EXFO OTDR Swap-Out Connector – GP-3207 / GP-3208 – SC or FC, APC or UPC – For EXFO MAX-730D & MAX-715D,FTB-720D & 730D
The EXFO GP-3207 and GP-3208 are OEM Swap-Out Connectors for the EXFO MaxTester 700D OTDR series, including the MAX-730D and MAX-715D. Unlike traditional fixed OTDR optical ports, the MaxTester 700D’s Swap-Out connector system allows field technicians to replace the OTDR’s optical connector directly in the field — without sending the unit to a service centre — in seconds. This eliminates costly downtime and service centre turnaround time when the OTDR connector becomes worn or contaminated.
Advantage: the Swap-Out connector design enables iOLM support for both APC and UPC optical connectors. The internal connector is always APC, and always iOLM-compatible.
Note: UPC Swap-Out connectors will need to be replaced more often than APC Swap-Out connectors.
OX1 Click-Out connectors are NOT compatible with OTDRs. 700D OTDR Swap-Out connectors are NOT compatible with OX1
Available in four configurations to match your fiber network’s connector type: SC/APC, SC/UPC, FC/APC, and FC/UPC.
Part Numbers & Connector Configurations
| Part Number | Connector Type | Polish Type |
|---|---|---|
| GP-3207 | SC | APC (8° angled) or UPC |
| GP-3208 | FC | APC (8° angled) or UPC |
Available configurations: SC/APC • SC/UPC • FC/APC • FC/UPC
Please select the correct connector type (SC or FC) and polish type (APC or UPC) to match your fiber network when ordering. If unsure, contact us before ordering.
Compatible EXFO OTDR Models
| Series | Compatible Models |
|---|---|
| EXFO 700D Series OTDRs | MAX-715D, MAX-720D, MAX-730D,ftb-720D,FTB-730D. |
The Swap-Out Connector system is specific to the EXFO MaxTester 700D series. It is not compatible with older MAX-715B, MAX-720B, or FTB-series OTDRs, which use the EUI-series adapter system. If you have an older EXFO OTDR model, please see our EXFO EUI-91 SC adapter listing.
Key Features & Benefits
- Field-Replaceable Without Service Centre: The MaxTester 700D’s Swap-Out connector system allows the optical connector to be replaced directly in the field in seconds — no tools, no service centre, no downtime. This is a key design advantage of the 700D series over earlier EXFO OTDR platforms.
- EXFO Part (GP-3207 / GP-3208): Genuine specified replacement connector — ensures correct optical alignment, insertion loss, and return loss performance to EXFO’s factory specification.
- Onboard Connector Health Diagnostic: The MaxTester 700D includes an onboard optical connector health diagnostic tool that checks the connector’s condition and alerts the technician only when replacement is actually needed — preventing unnecessary replacements.
- Four Connector Configurations: SC/APC, SC/UPC, FC/APC, and FC/UPC — covering the most common connector types in FTTH, PON, telecom OSP, and enterprise fiber networks.
- Maintains Optimal OTDR Performance: A worn or contaminated OTDR connector increases the launch dead zone and introduces measurement errors. Replacing with a new Swap-Out connector restores the OTDR’s specified dead zone and dynamic range performance.
- Compact & Easy to Carry: Carry a spare Swap-Out connector in your OTDR case to replace a damaged connector immediately on site — no job site delays.
What Is an EXFO Swap-Out Connector and How Does It Work?
Traditional OTDR optical ports use a fixed adapter interface (such as the EUI-series on older EXFO models) that requires a service centre visit to replace when worn. The EXFO MaxTester 700D Swap-Out Connector is a field-replaceable optical interface module that snaps directly onto the OTDR’s optical port. To replace it:
- Use the OTDR’s onboard connector health diagnostic to confirm replacement is needed
- Twist and remove the worn Swap-Out connector from the OTDR port
- Snap in the new GP-3207 (SC) or GP-3208 (FC) Swap-Out connector
- The OTDR is immediately ready for use — no calibration or service required
The entire process takes under one minute in the field, eliminating the need to ship the OTDR to a service centre and wait days or weeks for repair.
APC vs. UPC: Which Connector Polish Do You Need?
| Polish Type | End-Face Angle | Typical Return Loss | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| APC (Angled Physical Contact) | 8° angled | >60dB | FTTH / PON networks, CATV, long-haul telecom — where high return loss is required to prevent reflections from affecting laser sources |
| UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) | 0° flat | >50dB | Enterprise fiber, data centers, telecom OSP — general-purpose singlemode fiber testing |
Important: APC and UPC connectors are not interchangeable. Mating an APC connector with a UPC connector will damage both connector end-faces and produce very high insertion loss. Always match the Swap-Out connector polish type to your fiber network’s connector type.
When to Replace Your EXFO OTDR Swap-Out Connector
- The OTDR’s onboard connector health diagnostic indicates the connector needs replacement
- OTDR traces show unusually high launch reflectance or an extended dead zone at the near end
- Insertion loss measurements are inconsistent or higher than expected on known-good fiber links
- The connector end-face is visibly scratched, chipped, or contaminated and cannot be restored by cleaning
- Preventive replacement after high-volume field use to maintain consistent measurement accuracy
Ideal Applications
- FTTH / PON network testing — SC/APC is the standard connector in FTTH OLT and ONT equipment; the GP-3207 SC/APC enables direct OTDR testing of FTTH drop fibers
- Telecom OSP fiber characterization — insertion loss, return loss, and fiber length measurement on SC or FC terminated outside plant cables
- Enterprise and data center fiber testing — OTDR testing of SC or FC terminated structured cabling and backbone fiber
- Field maintenance and connector replacement — restoring EXFO MAX-730D or MAX-715D OTDR performance after connector wear or damage without service centre downtime
- Field spare — carrying a spare Swap-Out connector prevents job site delays caused by a damaged OTDR connector
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the EXFO Swap-Out Connector?
A: The EXFO Swap-Out Connector (GP-3207 for SC, GP-3208 for FC) is a field-replaceable optical connector module for the EXFO MaxTester 700D OTDR series (MAX-715D, MAX-730D). It allows technicians to replace the OTDR’s optical connector in the field in seconds, without sending the unit to a service centre.
Q: What is the difference between GP-3207 and GP-3208?
A: The GP-3207 is the SC connector version (available in APC or UPC), and the GP-3208 is the FC connector version (available in APC or UPC). Select the part number that matches your fiber network’s connector type.
Q: Which EXFO OTDR models are compatible with the Swap-Out Connector?
A: The Swap-Out Connector system is designed for the EXFO MaxTester 700D series: MAX-715D and MAX-730D. It is not compatible with older EXFO OTDR models such as the MAX-715B, MAX-720B, MAX-730, or FTB-series, which use the EUI-series adapter system.
Q: Should I choose APC or UPC?
A: Choose APC if your fiber network uses green SC/APC or FC/APC connectors — common in FTTH, PON, and CATV networks. Choose UPC if your network uses blue SC/UPC or FC/UPC connectors — common in enterprise, data center, and general telecom OSP applications. APC and UPC connectors are not interchangeable — always match the polish type to your network.
Q: Can I replace the Swap-Out Connector myself in the field?
A: Yes. The Swap-Out Connector is designed for field replacement without tools or service centre support. Simply twist off the worn connector and snap in the new one. The OTDR is immediately ready for use — no calibration required.
Q: How do I know when to replace the Swap-Out Connector?
A: The EXFO MaxTester 700D includes an onboard connector health diagnostic tool that checks the connector’s optical condition and alerts you when replacement is needed. You can also replace it if OTDR traces show high launch reflectance, extended dead zones, or inconsistent loss measurements.
Q: How many connectors come in one package?
A: Each package contains one (1) Swap-Out Connector. For bulk or B2B orders, contact us at info@splicermarket.com for volume pricing.
Package Contents
- EXFO Swap-Out Connector (GP-3207 SC or GP-3208 FC, APC or UPC) ×1