loose launch fibre by hand.
This design makes the launch cable easier to manage while helping protect the fibre during everyday field use.
Fibre technicians often need to carry an OTDR, inspection equipment, cleaning products and other test accessories between sites.
The compact, lightweight case makes the launch cable easy to add to a professional fibre test kit.
Technicians can transport the launch fibre between jobs, store it alongside their OTDR and quickly deploy it when they need to test a multimode link.
Identify the fibre type in the network under test.
Select OM1, OM3 or OM4 launch fibre to match the installed multimode fibre.
Choose between 100 m and 300 m according to the OTDR, pulse width, dead-zone performance and test configuration.
Inspect the OTDR port, launch cable connectors and network connector before making the connection.
Never assume a connector is clean because it has a protective dust cap.
If you find contamination, clean the connector using suitable fibre cleaning products.
Then inspect the connector again before connecting it.
Connect the appropriate end of the SC-LC launch cable to the OTDR and the opposite end to the multimode link under test.
Avoid adding unnecessary adapters or patch leads to the test path.
Select the appropriate test wavelength, range, pulse width, refractive index and acquisition settings for the multimode fibre under test.
Start the measurement and allow the OTDR to analyse the link.
The launch fibre should appear as the initial fibre section before the first connection in the installed network.
Review the launch section and the first network event.
The launch fibre should provide sufficient distance for the OTDR to recover from its initial event before measuring the first connection that you need to characterise.
Contaminated connectors can introduce unwanted loss and reflection into an OTDR test.
Furthermore, connecting a dirty launch cable can transfer contamination to the OTDR port or the network under test.
Technicians should therefore follow a simple process:
Inspect → Clean if required → Re-inspect → Connect → Test
Use a fibre inspection microscope to examine connector end faces before connecting the launch cable.
Regular inspection and cleaning help protect the OTDR test port, launch cable connectors and installed fibre network.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Multimode OTDR Launch Cable |
| Fibre Types | OM1 / OM3 / OM4 |
| Available Lengths | 100 m / 300 m |
| Fibre Construction | Simplex |
| Connector 1 | SC |
| Connector 2 | LC |
| Primary Function | OTDR launch fibre |
| Application | Multimode OTDR testing |
| Enclosure | Protective carry case |
| Cable Management | Built into case |
| Design | Compact and lightweight |
| Reusable | Yes |
| Fibre Type | 100 m | 300 m |
|---|---|---|
| OM1 | Available | Available |
| OM3 | Available | Available |
| OM4 | Available | Available |
This gives customers six configurations:
OM1: 100 m or 300 m
OM3: 100 m or 300 m
OM4: 100 m or 300 m
The SC-LC Multimode Launch Cable suits:
The fibreSales SC-LC Multimode Launch Cable gives technicians a practical way to move the first network connection beyond the OTDR launch dead zone.
Choose OM1, OM3 or OM4 to match the multimode fibre in the network. Then select either 100 m or 300 m to suit the OTDR and test configuration.
The SC-to-LC connector combination supports applications that require these interfaces, while the simplex construction provides the optical launch path between the OTDR and the network.
Additionally, fibreSales supplies the launch fibre inside a compact protective case. Built-in cable management keeps the fibre organised and helps reduce unnecessary stress during storage, transport and field use.
Together, these features give fibre installers, data centre technicians and network maintenance teams a reusable and convenient multimode OTDR testing accessory.
The fibreSales SC-LC Multimode Launch Cable helps technicians overcome the OTDR launch dead zone and obtain more useful measurements at the beginning of multimode fibre links.
Choose from OM1, OM3 and OM4 fibre types to match the installed network. Then select a 100 m or 300 m launch length according to the OTDR and test requirements.
Each version combines SC-to-LC connectivity, simplex multimode fibre and a compact protective case with built-in cable management. As a result, technicians can transport, store and deploy the launch fibre efficiently while protecting it from unnecessary stress.
For multimode fibre installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting, the fibreSales Multimode Launch Cable provides a practical addition to a professional OTDR test kit.
For more fibre optic solutions, technical resources, and installation products, visit www.fibresales.com.au.