Omniscanner is the latest cable tester from Microtest and, according to the company, is the first such tester with a frequency range to 300 megahertz. The tester performs all tests necessary to certify cable to the forthcoming enhanced Category 5 and Category 6 standards, as well as the tests required for Category 5 compliance.
Among the tests that omniscanner conducts are return loss, power-sum near-end crosstalk, power-sum attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio, equal-level far-end crosstalk, power-sum equal-level far-end crosstalk, length, attenuation, near-end crosstalk, and wire map. The device also provides resistance measurements, has a dynamic range of 100 decibels at 100 MHz, and stores 1000 autotests. The manufacturer guarantees that if any additional tests are required to certify enhanced Category 5 or Category 6 cables, Microtest will upgrade the omniscanner to perform those tests.
The tester runs on a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery and includes a main and a remote unit. Users can customize autotests for a variety of cables and user requirements. A fiber-optic testing feature is optional. Available since June 1, the omniscanner retails for $5495.
MICROTEST INC.
PHOENIX, AZ
