zwodubber

I don't need any of the $8,000+ models here, just something that gives me cable length, distance to any breaks, and some basic features.

I remember someone posted one here some time ago and there was a discount for ET members, anyone remember that one?

I'd like to stay at about $600 or less.

Thanks!

Big John

One of the guys has a little red one by Tripplett that was cheap, which we've used more than once to get wire distance measurements and it works well.

Not sure how it would for fault finding though.

-John

zwodubber

Just found this one actually, seems to fit my needs. For some reason yesterday google only gave me $8,000-$29,000 choices

AEMC CA7024 Fault Mapper Alpha Numeric TDR

wptski

No way! I have one of those and sure didn't pay that for it. I've found it to be confusing to use. Not sure of your exact use for it? I forget the technical reason right now but there is a built-in error. Meaning, say if you had a break in a lenght of romex inside a wall, you can't attach it directly to the conductors at the receptacle and get a accurate reading. You would have to attach a extension cord of similiar guage first and read through it also. IIRC, it must be over 7' long.

I think that you can download the manual from AEMC site. If you get that far I have copy of different types of junctions/breaks and how they look on a graphic screen. Well, at least how they are supposed to look!

Whoops! I have the CA-7026 or the graphing model.

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Bill

CADPoint

What about something like this here

Bases on a search engine result from google

zwodubber

Thanks, I realized i need the CA-7026 as I need to measure twisted pair as well. I found it for about $795

jefft110

I have the Fluke ts-90 that works ok and can be found for around $200.00.

MDShunk

The one that was on here had specific menus for building wire. It escapes me what it was.

__________________
One reason not to give DIY advice:
Catch a man a fish and you can sell it to him.
Teach a man to fish and you’ve ruined a good business opportunity.

wptski

I ran CAT 5E and RG-8U(I believe) side by side for my ATT&T Uverse service hookup. As I remember they didn't jive with eachother either but maybe it's just me??

__________________
Bill

zwodubber

Found it while researching meters

http://www.specialized.net/Specializ...000-8022.aspx#

wptski

AEMC has a new model, CA-7027.

__________________
Bill

Big John

Good info in this thread. I don't even really need a TDR, but I think I can indulge if you can get 'em this cheap.

-John

nrp3

I have a couple that I am playing with:

Riser Bond 1150
http://www.radiodetection.com/doclib..._br2007_en.pdf

and

Bicotest T631
http://www.radiodetection.com/doclib...et_2007_en.pdf

The Riser Bond unit is a more basic one that shows up frequently on Ebay for reasonable money. Thats where I got both units. The Bicotest unit had to be sent to England for a new screen. I bought that one for the larger screen for better resolution. Did I need it, no, but I bought these to help find underground faults. So far having better luck with A frames. I need to find the values for UF and probably have better luck.

wptski

Hmmm, a SPX Corp owned company. They screw up everything they purchase.

__________________
Bill

jza

I've used this one before and really liked it.

http://www.flukenetworks.com/datacom...rbt-bridge-tap

If I recall correctly it's like $200.

nrp3

Who knows, the lower priced stuff may well be just as good. These two models have been around for awhile.