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

Picked this up because I was running into issues with some of the network cables I created. It took longer to unpack this and get the batteries installed than it did to determine I had created bad cables. This is a nice, simple, and quick testing device thats able to determine whats wrong with the cable being tested.

I had a problem with my printer intermitantly disappearing off my home network. Having exhausted the possible software causes I began to suspect a hardware problem, and bought this tester, based largely on other buyers reviews of it and of similar products. I chose this particular one because the price was reasonable and the other reviews did not critisize it for being overly cheap. Since my problem was intermitant, it took me a couple of tries to catch the fault in the act. I started by putting the main unit on the end of the patch cord that plugs into the printer and the satellite unit on the end of the other patch cord that plugs into the switch. The first time I tried it tested OK, but when I took it out and reconnected the printer, it was working again. The next time the printer disappeared I tried again, and found an open connection on pin one. I have a relatiley complicated system, with inline surge supressors on both ends of the run through the walls, so I tested each individual patch cord and component working back from the switch to the printer one connection at a time, and eventually found the guilty party. It was a commercially obtained patch cord that worked intermitantly when you wiggled one end around. Being commercially made it is probably about the last thing I would have suspected without the tester. Had I known they were this inexpensive I would have bought one years ago. Since I dont know when I might use it next I took the batttery out of it before I stored it away.

I received the tester on time with Prime . The tester comes with a pouch, test cables, and 9volt battery inside the unit. I used the tester on 15 cables with new rj45 connectors placed at both ends at about 30 feet in length. There were 5 cables that needed the connectors replaced, saves time and embarrassment in the long run. This is simply a continuity tester and sold itself to my coworkers who are going to purchase one for their own. If the lights do not work in sequence from 1 through 8 then start inspecting your straight through connectors. The tester is light weight and receiver is very small. I figure the receiver will be the first thing lost because of its size, but if you are looking for an inexpensive tester. this unit wont hurt your wallet. If the manufacturer is reading this review then I would recommend attaching a strap to the receiver as you did with the base unit and make the casing of both units less slippery to hold. I would recommend this to a friend.

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

Needed to trace some preinstalled LAN cables to set up my home network. Worked like a champ and determined the cables were good to boot. Also comes with a case for storage, battery and two patch cords. Just what the doctor ordered and at a decent price.

I was out of town for work and needed a Cat 6 tester. I picked this up at Lowes or Depot. Cant remember. From the first test each unit would give different test results. Itd be perfect on my side but my partner would have on open pair.

I would like to have a test channel for the shield but it does the critical test on the 8 active wires just fine.

Our teams really like them and found them handy to have in their kits.

This device is well made and has worked reliably for me. Before buying it I read reviews of some other devices available and saw a lot of complaints about cheap construction and unreliable operation. I havent run into any such problems with this Paladin unit. It appears to be pretty robust and not likely to break or fall apart. I particularly like the fact that you can use this on a long run with the remote receiver unit. Its a very simple test -- just watch the lights and make sure they are going in forward order (1 through 8) and not jumping around. Its much better than having to plug the Ethernet cable into a live data circuit and see whether it works.

Horrible product do not buy