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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2025
This is a relatively inexpensive tester that can perform multiple functions. However, I feel that a professional technician working with fiber optics might benefit from a more professional grade product, while the usefulness for a home user interesting but questionable.Build quality: This meter is quite large, if you're working in a crampted environment, that might be a hinderance. It is very long, and I feel that it doesn't need to be nearly this large. It is very lightweight, and feels almost empty. The LCD does not have very good viewing angles and it is green backlit with black numbers. Trying to maneuver this long tester in a crampt space to get the right viewing angle to see the display is cumbersome.Functionality: By holding one strand of a fiber optic cable (not both strands of a double cable) in the slot and pulling the trigger, you can see the estimated power (note: the manual specifically states it is not calibrated and should not be trusted, so what good is it for other than just a ballpark) and the light wavelength (you probably already know what wavelengths you are using). With the 3rd function, you can connect a cable to the bottom, and a red visible laser shines into the cable so you can look for the red light output at the other end. This is probably the most useful feature, if you're working with a lot of fiber optic cables and need to identify a specific cable. This is a bit like toning out an analog cable.Other: The manual (which you have to get online, it's not included) is minimal, and the case does protect the meter b ut it is flimsy. Requires 2 AA batteries not included.PROS:Can tell you the wavelength of the light traveling the cable, and the direction. This is like magic.Shows the power of the light, although it is not professionally calibrated so it's just a ballparkCan inject visible red light into a cable to search out the corresponding cable on the other endCost is low compared to a professional testerCONS:Large in sizeLCD hard to read at all anglesDoes not have a "HOLD" function to keep the reading on the LCD when you remove the cableCase is flimsyManual is poorMust put a single fiber cable into the slot, not a double cable as most are; need to split cable apartI'm not sure what the market for this tester is. It's not good enough for professional fiber techs, and I'm not sure why a home user would even need it. I feel the most useful feature is the injection of red light into one end of a fiber to find that same cable on the other end, or to identify a break.
James
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025
Ordered this fiber optic frequency identifier to assist in identifying what protocol my offices were running. I recently took over as the IT director for a company and we have two buildings a block away from each other. So naturally several years ago some one ran fiber cable between the buildings to consolidate the network instead of VPN tunneling. I wanted to upgrade the current cabling to something more in the realm of OM4 at 850nm, however the action was cancelled due to budget constraints. So I still needed to identify what frequency my current setup is at since no one knows as I wanted to drop SFP+s on the switches at both locations. So I got this tester and was able to quickly identify what frequency my current setup is at and I was able to upgrade just by installing new SFP+s. This tester doesn't have the best resilience against dropping, but since it is a stand-by tool I am not overly concerned. Also the screen is a little difficult to read in poorly lit areas.Overall, this tester came in very handy and worked for my needs.
Kenny B.
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2025
I obtained this "TFI-40V Fiber Optic identifier" for use at work when we are trying to identify fiber optic cabling that is 20 plus years old, fiber that the old labels have become unreadable or have fallen off.It has a nice enough build quality to it, but it could be slightly better. It also comes with a carry case which is nice to have. It also has a built-in red light VFL on the bottom as well as a small white LED flashlight.As far as its functionality is concerned, testing with multimode cable shows it works doing what we want it to do. We don't have singlemode fiber at this site, so I have not tested it, yet.
Tabitha
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2025
The TFI-40V Fiber Optic Identifier is a versatile and reliable tool designed for professionals working in fiber optic networks. Covering a wide wavelength range from 800nm to 1700nm, it is capable of identifying live optical fibers without the need for disconnection, making it an essential device for efficient and safe fiber troubleshooting and maintenance.One of the standout features of the TFI-40V is its ability to detect live signals on fiber optic cables quickly and accurately. This non-intrusive detection helps prevent network interruptions during testing, allowing technicians to locate and identify active fibers while maintaining network integrity. The inclusion of a Visual Fault Locator (VFL) with a 10mW LED provides an additional layer of functionality. The VFL emits a visible red light that aids in pinpointing fiber breaks, bends, or faulty splices over a distance of up to 10 meters, making it easier to perform physical inspections and repairs.The device is built with ease of use in mind. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand, and its intuitive interface allows for quick operation even in complex field environments. The clear LED indicators provide visual feedback about signal presence and strength, reducing the likelihood of errors during fiber identification tasks.Durability is another key aspect of the TFI-40V. It is constructed with robust materials designed to withstand the rigors of fieldwork. The compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, an important consideration for technicians who need to carry multiple tools.Overall, the TFI-40V Fiber Optic Identifier is a highly effective and practical instrument for anyone involved in fiber optic installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting. Its broad wavelength compatibility, live fiber detection capability, and integrated Visual Fault Locator combine to offer comprehensive functionality in a single device. It greatly improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and supports precise fiber management in both new installations and existing networks.
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