Guys,
I want to buy a decent cable tester. I don't need or have the money for a fancy certifier. What I probably need is just a wiremap tester. I wanted to see what you all recommend. I found this from Fluke:
https://www.flukenetworks.com/fnet/...view.htm?categorycode=CPTT&PID=50011 I've also used the Tempo 468 Tester
https://www.tempo-textron.com/prod_detail.cfm?cat=800&subcat=807&pid=10418 Thanks,
Jeff
Let me help you out, Jeff. Don't even think of the 468 as a real tester. get the Ideal linkmaster pro, or the Fluke Microscanner.
The Ideal is great for production, but it eats batteries. The Fluke has been sold by many as it was originally a Microtest product. Mine is a progressive variant, but they private labelled it for Greenlee too, before Fluke bought the company.
My Ideal came as a kit for about the same as the Microscanner. Of course I bought it at the expo.
You get 8 mappers vs. 1 with the Microscanner. In the Linkmaster Pro, it will beep if your pairs pass the test so you don't even have to look at the screen, and, yes, it really is about $350.
Carl
I like the Ideal VDV, which is apparently made by Test-Um. Their version is the Testifier. I think I prefer the Ideal version just for the name alone.
I've been buying them for my students since they came on the market, and I've had no complaints or problems. Never had to replace the batteries on the one that I use. I like the toner features. The one drawback is that they only have a #1 remote and #1 COAX identifier. The tester should looks like it should be able to use up to #8, but no such remote/identifier is available. So if you do need to ID multiple runs on a regular basis, get the Linkmaster Pro. Otherwise, this is a great wiremap tester for not much money.
If you've done any CNAP courses, you've probably used the Fluke 620. That's a good wiremap tester that also have some basic TDR functionality. It will tell you how long cable runs are, and the distance to faults. If you can find one on Ebay for a price close to the others, I would definately consider it.
Links:
https://www.idealindustries.com/pro...mp;l2=testers_twisted_pair&l3=33-856 https://www.jdsu.com/test_and_measurement/products/descriptions/Testifier/index.html https://search.ebay.com/search/sear...m37&satitle=fluke+620&category0=
Yes I have used the Fluke 620...I want something nicer
Ideal Linkmaster pro or STM-8. Both good, but the ideal does a little more, such as length which comes in handy. Plus it comes with 8 remotes.
Have you seen what the formerly Microtest Pentascanners are going for used? They are almost as cheap as a new pair tester and they still can crank out an ISO 9000 test report good enough for any installation. I paid 1500.00 for mine in 01 and now they are in the 800 dollar range. You can still buy batteries for it so IMO it's the way to go. They are one seriously rugged design and last forever so even used they are a good investment.
Let me look around a little bit. I think I have a Pentascanner laying around. If I do I will let you know.
I think my dad's work has some Pentascanners as well.