Fluke DTX Cable Analyzer Uses and Info
The Fluke DTX CableAnalyzer™ Series is one the most expensive pieces of equipment Fluke carries. There is a lot learn when shopping for this tester, and once you get it, training is also recommended. Fluke distributors should offer some training. Inquire with your seller. The training may be free. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to a retail priced Fluke DTX, try ebay:
The DTX 10 Gig over Copper Test Solution enables testing and certification of twisted pair cabling for 10 Gigabit Ethernet deployments - whether it is an existing Cat 6 or newly installed Augmented Cat 6 cabling system. The DTX 10 Gig over Copper Test Solution follows the DTX CableAnalyzer Series in our commitment to industry-leading performance, accuracy and ease-of-use. Of course its Fluke so its durable, well built and should last for years.
Available DTX Models and the main differences
- DTX-1800 - 128MB MMC Card, 2 Cat 6/Class E Channel Adapters,
Price is around $8,712.99 for unit only or $15,986.99 with Multimode and Singlemode Fiber Modules - DTX-1200 - No card, 2 Cat 6/Class E Channel Adapters
Price is around $19,955.99 for unit with with Singlemode and Multimode Fiber Modules from Dell, much cheaper from buy.com, around $10,194.99 - DTX-LT - No card, 1 Cat 6/Class E Channel Adapter
Price is around $7,092.99 for unit only
There are a range of add on kits available for each model. Check Fluke's site for info, too many to list here.
Features of the Fluke DTX Analyzer
- DTX significantly reduces total certification costs up to 33% a year. This is essential to justify the price.
- Three times faster than existing testers with 9-second Cat 6 Autotest. faster means less cost in the long term.
- Perform Basic fiber certification five times faster with DTX Fiber Module
- Perform Extended fiber Certification with DTX Compact OTDR
- Independently verified by UL to meet ISO Level IV and TIA Level IIIe Accuracy requirements
- Analyze test results and create professional test reports using LinkWare reporting software
- Verify the availability of network and IP services using the Network Service Module
Training video explaining how to use a Fluke DTX
Here are some additional features and facts about the Fluke DTX
The DTX is compatible with the intellitone probe for "toning out" cables. It also has an option called the "network service module" that has many of the linkrunner capabilities! Check out their features and benefits on the product pages of this site.
The DTX records the number of tests performed by each test adapter. To see that total, install a test adapter and turn the dial to Special Functions. Scroll to Version Information, press Enter and then press F2. Autotest Count shows the total.
The DTX CableAnalyzer only gives a green check (pass) or red X (fail) for test parameters as required by the test limit that you are testing to. If the tester has acquired data, which is not pertinent to the limit, you will get an "i" (information only) or N/A. For example, return loss is only required where insertion loss is above 3dB in some cases. So if you have a very short link that never experiences more than 3dB of insertion loss, your return loss parameter will be "i" or not applicable.
For loss testing multi-mode OM3 fiber, you'll want the DTX-MFM2 fiber modules. These each have a power meter and source on them, so you can test two fibers at the same time. These modules work with the DTX-1800, 1200, LT and the results can be downloaded to LinkWare for report generation
Additional resources about the Fluke DTX
This article will help with settings for OTDR Tests:
http://www.flukenetworks.com/fnet/en-us/supportanddownloads/kb/fiber-testing/dtx-compact-otdr/settings%20for%20otdr%20tests%20-%20dtx%20compact%20otdr%20module.h
Troubleshooting industrial networks by Fluke:
http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/download/asset/3440812_6513_eng_a_w.pdf
Troubleshooting communications problems in building control systems by Fluke:
http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/download/asset/3497447_6003_eng_a_w.pdf