Percon Broadcast Multimedia has launched the CYGNUS uOTDR, a portable tester designed to check the integrity of hybrid cables used in professional AV and broadcast installations. The instrument tests fibre and copper conductors in a single operation, helping technicians verify cabling during installation, commissioning and routine maintenance, as well as before live events.
The tester supports SMPTE 304M and ARIB hybrid cables, checking fibre loss and identifying copper faults including open circuits, short circuits and overvoltage. Fibre performance is displayed using a green, amber and red indicator, while copper faults are identified pin by pin. This allows technicians to check both types of connection without using separate test equipment.
A key feature is the integrated uOTDR (unidirectional optical time-domain reflectometer), which uses a 1310nm single-mode optical signal to locate faults along the fibre. With a stated resolution of 10m or better, it provides an indication of the distance to a fault, helping technicians identify damaged cable sections or connectors for repair or replacement before a system is brought into operation.
CYGNUS supports a range of hybrid connectors, including Lemo 3K.93C, Fischer 1053, Neutrik opticalCON QUAD and DUO, Stratos HX1080, Simple Fiber Connectors and TYCO E-Beam, using interchangeable test heads. It supports multimode fibre at 850nm and 1300nm, and single-mode at 1310nm and 1550nm. Power is supplied by four AAA batteries or USB-C, with automatic selection between the two sources.
The instrument is intended for testing cabling in outside broadcast vehicles, live-event production and fixed or mobile installations. Its ability to assess fibre and copper together and indicate the location of fibre faults is designed to simplify testing and maintenance of hybrid cabling infrastructure. CYGNUS uOTDR is scheduled to become available from January 2027.
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