COMWAY MAX-600-M3 TRI-WAVE PON OTDR - 1310/1550/1625nm

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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-M3 PON TRI-WAVE OTDR - 1310/1550/1625nm is a specialized triple-wavelength (1310/1550/1625nm) PON OTDR featuring an elevated 39/38/38dB dynamic range.

The definitive differentiator of the M3 variant is its dedicated filtered 1625nm port. This architectural addition transitions the device from a standard "dark fiber" installation tool into a dedicated maintenance instrument optimized for in-service troubleshooting and PON/FTTH network management.

The ideal applications for the MAX-600-M3 include:

1. In-Service (Live Fiber) Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• The Challenge: Finding a fault on an active network usually requires disconnecting subscribers, causing costly downtime and violating Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• The M3 Application: The M3's 1625nm live wavelength operates outside the standard transmission bands used by commercial traffic (GPON/EPON typically uses 1310/1490nm, and video uses 1550nm). Built-in bandpass filters block active traffic from frying the OTDR receiver, allowing field technicians to shoot traces on a live network to pinpoint fiber breaks, macro-bends, or degradation without causing any service interruption to active customers.

2. End-to-End FTTH/PON Testing Through High-Ratio Splitters

• The Challenge: Standard OTDRs lack the dynamic range to punch through cascading optical splitters (1:32 or 1:64) found in passive optical networks.

• The M3 Application: With a 39dB/38dB dynamic range, the M3 provides the high optical power required to punch through the heavy insertion loss of splitters from the subscriber premises back to the Central Office (CO), charting the complete trace topology cleanly.

3. Precision Macro-bend and Stress Identification

• The Challenge: Micro-bends and macro-bends (tightly bent fiber cables causing attenuation) are sometimes hard to distinguish from a bad splice when using only a standard 1310nm or 1550nm wavelength.

• The M3 Application: By comparing attenuation across three wavelengths (1310nm vs. 1550nm vs. 1625nm), technicians can instantly identify stress bends. Because macro-bend loss increases exponentially at higher wavelengths, a massive drop-off at 1625nm relative to 1310nm cleanly isolates physical cable pinching or poor bend radiuses.

4. High-Density Distribution Loop & Drop Cable Mapping

• The Challenge: Central Office frames, Fiber Distribution Hubs (FDHs), and street cabinets have extremely tight cable configurations where connectors are spaced closely together.

• The M3 Application: Despite its high power output, the M3 retains an ultra-short ≤0.8m event dead zone and a 4.0m attenuation dead zone. This enables highly precise mapping of the drop fiber loop right up to the customer demarcation point, avoiding the blind spots common to high-power long-haul instruments.

📊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: 1310/1550nm + Live 1625nm — Test active PON networks without service interruption.
• Dynamic Range: 39/38dB (1310/1550nm) | 38dB (1625nm) — Covers long-haul and access network distances.
• Minimum 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 / 1550nm / 1625nm (live)
• Dynamic Range: 39/38dB (1310/1550) | 38dB (1625)
• Event Dead Zone: ≤ 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

🏗️ Ideal Applications:

1. In-Service (Live Fiber) Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• The Application: Pinpointing faults on an active network without disconnecting subscribers.

• Why the M3 is Ideal: Standard testing wavelengths (1310/1550nm) will disrupt active customer traffic and can damage a standard OTDR receiver. The M3’s dedicated 1625 nm port operates out-of-band from standard GPON/EPON data traffic (which typically runs at 1310/1490nm). Internal bandpass filters isolate the test signal, allowing field technicians to safely shoot traces on a live network to locate macro-bends or fiber breaks without causing a single second of subscriber downtime.

2. High-Loss PON Splitter Penetration (FTTH Rollouts)

• The Application: End-to-end link characterization from the subscriber drop cable back to the Central Office (CO).

• Why the M3 is Ideal: Optical splitters ($1:32$ or $1:64$) introduce massive signal attenuation (insertion loss) that blinds standard OTDRs. Backed by a high 39 dB dynamic range, the M3 has the optical "punching power" required to penetrate these splitters, capturing clear, high-resolution trace topology across the entire passive optical network.

3. Rapid Macro-bend (Cable Pinch) Detection

• The Application: Distinguishing between a poorly made fusion splice and a physical bend radius issue in a congested enclosure.

• Why the M3 is Ideal: Fiber optic bend loss increases exponentially at higher wavelengths. By comparing the attenuation data of a suspicious event across all three wavelengths (1310 nm vs. 1550 nm vs. 1625 nm), the M3 instantly isolates physical stress points. A major drop-off exclusively at 1625 nm tells the technician the cable is pinched, saving hours of unnecessary re-splicing work.

4. High-Density Distribution Hub Mapping

• The Application: Troubleshooting crowded Fiber Distribution Hubs (FDHs), Central Offices, and street cabinets.

• Why the M3 is Ideal: Despite its high-power laser, the M3 maintains a tight ≤0.8m Event Dead Zone and a 4.0 m Attenuation Dead Zone. This allows it to cleanly isolate closely spaced connectors, patches, and pigtails right at the launch point or near the customer demarcation box without suffering from the "blind spots" common to long-haul testing equipment.

Summary Checklist for Shopify Buyers:

Choose the MAX-600-M3 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-M3 support?
A: The MAX-600-M3 supports 1310nm, 1550nm, and live 1625nm wavelengths, allowing you to test active PON networks at 1625nm without disrupting live traffic on 1490/1550nm.

Q2: What is the dynamic range of the MAX-600-M3 and what distance can it test?
A: With a dynamic range of 39/38dB at 1310/1550nm, the MAX-600-M3 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-M3 can identify closely spaced splices and connectors that lower-spec OTDRs would miss.

Q4: Can the MAX-600-M3 test live PON networks?
A: Yes. The 1625nm live fibre testing wavelength allows you to perform OTDR measurements on active GPON/EPON networks without interrupting customer services.

Q5: What connector types are available for the MAX-600-M3?
A: Available in SC/APC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, and FC/UPC — select your preferred connector type at checkout.

Q6: Does the MAX-600-M3 include a power meter and VFL?
A: Yes. The MAX-600-M3 includes built-in VFL (Visual Fault Locator), optical power meter (OPM), and light source. An optional fibre inspection probe is also available.

☑️ Comparison Chart: