Multicore Cable Tester

Multicore Cable Tester

THE number of fairly complex multicore cables in the home and the workshop is steadily increasing. The workshop PC brings with it a printer, keyboard, mouse and monitor, possibly a network connection and probably a modem line. All of these items require a dedicated connector and a multicore cable to connect it all together. Buying commercially-made leads can be expensive, and even then, you may not be able to get exactly what you require and have to manufacture your own; with the attendant doubt that all is wired, and wired correctly! Testing these leads can be confusing, especially if there are several to make up of the same type. Commercially manufactured leads are just as prone to damage, kinking, and connector failure as those we make ourselves, and if you count up the number of leads that surround us in the home and at work, the result can be quite surprising. If The cable is quite long and checking with a multimeter is simply not an easy option. This tester allows easy identification and testing of multicore cables in a variety of situations so long as at least two cores are connected. It offers quicker testing than traditional continuity methods, using l.e.d. indication and sound to check continuity and correct connections in cables. There is also a “quick check” for crossover wired cables. The unit is designed to test cables having up to eight cores, with cables having more than eight conductors being split into groups of tests. However, eight cores is sufficient for most, including: 1. Ethernet cables 2. Audio cables 3. Keyboard and mouse extension leads 4. Computer monitor cables 5. Modem/serial leads 6. USB cables, etc. The unit will: 1 Identify a cable 2. Check continuity of all cores 3. Identify a “crossover” type cable