atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums VOIP Phones & IP PBX Networking Network Test Equipment

Using off the shield patch cords with a certifier is a hit and miss thing. There is a reason that all of the established Manufactures of Certifiers use custom adapters with built in cables.

The Idea LanTack 2 Certifier is okay, but from the prices I have found I would still go with a Used Fluke DTX-1800

The Ideal Networks SignalTek II is a Qualifier

I did not catch that this was an old thread. From what I'm seeing I can get a new 1000MHZ certifier with an LED MM fiber tester for a few thousand less than a new DTX1800. Going to keep looking around on the used/ refurbish market, but feel new would be the better value. They also show that you field calibrate it using the patch cords you plan on using.I like the idea as the clips on my old ProXL are broke off so they can slip out of the jacks.

A used DTX-1800 is a good buy on eBay. You will be limiting yourself with a LED MM fiber tester.

With Flukes new DSP-5000 series certifier being out and all of the large cabling companies trading in their DTX-1800 for them. I would guess that a price drop will be in order during this year on used DTX-1800s

Can I ask how much does it cost to get the Fluke re calibrated?
Just curious, have you used the Ideal? I know the Fluke is the cat's meow, just hate to get a used one to only fine out that it needs lots of money to make it current.
Thanks for helping me on this. I wish my boss was the one spending this kind of money but he feels a $500 tester is all he needs.

No I have never used an Ideal Tester.

How much it cost to calibrate a Fluke will depend on the piece of equipment needing calibration. I couldn't find the reference I was looking for, but if I remember correctly it starts at about $150.00 and goes up. The best deal is to find one that still has the Gold Service plan active and just renew that.

Thanks, You've got me thinking again. I wish money was less of an issue. If I go back out on my own I can make some money from it, but as is, just something to help me do the best job possible.
Thanks again for the insight.

Take a look at this unit. I have one of T3s qualifiers, a really good tester. This is a Certifier.
Speed Certification to IEEE standards 802.3
Cable testing to TIA568A/B

Net Chaser

Thanks for the help. Came up with a screaming deal on the Lantek 2 so it's on it's way.

That is another company misusing the term Certifier as it is not a certifier. It fits in with the ByteBrothers Real World Certifier.

There is a new class of testers that fits in between a Qualifier and a Certifier and is meant for verifying that the cable and network can in fact handle the speeds needed. This new class of test equipment is being referred to as a Transmission Tester and is less expensive than a certifier and more or equally expensive as a qualifier. It also uses a main unit and a remote unit like a certifier.

Here is an example of what this new class of testers are like;

https://www.signaltekct.com/