Price range: $435.00 through $650.00
The fibreSales SC-LC Singlemode Launch Cable helps fibre technicians overcome the launch dead zone when testing singlemode fibre links with an OTDR. The launch cable places a known length of 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 100 m, 300 m, 500m, 1000 m or 2000 m launch fibre lengths to suit the OTDR, its dynamic range, the selected test settings and the fibre link under test.
fibreSales supplies each launch cable in a compact, lightweight protective case with built-in cable management. The case keeps the yellow simplex 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. This allows technicians to analyse events such as connectors, splices, bends and breaks along the fibre link.
However, the initial connection creates a strong reflection close to the OTDR. The instrument requires time and distance to recover from this event, which creates an area known as the launch dead zone.
Events inside this dead zone can become difficult or impossible to characterise correctly.
A launch cable solves this problem by adding a controlled length of fibre between the OTDR and the first connection in the network under test.
Instead of placing the first network connection immediately beside the OTDR port, the launch cable moves it further along the trace. The OTDR can then recover from the initial event before it reaches the first connection that technicians need to measure.
fibreSales offers the SC-LC Singlemode Launch Cable in four lengths:
| Launch Fibre Length | Selection Consideration |
|---|---|
| 100 m | Compact launch option for applications where the OTDR and test settings produce a relatively short dead zone |
| 300 m | Provides additional launch distance for general fibre testing applications |
| 500 m | Offers a mid-range launch length when 300 m is insufficient but a 1000 m launch cable is unnecessary |
| 1000 m | Provides a longer launch section for OTDRs and test conditions that require greater separation from the initial event |
| 2000 m | Provides the longest launch distance in the range for higher dynamic range and demanding OTDR test applications |
The correct launch cable length does not depend on link length alone.
Technicians should consider the OTDR dynamic range, pulse width, dead-zone performance, wavelength and test conditions when selecting the launch fibre length.
For example, increasing the pulse width can increase the distance over which the OTDR receiver recovers after a reflective event. Therefore, a test configuration that uses a larger pulse width may require a longer launch fibre.
Always check the OTDR specifications and configure the launch cable for the actual test application.
An OTDR’s dynamic range indicates its ability to measure optical signals over distance and through loss events.
Higher-performance OTDRs can test longer links and larger optical loss budgets. However, technicians may also use different pulse widths and acquisition settings to achieve the required measurement range.
Those settings affect dead-zone performance.
Consequently, fibreSales offers several launch cable lengths rather than treating one launch length as suitable for every OTDR and every fibre network.
If you want to understand this relationship in more detail, read the fibreSales guide to What is Dynamic Range in OTDR Testing?
The SC-LC configuration provides two different connector interfaces on the same launch fibre.
One end uses an SC connector, while the opposite end uses an LC connector.
This configuration gives technicians a convenient test connection when the OTDR and the fibre link under test require SC and LC interfaces.
Using the appropriate launch cable configuration also reduces the need to introduce unnecessary patch leads or adapters into the test setup.
Without sufficient launch fibre, the OTDR may struggle to characterise the first connection because the event sits too close to the instrument.
The SC-LC Singlemode Launch Cable creates the separation the OTDR needs.
As a result, technicians can obtain a more useful trace of the beginning of the link and assess the first network connection more effectively.
Pair the launch cable with professional OTDR testing equipment to create a practical field-testing setup.
Launch fibres require careful handling.
Pulling, crushing, tightly bending or poorly storing the fibre can place unnecessary stress on the cable and may eventually affect its performance.
fibreSales supplies the launch cable inside a protective case with built-in cable management. The case keeps the fibre contained and organised while technicians transport and store the unit.
The cable management system also reduces the need to repeatedly coil and uncoil loose launch fibre by hand.
As a result, technicians can protect the launch cable while keeping their test equipment organised.
Fibre technicians often carry OTDRs, inspection equipment, cleaning products, patch leads and other accessories between jobs.
Therefore, test equipment needs to remain portable.
The compact, lightweight launch cable case protects the fibre without adding an unnecessarily bulky enclosure to the test kit.
Technicians can carry the case between sites, store it with their OTDR equipment and quickly deploy it when required.
The launch cable uses yellow simplex singlemode fibre.
The yellow jacket provides familiar visual identification for singlemode fibre, while the simplex construction provides the single optical path required between the OTDR and the fibre link under test.
The enclosed design also protects the long fibre length while keeping it manageable in field environments.
Choose the appropriate 100 m, 300 m, 500 m, 1000 m or 2000 m version for the OTDR and test application.
Consider the OTDR’s dynamic range, pulse width and dead-zone specifications rather than selecting the launch cable solely according to the length of the network.
Inspect the OTDR port, launch cable connectors and fibre link connector before making any connection.
If you find contamination, clean the connector with suitable fibre cleaning products and inspect it again.
Connect the appropriate end of the SC-LC launch cable to the OTDR and connect the opposite end to the fibre link under test.
Avoid unnecessary adapters wherever possible.
Set the appropriate wavelength, range, pulse width, refractive index and acquisition parameters for the fibre link.
Start the OTDR measurement and allow the instrument to analyse the link.
The launch fibre should appear as the initial fibre section before the first connection in the network under test.
Review the launch fibre and first network event on the OTDR trace.
The launch cable should provide enough distance for the OTDR to recover from its initial connection before measuring the first event that you need to characterise.
The SC-LC Singlemode Launch Cable suits:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | OTDR Launch Cable |
| Fibre Mode | Singlemode |
| Fibre Construction | Simplex |
| Fibre Colour | Yellow |
| Connector 1 | SC |
| Connector 2 | LC |
| Available Lengths | 100 m / 300 m / 500m / 1000 m / 2000 m |
| Primary Function | OTDR launch fibre |
| Application | Singlemode OTDR testing |
| Enclosure | Protective carry case |
| Cable Management | Built into case |
| Design | Compact and lightweight |
| Reusable | Yes |
A launch cable cannot produce reliable results if contamination compromises the test connection.
Dust, oils and other contaminants on the connector end face can introduce loss and reflection. In turn, these events can affect the OTDR trace and make troubleshooting more difficult.
Therefore, technicians should inspect, clean and re-inspect fibre connectors before testing.
Use a fibre inspection microscope to check connector end faces and remove contamination before connecting the launch cable.
This process also helps protect the OTDR test port and launch cable connectors from contamination.
The fibreSales SC-LC Singlemode Launch Cable gives technicians the launch distance they need to improve OTDR testing at the beginning of a singlemode fibre link.
Rather than offering one length for every application, fibreSales provides 100 m, 300 m, 500m, 1000 m and 2000 m options. This range allows technicians to choose a launch fibre that better matches their OTDR, dynamic range, pulse settings and test requirements.
The SC-to-LC configuration supports applications that require these connector interfaces. Meanwhile, the yellow simplex singlemode fibre provides the required optical path between the OTDR and the network under test.
Finally, the compact protective case keeps the launch fibre organised. Built-in cable management also helps reduce unnecessary stress during storage, transport and field use.
Together, these features make the launch cable a practical addition to professional OTDR test kits.
The fibreSales SC-LC Singlemode Launch Cable Yellow Simplex in Case helps technicians overcome the OTDR launch dead zone and improve measurements at the beginning of a singlemode fibre link.
Choose from 100 m, 300 m, 500m, 1000 m or 2000 m lengths to suit the OTDR’s dynamic range, test settings and application.
Each version combines SC-to-LC connectivity, yellow simplex singlemode fibre and a compact protective case with built-in cable management. Therefore, technicians can transport, store and deploy the launch fibre efficiently while protecting it from unnecessary stress.
For professional fibre installation, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance, the fibreSales SC-LC Singlemode Launch Cable provides a simple and reusable way to improve OTDR test setup.
For more fibre optic solutions, technical resources, and installation products, visit www.fibresales.com.au.