Best Tone Kit?

Hey guys,

I was just curious what you guys use for a probe/tone kit?

I've tried A BUNCH by Greenlee, Fluke, etc, and can't find a really good one.

I need something for identifying ports on the switch/panel side. So, if I have a user at their desk with an issue on their PoE VoIP phone, I'm trying to identify where the port is on the switch side. When I try to tone, I get nothing. With the same equipment, if I'm trying to identify a port not patched to a switch, the tone is loud and clear.

Any ideas?

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Comments

Hondabuff

I have always used the Fluke IntelliTone. I would consider it 90% accurate. I have used the Greenlee, Fox and Hound and Black Box ones. I also use the Trendnet wire mapper. These are the goto tools in my bag for the past few years. I don't think there is anything really better out there. Always keep a fresh 9volt with you. When they probe is acting up its always because of a weak battery.

IntelliTone Pro 200 LAN Toner and Network Probe - Cable Network Toner Probe Testing | Fluke Networks
http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Network-Cable-Tester-TC-NT2/dp/B0000AZK08

MTciscoguy

I don't know that there is a best, if they are broadcasting a tone, you should be able to receive that tone on the circuit you are testing, most of us use Fluke systems in the area I am located in. I have to agree with Honda, if you are not getting a tone, you have a battery problem.

Priston

So your plugging the toner into the phone side and going into the switch room? Switches can cause interference with tone generators.
The tone generator Hondabuff suggested is definitly one of the higher end ones that should work even if it is plugged into a switch.

IntelliTone™ Pro 200 LAN Toner and Probe

Ends cable location confusion, decisively rejects noise and false signals

Locates cables on active networks, even when terminated at a switch

The cheaper Pro3000™ Analog Tone fluke makes is designed for only non-active networks

Tone and trace wire on non-active networks

which is why your having issues with those kind of toners

tycar86

I've always gone the cheap route and used a standard toner and a breakout. Amazon.com: Greenlee Communications 1902 RJ45 Modular Adapter, 8 Way: Home Improvement

Just connect the toner on pins 7 and 8 and you should be able to detect it on active cables.

red.roadster

Fluke. And always carry extra batteries.