Remote Cable Tester Kit for Coaxial, Data (RJ45) and Telephone (RJ11) Cables, VDV Commander Cable Tester with Test-N-Map Remote Kit , KLEIN TOOLS VDV501-829
About Klein Tools
As an American manufacturer of hand tools for more than 160 years, Klein Tools makes premium-quality, professional-grade tools that deliver performance, durability and precision. Our team continues to put six generations of expertise into each tool by using the highest quality materials and superior workmanship.
Klein Tools doesn’t just make great products, we make great products that stand up to the demands of the professionals who use them every day … Since 1857.
VDV Commander and Test-n-Map Remote Kit, Klein Tools – VDV501-829
Klein Tools’ VDV Commander with Test-n-Map Remote Kit locates, tests and measures coax, data and telephone cables to ensure fast and accurate installations. In addition, the Commander detects Power over Ethernet (PoE) and can store and output test results for easy report management.
- Cable tester locates, tests and measures coaxial, data (RJ45) and telephone (RJ11) cables
- Identify wiring faults including miswire, open fault, short fault, split-pair, wire map
- Measure paired-conductor cables up to 457 m with accuracy of up to +/-(5-percent and 1-Foot/0.3 m)
- Measure cable length and distance-to-fault with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology
- Single-end cable testing or complete two-end cable testing with Test-n-Map ID Remotes
- Locate and identify cables with location ID remotes, Test-n-Map ID remotes, Link Light and Tone Generator
- Perform active network (Ethernet) testing — detect capabilities and connection speeds
- Test and identify location in one step (two-end testing) with Test-n-Map ID remotes (RJ45 and RJ12 ports) – supports up to 8 remotes
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Locate, test and measure coaxial, data and telephone cables | Probe included | Detect, identify and test Power over Ethernet (PoE) |
| Weight: | 227 g |
| Dimensions: | 34.29 x 24.13 x 11.13 cm; 226.8 Grams |
| Model: | VDV501829 |
| Part: | VDV501-829 |
| Pack Quantity: | 1 |
| Batteries Required: | Yes |
| Batteries Included: | Alkaline |
| Manufacture: | Klein Tools |
| Quantity: | 1 |
I purchased the VDV501-829 Cable Tester, VDV Commander to replace several cheap testers. The POE function is very useful and the speed test is also a great function to see what you are connected to, however the probe is essentially useless. The probe is noisy and it will only tone through selected pairs, which you can choose. I have found it to be unless tracing a bundle of cables, unless you hit the tip of the exposed opposite end you will never find the wire you are toning out. I have used several other toners Harris, Fluke that preform much much better. I should be able to touch the outer casing of a group of wires to find the cable I want. This is definitely not the case. Given the cost I can’t say I am 100% satisfied. The TDR function needs to be calibrated for it to be accurate. If you want to test 8 lines without running back and forth buy the add on Commander™ Test-n-Map™ Remote Kit VDV770-834. Bringing this cost up another $150.00. Overall it is built well, it comes in a very secure case and gets most of the job done.
I purchased the VDV501-829 Cable Tester, VDV Commander to replace several cheap testers. The POE function is very useful and the speed test is also a great function to see what you are connected to, however the probe is essentially useless. The probe is noisy and it will only tone through selected pairs, which you can choose. I have found it to be unless tracing a bundle of cables, unless you hit the tip of the exposed opposite end you will never find the wire you are toning out. I have used several other toners Harris, Fluke that preform much much better. I should be able to touch the outer casing of a group of wires to find the cable I want. This is definitely not the case. Given the cost I can’t say I am 100% satisfied. The TDR function needs to be calibrated for it to be accurate. If you want to test 8 lines without running back and forth buy the add on Commander Test-n-Map Remote Kit VDV770-834. Bringing this cost up another $150.00. Overall it is built well, it comes in a very secure case and gets most of the job done.
I purchased on November 11th 2020 after approx 90 days. Had an issue with device not booting up. Had to go thru a lot digging after amazons 30 day return policy had passed and could not find a way to warranty repair this product. I love Klein tools items. However if you buy off of Amazon it seems your only warranty will be amazons 30 days. Which is disappointing considering the price point of this device. I was eventually able to get it repaired however it was thru channels of people and I was informed the process in which was taken had a Klein representative eating the cost of the tester. Again a little disappointing there isn’t an easier way to return within the manufacturers return period.
I purchased on November 11th 2020 after approx 90 days. Had an issue with device not booting up. Had to go thru a lot digging after amazons 30 day return policy had passed and could not find a way to warranty repair this product. I love Klein tools items. However if you buy off of Amazon it seems your only warranty will be amazons 30 days. Which is disappointing considering the price point of this device. I was eventually able to get it repaired however it was thru channels of people and I was informed the process in which was taken had a Klein representative eating the cost of the tester. Again a little disappointing there isn’t an easier way to return within the manufacturers return period.
I love this tester kit. I can verify patch cables, validate cable lengths, tone trace, and use the numbered connectors to quickly zip through a whole office setup in just a few minutes. If you go into locations with unlabeled drops, or other problems, you can get it sorted quickly with good tools like this.
Love the VDV commander, however could do without the probe. Probe is noisy and less sensitive than others on the market. Ended up using a Fluke probe. The TDR function needs to be calibrated for the exact length you need or simply use it as an approximate measurement. That’s wasn’t the primary purpose of my purchase.
An excellent tool for network testing at that price point!
An excellent tool for network testing at that price point!
Excelente !!!
Es justo lo que necesitaba excelente producto !!! Lo recomiendo ampliamente, le
Falta un adaptador para conectar del rj45 a unos Camanes para hacer la prueba de un cable si no trae conectores
Hard to beat considering everything it does and all the accessories that come in the kit. I’ve been using it regularly for nearly 2 years (since Feb 2016) on installation projects and for troubleshooting, particularly the cable length, pair mapping, toning, identification, and documentation functions – both on twisted pair and coax. The tester, padded case and accessories are all well-constructed and durable.
The Link and POE Capability tests are also great features. Unfortunately, the unit was originally delivered with flawed firmware vC.1352 that made it VERY slow to return those particular test results. Klein confirmed the issue, but said there was no ETA from their OEM for the fix, that it was impossible to downgrade the firmware, and no more units with the prior firmware were in stock. They offered a refund, but I was using it for the other features and decided to wait it out. Finally, Klein notified me of new firmware vC.1354 on 10/13/17, and this solved the problem. I look forward to using the POE and Link Capability tests on a regular basis now! Kudos to Klein for keeping the ticket open, tracking the issue, and closing the loop.
I’ve learned there are three different version of the VDV501: the C, E and L series, each using a different firmware. Mine is the C series, and I can’t say for sure if the link/POE bug existed in the other versions.
You can pay LOTS more for multiple testers to get all the functionality this one has, but the VDV501-829 kit is reliable and gets the job done for a reasonable price.
I purchased this specifically for its ability to test PoE as I am running Poe up cams. Definitely worth it’s weight in gold. I took off one star. Eclipse mine freezes if I hit the link button when it’s not connected to an internet source. I have to take the batteries out for it to reset. Other wise functions great.
I support 3 offices with about 10 network/VOIP users each and recently as I was adding cameras in my house and re-wired my sound system to a closet I started looking for a device to make my job easier. Originally I bought one of the cheap cable testers, but that did not last even a month. So I started looking for more “serious” tool and came across this set.
The single best feature that helped me to select it was being able to determine cable length, which took the guesswork out of which end of a wire has a bad connection (due to bad punching or termination). In addition it is great to be able to check voltage from POE switch, check remaining cable length from the spool (requires termination), test network and RG6 wires. Handy tone generator works OK, inline with others similar devices. One problem I encountered was with updating the firmware on the device. As I learned the commander might come in 2 different hardware revisions A or B which was not mentioned anywhere in the firmware update page, so I ended up with nonoperational device. I contacted Klein Tools and they offered me a replacement shipped to a local retailer. The whole process took a little while, but overall I am very happy with the results and the device itself and I would recommend it to anyone who supports IP and voice networks. Great tool and even better company behind it!
It does what it says, however it does not like it when you put a cross over cable on it. Sometimes the readings on cable length are wrong. But to tone out a line, check connectivity on a switch though a home run line to the wall its works great. I do like how you can save up to 255 locations in there as well.
Only disadvantage is there is only 1 tester end. Great as an identifier but OK as a tester when you are by your self running all over the house to test your cat tips.
Only disadvantage is there is only 1 tester end. Great as an identifier but OK as a tester when you are by your self running all over the house to test your cat tips.