1. Introduction
The Komshine QX43 FTTx OTDR is a versatile Optical Time Domain Reflectometer designed for comprehensive fiber optic network installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It features a 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen, multiple integrated functions including Optical Power Meter (OPM), Visual Fault Locator (VFL), Optical Light Source (OLS), and RJ45 network test module. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your QX43 device.
2. Setup
2.1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection
Upon receiving your Komshine QX43, carefully unpack all components and inspect for any signs of damage. Ensure all items listed in the 'Product Configuration' are present.
2.2. Powering On/Off
- To power on the device, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.
- To power off, press and hold the power button again until the device shuts down.
2.3. Charging the Device
The QX43 features a Type-C charging interface, compatible with most mainstream mobile phone/notebook chargers. Connect the provided power cord to the Type-C port on the device and plug it into a power source. The charging indicator will show the charging status.
2.4. Interface Connections
The device is equipped with various interfaces for different functions:
- Type-C interface: For charging.
- USB 2.0: For data transfer and software upgrades.
- RJ45: For network cable testing.
- OTDR/light: Optical fiber interface for OTDR and Stable Light Source (SLS) functions.
- VFL: Visual Fault Locator port.
- OPM: Optical Power Meter port.
2.5. Universal Interface Adapters
The QX43 supports replaceable universal interface design, allowing for the use of SC, FC, and ST adapters. The default interface is SC. Use the provided FC optical port converter if needed.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1. User Interface and Navigation
The QX43 features a 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen with clear screen colors and a concise interface. It supports zoom in/out functions and allows for easy cursor movement on the OTDR curve for detailed analysis.
3.2. OTDR Module Operation
The OTDR module is used for optical fiber event and loss testing. The device can perform an 8-segment 3-meter jumper test in fully automatic mode, making it an industry benchmark for FTTx OTDR.
- From the main menu, click to enter the OTDR module.
- Select the desired wavelength (e.g., 1310 nm or 1550 nm).
- Choose the measurement mode (e.g., Average).
- Ensure Time, Range, and Pulse Width settings are appropriate, or set them to automatic.
- Initiate one-click testing. The test results, including the OTDR curve and event list, will be displayed clearly and accurately.
3.3. Smart Map Graphical Links
The Smart Map feature provides a graphical representation of OTDR test results, intuitively displaying optical fiber loss, breakpoints, and fault locations. This allows for clear understanding of optical fiber link status at a glance, improving detection efficiency and maintenance accuracy.
3.4. Multi-function Capabilities
The QX43 integrates several essential functions for fiber optic testing:
- Optical Power Meter (OPM): Measures absolute optical power or relative loss of optical fiber.
- Visual Fault Locator (VFL): A visual light source used for fault location and fiber identification.
- Stable Light Source (SLS): Outputs stable continuous light to the optical system, used in combination with an optical power meter to measure optical loss.
- RJ45 Network Test Module: For network sequencing and network line hunting, suitable for LAN fault detection, maintenance, and integrated wiring construction.
3.5. Data Management
The built-in post-processing software allows saving OTDR measurement results as general SOR format files, capable of storing over 1,000 files. These files can be viewed on a host computer.
3.6. Illumination Lamp
The device includes a high-brightness illumination lamp, which is convenient for line inspection and construction in dim environments.
4. Maintenance
4.1. Connector Replacement
The QX43 supports independent connector replacement. This feature helps reduce return-to-factory service costs and downtime, ensuring long-term optimal performance. Use the provided screwdriver for replacement.
4.2. Cleaning and Care
- Keep the device clean and free from dust and debris. Use sterile cotton swabs (included in the package) for cleaning optical interfaces.
- Store the device in its carrying bag when not in use to protect it from physical damage.
- Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or humidity.
4.3. Software Upgrade
The device supports USB data transfer and software upgrades. Connect the QX43 to a computer via the USB port to manage data or update the firmware.
5. Troubleshooting
The Komshine QX43 is designed to assist in identifying and troubleshooting issues in fiber optic networks. Its intelligent curve analysis accurately records every event, helping users understand losses from optical cable breaks, lengths, bends, fusion points, and connectors through detailed OTDR curves.
- No Power: Ensure the device is fully charged. If not, connect it to a power source using the Type-C cable.
- Inaccurate Readings: Check that the optical fiber interfaces are clean. Use sterile cotton swabs to clean them. Verify that the correct wavelength and measurement mode are selected for your test.
- Connection Issues: For RJ45 tests, ensure the network cable is properly connected. For optical tests, ensure the fiber connectors are securely seated and the correct adapter type (SC/FC/ST) is used.
- Software Glitches: If the device behaves unexpectedly, try restarting it. If the issue persists, consider performing a software upgrade via the USB port.
6. Specifications
6.1. General Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 to 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) |
Figure 14: General Parameters for Komshine QX43 FTTx OTDR.
6.2. VFL, OPM, and SLS Specifications
| Module | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| VFL | Red light source module (built-in function) | √ |
| 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 | |
| OPM | Optical power meter module (built-in function) | √ |
| 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%) | |
| SLS | 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 | |
Figure 15: VFL, OPM, and SLS Specifications.
6.3. RJ45 Specifications
| Module | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| RJ45 | Network test module (built-in function) | √ |
| Applicable network cable | CAT5, CAT6 | |
| Alignment length | 300m | |
| Maximum audio transmission distance | 300m | |
Figure 16: RJ45 Network Test Module Specifications.
6.4. OTDR Specifications (QX43 Models)
| Parameter | Model | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX43 S1 | QX43 S2 | QX43 P1 | QX43 P2 | QX43 D1 | QX43 D2 | QX43 D3 | QX43 D4 | QX43 D5 | |
| Wavelength (nm) | 1310/1550 | 1310/1550 | 1310/1550/1625±20 | 1310/1550/1650±20 | 1550 | 1610 | 1577 | 1625 | 1650 |
| Dynamic range (dB) | 26/24 | 31/29 | 26/24/24 | 26/24/24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Event blind spot (m) ① | ≤1.5 | ||||||||
| Attenuation blind zone (m) ② | ≤5 | ||||||||
| Number of fiber interfaces | 1 FC/UPC | 2 FC/UPC | 1 FC/UPC | ||||||
| Applicable optical fiber | SM | SM-Live | SM | ||||||
| Range (Km) | 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 35, 50, 75, 100, 150 | ||||||||
| Distance accuracy (m) | ± (1m + measurement distance × 2 × 10⁻⁵ + collection point resolution) | ||||||||
| Pulse width (ns) | 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 10000, 20000 | ||||||||
| Number of sampling points | ≥15000 | ||||||||
| Sampling resolution (m) | 0.04 | ||||||||
| Loss accuracy | 0.03dB/dB | ||||||||
| Reflection accuracy | ±2dB | ||||||||
Figure 17: OTDR Specifications for various QX43 models.
7. User Tips
- Always ensure optical connectors are clean before use to prevent inaccurate readings and potential damage.
- Utilize the Smart Map feature for a quick and intuitive overview of fiber link health.
- Take advantage of the 6000mAh large capacity battery for extended field work, but remember to charge it fully before critical tasks.
- For complex troubleshooting, save SOR files and analyze them on a larger computer screen for more detailed inspection.
8. Warranty and Support
The Komshine QX43 FTTx OTDR comes with a 3-year warranty, ensuring reliability and peace of mind. For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please refer to the contact information provided with your purchase documentation or visit the official Komshine website.
