Microtest Pentascanner Software Download: How to Update and Troubleshoot Your Cable Tester
If you are a network technician or installer, you probably know how important it is to have a reliable and accurate cable tester. A cable tester can help you certify, diagnose, and document the performance of your network cabling systems. One of the most popular cable testers in the market is the Microtest Pentascanner, a handheld device that can test all pair combinations up to 100 MHz and measure various parameters such as near-end crosstalk (NEXT), attenuation, return loss, resistance, impedance, length, capacitance, attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio (ACR), power sum NEXT, and wire map.
However, like any other electronic device, the Microtest Pentascanner needs regular software updates and maintenance to ensure its optimal functionality and compatibility. In this article, we will show you how to download and install the latest software updates for your Microtest Pentascanner, as well as how to troubleshoot some common problems that you may encounter while using it.
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What is Microtest Pentascanner?
The Microtest Pentascanner is a product line of cable testers developed by Microtest, a company that was acquired by Fluke Networks in 2001. The Microtest Pentascanner was designed to test and certify network cabling systems according to various standards such as EIA/TIA TSB-67 Level II and ISO. The Microtest Pentascanner can test both copper and fiber optic cables, as well as monitor and graph network traffic.
Features and benefits of Microtest Pentascanner
Some of the features and benefits of using the Microtest Pentascanner are:
It can perform a 21-second autotest that covers all the required parameters for cable certification.
It can store up to 500 autotests in its internal memory or on removable multimedia cards (MMC).
It can print complete, easy-to-read certification reports using a serial or USB port.
It can allow you to program test limits and customize autotests according to your needs.
It can allow flash ROM updates from the field using a PC application.
It has a replaceable, rechargeable battery pack that can last up to 8 hours of daily operation.
It has a bright display and a backlit keypad for easy operation in low-light conditions.
Types and models of Microtest Pentascanner
There are two main types of Microtest Pentascanner: PentaScanner+ and PentaScanner 350. The PentaScanner+ is a basic model that can perform single-ended testing using a Super Injector+. The PentaScanner 350 is an advanced model that can perform two-way testing using a 2-Way Injector+. The PentaScanner 350 also has a performance grading feature that can measure and rate the quality of high-performance links by analyzing the headroom available for high-speed applications. The PentaScanner 350 can differentiate links that are marginally passing from links that have up to 70 times better signal-to-noise ratios.
Why do you need to update your Microtest Pentascanner software?
Updating your Microtest Pentascanner software is important for several reasons:
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It can improve the accuracy and reliability of your cable tester by fixing any bugs or errors in the previous software version.
It can enhance the functionality and compatibility of your cable tester by adding new features or supporting new standards or protocols.
It can extend the lifespan and value of your cable tester by keeping it up to date with the latest technology and industry trends.
How to download the latest software updates from Fluke Networks
To download the latest software updates for your Microtest Pentascanner, you need to visit the Fluke Networks website and follow these steps:
Go to and select "Cable Testers" from the product category.
Find your Microtest Pentascanner model and click on the "Download" button next to the software update file.
Save the file to your computer and unzip it if necessary.
Read the readme file for instructions on how to install the software update on your cable tester.
How to update your scanner software from the PC
To update your scanner software from the PC, you need to connect your Microtest Pentascanner to your computer using a serial or USB cable and run the PC application that comes with the software update file. The PC application will guide you through the process of updating your scanner software. Here are some general steps to follow:
Make sure your cable tester is turned off and connected to your computer.
Run the PC application and select "Update Scanner Software" from the menu.
Browse to the location where you saved the software update file and select it.
Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer the file to your cable tester.
Wait for the update process to complete and verify that your cable tester is working properly.
What are some common problems with Microtest Pentascanner and how to fix them?
Sometimes, you may encounter some problems while using your Microtest Pentascanner that may affect its performance or functionality. Here are some common problems and their possible solutions:
Unable to find the injector
This problem occurs when your cable tester cannot communicate with the injector that is connected to the other end of the cable. This may be caused by a faulty or loose connection, a damaged or incompatible injector, or a low battery. To fix this problem, you can try these steps:
Check that the injector is turned on and connected properly to the cable and the power source.
Check that the cable is not broken or damaged and that it matches the type of injector you are using.
Check that the battery level of both your cable tester and injector is sufficient for testing.
Try using another injector or cable if possible.
Unable to open flash image file
This problem occurs when your cable tester cannot open or read the software update file that you have downloaded from Fluke Networks. This may be caused by a corrupted or incomplete file, a wrong file format, or a lack of memory space. To fix this problem, you can try these steps:
Check that you have downloaded the correct software update file for your Microtest Pentascanner model and version.
Check that the file is not corrupted or incomplete by verifying its size and checksum.
Check that you have enough memory space on your cable tester or MMC card to store the file.
Try downloading the file again or using another computer or MMC card if possible.
Unable to print test results
This problem occurs when your cable tester cannot print or export test results to a printer or a PC. This may be caused by a faulty or loose connection, a wrong printer or PC setting, or a low battery. To fix this problem, you can try these steps:
Check that your printer or PC is turned on and connected properly to your cable tester using a serial or USB port.
Check that your printer or PC has the correct driver or software installed to communicate with your cable tester.
Check that your printer or PC has enough paper, ink, memory, or disk space to print or export test results.
Check that your battery level of both your cable tester and printer or PC is sufficient for printing or exporting test results.
Try using another printer or PC if possible.
Conclusion
The Microtest Pentascanner is a powerful and versatile cable tester that can help you certify, diagnose, and document network cabling systems. However, like any other electronic device, it needs regular software updates and maintenance to ensure its optimal functionality and compatibility. In this article, we have shown you how to download and install the latest software updates for your Microtest Pentascanner, as well as how to troubleshoot some common problems that you may encounter while using it. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us at support@flukenetworks.com or visit our website at Summary of the main points
Here are the main points that we have covered in this article:
The Microtest Pentascanner is a product line of cable testers developed by Microtest, a company that was acquired by Fluke Networks in 2001.
The Microtest Pentascanner can test and certify network cabling systems according to various standards such as EIA/TIA TSB-67 Level II and ISO.
The Microtest Pentascanner can test both copper and fiber optic cables, as well as monitor and graph network traffic.
The Microtest Pentascanner needs regular software updates and maintenance to ensure its accuracy, reliability, functionality, and compatibility.
The latest software updates for the Microtest Pentascanner can be downloaded from the Fluke Networks website and installed on the cable tester using a PC application.
Some common problems with the Microtest Pentascanner are unable to find the injector, unable to open flash image file, and unable to print test results. These problems can be fixed by checking the connections, cables, injectors, files, printers, PCs, batteries, and memory spaces.
Call to action and contact information
If you are interested in buying or renting a Microtest Pentascanner or any other cable tester from Fluke Networks, please visit our online store at or call us at 1-800-283-5853. We offer a wide range of products and services for network testing, monitoring, troubleshooting, and certification. We also provide technical support, training, calibration, warranty, and repair services for our customers. We are committed to delivering quality products and solutions that meet your needs and expectations.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Microtest Pentascanner:
Q: How can I transfer test results from my Microtest Pentascanner to my PC?
A: You can transfer test results from your Microtest Pentascanner to your PC using a serial or USB cable and a PC application called ScanLink Tools. ScanLink Tools is a software program that allows you to view, edit, print, export, and archive test results from your cable tester. You can download ScanLink Tools from the Fluke Networks website or use the CD-ROM that came with your cable tester.
Q: How can I calibrate my Microtest Pentascanner?
A: You can calibrate your Microtest Pentascanner using a calibration module that is supplied with your cable tester. The calibration module is a device that simulates a known cable with known parameters. To calibrate your cable tester, you need to connect the calibration module to the main unit and the injector of your cable tester and run a calibration test. The calibration test will adjust the internal settings of your cable tester to match the calibration module. You should calibrate your cable tester at least once a year or whenever you suspect that it is not performing accurately.
Q: How can I upgrade my Microtest Pentascanner to a higher model?
A: You can upgrade your Microtest Pentascanner to a higher model by purchasing an upgrade kit from Fluke Networks. An upgrade kit is a package that contains a new injector, a new software update file, and an instruction manual. To upgrade your cable tester, you need to replace your old injector with the new one and update your scanner software using the PC application. The upgrade kit will enable you to perform additional tests and measurements that are supported by the higher model.
Q: How can I extend the battery life of my Microtest Pentascanner?
A: You can extend the battery life of your Microtest Pentascanner by following these tips:
Turn off your cable tester when not in use.
Reduce the brightness of your display and keypad backlight.
Avoid using external devices such as printers or PCs that may drain your battery power.
Use the power saving mode or sleep mode when possible.
Charge your battery fully before using it.
Replace your battery when it shows signs of wear or damage.
Q: How Q: How can I contact Fluke Networks for technical support or customer service?
A: You can contact Fluke Networks for technical support or customer service by using any of the following methods:
Phone: 1-800-283-5853 (toll-free in the US and Canada) or +1-425-446-5500 (international)
Email: support@flukenetworks.com or customerservice@flukenetworks.com
Web:
Chat:
Mail: Fluke Networks, PO Box 777, Everett, WA 98206-0777, USA
Please have your cable tester model, serial number, software version, and purchase date ready when contacting Fluke Networks. You can also check the online knowledge base, user manuals, and FAQs on the Fluke Networks website for more information and guidance. 44f88ac181
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