Fiber Optic Equipment: Cleaver, Splicer, and More - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LL0rd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2024, 07:15:03 pm
content: Hello everyone,I've been working with Cat 5/6/7 cables for the past decade and recently upgraded to 10 GbE, incorporating some fiber cables. I'm now interested in delving deeper into fiber technology, such as FTTR. Rather than using pre-made cables, I want to splice my own OM3/4/5 open-end cables with the specific connectors I require.However, I'm uncertain about the necessary equipment.The technicians who installed my fiber internet used a Komshine FX39 machine, priced around $1k. Reviews suggest it might not be the best choice.Others recommend professional-grade machines, like those from Sumitomo, which can cost between $10-15k. They argue that anything cheaper is subpar and ineffective.I'm willing to invest in quality equipment, with a budget of $2-3k, up to a maximum of $5k. $10-15k is beyond my financial reach.Could anyone advise on the essential equipment for splicing my own fiber cables? Thanks in advance!

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2024, 08:40:11 pm
content: Do you want to splice pigtails (short piece of fiber with a connector already installed) to a cable with multiple fibers (usually in a splice cassette) or install connectors on a duplex patch cable?

author: dobsonr741
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 03:21:50 am
content: I opted for field installable connectors, saving the expoxy and polishing steps. A cleaver and a laser continuity test is still a must, and a proper tool to strip.

author: LL0rd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 04:23:25 am
content: Quote from: madires on April 02, 2024, 08:40:11 pmHonestly, I don't know. I thought, that installing connectors isn't a thing any more. Especially on a 9 micron single mode fiber. But now I found some connectors. But they are very expensive. About 10 USD a piece. Where a Pigtail just costs around 1-2 USD.I also didn't see anyone in field installing a connector. Most technicians splice pigtails onto the installation cable. And I just saw the installation video for a 9 micron connector. And it seemed to be even more complicated, then to splice a pigtail.I don't know, currently I would like to splice a pigtail, because it seems to be simpler and more cost effective in the long run. (Not for myself, but if I use the gained knowledge for work)

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 11:04:20 am
content: IIRC, 12voltvids made a few videos about installing connectors on singlemode fiber for FTTH (part of his day job). Regarding pigtails, you wouldn't use them for patch cables since they are more fragile (thin sheath). They are put into a protection box with a passthrough coupler for plugging in a patch cable. BTW, OM3/4/5 implies multimode.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 11:39:24 am
content: Here's a fairly entertaining ground up video on fiber cleaving and fusion splicing. I think he's using a Far Eastern kit but it looks pretty good...EDIT:I think it's an OFS-960S splicer.

author: dobsonr741
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 06:22:16 pm
content: I bought these. The included cleaver does the job. I do not make patch cables, those are cheap on FS.com10pcs LC MM Fiber Optic Quick...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CYQCGD9

author: LL0rd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 08:04:15 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on April 03, 2024, 11:39:24 amThank you for your Answer. The splicer is actually called AI-9 and can be found on aliexpress. It costs there "just" 400-500 USD. Now let's take FX39 machine, I mentioned in my first posting. It costs around 1k USD. And here is the Amazon Product listing:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LTZTCG1The reviews of the product are not really good. So what can I expect from a device, that is even cheaper? That's why I'm asking for help. Maybe from some one, who is actually using this devices. Or I just buy the FX39 Device with the hope, that the installers of my fiber connection did know, that they were doing. And I have a proof, that the device is actually working.

author: connectTek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2024, 11:32:05 am
content: I have the AI-9, ive been using it for 2 years now, done about 200 splices OM3,OM4 and OS1.Works great. Higly recommend.