1. Introduction
The Komshine QX43 is a versatile FTTx Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) designed for comprehensive fiber optic network installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Featuring a 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen, it integrates multiple functions including OTDR, Optical Power Meter (OPM), Visual Fault Locator (VFL), Optical Light Source (OLS), and RJ45 network cable testing. Its robust design and intuitive interface make it an essential tool for technicians working with single-mode and PON networks.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your supplier.
- Carrying bag x1
- OTDR (default SC interface) x1
- Power cord x1
- FC optical port converter x1, screw x2
- Screwdriver x1
- RJ45 module x1
- Sterile cotton swabs x1
- Shoulder strap x1
- Quick guide x1, Calibration certificate x1, Test report x1
3. Setup
3.1 Device Overview
The QX43 features a robust design with rubber protection for durability. Key components include:
- Capacitive touch screen: For intuitive operation.
- Operation indicator light: Provides status feedback.
- Buttons: Test Start/Stop, Home Page, Turn on/off (long press), Lighting (short press).
- Back Bracket: For stable desktop operation.
- Battery Compartment: Houses the 6000mAh battery.
3.2 Rear Panel Interfaces
The rear panel provides various ports for connectivity and functionality:
- Type-C interface: For charging and data transfer.
- RJ45 port: For network cable testing.
- USB port: For data storage and software upgrades.
- OTDR/light port: Optical port for OTDR measurements and light source.
- VFL port: Visual Fault Locator output.
- OPM port: Optical Power Meter input.
- Illumination lamp: For working in dim environments.
- Charging indicator: Shows charging status.
3.3 Initial Power On
- Open the back bracket of the device for stable placement.
- Press and hold the power on/off button for 3 seconds to turn on the device. The Komshine logo will appear on the screen.
3.4 Optical Interface Connection
The QX43 supports replaceable universal interfaces, allowing compatibility with various connector types.
To connect an optical fiber:
- Ensure the correct adapter (SC, FC, or ST) is installed for your fiber type.
- Carefully insert the fiber optic connector into the corresponding port (e.g., OTDR/light, VFL, OPM).
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Navigating the Interface
The QX43 features a 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen with a concise interface. You can zoom in/out on curves and drag the cursor for detailed analysis.
4.2 OTDR Measurement
The OTDR module allows for accurate measurement of fiber events and losses.
- From the main menu, click on the 'OTDR' icon to enter the OTDR module.
- Select the desired wavelength (e.g., 1310 nm, 1550 nm).
- Choose the measurement mode (e.g., 'Average' for more stable results).
- Set Time, Range, and Pulse Width to 'Auto' for automatic configuration, or adjust manually as needed.
- Click 'Measure' to start the test.
- The test results, including event list and curve, will be displayed. The QX43 can measure 8-segment 3-meter jumpers in fully automatic mode, making it an industry benchmark for FTTx OTDR.
4.3 Intelligent Curve Analysis and Smart Map
The QX43 provides intelligent curve analysis to record every event, helping you understand losses from optical cable breaks, lengths, bends, fusion points, and connectors.
The Smart Map feature graphically displays OTDR test results, showing optical fiber loss, breakpoints, and fault locations more intuitively. This significantly improves detection efficiency and speeds up accurate maintenance.
4.4 Multi-Functionality (OPM, VFL, OLS, RJ45)
The QX43 integrates several essential tools for fiber optic and network testing:
- Optical Power Meter (OPM): Used to measure absolute optical power or relative loss of optical fiber.
- Visual Fault Locator (VFL): A visual light source for fault location and fiber identification in single-mode or multi-mode optical fibers.
- Optical Light Source (OLS): Provides stable continuous light to the optical system, used in combination with an OPM to measure optical loss.
- RJ45 Network Test Module: For network sequencing and line hunting, suitable for LAN fault detection, maintenance, and integrated wiring construction.
4.5 Data Storage and Transfer
The QX43 has built-in post-processing software that saves OTDR measurement results as standard SOR format files. It can store over 1,000 SOR files. Data can be transferred to a host computer via USB for further analysis and reporting.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning Optical Connectors
Regular cleaning of optical connectors is crucial for accurate measurements and to prevent damage. Use the provided sterile cotton swabs or other appropriate fiber optic cleaning tools.
5.2 Battery Care
The QX43 is equipped with a 6000mAh large capacity battery for ultra-long battery life. To maximize battery lifespan:
- Charge the device using the provided Type-C charger. The Type-C interface is multi-purpose and compatible with most mainstream mobile phone/notebook chargers.
- Avoid fully discharging the battery frequently.
- Store the device in a cool, dry place when not in use for extended periods.
5.3 Software Updates
The device supports software updates via its USB interface. Periodically check the manufacturer's website for the latest software versions to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.
5.4 Connector Replacement
The QX43 supports independent replacement of connector types (SC/FC/ST). This reduces return-to-factory costs and downtime, helping maintain optimal performance over time.
6. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to common issues encountered with the Komshine QX43 OTDR.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power when turned on | Low battery or power button not held long enough. | Charge the device using the Type-C cable. Ensure the power button is pressed and held for 3 seconds. |
| Inaccurate OTDR readings | Dirty optical connectors, incorrect settings (wavelength, pulse width, range), or damaged fiber. | Clean all optical connectors thoroughly. Verify OTDR settings are appropriate for the fiber being tested. Inspect fiber for damage. |
| VFL/OPM/OLS not working | Incorrect port connection, function not activated, or dirty/damaged connector. | Ensure the fiber is connected to the correct port. Activate the function from the main menu. Clean or replace connectors if necessary. |
| RJ45 test failure | Faulty network cable, incorrect connection, or RJ45 module issue. | Check the network cable for continuity and proper wiring. Ensure secure connection to the RJ45 port. |
| Device freezes or is unresponsive | Software glitch or temporary system error. | Perform a soft reset by holding the power button until the device turns off, then restart. If the issue persists, check for software updates. |
7. Specifications
7.1 General Parameters
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Link diagram | √ |
| Pass/Fail display | x |
| Distance unit | km |
| PC side analysis software | √ |
| Language | English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Korean |
| Optical fiber interface | FC/UPC (SC/UPC optional) |
| Display screen | 4.3-inch color LCD screen (resolution: 800x480) |
| Interface | Type-C charging interface x1, USB 2.0 x1, RJ45 x1 |
| Operating temperature | -10~50 °C (0~40 °C connected to power supply, 0~35 °C battery charge) |
| Storage temperature | -20 to 60 °C |
| Elevation | 4000 m |
| Humidity | 0 to 90% RH (at: 20%-90% 739874 AC adapter, no frost) |
| Power supply mode | 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz (AC adapter) |
| Battery | 3.7V, 6000mAh, ≥22Wh |
| Illumination lamp | Light intensity ≥ 15000 mcd |
| Working hours | 5 hours |
| Data Storage | Memory: ≥ 1000 test curve; External storage: USB |
| Dimensions | 179 mm (W) × 112 mm (H) × 48 mm (D) |
| Weight | 0.6 kg (mainframe only with battery) |
7.2 OPM & SLS Specifications
| Optical Power Meter Module (Built-in Function) | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement wavelength range | 800~1650nm | |
| Correction wavelength (nm) | 850, 1300, 1310, 1490, 1550, 1625, 1650 | |
| Measurement power range | -70~6dBm | |
| Measurement accuracy | < (±0.2dB or ±5%) | |
| Display resolution | 0.01dB | |
| Power meter interface | FC/UPC + 2.5mm Universal Connector | |
| Stable Light Source Module (Built-in Function) | ||
| Wavelength (nm) | 1310/1550 | 1550, 1610, 1577, 1625, 1650 |
| Output power | ≥-10dBm | |
| Modulation frequency | CW, 270Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz | |
| Laser safety rating | Class 1M or Class 1 | |
| Built-in optical fiber interface | OTDR optical port | |
7.3 VFL & RJ45 Specifications
| Red Light Source Module (Built-in Function) | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength (nm) | 650 | |
| Output power | 10mW | |
| Modulation mode | CW, CHOP (2 Hz) | |
| Laser safety rating | Class 3R | |
| Optical fiber interface | 2.5 mm universal connector for FC, SC, ST | |
| Network Test Module (Built-in Function) | ||
| Applicable network cable | CAT5, CAT6 | |
| Alignment length | 300m | |
| Maximum audio transmission distance | 300m | |
7.4 OTDR Model Specifications
| Model | Wavelength (nm) | Dynamic range (dB) | Event blind spot (m) | Attenuation blind zone (m) | Number of fiber interfaces | Applicable optical fiber | Range (Km) | Distance accuracy (m) | Pulse width (ns) | Number of sampling points | Sampling resolution | Loss accuracy | Reflection accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX43 S1 | 1310/1550 | 26/24 | ≤1.5 | ≤5 | 1 FC/UPC | SM | 0.5,1, 2, 5,10, 20, 35, 50,75,100,150 | ± (1m + measurement distance × 2 × 10^-5 + collection point resolution) | 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000,10000, 20000 | ≥15000 | 0.04 | 0.03dB/dB | ±2dB |
| QX43 S2 | 1310/1550 | 31/29 | 1 FC/UPC | SM | |||||||||
| QX43 P1 | 1310/1550/1625±20 | 26/24/24 | 2 FC/UPC | SM-Live | |||||||||
| QX43 P2 | 1310/1550/1650±20 | 26/24/24 | 2 FC/UPC | SM-Live | |||||||||
| QX43 D1 | 1550 | 24 | 1 FC/UPC | SM | |||||||||
| QX43 D2 | 1610 | 24 | 1 FC/UPC | SM | |||||||||
| QX43 D3 | 1577 | 24 | 1 FC/UPC | SM | |||||||||
| QX43 D4 | 1625 | 24 | 1 FC/UPC | SM | |||||||||
| QX43 D5 | 1650 | 24 | 1 FC/UPC | SM |
8. Warranty and Support
The Komshine QX43 OTDR comes with a 3-year warranty, ensuring reliability and peace of mind. For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please contact Komshine customer service or your authorized distributor.
9. User Tips
- Utilize Auto Mode: For quick and efficient testing, especially for standard jumper tests, leverage the fully automatic mode to simplify operation.
- Regular Cleaning: Always clean optical connectors before each use to ensure accurate readings and prevent damage to the device and fiber.
- Desktop Stability: Use the integrated back bracket for stable desktop operation, which helps reduce measurement errors caused by equipment shaking.
- Lighting Feature: Don't forget to use the built-in illumination lamp when working in dimly lit environments for improved visibility.
- Data Management: Regularly save your test results in SOR format and transfer them to a computer for detailed analysis and record-keeping.
