- What is a Pocket Toner®?
First introduced in 1989, Pocket Toner® brand tools are compact (pocket-sized) and durable test devices that allow the user to easily and quickly test wires and cables for continuity and short circuits. Newer NX models also test for AC and DC voltage and some even test multiple cables in one step.
- What tests can you perform with a Pocket Toner®?
All Pocket Toner® tools test for continuity and short circuits. Some models perform more tests. Here is a complete list of the tests each of the Pocket Toner® NX tools perform:
PTNX1: Continuity, open circuit, and short-circuit
PTNX2: Continuity, open circuit, short-circuit, 50-75 ohm termination, AC or DC voltage (>6v, up to 48v)
PTNX8: Continuity, open circuit, short-circuit, 50-75 ohm termination, AC or DC voltage (>6v, up to 48v), and the ability to test up to eight cables in one step with the use of eight numbered ID caps
Both the PTNX2 and PTNX8 come in kits that include a variety of adapters. With these adapters, Pocket Toner® tools can test virtually any type of wire or cable as long as there are at least two conductors in it. Click here to see which kit is best for you.
- Can Pocket Toner® test live wires or cables?
Only Pocket Toner® NX tools (PTNX1, PTNX2, and PTNX8) are fully voltage protected up to 48 volts AC/DC. Never expose a Pocket Toner® NX tool to more than 48 volts! PTNX2 and PTNX8 will indicate the presence of voltage in addition to telling you if it is AC or DC voltage.
Older Pocket Toner® tools such as the original black tools or Pocket Toner® Solution Series tools are not voltage protected and they will become damaged if exposed to voltage of any kind. If your Pocket Toner® is not one of the newer NX type tools, do not connect it to any source of voltage.
- How can Pocket Toner® test multiple cables in one step?
Pocket Toner® NX8 has the unique ability to test up to eight wires or cables in one step with the use of the eight numbered ID caps it comes with. Simply attach the eight ID caps to outlets in remote locations of the system then take the Main Unit to the homerun location where all the cables come together. Quickly connect the Main unit to each of the cables there and when it is connected to one of the cables with an ID cap at the other end, it will beep and show the number of the ID cap it is connected to. In this way you can quickly identify up to eight cables in one step.
- What kinds of wires and cables can you test with Pocket Toner®?
Pocket Toner® was originally designed to test coaxial cables so all of the parts involved with the tool have F-type connectors to interface with this type of cable. However, with the many Gale Corporation adapters available you can test virtually any type of wire or cable. As long as the wire or cable you are testing has at least two conductors, chances are Pocket Toner® can do the job.
Standard adapters available allow Pocket Toner® to test 66-block, RJ-11, RJ-45, BNC, RCA, or any bare wire. PTNX2 and PTNX8 come in kits that have adapters pre-selected to work for a variety of applications. Click here to see which kit is best for you.
- Which Pocket Toner® kit is best for me?
Both Pocket Toner® NX2 and Pocket Toner® NX8 tools are offered in kits with many of the adapters you will need to test the types of cables you work with the most. Once you decide if you want a PTNX2 or a PTNX8, then you can choose a kit. Click here to view all the kits available or see the list below for a quick summary:
Cable TV Kits:
Pocket Toner® NX2 Cable Kit (coaxial and alligator clips adapters)
Pocket Toner® NX8 Cable Kit (coaxial and alligator clips adapters)
Telco/CATV/LAN (Triple Play) Kits:
Pocket Toner® NX2 Deluxe Kit (all adapter types)
Pocket Toner® NX8 Deluxe Kit (all adapter types)
Pocket Toner® NX8 Cable & Telephone Kit (coaxial, 66-block, RJ-11, alligator clips, and Dial Tone Detective™)
Pocket Toner® NX8 Voice & Video Pro Kit (coaxial, 66-block, (8) RJ-11, BNC, RJ-45, alligator clips, and Dial Tone Detective™)
Pocket Toner® NX8 LAN Pro Kit (coaxial, 66-block, RJ-11, BNC, (8) RJ-45, alligator clips, and Dial Tone Detective™)
Audio/Video Kits:
Pocket Toner® NX8 Audio/Video Pro Kit (coaxial, RCA, alligator clips, and (8) 2-wire clip adapters)
Satellite Installer Kits:
Pocket Toner® NX2 Satellite Installer Kit (coaxial, RJ-11, alligator clips adapters, and Dial Tone Detective™)
Pocket Toner® NX8 Satellite Installer Kit (coaxial, RJ-11, alligator clips adapters, and Dial Tone Detective™)
Fire/Security/CCTV Kits:
Pocket Toner® NX8 Security/Fire Pro Kit (coaxial, 66-block, RJ-11, RJ-45, alligator clips, and (8) 2-wire clip adapters)
- How do Pocket Toner® test tools work?
Pocket Toner® test tools work by sending low-voltage DC current through the test cable. It then measures the resistance of the current flowing through the cable. If there is no current, it indicates an open circuit condition. If it detects high current flow (little or no resistance) then it indicates a short circuit condition. In the case of the PT-SIX or PTNX8, the Main Unit also looks for certain resistence values to identify the specific resistances of the ID caps. Virtually any cable or wire with at least two conductors can be tested with a Pocket Toner®. The tool is not an RF signal generator so it cannot test through devices that do not pass DC current. As such, it cannot test through most modern CATV coaxial splitters.
