Can You Build a Fiber Test Kit On a Budget?

An anonymous reader writes "Have any Slashdot readers hacked together cheap test kits for fiber optic cable? More and more IT infrastructure is using multimode and single mode fiber optic cabling. Commercial test equipment is extremely expensive, running the gamut from a few hundred dollars for a basic light source, to tens of thousands for an OTDR. What equipment do you consider essential to your fiber kit? Is there a way to save costs when it comes to fiber test equipment? It is worth it to do so?"

Comments

That would depend on the size of the budget

[Anonymous Coward]

If your budget is $1 million, no problem. If your budge is $5, problem.

Re:That would depend on the size of the budget

[Anonymous Coward]

Even at $5, you have options. You can use you eyes up to 2 times to perform a rudimentary check of the light source.

I've got a better idea

[neokushan]

Nick one.

Running the GAMUT. GAMUT. Not "gambit".

[blach]

Please, for god's sake editors, do some editing.

It's "running the GAMUT," which means "the full range or compass of something; a range from one extreme to the other"

GAMBIT, on the other hand, means:
1. Chess. an opening in which a player seeks to obtain some advantage by sacrificing a pawn or piece.
2. any maneuver by which one seeks to gain an advantage.
3. a remark made to open or redirect a conversation.

But I could see how they could be confused, they both start with a G and have vowels *rolling eyes*

Re:You use this word, 'gambit...'

[JeffSh]

indeed. it is "gamut".. which is ironic since he is talking about multi mode fibre..

Fiber doesn't cost much here....

[Barsteward]

http://www.weetabix.co.uk/