Let's talk about PIM testing.....

[rwireless357]

There are some very good Pim MOPS out there but the confusing issue is that the GCs installing equipment are not always the ones doing the PIM testing and follwing the MOP. The PIM tester comes in a week or 2 after the GC installation team and when they find a pim failure they have to call the GC back to trouble shoot. This causes a great deal of delays. The validation of the install using PIM and Sweep gear should occur during installation. Much of this is outlined in some of these MOPS. Does anyone understand the reason for this process.

[Summitek]

Why the change Tom?

Did you make it to Barcelona for the show?

Yes, I made it to Barcelona and then on to NATE this last week. Good shows but I am glad they are behind me. A few weeks of "rest" and then on to CTIA.

The name change goes along with a re-organization of four existing Smiths businesses. The re-org allows us to optimize utilization of our resources globally rather than locally. This will be a good thing for us as well as our customers and help us to be more responsive. Trading under a single name will make it easier for customers who currently purchase from Triasx + Summitek + Allrizon to trade with a single company rather than many. (Some biggies out there actually asked us to do this!) It will be confusing for a little while but eventually we will make the transition.

[Summitek]

...The PIM tester comes in a week or 2 after the GC installation team and when they find a pim failure they have to call the GC back to trouble shoot. ... Does anyone understand the reason for this process.

Probably happening that way because many GC's still don't own their own PIM test equipment due to the high upfront cost. Kind of hard to learn from your mistakes and make corrections when the feedback comes weeks after the fact.

Lots of good lease to own options out there that can help make the cash flow work. We don't do equipment leasing but if anyone is interested send me a PM I will pass along the options I am aware of.

[Marconi]

Yes, I made it to Barcelona and then on to NATE this last week. Good shows but I am glad they are behind me. A few weeks of "rest" and then on to CTIA.

The name change goes along with a re-organization of four existing Smiths businesses. The re-org allows us to optimize utilization of our resources globally rather than locally. This will be a good thing for us as well as our customers and help us to be more responsive. Trading under a single name will make it easier for customers who currently purchase from Triasx + Summitek + Allrizon to trade with a single company rather than many. (Some biggies out there actually asked us to do this!) It will be confusing for a little while but eventually we will make the transition.

Excellent. Thanks for the response.

[rwireless357]

I received an email from a contractor stating the following from Andrews:
Support – The Intermod Squad™ Technical Support team now offers 24-hours a day support and technical assistance for issues regarding PIM. They can be reached at 1-800-255-1479 or intermodsquad@andrew.com
I tried calling this number after hrs on Friday(6pm est) and was told to call back during regular business hrs. I explained I was using Andrew products (cables, etc) and was having issues passing PIM and needed support. But was told to call back. Has anyone been able to get a hold of Andrews off hrs for PIM support. We were able to figure the problem out over the weekend. Thanks

[TiQuA]

Just a guess but I'm thinking you work for a test equipment manufacturer? I would say one of the manufacterers that does not offer DTP?

Am I correct?

You guessed it, I'm not working for Anritsu...I'm trying to remain objective about the issues at hand and would appreciate some objective feedback on the matters I've raised. Let's not get stuck in a marketing row.

[Marconi]

You guessed it, I'm not working for Anritsu...I'm trying to remain objective about the issues at hand and would appreciate some objective feedback on the matters I've raised. Let's not get stuck in a marketing row.

It didn't take long for somebody to figure that out.

Welcome TiQua.

[Marconi]

Wow, great input farcanal. Thanks for posting.

Last year at CTIA there was maybe one or two PIM test equipment vendors showing equipment. This year there was 10+. You are right PIM testing is here to stay. But if the carriers are going to require it they better be ready to pay for it.

Thanks again for your input.

Well, it's almost CTIA time again. I look forward to chatting with all the PIM testing vendors at the show.

[Marconi]

Well, it's almost CTIA time again. I look forward to chatting with all the PIM testing vendors at the show.

Well, I think I met them all today. Nick and Gina at Anritsu, Mark and Tom at Kaelus, and Demond and Michael at CCI - thank you all for taking the time to talk to me.

[Summitek]

2) Brochure claims DTP will "speed up repairs."

Seems logical but 1) you have to climb the tower and attach a load before you can use DTP legally and 2) DTP does not eliminate the need to tap on all connections and components to verify PIM performance. How much time is it really going to save?

Okay, I guess you could say I am officially a believer. I still have not had the opportunity to play with an Anritsu unit in the field but I have been out there with the Summitek (now Kaelus) Range To Fault engineering unit. Still true that it does not eliminate the need for dynamic testing. It does, however, help you find and eliminate the static PIM sources faster. I agree with Anritsu's claimes that this will be a game changer! Here is a link to a whitepaper describing what RTF is and how you will be able to use this new capability in the field.

Range to Fault technology white paper