Laser Precision Corp TD-9950 OTDR Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer 1550nm

Laser Precision Corp TD-9950 OTDR Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer 1550nm

The Laser Precision Corp TD-9950 is a portable Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) designed for testing and characterizing single-mode fiber optic cables. It measures fiber loss, locates cable faults, and analyzes splice quality by sending a short light pulse into the fiber and measuring the backscattered and reflected signal over time. The TD-9950 features a built-in 480x512 CRT display, a real-time display mode, and a built-in thermal printer for on-the-spot documentation of test results.

Specifications & What's Included

• Model: Laser Precision Corp TD-9950
• Type: Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)
• Wavelength: 1550 nm (single mode, via TD-954 module)
• Distance Accuracy: +/- 0.01%
• Display: CRT, 480 x 512 resolution
• Display Mode: Real-time display
• Averaging: N-point averaging
• Analysis: Splice loss analysis, 2-point loss measurement, cable fault pinpointing
• Refractive Index: 5-digit manual entry
• Video Output: Standard NTSC
• Built-in thermal printer: Yes — tested and fully functional
• Included Module: TD-954 Single Mode Optical Module (1550 nm)
• Compatible Accessory: TD-952 X-Y Plotter (not included)
• Form Factor: Portable benchtop with integrated hard-shell carrying case
• No manual or peripherals included

Applications

OTDRs like the TD-9950 are standard instruments in fiber optic network installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. They are used by telecom technicians, cable plant contractors, and network engineers to measure end-to-end fiber loss, locate breaks, bends, and connectors, and verify splice quality — all without needing access to both ends of the fiber. The TD-9950 dates from the late 1980s to early 1990s, a period when single-mode fiber was being widely deployed for long-haul and metropolitan telecom networks. Its portable case design made it practical for field use on outside plant fiber, while the NTSC video output allowed test results to be recorded on external video equipment — a common documentation method of the era. OTDRs of this class remain useful for legacy network maintenance and for training environments where hands-on fiber measurement experience is needed.