Review of: |
| The Optilator is a new type of surge suppressor for any equipment that
uses a telephone line (i.e., personal computers, modems, facsimile machines,
smart copiers and telephone sets, answering and recording devices and key
systems). At 1.75 inches high by 3.25" wide and 10.5" deep, this is not
your typical suppressor.
Minimum requirements: One telephone line using a RJ-11/45 jack between 32øF to 113øF, in 10 to 95% non-condensing humidity and for indoor use only. My experience: This is more than your average telephone line surge suppressor or the type that comes with an electrical one. It is more in line with the protection you would get with an uninterruptible power supply, but with one important difference. Instead of standard electrical protection from surges, it uses a 4 inch length of fiber optic cable. It is rated to be able to suppress a transient 2,650 volts and can isolate up to 75,000 volts. These voltages were tested at 25 to 80 milliamps input and less than 22 milliamps output. The test was done at 38.4 kps, which is slower than the new v.90 (56.00 kps) modems. There are five LEDs associated with the Optilator. The line-in end has loop and battery ones. The line-out end has power, ring detect and off hook ones. They all worked as indicated in the seven sheet documentation. There was an additional two-page explanation of why lightning and communications lines are adversaries. Availability and price: sells directly to the public and through VARs (Value Added Resellers). Their local VAR is Tech Service Group, 12324 Starcrest, # 708, San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 495-0415. The price through them is $149.95 and is a stock item from the Tech Service Group. Vendor information: Runnels Electronics, Inc. is located at 816 Scenic Heights Drive in Brandon, FL 33511. Their telephone number is AC 813-661-4888. There was no facsimile number or e-mail address provided in the documentation. No Web presence could be found. My recommendation: This system has been donated to the Alamo PC Organization, Inc., for use in protecting the incoming telephone line to the Resource Center by the Tech Service Group. This is not a item for every computer with a modem. This is a business class item to protect very expensive equipment and the ability to communicate with customers, whether by telephone or data transfer, whether electronic mail, file transfer or web viewing. Only time will tell if this new technology is better than what is in general use today! |