Signal Fire Ai-20 Fusion Splicer High-Precision One-Step Optical Fiber Cutter Integrated, Core Alignment W/Built-in VFL & OPM Function and 3 in 1 Holder

Works good but temperature and humidity seems to affect its quality of splice.

I've waited a year and about 1000 splices to write this review. I have 13 years of experience using at least a dozen different machines. I originally bought this splicer as a cheap option for starting my business. Even though I own a used Fujikura 70S now, it sits in my office and I STILL use the SignalFire. I like the small case, though I'm way too tall to find the stool useful so it's in the garage on a shelf. The important thing to remember is that it's a little finicky and requires regular cleaning and calibration. the cleaver is the same way, pretty solid but requires maintenance and adjustment more than some others. With regular maintenance, it's been really reliable for me and my splices test out great. I would really like some sort of arm to close the heater automatically, rather than having to align the splice with 4 fingers and close it with a 5th but I have gotten used to it and it doesn't really bother me anymore. The other problem with the heater is if you let the sleeve fall to the bottom, it can pinch grooves into the sleeve but holding it while you close the heater solves that problem. I'd also be willing to pay a little bit more for a built in UI with a touch screen; I'm not a big fan of the app, though it works alright. On a scale of the best splice machines I've used, it's probably a 3.5 star machine (beating every INNO I've tried by a mile). The reason for 5 stars is the price to value ratio. Absolutely worth it. Overall, I'm very surprised and impressed with how functional it is at this price.

The built-in fiber stripper is much improved and works smoothly. The splices come out clean and reliable every time. Setup is quick, and the machine is easy to operate, even for longer jobs. The screen is clear, and the alignment is accurate, making the whole process faster. Definitely a solid upgrade that saves time and delivers consistent results.

Excellent product for the price. Instructions were almost impossible to follow I found. That said, strip it, cleave it, insert it and DONE. The app on the phone is imperative to make any changes to default settings. Connecting with Bluetooth was hit or miss with my IPhone.....it would connect, then drop, then could not reconnect....That was certainly frustrating. All that said, VERY happy with this purchase. Once you get the process down, it's very simple to use. I've done 50 burns so far. UPDATE.. After about 250 burns I've run into some problems. The unit will no longer run on the battery alone: it needs to be plugged in order for it to stay turned on. As well, the fiber sleds are not bringing the strands close enough to get a proper burn. I can't seem to calibrate it. It's taking 6 or 7 attempts to even get the fibers welded and when they do, the are VERY delicate and high loss. For the price I paid, I got my money out of it. Rather than mess around further I'm just going to buy another unit.

Great splicer. Great protective case. Cleaver is junk. Just need to get a decent one. But the splicer it Great.