ADC ProAx User Manual

ProAx® Fiber Connector Series

ADC introduces the ProAx® Fiber Connector
Series, designed by broadcast professionals for
broadcast professionals, combining its proven
innovation, knowledge and quality in broadcast
connector design and manufacturing with its
industry-leading proficiency in fiber connectivity.
The result is a true broadcast harsh-environment
fiber optic connector series.

The ProAx fiber connector series is a modular
system that allows for great flexibility. ADC’s
patented gender change feature of this
connector series allows users to change genders
in less than 30 seconds, using only standard
wrenches. Hybrid fiber (HF) and quad fiber (F4)

SPEC SHEET

Gender Changer Jack

Jack Outer Shell

Repair Kit

Jack Bulkhead/Camera

Connector

Connector

Jack

Universal Backshell
(Cable Dependent)

Re-termination Kit

BX5 with V-Groove

Copper Contacts

connectors are designed to be terminated and
repaired in the field. ADC’s patented Avalanche
technology makes these field serviceable
connectors the highest performing, easiest to
install, most secure and reliable connectors on
the market.

This new fiber connector series compliments the
ProAx triax connector series providing multiple
applications for triax and fiber based camera
connectivity in one location. Both connector
series share a common mounting system
featuring the 45° mounting kit and yoke clamps
for cable mount connectors.

Plug

Connector

Gender Changer Plug

Plug Outer Shell

Repair Kit

Repair Kit

Repair Kit

Cable Clamp

Repair Kit

Plug Bulkhead/Camera

Connector

BX5 Adapter

™

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ProAx® Fiber Connector Series

ProAx® Fiber

Fiber Connector Series

®

ProAx

ProAx® HF

Hybrid Fiber

Field

Termination

Field Termination Option

ProAx® fiber connectors are available as a true
broadcast complete field termination solution,
featuring the innovative Avalanche
splicing technology. The Avalanche optical insert
utilizes V-groove technology securing, sealing,
and protecting the spliced fiber while providing
exceptional optical performance.

Avalanche also features Lights-Out technology. By
applying a light source to the factory pre-polished
end of the BX5 connector, the installer is ensured
that the fiber ends are properly aligned for
optimal signal transfer.

Field fiber termination of the fiber components
of ProAx connectors is designed for moderately
trained installers, and uses standard industry
tooling. All copper components are crimped
and secured using standard tooling similar to
a triax connector.

™

fiber

ProAx® F4

Quad Fiber

Factory

Termination

Factory Termination Options

ADC’s ProAx fiber connector family includes
preterminated Quad Fiber (F4) connectors. The
series is designed for flexible ordering depending
on the connector and length needs. The cable
assemblies feature ADC’s superior tactical fiber
cable with reduced bend radius singlemode fiber
components and a stainless steel strength member.

ADC also offers ProAx fiber connectors for
customers that are interested in performing their
own factory terminations. The factory termination
connectors are for direct connectorization of the
BX5 connectors without Avalanche.

Field Termination

Avalanche

™

Optical Inserts

Factory Termination Cable Assembly

5/08 • 106292AE

Complete Connector Kit

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ProAx® Fiber Connector Series

Features Benefits

Quick and simple field termination and repair •
procedure using Avalanche
Splice Technology

Fiber connectors are standard LX.5•
small-form-factor telecom connectors compatible

Uses standard 1.25 mm ferrule• Standard ferrule size, and no single source •

™

V-Groove Thermal

®

Easy to install and exceptionally robust for use •
in the harsh outside broadcast environment.
Eliminates need for cable assembly spares and
returns to factory for service or repair.

Available from several industry sources•

components

Fiber Connector Series

®

ProAx

Uses angled polish for dramatically improved •

back reflectance

Connector rated to IP68, utilizes ball style •
locking mechanism for maximum reliability

Field assembly using standard tools in about •
20-30 minutes

No polish, no epoxy assembly, using •
Avalanche technology

Factory polished BX5 angled polish connectors •
with integral shutters

“Eye-safe” – automatic shutters on optics to •
prevent accidents and dust contamination

Robust and durable body with stainless steel •
keying feature

Common shell system for hybrid-ber •
and multi-ber only types – just internal
components change

Easily cleaned in the eld with commonly •
available products (tape & alcohol)

Increased loss budget for long links. Typical •
insertion loss .2 dB max, return loss -65 dB min

Withstands the harshest of environments from •
high moisture and submerged, to sandy and hot
environment

Simple assembly training instructions ensure •
positive installation. No need to carry spare cable
spool; signal down time is minimized

Eliminates special polishing tools or skills•

Provides dust protection to ber, accidental •
touching/damaging of the ferrule face and eye
safe for users

Provides eye protection; dust protection and •
accidental touching/damaging of the ferrule face

Visual and positive key ensures that bers are •
protected until positive mating of connectors

completed

Less cost to the customer, all components metal •
and plastic can be replaced in case of damage
without re-terminating

Ensures maximum optical transfer with every use. •
No need for specialized personal to re-terminate

Gender reversible after termination in less than •
90 seconds

Typical budget of .2 dB and return loss of -65 dB• Exceeds SMPTE requirements•

Low cost, moderate skill, repair/termination •

procedure and tools

No need to re-spool the cable to turn it around•

Eliminates the need for fusion splicer. Inexpensive •
tool kit with installer intuitive procedure.

5/08 • 106292AE

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ProAx® Fiber Connector Series

ProAx® Hybrid Fiber (HF) Connectors

Overview

The ProAx® Hybrid Fiber (HF) Connectors are the industry’s first
field repairable, gender changeable, reliable, high-performance
connector designed to be as easy to use as ProAx triax
connectors. The ProAx HF is engineered to withstand tough
mobile environments with generous use of stainless steel on
wear surfaces, shuttered optics to prevent contamination and
accidents, and exclusive o-ring protection that provides an

IP68 rating without external protection boots. Moreover, the

ProAx HF connector offers far higher optical performance than
existing formats and supports newer high-data-rate demands.

Type

Hybrid
Fiber/
Copper

Fiber Connector Series

®

ProAx

ADC

Designation Manufacturer

Argosy Image311

Belden 7804B

Draka SMPTE311M

H9A

H12A

Furukawa TV-OM-AMS

Furukawa TV-OM-CMR

Gepco HDC920

Gepco HDC920R

Mohawk M96040

Gepco HDC120P (2)

Furukawa TV-OM-HAMS

Mohawk M97938

Cable Catalog

Number

Cable reference table.

For details, please contact cable manufacturer.

Optical

Component

(2)

Singlemode

9µm Mode Field,
125µm Cladding

Singlemode

9µm Mode Field,
125µm Cladding

Features Benefits

Connector uses strength member of cable for •
improved pull strength

Copper and fiber sections of the connector are •
completely isolated to prevent the copper from
damaging the connector

With 200 lbs pull force rating, internal ber and •

copper connections are well protected

Eliminates risk of damage to ber components as •

these different materials are subjected to extreme
temperature ranges. Allows service to fiber or
copper components without affecting the other

Signal

Component

(2)

24 AWG

(2)

24 AWG

Auxiliary

Component

(4)

20 AWG

(2)

16 AWG

Strength
Member

(1)

16 AWG

(1)

16 AWG

OD

(mm)

9.2

12

Significantly higher mechanical reliability and •
durability than present format

Far higher optical reliability, durability, and •
performance than present format

Meets and exceeds all functional optical and •

5/08 • 106292AE

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electrical requirements of 304M

Common design for 310M and 311M •

cable types

Power and auxiliary contacts are recessed in •
plug and jack connectors

Sturdy shell resists damage from normal handling. •

Less time worrying about “if” the connector will

work/mate.

Many more mating cycles than current standard. •
ProAx HF exceeds .25dB Insertion loss and -65dB

return loss

Can be used for applications where multiple links •
are required. Significant optical budget savings

Designed to fit existing standard cables. Flexible •
design allows for use of other cables

Safety of operator. Protects operator from electrical •
shock, and contacts from getting damaged

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Fiber Connector Series

®

ProAx

ProAx® Fiber Connector Series

ProAx® Hybrid Fiber (HF) Camera Connector

Specifications

OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE

Insertion loss

1310 nm typical:

Mated pair: Less than 0.2 dB
Avalanche

1550 nm typical:

Mated pair: Less than 0.2 dB

Avalanche
Return loss typical: Greater than -65 dB
Insulation resistance: 200 MW min change
Voltage rating: 600 Vdc
Current Rating: 10 Amps

ENVIRONMENTAL

Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Storage temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Installation/repair temperature: 0°C to +50°C
Humidity: 10%-90% non-condensing
Transportation shock: GR 63 CORE Section 5.3.1
Transportation vibration: GR 63 CORE Section 5.4.3
Installation shock: GR 63 CORE Section 5.3.2
Mated connector pair: Meets or exceeds IP-68
Bulkhead connector capped or mated: Meets or exceeds IP-68
Moisture resistance: MIL-STD-202 Method 106; 0% to 95%
Solvent resistance: MIL-STD-202 Method 215
Corrosion (salt spray): MIL-STD-202 Method 101, test condition B
Industrial atmosphere: STM022 Method

MECHANICAL

Mechanical durability life cycle: > 17,000 cycles
Crush force: > 1,500 lbs
Insertion/withdrawal force : < 30 lbs
Cable tension pull: > 200 lbs
Locking mechanism pull: > 275 lbs
Center contact retention: < 3.0 lbs

™

splice: Less than 0.35 dB

™

splice: Less than 0.35 dB

5/08 • 106292AE

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