TEST SET, BUTT SET RECOMENDATIONS

[aarenot]

I have been working for myself now for about 6 months, and it is time to consider aquiring some new equipment. I am going to be passing on my butt set to a new trainee worker, and get myself a new one. Yes, I am the boss, so I am going to take the new stuff, lol.

I am considering only butt sets that have speaker phone two way capability, and am thinking about getting one with a headset port for those noisy areas. There are so many capabilities now with the newwer butt sets that I thought I should check with the guys that have bought some with these new bells, and whistles. I have seen some that say they can generate tone, test DSL, and about everything else under the sun. Some of the features I have seen are CLID name and number display, tone generation, built in talk battery option, etc., etc. I do not test DSL but wonder if anyone has any advice on these new butt sets.

I do low voltage wiring voice & data, install phone systems Avaya TDM/IP, troubleshoot wiring, etc.

Tell me what you have, and what you like in the new features.

 

[TouchToneTommy]

Stick with one-way capability - you already know how poor half duplex speakerphones sound, and having to hit the mute button everytime you just want ID a bunch of lines is a pain. Also, make sure that the speakerphone will STAY on, that you don't need to re-enable it every time you move your clips from one set of binding posts to another.

My old TS-22 needs repair, so I am using a Chesivale from a few years ago - since aquired by Tempo.

 

[CTCINY]

I would only recommend Harris (I think they were bought out by Fluke). The TS-22 and TS-22a is good but the TS-30 I feel is the best. Best feature on it, low battery indicator. But either way make sure you have a set with data lockout.

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

 

[aarenot]

I do see the point on the speaker phone deal, I do nto want to have to mute it all the time, nor re-activate it as I slide down a 21X.

One vote for the TS-30

Anyone had the test sets with tone genertor, and other new bells, and whistles in them?

 

[CTCINY]

Let me correct myself, I meant TS-42 not TS-30

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

 

[skip555]

I'll c%P my response from your post in General

I use a harriss (now fluke )ts25d all in all I like it , headset sounded like a good Idea but I never used it .

features include


* Caller ID and Call Waiting Caller ID
* Amplified speakers for hands-free monitoring
* Data lockout and data lockout override
* Tone generator for wire identification
* Talk Battery to power voice conversation on dry (non-powered) lines
* Easy to read oversized liquid crystal display

http://www.tek-tips.com/threadcategory.cfm?lev2=9

http://www.flukenetworks.com/fnet/en-us/products/TS25D/Overview.htm

only a amplified speaker so no two way , (I have a speaker phone I carry and hook up if I expect a lot of tech service speaker phone type needs )

downsides , occasionally it mis dials (push 4 and it dials 44)

when the 9volt battery goes the set is totally non functional

the built in dsl filter is handy.

 

[Dexman]

I like the HD Telecom/Ideal 630. Built in DSL filter and hands free monitor that had its own on/off button. I replaced mine with a Fluke TS44DLX. Nice butt set! .

I just wish it didn't cost so much.

For quick stuff, I use my "old work horse" TS21X

If it ain't broke, I haven't fixed it yet.

 

[wires]

I use a Test-Um Ranger. Compact without being too small. Current & voltage readout. OK headset. DSL safe. CID and stores numbers.

Very handy, not waterproof or likely to withstand major drops on concrete.

 

[mforrence]

I also use the Harris TS25D and love the features. Hate the dialpad (must press really hard to NOT get misdial) but love the features.
Mike

 

[skip555]

mike

I have two 25ds the first I could barley dial , I wouldn up CAREFULLY programing my ANI and other numbers in speed dial and using it like that .

ons sat I stopped at a Garage sale and picked up a 25d and a banjo adapter for $25.00 (couldn't pass it up )

this one works great , only occasionally mis dials it is a newer software release so maybe they have addressed the issue

 

[aarenot]

http://www.openxtra.co.uk/downloads/TestSets_Competitive_Comparison.pdf

This testum seems kind of cool, anyone have experience with it?

 

[CJG3]

I too have the Harris TS25D.
I think it's great but am VERY dissappointed with the dial pad and the speaker could definitely be louder.

We do a lot of service work as subs.
For some reason almost all grocery stores put their DMARCs in the compressor room - can't hear a dman thing.
That's when the voltmeter comes in superhandy.
When the line is in use the voltage drops from -48 vDC to less than 10. It also provides a way to visually check for proper operation of a line with DS on it.

 

[wires]

This testum seems kind of cool, anyone have experience with it?"

I have used both the Lil Buttie and the Ranger. Like I said before "Very handy, not waterproof or likely to withstand major drops on concrete."

For me the big advantage of the Test-Um sets is size. While large enough to be usable they fit in my toolbox and take up about the same amount of space as a Fluke 77 meter.

The Ranger has a lot of nice features. I use the LCD voltage, current, polarity readouts all the time. The autodialer is loaded with various ANI numbers which along with redial can give your fingers and brain a rest.

Both the Lil Buttie and the Ranger are fairly loud and the standard headset jack works well.

If I was going to spend all day outside on a ladder in the rain I would not want a Test-Um but for normal inside use they are fine.

 

[aarenot]

http://www.tequipment.net/TestUmIVT600.asp

This is the actual one I meant to ask if anyone had experience with the particular model? I copied the wrong link previously.

 

[wires]

I have not seen the Tri-Porter. It is curious that anyone would release a 10/100 tool with gigabit becoming more common.

 

[aarenot]

I think it has something to do with this being a verifying ubnti, for many functions, but not designed for certifying. I am not looking at spending thousands for a certifier, just something more than a basic butt set with some additional features, and I like the DTMF capture to be able to see what is being dialed easily.