FEBRUARY 2020 PRODUCT UPDATES

If you missed our February email newsletter, we highlighted three products:

Fujikura 90S/90R Splice Machine

The Fujikura 90S and 90R Splices feature ergonomic improvements, combined with enhancements to automate operation, and are designed to maximize productivity in the field and minimize downtime for routine maintenance.

The Fujikura 90 series models also feature:

• A touchscreen monitor that enables immediate access to key software functions;
• A redesigned transit case that adds multiple workstation configurations and increased storage space for splicing accessories and consumables;
• Enhanced Bluetooth® cleaver management that allows tracking and management of two cleavers simultaneously;
• Increased battery life of approximately 50 percent.

The Fujikura 90S features a new multi-function sheath clamp which incorporates an innovative dual clamping capability that enables proper clamping of loose jacketed 900 µm without the need to exchange the sheath clamp. New fiber retention clamps also secure the completed splice in the v-grooves to enable quicker application of the protection sleeve and transfer to the sleeve heater.
 
The Fujikura 90R, primarily used with ribbon fiber, is provided with a spare 12-fiber v-groove and electrode assembly which can be quickly exchanged in the field to address silica buildup and contamination issues that often slow the splicing productivity of high fiber count cables.  

Prysmian’s 288 Microduct Cable
Prysmian recently announced it had released a new, 288-fiber, reduced diameter microduct cable. The 288-fiber ezMICRODUCT, made with 200-micron fiber, has an outer diameter of only 8 mm. This marks the latest innovation to Prysmian Group’s already impressive microduct product line, which includes a 528-fiber cable optimized for 14 mm duct.

The 288-fiber ezMICRODUCT not only has a higher density, but was also developed for ease of installation. The size of the cable and amount of fiber allows the installer to work with existing infrastructure. With 24 fibers per tube versus at least 48 fiber per tube from competitors, it makes the fibers easier to identify and fit into a standard splicing tray. With an operating temperature of -40°F to 158°F, this cable is suitable for microduct systems anywhere in the U.S.

EXFO Power Optical Expert
The Optical Power Expert is an essential device in today’s field toolkit to measure the optical signal power (dBm) or link loss (dB). With the Optical Power Expert, save field test results on the device and share reports through your smartphone by leveraging the TestFlow mobile app to simplify your workflow and test results management, while also receiving field updates that enable new features.

The Optical Power Expert enables technicians to close more jobs, better and more efficiently through industry-leading features such as bundled wavelengths or instant boot up for use on the go. The device comes with built-in expertise with automation that avoids human error (smart features such as auto-wavelength recognition and switching).

The power meter comes with best-in-class performances, a wide color touchscreen and an intuitive graphical interface. Pocket-sized and rugged, the device is designed for extensive use in the field. It has a high capacity data storage for test results.

To learn more or see a sample of any product in the Comstar Supply portfolio, please contact your Comstar Sales Representative today or call us at 866-326-6782.

OFF THE TOP

Happy belated New Year!.

Someone recently asked me to look back at 2019 and describe it in one word. So many words came to my mind – blessed, thankful, challenging… but I guess when I boil it all down the one word is really – SPECIAL!

Pictured: Chad and his children at the ESP CHOP event

2019 was unique in so many ways. We celebrated our 25^th anniversary and produced a commemorative anniversary book that celebrated the history of our company. We conducted the second Quinquennial Earl S. Punchard Golf Invitational in September which honors my late father and founder of Comstar. While the golf tournament recognizes his legacy, we raised more than $277,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – making it the largest-ever community fundraising outing that benefited CHOP.

We also had some exciting developments in-house. In October, we announced that Tom Ortolano joined us as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy. We are so lucky to add someone of his pedigree to our staff. In fact, over the course of 2019 we added eight employees and now have more than 50 people dedicated to serving our customers. To put a bow on our hiring efforts in 2019 by appointing Candes Spencer to our sales team at the end of the year. Candes is formerly of Corning Optical Communications and will help lead sales in new Southern markets for us.

Comstar's Collegeville, PA location

Then of course there were a number of other exciting things that happened at Comstar. We expanded our operations in North Carolina; added to our headcount  to grow along with our customer base in that region; completed an expansion project at our headquarters location to nearly double our office space; and so many more highlights.

Certainly 2019 was not without complications but I was extremely proud of how our staff overcame them.  I’m always encouraged by the support and leadership displayed by our employees day in and day out. We always rise to the occasion while remaining focused on our core daily responsibilities – no matter the challenge. It’s this Comstar way of working together as a team that gives me great pride as we continue to grow and support the specific needs of our business while remaining flexible and nimble to support our customers.

With all that said, the word SPECIAL seems appropriate for me to describe 2019 – and I think in 2020 we’ll continue to ramp up our growth. Fiber-rich networks will continue to dominate headlines; 5G already does and we all understand the impact this technology will have on our everyday lives; federal regulations regarding pole attachments and rights-of-way seem to have settled down and construction of fiber networks will hopefully progress more rapidly; and consolidation of carriers will continue; among other things that will impact the industry and our business.

I think we all had time to catch our breath over the holidays and now we’re ready the success and challenges the new year will inevitably bring. I’m sure when I look back a year from now, I’ll strongly consider describing 2020 as SPECIAL – and quite honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Chad