[ale] How to test a cat5 wire?

[Derek Atkins]

Hi,
Thanks, Raj!
I see two reports on the Amazon link that say the tool failed within a few
minutes.
For the third, I found the same on Amazon for cheaper (20 vs 25), but
again, lots of negative reviews.
Maybe I'll look at something a little more pricey that will be better
quality.
Also, thank you for the offer, but this is a tool I'm going to need for
several months.  I've got ~100 cables I need to trace, punch/crimp, and
test.  So it'll probably be better for me to have my own tool.

Thanks!

-derek

On Fri, August 16, 2019 9:33 am, Raj Wurttemberg via Ale wrote:
> Hey Derek,
>
> A cheap one like this should be sufficient:
>
> https://www.amazon.com/HDE-Network-Cable-Tester-Phone/dp/B009ZXYI1U/ref=sr_1_7
>
> Locally, Micro Center has a similar one (for less $):
> https://www.microcenter.com/product/486708/network-cable-tester
>
> I have had this one for years and love it ($25):
> https://www.microcenter.com/product/209845/network-modular-cable-tester
>
> I'm is Norcross/Peachtree Corners... so if you live near-by, you are
> welcome to borrow mine.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Thanks,
> /Raj
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ale <ale-bounces at ale.org> On Behalf Of Derek Atkins via Ale
> Sent: Friday, August 16, 2019 8:36 AM
> To: Jim Kinney <jim.kinney at gmail.com>
> Cc: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts <ale at ale.org>
> Subject: Re: [ale] How to test a cat5 wire?
>
> Jim,
>
> Jim Kinney <jim.kinney at gmail.com> writes:
>
>> Best bet is to buy a cable tester. Barring that, use a radio and make
>> an adapter with alligator clips that uses the earphone jack as a
>> signal source and a speaker on the other end.
>
> Any recommendations for which cable tester to buy?  I'd prefer cheapest
> with most required functionality.  I already have a cable follower which
> sends a signal down a pair and lets me trace it.  I also have a multimeter
> which I suppose I could use for continuty testing (I just need some
> aligator clips to short out one side).
>
> So what do you suggest?
>
>> If a single wire is damaged and your connection doesn't require 8,
>> just swap a pair of unused for damaged on both ends. Electrons are
>> color blind 😁. Some labels explaining the change will help for later.
>
> Yes, this was my plan, but I don't know if it requires all 8 or not --
> that was part of my question.  How do I know if the camera and switch
> would use PoE mode A or B?  I do know it's only 100mbps.
>
>> It may be possible to use the damaged wire bundle to pull a new cable.
>> Plenum rated wire is tough and easy to pull.
>
> Unlikely, unfortunately.  The cable was run when the walls were all open,
> and I know it goes through joists and studs and it stapled to them along
> the way.  So no, I don't think I could use it as a pull-string.
> That was one of my first thoughts, even.  :(
>
> -derek
> --
>        Derek Atkins                 617-623-3745
>        derek at ihtfp.com             www.ihtfp.com
>        Computer and Internet Security Consultant
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-- 
       Derek Atkins                 617-623-3745
       derek at ihtfp.com             www.ihtfp.com
       Computer and Internet Security Consultant