FAQ
Browse our frequently asked questions to see our answers. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us at FTAsupport@labtesting.com.
Q: Is LTI committed to continuing the legacy of FTA and providing support of FTA products, maintaining the source code, and providing new features and products in the future?
A: Absolutely! LTI uses FTA systems in its Fatigue & Fracture Lab. Moreover, as part of the purchase of FTA in June 2017, LTI made a commitment to Keith Donald to continue supporting FTA for all of its customers. LTI has an obligation and is committed to continuing to support FTA.
Q: How long has FTA been around?
A: FTA has existed since 1984. It has its roots in Del Research which was founded by Paul Paris.
Q: Where is FTA located? Is it still in Bethlehem, PA?
A: FTA was relocated from Bethlehem in May 2019 to the LTI campus in Hatfield, PA, about 45 minutes south of Bethlehem.
Q: How do I sign up for alerts so that I know I am always kept abreast of the latest FTA developments?
A: Please join our mailing list by sending an e-mail request to FTAsales@labtesting.com.
Q: Who uses FTA software for testing? Am I in good company?
A: NASA is FTA's largest customer, with over 50 FTA test systems across the Agency. Case studies highlighting this are planned to be coming soon. FTA software is also used by Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, Boeing, Siemens, and many others in aerospace, nuclear, academic research, and other fields.
Q: I found a used ADwin on eBay or another location. Will it work?
A: Please provide us with the USB or ENET serial number so that we can check if this ADwin will be compatible. Keep in mind that FTA cannot provide any warranty against performance or operation for any ADwin hardware not purchased directly through FTA.
Q: Are there any other suppliers of ADwin devices other than FTA?
A: CAS DataLoggers of Chesterfield, OH is the distributor for ADwin devices in the US. However, CAS DataLoggers and FTA have an agreement that all sales for ADwins that are to be used with FTA systems shall be sold by FTA.
Q: I have a Tectronix / Fracture Technology Systems PD 501 and 502 system, but it is not performing correctly, and I would like to send it in for service. Is this possible?
A: FTA no longer offers service on these systems as they are discontinued and obsolete, last manufactured in the 1990's. Please contact FTA to upgrade to the newest DCPD system.
Q: But the Tectronix system had 50,000 gain. The newest systems have 20,000 gain. What is FTA doing about that?
A: FTA's next system will have higher gains.
Q: I have other FTA hardware that I would like to have serviced. How can I do this?
A: Please submit an RMA request for support to FTA at FTAsupport@labtesting.com. If the service is for an ADwin, please provide the Serial # or MAC Address for the device, as appropriate.
Q: Are internships available at FTA?
A: Yes! Generally, FTA will have one internship per year. If interested, please contact Dr. Matt Adler at madler@labtesting.com with your resume and an expression of interest. You should be a currently enrolled student in a 4-year college or university studying either materials science, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Q: Is FTA source code available? Keith Donald sent it to me (or my company) in the past.
A: No, it is FTA's policy that source code cannot be made available to customers in the future.
Q: Keith Donald used to partner with us on research. Is this something that FTA is still interested in doing, now or in the future?
A: Yes! Absolutely! One of the missions of LTI is to engage in research that results in publications in peer-reviewed journals. Please contact Dr. Matt Adler at madler@labtesting.com if you have an interest in partnering with LTI on a research topic. Frames and resources at LTI may be made available, depending on the proposal.
Q: Is training available for the FTA systems?
A: Training is certainly available! Please review the possible topics on the FTA Training page! Training is generally conducted at LTI in Hatfield, PA.
Q: The ADwin Gold has been around since 2001. Does FTA have any plans to move to the next generation hardware system?
A: Yes! LTI has developed a comprehensive FTA roadmap that includes hardware and software development, which has been presented and accepted by the LTI Executive Leadership Team. This will be communicated as soon as possible. Please join our mailing list by sending an e-mail request to FTAsales@labtesting.com.
Q: I have a suggestion or request for what I would like to see with FTA in the future. Can I submit this?
A: Absolutely! FTA wants as much input from our customers as possible in order to drive the future state of FTA products to ensure that the products work for its customer base. Please send an e-mail directly to Dr. Matt Adler at madler@labtesting.com.
Q: Are testing software site licenses available?
A: Testing software site licenses are not currently available. Software is sold on a per seat basis, in which the software is validated against each hardware device. The one exception is analysis software, which is currently able to be installed on multiple machines.
Q: What is the relationship between FTA and LTI?
A: LTI purchased FTA in 2017.
Q: Does Keith Donald or Amy Blair still work or consult for FTA?
A: Keith and Amy have earned and are enjoying their well-deserved retirements. They are sometimes contacted in rare cases and offer support from time to time, but that is not generally expected.