Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!think.com!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!spool.mu.edu!rex!ames!dftsrv!nssdcb.gsfc.nasa.gov!lanmaint
From: lanmaint@nssdcb.gsfc.nasa.gov (Dave Yoest)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: Cable scanner recommendations?
Message-ID: <5367@dftsrv.gsfc.nasa.gov>
Date: 21 May 91 08:58:10 GMT
Article-I.D.: dftsrv.5367
References: <15490@darkstar.ucsc.edu> <1991May10.140628.17601@jhereg.osa.com> <119459@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu> <3973@dali>
Sender: news@dftsrv.gsfc.nasa.gov
Reply-To: lanmaint@nssdcb.gsfc.nasa.gov
Organization: NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center
Lines: 44
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.3-4

In article <3973@dali>, osyjm@warp.mhd.montana.edu (Jaye Mathisen) writes...
>In article <119459@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu> butzer@rugby.cis.ohio-state.edu (Dan Butzer) writes:
>>Take a look at the Tektronix 1503C.  I have the previous rev of the unit -
>>the 1503B and an _Extremely_ pleased with the unit.  I use it primarily to
>>shoot my thin-net networks.
> 
> 
>Same here.  Our 1503C has functioned flawlessly, and the ability to test
>active networks has been a real boon.
> 
>I would certainly buy another one if needed.
>-- 
> Jaye Mathisen,sysmgr 410 Roberts Hall,Dept. of Computer Science
> Montana State University,Bozeman MT 59717        PHONE: (406) 994-{4780,3931} 



We also use a 1503B and I personally feel that it is one of the best 
wire diagnostic tools we have. Not only do we use it for ethernet
coaxial based systems, but we also use it for other coax systems such
as video, and I would imagine it could also be used on non-coax based
(twisted pair) systems as well, although I have yet to try it.

Prior to the 1503B we used a 1503 (old,analog display,1970's 
technology) that did the job. Other than replacing the Ni-Cad 
batteries it also worked flawlessly (and still does) but did
not have many of the features the 1503B has to TDR active ethernets.

While it does require some amount of operator/tech expertise to use,
it really isn't complicated. If you can find it, an excellent
article was published in the November 1988 issue of LAN magazine
titled TDRing Ethernet, by Bob Agnes. It specifically talks about
using the 1503B and also has copies of the display showing most
of the faults commonly found on ethernet.



Dave Yoest
LAN M&O Section Supervisor
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Md. USA 20646

DYOEST@128.183.43.16
DYOEST@zaphod.gsfc.nasa.gov