500m OTDR Fiber Ring Dead Zone Eliminator – OTDR Launch Cable Box | G652D | SC / FC / LC / ST | UPC & APC
The 500m OTDR Fiber Ring Dead Zone Eliminator is a compact fiber optic launch cable assembly — also known as an OTDR pulse suppressor, OTDR delay line box, or OTDR launch cable box — containing 500 meters of G652D singlemode fiber wound on a compact fiber ring spool inside a ruggedized, IP54-rated hard-shell case. It connects between the OTDR and the fiber link under test to eliminate the OTDR’s near-end dead zone, enabling accurate measurement of insertion loss and reflectance at the first connector of the link.
The fiber ring format winds the fiber in a compact ring configuration inside the case, minimizing the overall footprint while maintaining the full 500m of launch fiber needed to push the OTDR’s dead zone away from the beginning of the link under test. Available with SC, FC, LC, and ST connectors in both UPC and APC polish.
What Is an OTDR Dead Zone Eliminator?
An OTDR dead zone eliminator (also called an OTDR launch cable box, OTDR pulse suppressor, or OTDR delay line) solves one of the most fundamental limitations of OTDR testing: the near-end dead zone. Every OTDR has a blind region at the beginning of its trace caused by the recovery time of the receiver after the high-power launch pulse. During this dead zone, the OTDR cannot accurately measure events on the fiber. The dead zone has two components:
- Event Dead Zone (EDZ): The minimum distance after a reflective event before the OTDR can detect another event — typically 1–5 meters for modern OTDRs
- Attenuation Dead Zone (ADZ): The minimum distance after a reflective event before the OTDR can accurately measure loss — typically 10–80 meters at short pulse widths
By inserting this 500m fiber ring between the OTDR and the link under test, the dead zone is pushed 500 meters into the launch fiber — well before the first connector of the actual link — allowing the OTDR to accurately measure near-end connector loss, first splice loss, and faults near the launch end of the fiber.
Key Features
- 500m G652D Singlemode Fiber: ITU-T G652.D compliant singlemode fiber — the standard fiber type for FTTH, telecom OSP, and long-haul applications
- Compact Fiber Ring Design: Fiber is wound in a compact ring configuration inside the case — minimizes footprint while accommodating 500m of launch fiber. More portable than traditional drum-wound launch cables
- Non-Metal Construction: SR Polypropylene case will not dent, corrode, or conduct electricity — safe for use in all field environments including near energized equipment
- IP54 Ruggedized Hard-Shell Case: Water and dust resistant — suitable for indoor and outdoor use across a wide temperature range (-40°C to +85°C)
- Compound Latch with Locking Feature: Positive seal for secure closure in field environments, with easy one-hand opening
- Auto-Purge Valve: Prevents pressure buildup inside the sealed case during altitude and temperature changes — maintains case integrity in outdoor and aerial environments
- Robust Carabiner Clip: Clip to a belt, ladder, or equipment rack during testing — keeps both hands free
- SC / FC / LC / ST Connectors, UPC & APC: Available in the most common singlemode connector types and polish types
- 2-Meter Lead Cables: 3mm buffer lead cables on both ends for strain relief and easy connection
- Multi-Purpose: Functions as OTDR pulse suppressor, launch box, delay line, and receive cable for installation, testing, training, and calibration applications
Fiber & Connector Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fiber Types | G652D, G657A, OM1, OM3, OM4 |
| Fiber Length | 500m |
| Lead Length | 2 meters, 3mm buffer |
| Typical Loss | <1dB @ 1310nm (500m) |
| Connector Types | SC, FC, LC, ST |
| Polish Types | UPC, APC, PC |
| Return Loss (UPC) | ≥50dB |
| Return Loss (APC) | ≥60dB |
| Return Loss (PC) | ≥35dB |
| Repeatability | ≤0.2dB (1,000 mating cycles) |
| Exchangeability | ≤0.2dB |
Mechanical & Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Dimensions | 238mm × 141mm × 67mm (9.37" × 5.56" × 2.62") |
| Case Material | SR Polypropylene (non-metal) |
| Case Color | Yellow |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Weight (without fiber) | 0.75kg |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Humidity | 0 to 95%, non-condensing |
500m vs. 1000m vs. 2000m: Which Launch Cable Length Do You Need?
| Length | Best For | Dead Zone Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 500m (this listing) | FTTH drop fiber, short-range testing, OTDRs at short pulse widths (<100ns) | Covers EDZ & ADZ for most modern OTDRs at short pulse widths |
| 1000m | FTTH feeder fiber, telecom OSP testing, medium pulse widths (100ns–500ns) | Covers ADZ for most OTDRs at medium pulse widths |
| 2000m | Long-haul testing, long pulse widths (>1µs), maximum dead zone coverage | Covers ADZ for all OTDRs including long pulse width models |
We also stock 1000m and 2000m OTDR launch cable boxes and fiber ring boxes — see our related listings.
Ideal Applications
- OTDR pulse suppression — suppressing the initial launch pulse reflection to eliminate the near-end dead zone and enable accurate near-end connector measurement
- FTTH drop fiber testing — OTDR characterization of short FTTH drop cables from the splitter to the ONT using modern handheld OTDRs at short pulse widths
- Field installation and commissioning — verifying fiber link quality during FTTH, telecom OSP, and enterprise fiber installation
- OTDR calibration and training — providing a known length of fiber for OTDR calibration checks and technician training on OTDR trace interpretation
- Bidirectional OTDR testing — used as both a launch cable (near end) and a receive cable (far end) for bidirectional OTDR measurements per IEC 61280-4-1 and TIA-568
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between an OTDR dead zone eliminator, OTDR launch cable box, and OTDR pulse suppressor?
A: These are all names for the same type of product — a fiber optic cable assembly connected between the OTDR and the fiber link under test to push the OTDR’s dead zone away from the beginning of the link. Other common names include OTDR delay line box, OTDR fiber ring, and OTDR launch fiber box. This product is known by all of these names in the industry.
Q: What is the fiber ring design and how does it differ from a standard launch cable box?
A: In a fiber ring design, the launch fiber is wound in a compact ring configuration on a spool inside the case, rather than being wound on a larger drum. The fiber ring format results in a more compact and portable case footprint while accommodating the same length of launch fiber. Both designs perform the same function — eliminating the OTDR dead zone.
Q: Is 500m enough dead zone coverage for my OTDR?
A: A 500m launch cable is sufficient for OTDRs operating at short pulse widths (<100ns), where the attenuation dead zone is typically less than 50–100 meters. For OTDRs using medium pulse widths (100ns–500ns), a 1000m launch cable is recommended. For long-haul testing with long pulse widths (>1µs), use a 2000m launch cable.
Q: What connector type and polish should I choose?
A: Choose the connector type (SC, FC, LC, or ST) that matches your OTDR’s optical port and the fiber link under test. Choose APC (green, 8° angled) for FTTH and PON networks. Choose UPC (blue) for standard telecom and enterprise fiber. APC and UPC connectors are not interchangeable.
Q: Can I use this as a receive cable for bidirectional OTDR testing?
A: Yes. Connect one unit at the near end (as a launch cable) and a second unit at the far end (as a receive cable) for bidirectional OTDR measurements required by IEC 61280-4-1 and TIA-568 fiber acceptance standards.
Q: Is the case suitable for outdoor use?
A: Yes. The case is IP54 rated, non-metal (will not corrode), and rated for -40°C to +85°C operating temperature. The auto-purge valve handles pressure changes at altitude. Suitable for aerial, underground, and in-building fiber testing environments.
Q: For support or bulk orders?
A: Contact us at info@splicermarket.com for B2B pricing, volume orders, or technical support.
Package Contents
- 500m OTDR Fiber Ring Dead Zone Eliminator / Launch Cable Box (G652D fiber, selected connector type and polish) ×1