Locate Faults beyond the range of a Visual Fault Locator (VFL) The Fluke Networks FQM-M Fiber QuickMap measures length and identify high loss events on multimode fiber optic cable. Like an OTDR, a laser sends light pulses through the fiber and measures the power and timing of light reflected from high loss connections and splices, and the end of the fiber. VFLs work well for exposed lengths of fiber near a patch panel by illuminating bad connections and breaks. They are not very helpful for cable runs more than a few meters, or when the cable is not visible or accessible, or when the laser light can’t penetrate the jacket. Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR) provide graphical data and analysis along the entire length of a cable, way beyond the reach of a VFL, but they can be expensive and require more time and skill to operate.
The FQMM Fiber QuickMap fills the gap between a VFL and an OTDR. The Fiber QuickMap has the simplicity of a VFL, and provides distance and power information on high losses, breaks, and the end of the fiber. The FQM-M also identifies live fiber.