sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Anyone use an AINES butt set?

Looking at an AINES ATS 2000 test set ($149.00) but wonder if they are well made. Anyone familiar with Aines butt sets?

I've noticed the local ATT techs are using them in my area now!

I have a few different Test Sets.

I use both the AINES ATS 2000, and HARRIS DRACON TS-22.

They both seem to do the job.

I kinda' like the look and feel of the AINES, but it seems to me that when the 9-Volt battery goes, it just quits working.

Of course, nothing beat my old "KS" (Black Rubber, TELCO Issue) test set, but for some reason, I am not able to test many lines with that little rotary dial anymore.

I have the same problem with the TS22.. There is a lithium battery inside for memory backup, and when it dies, so does the phone. It's similar to a CR3202, but with solder tabs. It's covered with a waterproof coating. It can be replaced, but you lose the waterproofing in the process. You would think they would make them to be easily replaced.

I mostly end up using my ts21, or my old orange WeCo rotary.

Well, "tantivy ",

I think you just told me how to fix the 15 or more TS22 Sets I have in my "THINGS TO FIX" BOX.

Thanks a ton.

I've used just about every other Aines product, like toners, "bananas", etc. and have really liked them.

I've never used their butt set. I recently purchased a Harris/Fluke TS30 which I really like. Despite the fact that it's imported, the only beef that I have with it is that the test cords are cheap, but the clips themselves are just fine (J.S. Popper 7A equivalents). High-quality generic replacement cord sets can be used if necessary.

TS21, by far my favorite. TS22 never gained my full support, but I still use it as my primary. I only do this since I can operate it on speaker and let the customer hear the same BS that Verizon is handing down to me on a service issue.

If you are looking for a low-priced yet rugged butt set, check out the TS30. It's not bad.

For those of you who don't know, Aines is a fairly small manufacturer of telecom test equipment based out of Ronkonkama (Long Island), NY. They came up with what I consider to be the first "real" toner and tracer. They landed a big deal to supply these to the Bell System in the 1970s. The "Banana" tone receiver was likely the first device of it's kind. The only reason that I bring up this little bit of nostalgia is that if you have a problem with ANY of their products, you'll likely reach the president of the company with your complaint. They have been around for nearly 40 years. I'd say that they are a safe investment.

They do sell direct and their phone number is 631-471-3900.

I've got an orange Aines toner, it works great. Never seen one of their butt sets, though. I trust the word of Ed!

I approve of the ATS 2000 .. great for the money. I have a Harris (fluke) TS22a and It is kinda simular in look and some function. I use the harris all the time. One I DONOT like is the Tempo PE945- it is a waste of money and not user friendly if you are in a hurry.. Good luck on your purchase..

I have several Aines 250SSP probes but I always wind up using the Progressive 200EP. It's junk compared to the Aines but it has much more gain making it much louder. The difference on CAT5 is like night and day.

I should talk to Aines about it, would be in their interest to make the 250SSP competive.

-Hal

Thanks for the replies
So by this you mean it quits working completely even not on speakerphone? How often would you say it burns thru a battery?