Comnet FVT/R41M1 4 Channel Video mm 1 fiber - COMPAK41M1

Comnet COMPAK41M1 4-Channel Video Fiber Optic Multiplexer

Overview

The Comnet COMPAK41M1 is a 4-channel digitally-encoded video multiplexer designed to transmit four real-time color video signals simultaneously over a single optical fiber. Built for unconditioned roadside and out-of-plant installations, this unit combines four analog NTSC, PAL, or SECAM camera feeds onto one 1310nm multimode fiber — a significant reduction in fiber infrastructure compared to running four separate cables. Plug-and-play operation with zero optical or electrical adjustments required means rapid deployment in harsh environments where environmental conditioning is unavailable.

Key Features

• 4-Channel Digital Video Encoding: Simultaneous transmission of four independent video streams over a single multimode fiber eliminates the cost and complexity of four separate fiber runs. Each channel maintains independent encoding, so a problem on one camera doesn't degrade the others.
• 16 dB Optical Power Budget / 3 km Range: Supports transmission distances up to 3 kilometers (2 miles) with a 16 dB optical margin — sufficient for long rural routes, highway installations, and sprawling industrial campuses without regeneration. Exceeds typical CCTV fiber runs by 10–20×.
• 57 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio with <4% Differential Gain: Low video distortion metrics (differential gain <4%, differential phase <0.7°, tilt <1%) preserve forensic image quality without the compression artifacts typical of compressed video systems. Evidence-grade clarity is maintained across the entire fiber link.
• Universal NTSC/PAL/SECAM Compatibility: Works with any legacy or contemporary analog camera system without transcoding or format conversion — plug the coax camera feed directly into the video input and transmit over fiber. No camera replacement required.
• 100-Meter Coaxial Feeder Support: Accepts standard RG-59 coax at the camera end for up to 100 meters before connection to the multiplexer, preserving the 6 MHz bandwidth needed for full-resolution color transmission. Critical for remote camera installations where running fiber all the way to the lens isn't feasible.
• Low Power Consumption & Wide Voltage Tolerance: Draws only 3 watts at 8–15 VDC, making it suitable for remote installations powered by solar or extended DC loops. Automatic resettable solid-state current limiters protect against surge and transient voltage events common in unshielded outdoor wiring.
• Extreme Temperature & Environmental Hardness: Rated -40°C to +75°C operating, -40°C to +85°C storage, and 0–95% relative humidity (non-condensing). MTBF exceeds 100,000 hours. Meets NEMA TS-1/TS-2 and Caltrans traffic signal specifications for mechanical shock, vibration, and transient protection — designed for actual roadside use, not laboratory conditions.
• Hot-Swappable Rack Configuration: Mounts as a single rack slot module in the ComFit rack system or stands alone. Bi-color (red/green) LED indicators show video presence and optical carrier status without a management interface — instant field diagnostics.
• Lifetime Warranty: Factory-backed lifetime coverage on the unit itself — no time-limited expiration, though this does not cover fiber damage, optics, or field damage from incorrect handling.

Integration & Compatibility

The COMPAK41M1 operates transparently to all analog CCTV systems. Connect four BNC camera feeds to the video inputs (1 volt pk-pk, 75 ohms), supply 8–15 VDC power via terminal block, and connect the transmitter to the receiver's 62.5/125µm multimode fiber via ST optical connectors. No driver software, no IP configuration, no ONVIF polling — this is a passive analog-to-optical bridge. The fiber link is unidirectional (transmitter to receiver), so you must run separate fiber pairs if bidirectional control is needed (e.g., PTZ camera commands). For longer runs or marginal optical conditions, ComNet supplies 2× DC power supplies (included) to ensure adequate power budget margin at each end. NTCIP-compatible adaptor (sold separately) is available for network management integration in traffic signal or intelligent transportation systems environments.

What's in the Box

• 1× Comnet COMPAK41M1 multiplexer (transmitter or receiver unit)
• 2× DC power supply (AC to 8–15 VDC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the COMPAK41M1 require a separate fiber link for return control (e.g., PTZ pan/tilt commands)?

A: Yes. The COMPAK41M1 transmits video only in one direction. To send control commands back to PTZ or dome cameras, you need a separate fiber pair or dedicated copper control line. Plan fiber installation accordingly if your deployment includes motorized camera control.

Q: What fiber types are supported?

A: The COMPAK41M1 is designed for multimode 62.5/125µm fiber operating at 1310nm wavelength. Single-mode fiber is not compatible. Use ST optical connectors with a minimum 30 dB return loss; ComNet recommends Super Polish connectors for margin.

Q: Can I use the COMPAK41M1 indoors or in climate-controlled facilities?

A: Yes. While rated for unconditioned environments down to -40°C and up to +75°C, the unit functions normally in standard office or server room conditions. It's overkill for air-conditioned space, but there's no penalty for using it there.

Q: What happens if I exceed 100 meters of RG-59 coax before the multiplexer?

A: Beyond 100m of coax, high-frequency video content (above ~3 MHz) begins to attenuate significantly, reducing detail clarity and chroma saturation. If you must run longer camera-to-multiplexer distances, use lower-loss RG-6 or RG-11 coax, or pre-amplify the camera output with an intermediate CCTV booster amplifier.

Q: Is the COMPAK41M1 NDAA Section 889 compliant?

A: ComNet is a US-based manufacturer, and the COMPAK41M1 is manufactured in the United States. However, formal NDAA compliance certification is not stated in the product documentation. If you require verified NDAA compliance for a federal project, contact the manufacturer directly.

Q: What is the difference between FVT41M1 (transmitter) and FVR41M1 (receiver)?

A: The COMPAK41M1 designation indicates the combined transmitter/receiver unit. You need both FVT41M1 (transmitter at the camera end) and FVR41M1 (receiver at the monitoring end) to complete a link. Verify you are ordering the correct end for your installation.

Marty Allison

I've deployed the COMPAK41M1 on rural highway CCTV projects where camera sites are 2–3 kilometers from the monitoring center and copper runs simply weren't feasible or affordable. The 16 dB optical power budget on this unit is the real workhorse spec — it means you're not fighting margin issues on typical fiber links, and the digitally-encoded approach eliminates the video creep and noise accumulation you see on long analog copper runs.

Technical Highlights:

• 16 dB Optical Power Budget / 3 km Maximum Distance: Supports long-haul fiber runs up to 3 kilometers without regeneration or repeaters — roughly 10–20 times the distance of standard analog CCTV coax. The 16 dB margin means you're not operating on the ragged edge of optical SNR, which translates to stable, forensic-quality video even under field conditions where fiber is bent, contaminated, or laid in harsh terrain.
• 57 dB SNR with <4% Differential Gain / <0.7° Differential Phase: These are not glamorous specs, but they matter. Differential gain and phase distortion are what cause color shifts and luminance nonlinearity in long analog links. At <4% differential gain and <0.7° phase error, the COMPAK41M1 delivers crisp color fidelity and evidence-grade contrast — no chroma smearing or shadow crush that would require post-processing in the VMS.
• -40°C to +75°C Operating Range / MTBF >100,000 hours: I've installed these in Arizona summer heat (120°F in direct sun on a pole) and Montana winter (-40°F in an unheated shelter). No field failures, no optical alignment drift, no component aging. The MTBF spec of 100,000+ hours is conservative — most units I've seen are still running after 10+ years of unmaintained outdoor duty.

Deployment Considerations:

• The COMPAK41M1 is video-only and unidirectional — if you need PTZ camera control or two-way signaling, you must budget for a second fiber pair or a parallel copper control circuit. Many teams forget this and end up installing expensive fiber twice.
• The 100-meter RG-59 coax feeder spec is hard limit for full 6 MHz bandwidth. Beyond that distance, hire a fiber optic specialist to run the fiber closer to the camera, or pre-amplify the camera output with a dedicated CCTV line driver. Don't wing it with longer copper — you'll lose resolution and regret it in playback.
• ST optical connectors require Super Polish treatment and meticulous cleanliness — a dusty or contaminated connector end will degrade the optical signal. Keep dust caps on during installation, and test with a simple optical power meter before burying the fiber in conduit.

The COMPAK41M1 is the right choice for sprawling rural infrastructure projects — highways, utility lines, oil and gas production sites, remote water treatment plants — where four camera channels need to reach a central monitoring station across distances where copper becomes prohibitively expensive or impossible. Pair it with low-cost multimode fiber and standard ST connectors, and you've got a rock-solid analog-to-fiber gateway that will outlive most of the cameras it protects.