I need a tone generator and probe

[91FE]

I'm going to be doing some alarm wiring in my house... replacing an old panel, updating existing sensors and components, etc. I need a tone generator to trace the wiring and I have no idea what to get. They range anywhere from $30 to $300. I can't see this being much more of a one-time-use sort of tool, but I don't really want to be frustrated by working with junk either. Thoughts from someone in the know?

 

[mrholeshot]

Test-um TG100. Decent unit, cheap as well

 

[hammlm]

I was going to say get a progressive tonegen / probe set. Back when I was in that line of work, they were the defacto, and reasonably priced. I did a quick google, looks like progressive is now owned by Greenlee (so is tempo, whoever that is).

And it looks like you are staring at over a hundred bucks to get into the basic.

I'll watch this thread for other ideas -- there has to be a better value than that out there for your basic fox and hound.

 

[harryhood]

I use this kit for work and home. works great

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FTADX0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[KenS]

I've had good success with MPJA tone generators and probes in tracing RJ45s and the upside is that they are the cheapest thing on the market. (BTW, I have my choice of high-ender equipment.) For a one-time house-wiring job, I wouldn't hesitate to use one.

$20 MPJA Tone Generator and Probe...

 

[Jbullfrog]

Go to the pawn shop and you can get the $300 version for $30 if you work your grouping of misc other stuff with it.

 

[91FE]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'll go with KenS'

 

[harryhood]

imo, you'd be better off getting a higher quality unit used from a pawn shop, craigslist, etc.. than a new cheaper unit.

Regardless, good luck to you with it.

 

[elementip]

The higher priced ones are typically better than the $30 units - I've used lots of brands/models.

When you use a cheap one and all you hear are songs from the radio or 60Hz hum from AC wiring. The good units don't pick up as much of this interference. I agree with the comments above - find something that was used by a professional.

 

[mkdive]

I use this kit for work and home. works great

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FTADX0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have used that setup for a few years. Never has let me down. I have been very happy with it.

 

[NotEnough]

Bringing back this thread.

Prices vary widely....$20 - $100+. I'm ok with spending a little bit more for something that has more features or is of better quality, but I know absolutely nothing about these things. The Fluke mentioned above is $67 and the MPJA is $20. Amazon has a bunch of Greenlee's that range from $80-$140?? There's a Paladin for $77.

I can't find four of the control valves for my sprinkler system. The #$%!#@ landscaper must have buried them when he put down the sod or the crushed granite on the sides of the house. Will one of these tone generators help me find the control valves? The wires look to be pretty small gauge.

I also thought about trying a metal detector, but once again the wires are pretty small.