Technical Details
- TRENDnet Network Cable Tester
TRENDware CABLE TESTER 10/100 COAX & TP ( TC-NT2 )
I used this tester to verify coax and Cat5e wiring as a structured wiring system was installed. Three Cat5e and two RG6 (coax) cables went to each room from a centrally located panel. Cat5e cable is somewhat fragile so the time to verify it works is when it's installed. With dry-wall up you're screwed if a concealed cable fails.
Verifies that:
...1) wiring is correct end to end; i.e. it has connectivity the right wire on each pin no shorts and no wrong cross-overs
...2) the cable isn't damaged
...3) the connector isn't defective.
Install terminators on each end; plug one end of the cable into the sending unit and the other end into the receiving (remote) unit. If either end of the cable has a jack (versus a plug) plug one end of a straight-through patch cable into that jack and the other end into the tester. Choose testing one wire (pin or path) at a time or auto cycle through 8 wires + ground. Testing is simplest with the remote unit in sight. Otherwise use the auto setting and go to that other end to see what's happening or have a helper yell back (or walkie talkie) which lights come on.
The sending unit tests wires in sequence (1 to 8 ground) and then repeats until you turn it off. For each wire tested a corresponding red LED on the sender lights. A low-voltage current is sent on that wire to an LED on the remote. If there is continuity a numbered red light on the remote comes on. If you're testing wire 1 and it's received on wire 1 on the remote the number 1 LED lights. If it's received on another wire (e.g. wire 2) that LED comes on. If it's received on multiple wires they'll all light. If it's not received at all no LED's light up. On auto mode LED's 1 through 8 should light at the remote at one second intervals.
Even though all 29 of my RG6 cables check out OK some of the 45 Cat5e cables didn't; which I then fixed. The Trendware tester found one defective Keystone jack plugs where I had crossed wires and a jack where a wire didn't make contact with the internal crimper.
To test RG6 coax you'll need two F Type Female to BNC Male adapters. You can also purchase USB and Firewire adapters to test those cable types (see customer photos).
Comes in a zipper case with room for the optional adapters. I tested an entire house and didn't need to change the unit's 9 volt battery.
Excellent product.
