Fluke Electronics Canada of Mississauga, Ont. has launched the FT300 FibreInspector Video Microscope, which is designed to quickly inspect installed fibre terminations in patch panels, hardware devices and test equipment without the need to access the backside of panels or to disassemble hardware devices before inspection. The FT300 has a handheld 2.5-inch LCD display unit and a small, lightweight probe, which is capable of hands-free operation. The probe contains an LED light source and CCD video camera. When the probe’s tip contacts a bulkhead adapter, it projects an image of microscopic debris and end-face damage. The video display lets users view a fibre end-face without looking directly into the fibre, eliminating harmful infrared light from reaching the eye. Users who register the FT300 will receive a free 224-page Fibre Optic Reference Guide and ToolPak Hanging Kit. Compatible with standard ST, SC and FC connectors, the FT300 is available for $5,600 from Fluke sales channel partners.
High Tower Software of Irvine, Calif. has released a network management version of its TowerView software tool, which is used to streamline the detection of network performance problems. TowerView NOC (Network Operating Centres) helps operators immediately specifically diagnose performance problems and dispatch network engineers in real time. According to High Tower, the software is designed to give an instantaneous overview of all network architecture variables. Using data display technology known as CyberGrid, TowerView NOC gives operators visual access to a 3-D representation of active or passive network components. The software has a series of four colour-coded alarm notifications, ranging from a simple advisory to high-level, point-of-no-return warnings.