Neutrik Introduces IP65 Rated OpticalCon® At AES 2007

Neutrik, designer and manufacturer of the XX series XLR cable connector, continues to offer innovations in state-of-the-art audio connectivity with the introduction of its IP65 rated OpticalCon at AES 2007. The well-established solid and ruggadized-protected fiber optic connector system has now been upgraded for dust tight and water jet protection.

The upgrade extends the outdoor capabilities of the OpticalCon to, sealing the connector against dust and protecting it against water jet. This is especially useful when weatherproof extensions are required. To achieve a water resistant IP65 connection, additional seals and gaskets have been employed on the chassis connector and cable ends. For earlier versions of OpticalCon cable connection systems an upgrade kit will be offered so it can be combined with the upgraded NO2-4FDW chassis connector or NAO2-4S75W coupler. The new cable ends are 100% backwards compatible and work with all existing chassis installations.

"With the introduction of our upgraded OpticalCon, we have fine-tuned our technology to offer our consumers the ultimate in weatherproof connections," said Jim Cowan, president of Neutrik USA. "It is designed with all the features of the original, with the added IP65 rating for extreme, weatherproof durability."

OpticalCon increases the reliability and maximizes the uptime for fiber optic connection systems. This new system is based on a standard optical LC-Duplex connection; however, the OpticalCon improves this original design to ensure a safe and rugged connection. It enables up to four copper wires to run power or data signals through. A special SMPTE-version1 has been optimized for broadcast applications, which provides an additional ground-shell contact.

In order to create a simplified installation, one can connect a conventional LC-Duplex connector on the rear, which causes the chassis connector to act as a "feed-through." The OpticalCon cable connector comes pre-assembled with a choice of three mobile field cables, which can be ordered at almost any length.

The OpticalCon features a rugged connection, all metal housing and heavy-duty cable retention. OpticalCon uses conventional LC connectors, which are easy to clean, and has a Push-Pull locking mechanism. In addition, the colored labeling plates are included to identify the fiber mode.