The Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout Fibre Fault Locator measures singlemode fibre length and identifies the distance to detected faults using the OTDR principle. Automatic power control and pulse width selection simplify testing, while the built-in 650 nm Visible Fault Identifier supports visual troubleshooting. Its lightweight, rugged design makes it practical for field use.
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The Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout is a Fibre Fault Locator for measuring singlemode fibre length and identifying the distance to detected faults. Using the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) principle, it helps technicians narrow their search along a fibre link. In addition, its built-in Visible Fault Identifier supports visual troubleshooting at accessible points.
Whether you maintain existing infrastructure or investigate a damaged connection, the TS21 provides a straightforward handheld testing solution. Furthermore, automatic power control and pulse width selection simplify measurement setup.
When a fibre link develops a problem, identifying the affected section is an essential first step. The TS21 Fibre Fault Locator measures distance along singlemode fibre, helping you determine where further investigation may be required.
For example, you can compare a detected event distance with installation records to narrow the search to a particular cable section. As a result, you gain useful direction before inspecting accessible connections or planning repair work.
However, measured optical fibre distance may differ from the physical cable route. Cable construction, service loops and stored slack can affect this relationship. Therefore, interpret the result alongside your installation records and knowledge of the route.
The Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout operates at a standard wavelength of 1550 nm and suits 9/125 µm singlemode fibre.
The TS21 automatically tests and adjusts its power level according to the measurement environment. Consequently, technicians have fewer manual settings to manage when preparing a test.
This function supports a simple workflow when moving between fibre links. Nevertheless, clean connections and an appropriate test setup remain essential for useful measurements.
The Fibre Fault Locator also selects a suitable pulse width according to the test distance. As a result, technicians do not need to choose this setting manually for every measurement.
Together, automatic power control and pulse width selection simplify operation. Furthermore, they allow technicians to focus on reviewing detected events and deciding where to investigate next.
The Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout can list up to eight results at one time. This helps technicians review several detected events during a fault investigation.
However, the ability to display results does not establish a capability to store records or export reports. Therefore, consider your documentation requirements when selecting test equipment.
Alongside its distance-measurement function, the TS21 includes a 650 nm Visible Fault Identifier (VFI). This emits bright red light to support visual investigation through a suitable fibre path.
For example, light escaping from an accessible damaged section may help reveal the fault. Similarly, the VFI can assist with checking continuity through a fibre connection.
The datasheet states visual fault identification over distances up to 15 km. However, practical performance depends on fibre attenuation, connection quality and whether the affected area is visible.
The two functions complement each other. Distance measurement helps narrow the search along the link, while the VFI supports closer investigation at accessible points.
The Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout supports interchangeable FC, SC and ST connector arrangements. In addition, an LC adaptor is available.
Because installations use different connector types, confirm your required connection when ordering. Also, check connector polish compatibility and any test leads needed for your application.
Before taking a measurement, clean and inspect the test connection. Otherwise, contamination or connector damage may affect the result and make troubleshooting more difficult.
The TS21 combines a handheld format with a lightweight, rugged housing. Furthermore, the datasheet describes the instrument as dustproof and water resistant.
At approximately 450 g, the Fibre Fault Locator is convenient to carry between work locations. Its dimensions are 190 × 100 × 50 mm, so it fits readily into a technician’s equipment kit.
The stated battery life exceeds 10 hours or provides at least 5,000 measurements. Consequently, the instrument supports extended testing sessions without frequent battery changes.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout |
| Standard operating wavelength | 1550 nm |
| Fibre type | 9/125 µm singlemode |
| Optical connector listed in specification table | FC/PC |
| Connector options | FC, SC and ST; LC adaptor available |
| Detector type | InGaAs |
| Maximum displayed distance for reflective events | 60 km, subject to datasheet conditions |
| Maximum displayed distance for non-reflective events | 20 km, subject to datasheet conditions |
| Reflective-event dead zone | 15 m |
| Measurement unit | Metres |
| Visible Fault Identifier wavelength | 650 nm |
| Battery life | More than 10 hours or at least 5,000 measurements |
| Operating temperature | −5°C to +40°C |
| Storage temperature | −10°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 0–85%, non-condensing |
| Dimensions | 190 × 100 × 50 mm |
| Weight | 450 g |
| Warranty | 12 months |
For further technical information, download the Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout datasheet.
The maximum displayed distance depends on the type of event. Specifically, the datasheet lists up to 60 km for reflective events and up to 20 km for non-reflective events.
Therefore, the 60 km figure should not be treated as a universal fault-detection range. Fibre attenuation, connection losses and event characteristics also affect practical measurement performance.
In addition, the TS21 has a stated reflective-event dead zone of 15 m. Closely spaced events within this region may be difficult to distinguish separately. Consequently, consider this limitation when investigating short links or connections positioned close together.
The TS21 suits technicians whose main requirement is singlemode fibre length measurement and distance-to-fault investigation. For example, maintenance teams can use it to narrow their search before inspecting a suspected cable section.
It also suits customers seeking straightforward operation, automatic measurement settings and a built-in visual troubleshooting function. However, equipment selection should always reflect the actual testing task.
Where a project requires multiple wavelengths, detailed trace analysis or formal test reporting, discuss those requirements with Anderson Corporation. Similarly, if you need to test live fibre, confirm the suitability of the instrument and configuration before proceeding.
The Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout suits straightforward singlemode fibre length measurement and fault location. However, if your work requires additional test wavelengths or broader analysis, explore our Dual Wavelength OTDR, Tri Wavelength OTDR and Quad Wavelength OTDR.
Contact Anderson Corporation to confirm which model and wavelength configuration suit your testing requirements.
Choosing a Fibre Fault Locator involves more than comparing maximum distance figures. You also need to understand event types, connector compatibility and measurement limitations.
That is why Anderson Corporation is developing a practical Knowledge Centre dedicated to singlemode fibre fault location and length measurement.
Whether you investigate damaged links or select equipment for maintenance work, these resources will support more informed testing decisions.
Future articles will explain how OTDR-based distance measurement works and how reflective and non-reflective events affect fault investigation. In addition, they will explore how visual fault identification complements distance measurement.
Articles coming soon.
Future guides will help you assess measurement range, connector requirements and dead-zone limitations. Furthermore, they will explain when a straightforward singlemode Fibre Fault Locator suits your workload.
Articles coming soon.
Future articles will explore fault-investigation workflows and ways to compare measured fibre distances with installation records. They will also cover connection preparation and the use of visual troubleshooting at accessible points.
Articles coming soon.
A Fibre Fault Locator helps identify the distance to detected faults or events along an optical fibre. The Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout also measures singlemode fibre length and includes a Visible Fault Identifier for visual troubleshooting.
Yes. The TS21 uses the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer principle to measure distance along singlemode fibre. In addition, automatic power control and pulse width selection simplify its measurement setup.
The datasheet specifies 9/125 µm singlemode fibre for the distance-measurement function. Therefore, choose an instrument with the appropriate multimode capability when your work requires multimode testing.
The datasheet lists up to 60 km for reflective events and up to 20 km for non-reflective events. However, these figures remain subject to the stated conditions and the characteristics of the tested link.
The TS21 supports FC, SC and ST connector arrangements, with an LC adaptor also available. Confirm the required connector type and polish compatibility with Anderson Corporation before ordering.
Distance measurement helps determine where a detected event lies along the fibre. By comparison, the VFI sends visible red light through the fibre to assist with visual investigation at accessible points.
Not necessarily. Optical fibre length can differ from the physical route because of cable construction and stored slack. Therefore, compare the measured distance with installation records when planning further investigation.
Contact Anderson Corporation to discuss the Yamasaki TS21 Fiber Scout and your singlemode fault-location requirements. By confirming your application, connector arrangement and measurement needs, you can select equipment suited to your work.
For more fibre optic product information, visit the Anderson Corporation YouTube channel.
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