Klein Tools VDV501-823 Cable Tester, VDV Scout Pro 2 Traces and Tests Coax, Data, Telephone Cable with Remotes

I've tried quite a few other cable testers. For cat cable and a few other applications, this is the best tester I know of. Other guys use them and when my cheap testers broke down I borrowed a few of these and finally got one myself. It gets the job done and is accurate and easy to use. Will go with this brand from now on for cable testers.

I purchased the Klein VDV501-823 to map RJ45 cables running throughout my home since I wasn't receiving ethernet in several rooms. The inside cable box was a jumble of messy, unlabeled cables. So, matching the cable to the wall plug was a challenge without the proper equipment. The Klein tool with mapping was the perfect solution. I simply installed a numbered cable remote on the nonworking wall plug (5 remotes are included), then I tested each unknown cable in the cable box with the Klein tool. The Klein tester would locate and display each terminator by number and verify the integrity of the cable. I could then verify that the proper cables were connected to a router. Without this tool, it would have been practically impossible. The tool operated flawlessly, readouts were instant and easy to read. Additional remotes are available. A 9v battery is included. UPDATE: I recently identified and mapped a jumble of coaxial cables and the tester located each cable connection with ease in a few minutes.

Not fancy and does not test cable quality. It is not a TDR. For verifying connections and mapping out an unknown layout, works very well. I think they are a tad over priced but the convenience factor is what one is paying for. One could be made that offers similar or more advanced functionality but if you need something now, this does okay. Look elsewhere for TDR and cable signal quality testing, this is really just go/no-go and pinout confirmation.

Works great, nice features. VERY rugged. Last tester I bought was a different brand and a cheapy, though it lasted 3-4 years (broke the first time I dropped it, though). THIS ONE looks and feels tough and appears it will stand the test of time (pun intended). However, I am a bit concerned about the LCD screen. Pressing on it distorts the display easily and this appears to be its vulnerability. Not sure I care for the coax built into it. Pointy and unnecessary for me. Oh well. The ID termination tester ends with the Scout Pro 2 are a nice touch I was willing to pay extra for. Too bad I didn't see the LT series before I bought it. It measures cable distance for less than $100 more. Most testers that do that start at $400 and easily go up from there. Maybe when this one goes out (2030??)

I do volunteer network support for my HOA community (we have shared internet). I was able to use this tool to track down and fix two cabling problems. It has already paid for itself, as we would have paid much more to have some company come out to do the same thing. I have not used it extensively, or used all its features, but I think Klein is a good brand, and this tool seems well made with a lot of great features. I would definitely recommend it as an affordable network testing and troubleshooting tool.

I needed something to unravel issues with a home/home office Ethernet network that I wired with 12 lines of CAT6. I originally looked at the Klein Lan Scout Junior which was cheaper and would have been more then adequate for my purpose. However, on researching I found out that it was a sealed unit with non-replaceable batteries (not easily replaced) and had a shelf life of 5 years. No thanks. I might not be a heavy user but I like my tools to last. So I looked at the VDV Scout Pro 2 which was a little bit pricier but uses a standard, replaceable 9 volt battery. The VDV Scout Pro 2 also does a bunch more tests and on different types of cables. That will be useful to me now and in the future. So how did it work? Super. Simple enough to use. Within 5 minutes I found two shorted CAT 6 cables and it even told me what end of the connection they were at. Really pleased with how well it worked. I probably could have gone a lot cheaper with one of those red blinking LED rigs. However, the Klein presents you with clear diagnostic information that make fixing cable issues a breeze. I'm not at all sorry I spent the extra few $ on purchasing this.

I am new to terminating cable and am only doing it for around the house and small projects. This tool is perfect for my use, but I can see a professional may be wanting to go with something with more data fields or testing metrics. My only complaint is the RJ-45 input on the device doesn't seat the plug well, and because of this throws off error codes, but an easy workaround is achieved by holding the loose plug in place.

It works but is too flimsey to last long. This model does not measure length but the next generation called Scout Pro 2 Light does. I've been an industrial electrician for almost 30 years and went with Klein tools early. Sadly they now have seen fit to sell their reputation . This is built like a dollar store trinket; I don't see it lasting very long. I don't see me buying Klein again either unless I can put my hands on the tool first and check where it was made,.

Great tester and good for an accurate reading

Bon produit. Conforme au descriptif. Il manque toutefois l'option test-n-map (qu'amazon ne propose pas) permettant d'identifier et tester en une seule étape jusqu'à huit connexion!

Worked as advertised. Helped me set my home network up. Quite a good experience.

Good product seems well made . Use it to test all the ethernet cables I make off . Good to just see a PASS or FAIL. Wish I would have bought the version that tells you the length of the cable run though.

Great tester.