atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring good loop tester to have?

Hello, I've been thinking about what other loop tester might be handy to have. I already have a Sidekick 7B, but there's things it doesn't do, like current, noise, etc. I've been looking at the Dynatel testers, the Triplett model 3,5 or 7 or a Sidekick T&N.
I can get the T&N for around $100 used, the others are a bit more expensive.
Need one with more features than the 7B, but not too much stuff I'd never use, I mainly do residential and some commercial.
I'm sure everyone has a favorite, but which one would be good for somewhat occasional use? also, I am a geek when it comes to this, and have always liked various test equipment.

I use what the LEC technicians around here use: Sidekick T&N. That way there is no finger pointing when proving an issue is on the loop since they also use the same meter. The only functions I use on a regular basis are voltage, stress, leakage, and kick test. I don't use the loop current, circuit noise or circuit loss tests as most of the circuits I am installing are ADSL and those tests don't apply. I too picked up my Sidekick T&N on eBay for cheap.

That's what I'm leaning towards, or just keeping the 7B, also plan to get a "brownie" meter, but that's mainly for my telecom collection. Could the 7B be used like the brownie to detect the number of ringers on a line? (guessing that only works with phones with real ringers)

That's what I'm thinking, the T&N looks like it has the stuff I'd need. Although my &b works quite well, and it's hardly been used.

We have the Triplett model 7, Sidekicks 7B and T&N, Dynatel 965 and several JDSU meters. Each has unique strengths and will provide the trained crafts person with all that one needs to know about the state of the line.

I first reach for the Sidekick when I need to check for overall condition. If there is a heated debate with the LEC, then I pull out the Dynatel. There is no further point to argue once the tests are complete and the line condition is determined. The T&N will preform many of the tests the Dynatel will do but there are some tests unique to the Dynatel.

When I have to prove a line condition with Windstream, I always use the Dynatel because their techs rarely have ANY test equipment other than a VOM. After doing the appropriate tests, they always agree that what is determined is correct. Since procuring the Dynatel, I have never lost an argument with Windstream. I also have three Tberds that I specifically got to deal with Windstream. I have never lost an argument with Windstream over a T1 or PRI since I got the Tberds. When working with Verizon, all I have to do is show up with a Sidekick and I immediately have a friend. We can agree on the problem in a few seconds. If the problem is a T1 or PRI, all I have to do is show up with the Tberd or the JDSU and that's all I need to do. We can resolve the issue immediately.

With all the other independents and smaller LECs, I have the testing equipment they wish they had and the line issues are correctly determined and corrective action can be made.

Get the tester that you feel comfortable using and LEARN how to use it correctly. You can save yourself a multitude of nuisance calls and end the finger pointing.

Rcaman

A GREAT investment for us has been the CommWatch T1 tester. It breaks a T1 into the Network and Customer sides and then provides monitoring, event logging, and reporting for the separate sides. It shuts down those intermittent dropped T1/PRI calls where the provider says "their side looks fine". Easy to argue when you can send them a report showing the errors, alarms, etc. are exclusively on the Network side. It logs the past 7 days. Just a great tool to have.

It got to the point where we would just tell a local CLEC we brought the Commwatch and they would go ahead and escalate (escalate to them would be defined as what should be done in the first place). ~ Mike

I guess Windstream is so bad that one Tberd wouldn't have been enough...LOL


Amen.

We have 16 techs on the road and one Tberd was causing delays in getting to service calls. The three techs that carry them are located in three geographically divided sections of western PA to better cover our service area. All of our techs have either Sidekicks or Triplett model 7 testers. I am the only one with the Dynatel. And, yes, Windstream is THAT bad.

Rcaman