Cat5 Certification equipment

[Blueline]

Does anyone have recommendations of a manufacturer of decent Cat5 certification equipment ?
What's the best ?
What's the worst ?
What's the best deal for purchasing ?

Thanks.

 

[MasterRacker]

I haven't used one but I've been told that the MicroTest OmniScanner is the best. Here's their comparison chart with competitors:

http://www.microtest.com/omniscanner/omni_matrix.jhtml

They're all spendy.
Jeff
I haven't lost my mind - I know it's backed up on tape somewhere ....

 

[BobFroeh]

I have a microtest pentscanner and like it. pretty spendy though

 

[wybnormal]

You can get a decent deal on a used Pentascanner with some careful shopping on ebay. I picked up a Pentascanner 350 with the super injector and all the cables for a reasonable price compared to retail.

MikeS Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

"The trouble with giving up civil rights is that you never get them back"

 

[vaoldschl]

I also have the Pentascanner 350, got a decent deal over the net for it, the Omniscanner is definitely nice but for most of your needs the Pentascanner fills the bill admirably.

 

[fonedude]

The Omniscanner 2 is the best. It will do cat 5, cat 5e and cat 6 testing. The software is upgraded from time to time and you can print the reports. It will also do fiber testing if you buy additional adapters. Some people like the Fluke stuff but it is even more expensive.

 

[frinkk]

If you are willing to purchase new then get demo's on the equipment.

We had been shopping for over 4 months and had decided on the omniscanner2 but after getting a demo on it and the wirescop350 which was our 2nd choice, the wirescope 350 won out for a lot of reasons.

Getting your hands on the units your looking at will really tell which one is best suited to you applications.

 

[Blueline]

Thanks everyone for the helpful information.

 

[rgroulx]

FYI: Microtest is now a Fluke Networks aquired company. The DSP-4300 & OmniScanner 2 continue to be the top Fluke Networks line of certification tools for Cat 5/5e/6 and fiber. For more info visit:

http://www.flukenetworks.com

or

http://www.microtest.com.

 

[drdaleb]

Bottom line. $$$$ $5000.00 is what it's going to cost going in the door if you actually want to CERTIFY you installation. Micro-Tek, Fluke about the same overall. It really depends on what your needs, goals, and expectations are.

Professionally and personally -- call the manufactures directly, explain your needs and weight the bells and whistles VS common features of the products and buy with confidence. Just make sure training is included in the price. There's a $@!*&&^! of information to learn and understand when dealing with CERTIFICATION.