sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring most used type of cable tester?

I'm new to site so this may be covered, but what is type of devices used by members? Over the years we have gone thru several different models and now need new one. stem 8 is great for general test,pentascanner,now fluke for data. Some jobs require certification of all work, and email results to home office along with digital pics.Anyway fast test and easy to use are key.Just realized this should be in cabling please shift

I use a test-um and byte brothers on jobs 100 cables or less.

Anything above that I rent a Fluke 1800.

I agree with Mike. We use the Fluke on everything. Its expensive, but worth every penny in my mind.

I primarily use a Test UM CAT5e tester.

Fluke DSP4000 for certification, Ideal VDV for quick tests.

I have an old Wavetek ProXL. Been around but still works great up to 100mhz.
Also have a Seimen SP-8 test all 4. Maybe use it once a month or so.

Fluke is well worth the money.

And cat6 tests are becomming more frequent along with fiber so get the fiber modules if you have the ability.


LANTECH for quick pin outs and lenght testing.

I'm looking at Fluke DSP model along with fiber mods. Now have to decide new or E-bay, Sure seems like buying a used car when all accessories are added in.

Ya with out a doubt when you add the optional ac and cd player it really racks the price up. LOL

The advantage to ebay = cheap
The disadvantage to ebay = condition of product

The advantage to new = lease with buy out saves out of pocket.
The disadvantage = cost $$$$$

It will pay for itself if you charge for testing though. Good luck on your purchase.

You might want to look at the new DTX models. The autotest is way faster than the DSP, so you can save a lot of time on large jobs. The fiber module fits on the back of the tester, and copper on the top. So you can switch back and forth between copper and fiber tests without ever having to swap modules. The DTX will also test up to 10Gig.

If you talk to a Fluke rep, you might be able to get a deal on a demo or refurbished unit.

Will go to Graybar rep. next time I'm in to set up demo. with their Fluke guy. Lease is good idea, helps to spread out payments. Should just about be paid off when Cat. 8 comes around!

Last fall I bought a Fluke DTX 1200 on EBay. I call the sellers telephone number and he answered the phone so I thought that was plus. I checked his feed back and it positive. I bought and never looked back. I was given a large testing contact for this summer because I have the tester. The DTX is the top of the line and FAST, 9 seconds per test. When I took the Hubbell Certification course I needed a level V tester and the Fluke DTX is. I have bought quite a bit on stuff on EBay got burnt once on a old butt set. My two cents worth.

Yes i use E-BAY all the time and have searchs set up for many things. Picked up a fiber fusion splicer Monday and am very happy with it. Its a great way to pick something up if you need to find old parts for tel. sys.

fluke dtx-1800 all the way on small jobs and big jobs. cat6 test time of 12sec.it pays for itself.and test everything and there will be no call backs for a cable issue.and download all test results for covering your behind.then if they have a problem you charge them service call prices just to drive out there and trouble shoot it and tell them it's not in the cabling.

Jamey

I use a WireScope 350 and enjoy its performance on certifications quit well. It does 5e and 6. Has location in end for compact flash for large storage needs.

Fluke Cable IQ. The only way to test.

I bought a DTX 1200 this time around.

No complaints about tester.

had some problems with linkware.

Jamey, if you update your DTX to Version 1.31, that Autotest becomes 9 seconds.

https://www.flukenetworks.com/fnet/en-us/supportAndDownloads/downloadsAndUpdates/?FRAMELESS=true&NRNODEGUID=%7b4256751F-646A-4C08-B4AE-6DE927C8A4BB%7d&pid=50004

We found a more efficient way of adapter cancellation technique shaving an extra 3 seconds off the Autotest.

Thanks Adrian,
I was unaware of that upgrade.Thats even better.
Got to love the fluke!!

Jamey

Fluke DSP-4xxx is a great line of testers.

However, for fiber I would recommend getting a separate testing unit/package. The fiber mods that are available for the DSP-4xxx series are EXPENSIVE.

You can get a good FO test set that will record test results and provide the same documentation for about half the cost of the Fluke fiber mods.