Tone Generator w/Amplifier Kit

[FatFndr]

I need to locate some (disconnected) telephone cables and speaker wires in my home. The wires go into the attic and disappear under blown-in insulation, a tone generator would be of valuable help. I have checked, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Northern tool, Grainger, Harbor Freight and Sears (outa' sight prices at Sears). I don't need a fancy one, just one that works easily and correctly. Amazon is running ahead of the pack with a XTec Instruments 40180 for $70, but the reviews aren't very good overall saying there is cross talk/static, you need to be within 1" of cable to hear, plus the tone is hard to hear and you need ear buds.

Does anyone know of a reliable, easy to use/hear that falls in the $50-100 (or less) range? Is it possible to make one? this will be for home use only.

 

[The Cobbler]

I have a Greenlee 2 line set that was left behind by telco on a job. works pretty decent for the couple of times I've used it.

check ebay for used.

 

[bry@n]

I have a set you can use. I forgot about this. Send me a pm on Saturday and I'll try to get you something to use.

 

[pentavolvo]

Have a nice fluke one you could borrow. Pm me

 

[jeffmoss26]

I swear by the Progressive/Tempo/Greenlee toners. I've been using them for years. Where in Ohio are you?

 

[FatFndr]

Ordered a Fluke Pro 3000, Amazon $69.99 shipping paid, specs say it can penetrate a framed wall 1 to 1.5 feet. Just what I need and the price isn't out of sight for a homeowner..........I have a lot of cables to ring out.

 

[rockwithjason]

I swear by the Progressive/Tempo/Greenlee toners. I've been using them for years. Where in Ohio are you?

this is the one.

 

[jeffmoss26]

OP, let me know if I can be of any help!

 

[Tyberius]

My Progressive by Tempo was pretty cheap and from Home Depot. Tester Tone Generator and Amplifier

 

[Metal-Marc]

Been using this combo for years without any issues.

 

[RedBKM]

I've always used the Triplett Fox and Hound series. My original blue F&H is still working but the newer Hotwire version works on live AC up to 240V.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Fluke 3000 either.

 

[ratdoggy]

Could someone explain why you need one and how to use one please? I understand it helps you trace wires but don't know more than that.

 

[FatFndr]

Received my Fluke Pro 3000 yesterday, threw 2 9v batteries in (batteries not included), read the instructions (simple) and found the other end of the wire I was looking for within 15 minutes. This after nearly an hour of struggling hand tracing the phone cable through the blown in insulation attic in the winter. Got a reading right through not only the walls but the ceiling as well. Found 2 more terminated cables as well that I had been searching for, back at it today, have 3 more to go. I should have got one of these a long time ago.

 

[Tyberius]

Could someone explain why you need one and how to use one please? I understand it helps you trace wires but don't know more than that.

that's pretty much it. But if you've got more than one set of wires they are handy.

You clamp the alligators on the block or plug the rj11 connector into the port and flip the switch to the tone you want. You sniff the possible other end until you hear the tone. You can also use the above Progressive to test the tip/ring setup and whether the line itself is active from the telco.

I've seen boxes where the phone service tech will write notes to the next guy in there to "watch for rats" and "lookout!" and the mess inside is years and years of different telcos, building managers, tenants, and rats changing the wiring.

I've got two tone generators, one like the above Progressive, and one in my wire mapper. I can get the job done with two, but for some stuff like the rat's nests, a couple more wouldn't go unused.

 

[ratdoggy]

Could someone explain why you need one and how to use one please? I understand it helps you trace wires but don't know more than that.

that's pretty much it. But if you've got more than one set of wires they are handy.

You clamp the alligators on the block or plug the rj11 connector into the port and flip the switch to the tone you want. You sniff the possible other end until you hear the tone. You can also use the above Progressive to test the tip/ring setup and whether the line itself is active from the telco.

I've seen boxes where the phone service tech will write notes to the next guy in there to "watch for rats" and "lookout!" and the mess inside is years and years of different telcos, building managers, tenants, and rats changing the wiring.

I've got two tone generators, one like the above Progressive, and one in my wire mapper. I can get the job done with two, but for some stuff like the rat's nests, a couple more wouldn't go unused.

So basically you can hook up a power supply to wires in the basement and see if it's live on the second floor, for alarm wiring, phone and electric?

 

[jeffmoss26]

It's not a power supply. It literally sends a tone through the wire which you pick up on the other end.
For example, I have hundreds of pairs of phone wiring in my building. The phone jack in a cubicle may or may not be labeled. When I need to move a phone, I put my toner in the jack, then go back to the wiring closet and use the tone probe to locate the cable.

 

[Slednut]

Just realized I've acquired a few over the years.

 

[Tyberius]

Just realized I've acquired a few over the years.

Wow, mine looks brand new in comparison.

 

[DenisG]

So basically you can hook up a power supply to wires in the basement and see if it's live on the second floor, for alarm wiring, phone and electric?

You hook up the "transmitter" to the wire that you want to trace. It turns the wire into a small antenna that broadcasts a tone signal. When you move the "receiver" part of the set near the wire with the signal, it picks up the tone more loudly than the wires next to it. As others have said, it allows you to find and identify unknown or abandoned wires throughout your building.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nice kit!