DSX CableAnalyzer vs. DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer
Foreword:
This is a guide only. We'd rather you see the DSX SeriesCableAnalyzer™ and Versiv Platform in person to understand why professionals throughout the world are moving to this new platform. Always insist on a full demonstration of the product, including the computer software and any remote data transfer service. If you are getting a demonstration, make sure the DSXCableAnalyzer has the latest versionn of software. This article is accurate to the best of our knowledge, derived from hands on experience and published data sheets. All information is subject to change. If you should find an inaccuracy, please do not hesitate to let us know kbfeedback@flukenetworks.com .
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Copper Certification |
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DSX-5000 CableAnalyzer™ |
DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer™ |
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LinkWare™ |
LinkWare™ |
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LinkWare™ Live Essentials |
No |
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Touch screen |
Capacitive with gestures |
No |
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≈ 10 hrs. |
≈ 10 hrs. |
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Yes |
No |
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Module only |
Mainframe |
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Category 6A / Class EA test time |
10 seconds |
22 seconds |
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≈ 3 seconds |
≈ 9 seconds |
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Internal memory |
≈ 12,000 Cat 6A with plots |
≈ 250 Cat 6A with plots |
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Yes |
No |
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ProjX™ |
No |
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Cable IDs |
60 Characters |
25 Characters |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
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Talk set |
Yes |
Yes |
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Tone generator |
Yes |
Yes |
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Re-certify test results |
Yes |
Yes |
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Yes |
No |
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Patch cord, Coax*, M12* |
Patch Cord, Coax, M12 |
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Tier 1 (OLTS), Tier 2 (OTDR) &
Fiber Inspection Probe |
Tier 1 (OLTS) |
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Optional network testing |
DTX-NSM |
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PC Software
Fluke Networks’ LinkWare Software is renowned for its ease of use and professional reporting capabilities. For existing DTX CableAnalyzer customers, LinkWare PC provides a seamless transition to the DSX SeriesCableAnalyzer and Versiv family of testers, allowing you to run a DTX & DSX for the same job. Fluke Networks’ LinkWare PC Software will open any LinkWare file created since its launch in 2002.
Remote transfer service
LinkWare Live allows users to transfer results from the field to their LinkWare Live account – for free; without the use of a PC. LinkWare Live offers unlimited remote storage, where results/projects can be tracked on your smartphone, tablet, PC or any device with an internet browser and web connection. Results can then be pulled down into your existing LinkWare Software on your PC, producing the exact same high quality reports you generate today.
Battery life
Users can expect 10 hours of battery life from the DSX-5000 CableAnalyzer main unit. Battery life can be extended further by adjusting the screen brightness and auto time outs for the LCD screen. With the DSX-5000 CableAnalyzer, you could see up to 14 hrs. of use from a full charge.
Battery bypass
The DTX battery contains its own charging circuit allowing for the removal of the battery to be charged without a docking station – cool feature. The downside was that if the battery developed a fault, it could render the DTX inoperable. In the DSX CableAnalyzer, the charging circuit is not embedded in the battery. If the battery should develop a fault, the user can continue to use the DSX CableAnalyzer with just the power supply plugged in. It also means that you can use the DSX CableAnalyzer straight away even if the battery has no charge. In the DTX CableAnalyzer, you would need to wait around 10 minutes for it to obtain enough charge to operate.
Annual calibration
A downside to the DTX CableAnalyzer was that when it came to calibration, you would have to send in the mainframes. A disadvantage if you had the optional fiber modules since you could not test either copper or fiber whilst the DTX mainframes were away getting calibrated. With the DSX CableAnalyzer, only the module is returned for calibration – not the mainframes. So if you have the optional fiber modules, you can continue fiber testing and stagger your calibration periods.
HDTDX/HDTDR diagnostic test times
Essential for troubleshooting NEXT and Return Loss issues, these additional tests run automatically on marginal passing or failing Autotests. That’s important to know when you consider a marginal DTX Category 6A test would take ≈ 31 seconds compared to ≈ 13 seconds for the DSX CableAnalyzer.
Unload results to a thumb drive
Almost everyone has a thumb drive/memory stick to hand. The same cannot be said about SD/MMCs found in the DTX CableAnalyzer.
Setup multiple tests in advance
ProjX™ allows you to preconfigure the DSX SeriesCableAnalyzers in advance, reducing technician setup errors including incorrect test limits, cable types and IDs. You can preconfigure up to 100 projects where each project allows for the setting up of 10 individual test configurations. The projects and results can be transferred between testers – a very popular feature when you are operating from a pool of testers.
Level V Accuracy (1 GHz)
Independently verified by ETL as meeting the Level V (1 GHz) accuracy requirements of IEC in addition to the Level IIIe accuracy requirements of TIA. Fluke Networks takes it one step further by publishing the nominal accuracy for each frequency point against the most common used test limits:
· Category 5e / Class D Channel accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Category 5e / Class D Permanent Link accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Category 6 / Class E Channel accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Category 6 / Class E Permanent Link accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Category 6A / Class Ea Channel accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Category 6A / Class Ea Permanent Link accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Class F Channel accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Class F Permanent Link accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Class Fa Channel accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
· Class Fa Permanent Link accuracy for the DSX CableAnalyzer
Resistance Unbalance
This measurement is defined in ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801 Edition 2.2 2011-06. It can also be found in the PoE standards IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at. It is currently not a field test requirement in ANSI/TIA-1152 or IEC 61935-1 Ed.4 - mainly because up until the DSX-5000 CableAnalyzer, no tester could make this measurement in the field. Interestingly, cabling vendors are required to test for this parameter in their laboratories to claim compliance to Category 5e, 6, 6A and Class D, EA, F and FA. You can read more about Resistance Unbalance by clicking here.
Shield integrity test
Only the DSX SeriesCableAnalyzers can assure you of a correctly installed shield in a data center where the racks are bonded to a common ground. You can read more about this unique feature by clicking here.
TCL measurement
Transverse Conversion Loss is defined in ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801 Edition 2.2 2011-06. It is currently not a field test requirement in ANSI/TIA-1152 or IEC 61935-1 Ed.4 - mainly because up until the DSX-5000 CableAnalyzer, no tester could make this measurement in the field. Cabling vendors are required to test for this parameter in their laboratories to claim compliance to Category 5e, 6, 6A and Class D, EA, F and FA. You can read more about TCL by clicking here.
ELTCTL measurement
Equal Level Transverse Conversion Transfer Loss is defined in ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801:2010. It is currently not a field test requirement in ANSI/TIA-1152 or IEC 61935-1 Ed.4 - mainly because up until the DSX Series CableAnalyzers, no tester could make this measurement in the field. Cabling vendors are required to test for this parameter in their laboratories to claim compliance to Category 5e, 6, 6A and Class D, EA, F and FA. You can read more about ELTCTL by clicking here.
CDNEXT measurement
Common mode to differential mode near end xtalk is not a requirement in either TIA, ISO or IEEE. It is however a useful tool in diagnosing alien xtalk issues. You can read more about CDNEXT by clicking here.
CMRL measurement
Common mode return loss is not a requirement in either TIA, ISO or IEEE. It is a useful feature for designers of cables. You can read more about CMRL by clicking here.
Built-in Alien Xtalk module
For Alien Xtalk testing, the DTX required additional communication module$. The DSX-5000 CableAnalyzer requires no additional hardware. The communication system is built into the copper test module. Just compile your results on a PC and follow the wizard provided in the free AxTalk Analyzer Software.
Removable copper test module
By confining the measurement hardware to just the module, it allows for future test modules with additional capabilities - without having to purchase a complete new tester.
Optional adapters
Patch cord adapters for certifying Category 5e, 6 and 6A patch cord are available now with dual ended testing of NEXT and Return Loss. Coax and M12 adapters will be available in December 2014.
Optional fiber modules
At first glance, the DSX Series CableAnalyzers look to be a copper certification tester. But you can swap out the modules to certify fiber optic links for both Tier 1 (optical loss) and Tier 2 (optical time domain reflectometer). Need to conduct fiber inspection? No additional modules needed, just the optional USB camera which permits automated fiber inspection to IEC 61300-3-35, whilst allowing the images to be saved and merged with your fiber tests for a complete fiber certification report.
