COMWAY MAX-600-M3S PON TRI-WAVE OTDR - 1310/1490/1550nm

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(Note: Typical delivery time is 2 to 4 weeks from order,
Standard OTDR Port is SC/APC, contact us for a different configuration)

The COMWAY MAX-600-M3S is a specialized, triple-wavelength single-mode PON OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) with a dynamic range of 39 37/37dB, operating at the core telecom frequencies of 1310/1490/1550 nm. Engineered into a rugged, 1.0 kg handheld form factor, the M3S is designed specifically for full-lifecycle qualification, end-to-end commissioning, and structural troubleshooting of Passive Optical Networks (PON) and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) architectures.

Equipped with a vivid 7-inch outdoor-enhanced touchscreen, the platform bridges the gap between high-tier laboratory precision and field-ready durability. With an ultra-short event dead zone of ≤ 0.8m and an optimized attenuation dead zone, the MAX-600-M3S provides high-resolution data capture across short drop loops, localized distribution hubs, and metro links spanning up to 150 km.

Core Technical Specifications:

• Test Wavelengths: 1310nm/1490nm/1550nm (± 20\nm)

• Dynamic Range: High-penetration 39 37/37dB performance profile

• Dead Zone Precision: ≤ 0.8m Event Dead Zone (EDZ); ≤ 4.0m Attenuation Dead Zone (ADZ)

• Measurement Ranges: Selectable from 100m up to a 280km structural limit

• Integrated Test Suite: Standard-equipped with Map Link (iLOA) icon-based link analysis software, Visual Fault Locator (VFL), Optical Power Meter (OPM), and Stabilized Laser Source (SLS).

• Power Footprint: High-capacity internal Lithium-ion battery providing up to 12 hours of continuous field operation.

Ideal Applications:

Unlike modules featuring out-of-band maintenance wavelengths (like 1625nm or 1650nm), the M3S is the ultimate "dark fiber" installation and tier-2 commissioning instrument. By matching the precise transmission wavelengths used by active hardware, its ideal applications include:

1. End-to-End GPON/EPON Link Commissioning

• The Application: Full physical-layer verification of newly deployed passive optical networks before the active network hardware (OLTs and ONUs) is powered on.

• Why the M3S is Ideal: Passive networks operate exactly on the 1310nm (upstream), 1490nm (downstream), and 1550nm (RF video/downstream) wavelengths. By testing at these identical frequencies, the M3S ensures that the physical fiber infrastructure behaves perfectly under real-world operating wavelengths. Backed by a 39dB dynamic range, it easily punches through high-ratio 1:32 or 1:64 splitters to map the entire network topology from the central office to the subscriber terminal.

2. Tier-2 Structural Certification and Splitter Auditing

• The Application: Generating comprehensive, standard-compliant (Telcordia .SOR) certification reports for network acceptance and contract sign-off.

• Why the M3S is Ideal: Integrated iLOA (Intelligent Optical Link Analyzer) software automatically shoots multiple pulse widths to map every element of the PON network. It accurately measures the insertion loss of splitters, reflective properties of mechanical/fusion splices, and connector health, displaying them as a simple, color-coded map of icons rather than a confusing wave graph.

3. Wavelength-Specific Macro-bend (Stress) Profiling

• The Application: Identifying physical cable pinching, tight storage tray radiuses, or environmental stress inside splice enclosures.

• Why the M3S is Ideal: Bending loss behaves differently across the light spectrum. By analyzing and comparing the attenuation coefficients across all three wavelengths (1310nm vs. 1490nm vs. 1550nm), the M3S allows technicians to immediately isolate physical macro-bends from poor-quality fusion splices. If loss jumps dramatically at 1550nm compared to 1310nm, a physical bend is confirmed.

4. High-Density Distribution Frame & Drop Loop Troubleshooting

• The Application: Isolating faults within congested Fiber Distribution Hubs (FDHs), local street cabinets, and tight MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit) termination boxes.

• Why the M3S is Ideal: The combination of a massive 39dB dynamic range with an ultra-short ≤ 0.8m Event Dead Zone means the M3S can accurately differentiate between closely spaced patches, pigtails, and connectors near the launch point without falling victim to the wide "blind spots" that cripple traditional long-haul OTDRs.

📊What is iLOA?

iLOA (Intelligent Optical Link Analyzer) is an automated software tool that removes the complexity from fiber optic testing. Instead of requiring a technician to manually configure settings and interpret a complex, jagged trace graph, iLOA does all the heavy lifting automatically.

📠How It Works & Benefits:

• Multi-Pulse Automation: It automatically shoots multiple different pulse widths down the fiber and fuses the data together, capturing both close-up connectors and long-distance faults with perfect clarity.

• Icon-Based Mapping: It translates the confusing raw waveform data into a simple, linear map using clear icons for splices, splitters, connectors, and macro-bends.

• Instant Pass/Fail Diagnosis: Elements are color-coded (Green for Pass, Red for Fail). Technicians can see exactly what the problem is and its precise distance in seconds.

The Bottom Line: iLOA eliminates human error and bridges the skills gap, allowing field technicians of any experience level to troubleshoot FTTH and metro networks rapidly and flawlessly.

🗝️ Key Features:

• Triple-Wavelength Telecom Optimization: Tests across the three primary network deployment frequencies (1310nm/1490nm/1550nm). The MAX-600-M3S is not suitable to test live networks.
• High-Power 36/34/32dB Dynamic Range: Provides the necessary "punching power" to navigate past high-insertion-loss network elements, allowing full trace captures up to 130+ km.
• Ultra Short Event Dead Zone: ≤ 0.8m — Detect closely spaced events with precision.
• 7-Inch Full Touchscreen — Large, clear display for easy trace analysis.
• 12-Hour Operating Time — Full-day testing without recharging.
• Built-in VFL, OPM & Light Source — All-in-one fiber test solution.
• Optional Fiber Inspection Probe — Connector end-face inspection on the same device.
• Tablet-Inspired UI/UX — Intuitive, professional interface
• Available in SC/APC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, FC/UPC.

📏 Technical Specifications

• Wavelengths: 1310nm/1490nm/1550nm.
• Dynamic Range: 36/34/32dB (High-penetration layout optimized for PON architectures).
• Event Dead Zone: SM: ≤ 0.8m, MM: ≤ 0.8m.
• Display: 7-inch Full Touchscreen.
• Battery Life: 12 hours.
• Additional Functions: VFL, OPM, Light Source, Fiber Inspection Probe (optional).
• Connector Options: SC/APC standard | FC/APC | SC/UPC | FC/UPC.

☑️The Crucial Application Differences: 

• Choose the M3 (1625nm) for everyday live maintenance on legacy GPON/EPON lines.

• Choose the M3A (1650nm) if you are contracted for active 10G / XGS-PON maintenance with zero-downtime tolerance.

• Choose the M3S (1490nm) if your crews focus on building, installing, and certifying fresh, inactive FTTH networks.

🪝The Big Catch: It is NOT for Active Networks:

Because the M3S has a lower dynamic range on its 1625nm wavelength (32dB), it does not have a high-power, isolated filter for testing live, busy networks.

• The M3S is ideal for: Splicing crews, contractors, and construction teams building and certifying new or inactive PON infrastructure.

• If you need to test live networks: If you need to plug into a live fiber line that is actively transmitting data to customers, you should step up to the premium MAX-600-M3 (39/38/38dB) or M3A, which feature dedicated high-power filtering to prevent service interruptions.

📒Summary Checklist for Shopify Buyers:

Choose the MAX-600-M3S if your team handles active telecom network maintenance, manages SLA-driven fiber links where downtime is penalized, or regularly deploys FTTH networks utilizing high-ratio splitters.

 

❓ FAQ

Q1: What wavelengths does the COMWAY MAX-600-M3S support?
A: The MAX-600-M3S supports 1310nm, 1490nm, and live 1550nm wavelengths. The MAX-600-M3S is not suitable for live testing.

Q2: What is the dynamic range of the MAX-600-M3S and what distance can it test?
A: With a dynamic range of 39/38dB at 1310/1550nm, the MAX-600-M3S can test fiber spans of up to 130km+ depending on fibre quality and splice loss, covering both access and long-haul network segments.

Q3: What is an event dead zone and why does 0.8m matter?
A: The event dead zone is the minimum distance after a reflective event (like a connector) where the OTDR can detect another event. At ≤ 0.8m, the MAX-600-M3S can identify closely spaced splices and connectors that lower-spec OTDRs would miss.

Q4: What connector types are available for the MAX-600-M3S?
A: Available in SC/APC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, and FC/UPC — specify your preferred connector type at checkout.

Q5: Does the MAX-600-M3S include a power meter and VFL?
A: Yes. The MAX-600-M3S includes built-in VFL (Visual Fault Locator), optical power meter (OPM), and light source. An optional fibre inspection probe is also available.

☑️ Comparison Chart: