Percon Broadcast Multimedia has launched the CYGNUS uOTDR, a portable tester designed to verify the integrity of hybrid cables used in professional AV and broadcast installations. According to Installation, the instrument tests fibre and copper conductors in a single operation, supporting SMPTE 304M and ARIB hybrid cables.
The tester checks fibre loss and identifies copper faults including open circuits, short circuits and overvoltage, Installation reports. Fibre performance is shown through green, amber and red indicators, while copper faults are identified pin by pin, eliminating the need for separate test equipment.
Installation reports that an integrated unidirectional optical time-domain reflectometer uses a 1310nm single-mode optical signal to locate faults along the fibre with a stated resolution of 10m or better, indicating the distance to a fault so technicians can identify damaged cable sections or connectors before a system goes into operation.
The device supports hybrid connectors including Lemo 3K.93C, Fischer 1053, Neutrik opticalCON QUAD and DUO, Stratos HX1080, Simple Fiber Connectors and TYCO E-Beam using interchangeable test heads, according to Installation. It handles multimode fibre at 850nm and 1300nm and single-mode at 1310nm and 1550nm. Power comes from four AAA batteries or USB-C with automatic source selection.
Installation reports that CYGNUS uOTDR is scheduled to become available from January 2027, targeting outside broadcast vehicles, live-event production and fixed or mobile installations.
For more information, visit installation-international.com.
