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

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.

I wired the lower level of my house with Ethernet cables. This tool made connecting the heads a breeze.

Works great! Helped me find the bad crimp and fix it without having to mess around with something that looks like I should be finding ghost with.Thank you!

Works as described. Helped me troubleshoot an issue with an Ethernet connection that was daisy chained. Ethernet clearly needs single ended terminations and cannot be daisy chained. Good learning experience for me. Just wished I knew that before I decided to go cheap on the cables and not run a dedicated Ethernet line for every connector. Costs a little more and requires more connections for the bridge, but no other way to get it done right.

Just what I needed!

Bought this to test Cat5 connectors on a whole-house stereo installation. Ive left it to chance before and had a couple of bad connectors that resulted in unreliable operation of the keypads. This takes the guess work out of the project - you might be surprised how many of the male Cat5 connectors are bad - I had to replace 3 of 24 which would have resulted in headaches down the road when access was much more difficult. I also discovered a damaged length of Cat5 cable that must have been crushed and was causing intermittent shorts. For the small investment, this is a fantastic tool.

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

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.

This wont be an extensive review. There isnt much to say about the product other then it does what it says it does. Ive used it in the field without any problems. If there is a non positive about the product then it is the design. I would of liked to see the two seperate parts lock/fit together. That way there is less of a chance of loosing any parts. Now i just have to make sure i keep everything in the carrying case which comes with the product.

Received as advertised...big help in troubleshooting a neighbors network installation.