The Fluke Networks FOS-100-S Fiber OneShot PRO Single Mode Fiber Distance and Fault Locator measures length and identifies high loss events on single mode 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 FOS-100-S Fiber OneShot PRO fills the gap between a VFL and an OTDR. The Fiber OneShot PRO has the simplicity of a VFL, and provides distance and power information on high losses, breaks, and the end of the fiber. The FOS-100-S also identifies live fiber.