DataShark Network Cable Tester - Cable Mapper, Check Continuity - Test Patch Cords or Installed Cable Runs

Handy little gaget

I do recommend this tester. It is very handy when making patch cables, or checking CAT cable runs. Simple to use and for once the instructions are more than adequate.

What I got was a device with the right part number, but which was completely different- and inferior, in my opinion, to what I had ordered. The device shown has indicators for both cable ends on the main unit, making it easy to track the pin correspondence of the two cable ends (had one before). The one I recieved (see picture), although providing for smaller telecom connectors in addition to RJ-45, has the indicators on two horizontally separated units, making it necessary (for me) to run fingers down both units to track testing. I would guess Greenlee improved the unit without updating descriptive material. Functionally, it works, but not as easy to read as the both-lights-on-master-unit device.

The case could be better. It does not hold the test unit and small test link jumpers. The unit runs through a test light sequence, each corresponding to a wire checked. Once you know the sequence you can see if a light is not energized, equating to an issue in the cable. For a basic and inexpensive tool it does well.

I had previously bought a crimp/strip tool and some RJ45 connectors wanting to fix some broken cables. I wasnt successful fixing even one, and I was frustrated because I didnt know if the problem was the cable, the connectors, the tool, or my technique. So I got one of these Cable testers. Within about 2 minutes of opening the box, it already helped me figure out the problem I was having with my first crimp work (two wires switched, but NOT a crossover cable). Now the tester is helping me confirm the health of my patch cables, figure out which ones actually are crossover cables, and check my work on my crimps. A great tool to have; I recommend it.

Does exactly what I needed, simple to use and the price is right. My house is wired with cat5e to most rooms and but the switch in the bell atlantic box was acting up. I needed something to be able to check connections and locate connections. This worked great!

If you need a cable tester pin for pin, this is what you are looking for.

The first tester sent did not work. A second tester was sent this one also wouldnt work. On both units the power light was on but it wouldnt light the pin out lights. I thought I was improbable to have two bad units sent. I went out and bought a new 9V battery, this fixed the problem. The first tester was more than likely not faulty. If you have a problem, toss the battery that comes with the tester and buy a new one.

Meter did not work. Wouldnt even test the sample cables provided with the product.

A great product for the money if what you want is to be able to identify your home network wire feeds. It is simple to use and does what it says.