Comnet FVT/R15M2 Video + Reverse Data mm 2 fiber - COMPAK15M2

Comnet COMPAK15M2 Video and Reverse Data Fiber Extender

Overview

The Comnet COMPAK15M2 is a single-channel fiber-optic video and reverse-data extender designed to carry composite (NTSC, PAL, SECAM) video signals and control data simultaneously over multimode fiber up to 1.5 miles (2.5 km). Unlike copper-based video transmission solutions, fiber eliminates ground loops, RF interference, and voltage surges that degrade image quality in noisy industrial or outdoor environments—a critical advantage when running video across large facilities, between buildings, or through electrically harsh zones like parking structures or shipping docks.

Key Features

• Dual-purpose transmission (video + reverse data): Sends composite video in one direction while RS232 or RS422 control data (PTZ commands, device configuration, sensor inputs) flows back on the same fiber pair—eliminates the need for separate cabling for camera control and feedback, reducing installation labor and cable tray congestion.
• Multimode fiber over 1.5-mile distance: Multimode fiber is cost-effective and easier to terminate than single-mode; the 1.5-mile reach covers most campus deployments, inter-building links, and perimeter fencing scenarios without requiring repeaters or intermediate processing electronics.
• Plug-and-play setup with automatic resettable fuses: No complex calibration or firmware configuration—connect fiber, apply power, and video/data flow immediately. Resettable fuses protect against short circuits and power surges without requiring manual replacement or field service calls.
• Bi-color LED status indicators (Red/Green): Quick visual confirmation of power and link health; green indicates both transmit and receive are active, red flags a fault—useful for troubleshooting field installations where you cannot access a monitor immediately.
• Voltage transient protection built-in: Shields the unit from lightning strikes, inductive spikes from large relay switchboards, and AC power anomalies common in industrial sites—directly reduces warranty claims and unexpected downtime from power-line-induced component failure.
• Flexible mounting (wall, rack, DIN-rail): Supports standard 19-inch rack installation for central electronics rooms, DIN-rail mounting in control enclosures, or wall-mount near remote cameras—eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or adapters depending on your facility layout.

Integration and Compatibility

The COMPAK15M2 transmits standard composite video formats (NTSC, PAL, SECAM), making it compatible with legacy analog cameras, hybrid DVR systems, and any video source that outputs analog composite (CVBS). Reverse RS232 and RS422 data channels support pan-tilt-zoom camera control, telemetry inputs from door sensors or motion detectors, and configuration downloads to remote equipment—anything that runs serial protocol works transparently through the fiber link.

ST fiber connectors (multimode 62.5/125 µm or 50/125 µm) are industry-standard and widely stocked; replacement patch cords and couplers are readily available from any telecom distributor. The unit requires only DC power (voltage and current specifications not provided in available documentation) and does not depend on vendor-specific management software or cloud connectivity.

Environmental and Operational Reliability

NEMA TS-1/TS-2 compliance means the enclosure withstands temperature swings and moisture typical of uncontrolled outdoor equipment shelters and weatherproof cabinets—important if you are mounting the COMPAK15M2 on a pole, in a remote junction box, or anywhere without climate control. Automatic resettable protection and transient voltage clamping handle electrical stress that would destroy unshielded copper-based extenders.

What's in the Box

Exact package contents are not detailed in available product documentation. Refer to the manufacturer or point-of-sale documentation for a definitive contents list before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the COMPAK15M2 require power at both ends?

A: Yes, both the transmit and receive units require DC power. The fiber carries video and data signals only; power for the electronics at each end must be supplied separately.

Q: Can I use the COMPAK15M2 with single-mode fiber?

A: No. The COMPAK15M2 is specified for multimode fiber (ST connectors, 62.5/125 µm or 50/125 µm). Single-mode fiber requires different optical components and will not work with this model.

Q: What happens if the fiber link is interrupted?

A: Loss of fiber connection causes the receive unit's bi-color LED to show red (fault condition). Video and reverse-data transmission stop immediately. There is no buffering or failover; you must restore the fiber link or switch to a backup transmission path to resume operation.

Q: Does the COMPAK15M2 work with digital HD video formats?

A: No. The COMPAK15M2 is designed for analog composite video (NTSC, PAL, SECAM only). It does not carry HDMI, SDI, or IP video streams. If you need HD video over long distances, consider a separate fiber optic video transmitter designed for those formats.

Q: Is the COMPAK15M2 hot-swappable?

A: No. Always power down the unit before disconnecting fiber or control cables. Hot-swapping fiber connectors can generate light-induced noise or transients that may affect video quality or damage the optical receiver.

Q: What is the warranty on the COMPAK15M2?

A: Warranty information is not included in available product documentation. Contact the manufacturer or distributor directly for warranty coverage details.

Ted Perry

I've installed the COMPAK15M2 on multiple campus perimeter projects where copper-based video baluns were getting hammered by lightning-induced surges and ground-loop hum from utility pole transmission lines. The fiber isolation alone justifies the cost—you eliminate the entire class of electrical noise that degrades composite video and confuses motion-detection logic on older analog systems. The dual-function transmission (video + reverse RS232/RS422 on a single fiber pair) is what clinches it for me; most competitors require separate fiber runs for PTZ control, which drives up installation labor and complexity.

Technical Highlights:

• 1.5-mile multimode reach: Covers inter-building links, perimeter fence runs, and parking-structure networks without intermediate repeaters. Multimode costs roughly half what single-mode does, and termination is more forgiving in field conditions—a real win for integrators on tight labor budgets.
• Voltage transient protection + automatic resettable fuses: The combination handles AC power anomalies, lightning transients, and short circuits without requiring technician intervention. I've seen field units survive strikes that would have destroyed unprotected analog extenders outright.
• Bi-color LED health indicators: Red/green status at a glance tells you immediately whether the link is healthy. On remote installations where you can't run back to a monitor room, this saves hours of troubleshooting and call-backs.

Deployment Considerations:

• The COMPAK15M2 carries analog composite video only (NTSC, PAL, SECAM)—if your customer has upgraded to digital cameras and SDI/HDMI video, this unit will not help. Verify the source format before ordering.
• Both transmit and receive units require separate DC power supplies. Include power budgeting and UPS backup in your system design, especially if the remote end is in an uncontrolled environment.

Use the COMPAK15M2 for campus DVR extension to legacy analog or hybrid camera systems where electrical isolation and distance override the cost of fiber infrastructure. It earns its keep on lightning-prone sites and electrically noisy industrial facilities where composite video quality would otherwise degrade beyond forensic utility.