AFL Optical Port Saver Field-Replaceable OTDR Connector
AFL Optical Port Saver Field-Replaceable OTDR Connector helps protect factory-installed OTDR ferrules from repeated mating, contamination, damaged launch cables, and normal wear. Compatible with selected FlexScan FS200 and FS300 OTDRs and the TS100 Troubleshooter, it supports APC and UPC configurations for single-mode and multimode ports. Damaged Port Savers can be replaced in the field without returning the instrument for connector service. Available from Simbol Test Systems, an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL and Fujikura products.
Download AFL Optical Port Saver Specification SheetAFL Optical Port Saver Field-Replaceable OTDR Connector
The AFL Optical Port Saver is a field-replaceable connector designed to protect the factory-installed ferrule in compatible AFL FlexScan Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers and troubleshooting instruments. It creates a replaceable connection point between the test instrument and frequently mated launch cables, patch cords, and connector adapters.
OTDR ports are exposed to repeated connector mating during daily testing. Dirty, worn, or damaged test cables can contaminate or damage the instrument’s factory-installed ferrule. Normal wear can also degrade the connector end-face over time. Repairing a damaged internal OTDR connector may require the instrument to be removed from service and returned to a service facility.
The Optical Port Saver helps reduce this risk by placing a field-replaceable connector in front of the instrument port. If its end-face becomes damaged or worn, the Port Saver can be removed and replaced without replacing the internal OTDR ferrule.
Protect Compatible AFL FlexScan OTDR Ports
The AFL Optical Port Saver is designed for selected FlexScan FS200 and FS300 OTDRs and the FlexScan TS100 FTTH PON Troubleshooter. It installs onto the compatible instrument port and accepts AFL tool-free interchangeable connector adapters.
- Protects the factory ferrule: Reduces direct wear on the connector installed inside the test instrument.
- Field-replaceable design: Allows a worn or damaged Port Saver to be replaced without returning the OTDR for connector replacement.
- APC and UPC configurations: Supports matching configurations and conversions between APC and UPC interfaces.
- Single-mode and multimode options: Available for compatible single-mode and 50 µm multimode OTDR ports.
- Interchangeable adapter support: Accepts compatible AFL FlexScan 2900-50 Series SC, LC, FC, and ST connector adapters.
- Fast installation: Designed for quick installation and replacement in the field.
- Reduced instrument downtime: Helps avoid removing the OTDR from service when only the replaceable connector is damaged.
- Practical maintenance accessory: Supports technicians who frequently connect launch cables and test jumpers to their instruments.
Field Replacement Without Internal Connector Service
When a conventional factory-installed OTDR ferrule becomes damaged, the repair may require specialized service, equipment shipping, and extended instrument downtime. The Optical Port Saver provides a replaceable interface that can absorb the wear associated with repeated connector mating.
If contamination or poor connector-cleaning practices damage the replaceable end-face, the technician can install another compatible Port Saver in the field. AFL indicates that replacement can be completed in approximately two minutes, allowing the instrument to return to testing without waiting for internal connector service.
The Port Saver does not eliminate the need for proper connector inspection and cleaning. Launch cables, patch cords, adapter interfaces, and the Port Saver itself should be inspected and cleaned before mating. A contaminated connector may transfer debris to other optical interfaces and affect test results.
APC and UPC Conversion Options
The AFL Optical Port Saver is offered in several connector configurations for compatible FlexScan-facing ports. Single-mode models support APC-to-APC, APC-to-UPC, UPC-to-APC, and UPC-to-UPC arrangements.
This provides a practical method for converting between APC and UPC interfaces while protecting the instrument’s original ferrule. The selected model must match the connector polish presented by the instrument and the required male interface.
A separate UPC-to-UPC model is available for compatible 50 µm multimode applications. Connector polish, fiber type, instrument port, and adapter requirements must be confirmed before ordering.
Interchangeable SC, LC, FC, and ST Adapters
The Port Saver accepts compatible AFL FlexScan 2900-50 Series connector adapters. Available adapter formats include SC, LC, FC, and ST, allowing technicians to configure the instrument for common connector styles.
The connector adapter is installed on the Port Saver rather than directly on the factory ferrule. This arrangement combines the flexibility of interchangeable adapters with an additional replaceable interface protecting the instrument.
Adding the Port Saver raises the connector-adapter height by approximately 16 mm. The additional height should be considered when installing the instrument in a case, test station, or other space-constrained configuration.
Applications for the AFL Optical Port Saver
The AFL Optical Port Saver is suitable for technicians and organizations that regularly use compatible AFL FlexScan test equipment. Typical applications include:
- Protecting OTDR ferrules against repeated connector mating
- Reducing wear caused by frequent launch-cable changes
- Protecting ports from contaminated or damaged patch cords
- Replacing a damaged external connector in the field
- Converting between compatible APC and UPC interfaces
- Configuring compatible instruments for SC, LC, FC, or ST connectors
- Maintaining field test equipment for telecom, FTTH, data center, and enterprise networks
- Reducing downtime associated with internal OTDR connector repair
Why Buy the AFL Optical Port Saver from Simbol Test Systems?
Simbol Test Systems supplies professional OTDRs, optical troubleshooting instruments, field-replaceable connectors, launch cables, connector adapters, inspection systems, and fiber optic cleaning products. As an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL and Fujikura products, we support customers with product selection, calibration, repair, maintenance, and technical service.
Selecting the correct Port Saver requires confirmation of the instrument model, fiber type, FlexScan-facing polish, required output polish, and interchangeable connector adapter. Simbol Test Systems can help identify the appropriate configuration for compatible AFL FlexScan test equipment.
AFL Optical Port Saver Specifications
| Brand | AFL |
| Product Name | AFL Optical Port Saver |
| Product Type | Field-replaceable OTDR connector |
| Primary Function | Protects the factory-installed OTDR ferrule from mating wear and connector damage |
| Compatible Instrument Families | Selected AFL FlexScan FS200 and FS300 OTDRs and FlexScan TS100 Troubleshooter |
| Fiber Options | Single-mode and 50 µm multimode, depending on model |
| Polish Options | APC and UPC configurations |
| Insertion Loss | 0.75 dB maximum |
| APC-to-APC Reflectance | -55 dB or lower |
| Other Configuration Reflectance | -45 dB or lower |
| Connector Adapter Compatibility | Compatible FlexScan 2900-50 Series SC, LC, FC, and ST adapters |
| Installed Height Increase | Raises the connector-adapter height by approximately 16 mm |
| Replacement Method | Field replaceable |
AFL Optical Port Saver Ordering Information
| Configuration | Fiber Type | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|
| FlexScan-facing APC female to APC male Port Saver | Single-mode | 2900-58-0001MR |
| FlexScan-facing APC female to UPC male Port Saver | Single-mode | 2900-58-0002MR |
| FlexScan-facing UPC female to APC male Port Saver | Single-mode | 2900-58-0003MR |
| FlexScan-facing UPC female to UPC male Port Saver | Single-mode | 2900-58-0004MR |
| FlexScan-facing UPC female to UPC male Port Saver | 50 µm multimode | 2900-58-0014MR |
AFL Optical Port Saver Selection Guide
| Instrument-Side Polish | Required Output Polish | Fiber Type | Recommended AFL No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| APC | APC | Single-mode | 2900-58-0001MR |
| APC | UPC | Single-mode | 2900-58-0002MR |
| UPC | APC | Single-mode | 2900-58-0003MR |
| UPC | UPC | Single-mode | 2900-58-0004MR |
| UPC | UPC | 50 µm multimode | 2900-58-0014MR |
Connector Inspection and Cleaning
Inspect and clean the Port Saver, launch cable, patch cord, and interchangeable adapter before making an optical connection. Do not mate a visibly contaminated or damaged connector to the Port Saver.
If the replaceable end-face becomes worn or damaged, install a compatible replacement rather than continuing to use a degraded connector. Connector cleanliness and condition can affect optical loss, reflectance, and OTDR measurement quality.
Professional Support and Availability
Before ordering, confirm the AFL test instrument, factory-port polish, required output polish, fiber type, and desired SC, LC, FC, or ST adapter. The Port Saver must be selected according to the complete optical interface configuration.
Contact Simbol Test Systems for AFL Optical Port Saver availability, configuration assistance, compatible FlexScan adapters, connector inspection products, cleaning supplies, OTDR calibration, repair, maintenance, or technical support.