A pen sized non-contact voltage tester. Test the tester, test the subject, and then test the tester (again)... every time. I also carry a "Wiggy" loaded voltage tester too since non-contact testers sometimes are fooled by induced voltages and high RF environments.
Suggestion for a future show: How to deal with an FCC Inspection! I went thru three in my career. There are ways to prepare for one. Unfortunately, few stations are prepared for one. And, the FOB person may not be aware of special conditions on your grant. (Can't believe I was first...)
You may want to add a Network Tester that actually tests the cables ability to pass data at the needed speeds. Not just a continuity tester. Fluke Networks has appropriate testers. I think you may be surprised that some seemingly OK cables are responsible for errors that seem random resulting in a more reliable system.
PassThrough RJ-45 connector is bad stuff, cause they had an opened end of connector. The ordinary RJ-45 has dead end, so if you tape it on the shielded side, then crimp, it will be sealer very close to IP64 (!). Now try the same with PassThrough.
Never had a problem in the thousands that I’ve done with pass through. If you’re not careful or have a bad tool that causes problems. I also test all my cables before walking away from them.
I hear the bellyaching about the passthrough RJ connectors on the internet all the time. I also have been using them for ages and haven't seen an issue. Supposedly its a problem with POE, which I've also done a ton of, ones that power a microwave ODU. So real juice being pulled, on many occasions we used all 100 meters and maybe a bit more that e-net is good for. I'm using the real deal paladin passthrough crimper that trims. I think some people just have no grip strength. IT forums are usually just people pooping on other folks work so... As far as a labeler, I am really attached to the brother stuff. Mostly because you can get the label tape in a pinch at staples or whatever. Otherwise you get the off brand stuff on the internets. Panduit pages are really great if you have a big job and can pre-fab them. The up front cost is higher since you have to buy so many in a pack but price per label is much lower. Plus you make the labels on a real computer. Like I said, big jobs with hundreds of labels.
@@TheBroadcastEngineer I like Brady, I used a m710 for years but the place were I used one had someone that kept consumables ordered and stocked. Really nice machines though.
The "secret" to pull thru RJ-45's and crimpers with the cutting blade (which I use with near zero failure rate) is to pull the cable thru "tightly" then keeping the conductors under tension twist them together before you crimp. Don't know why this works but noticed a demonstrator at a trade show did this, tried it and no further problems.
@@TheBroadcastEngineer I've never had an issue and we (if paid) would run a certifier on them... I guess that's why some customers require factory made, though I don't think there's any difference in tooling, though I don't think the wire jobbers spend the extra coin on the pass throughs when they can just have folks that do nothing but RJ connectors and be fast with the old school connectors. Latinas in flowery smocks got nimble hands.
Will also add another thing, a cheap AC DC clamp meter from Uni T. Small, pretty good performance, and cheap, plus does DC current without breaking the wire, along with AC current, and with autorange as well. Pro tip is the unit runs off 2 AAA cells, do not put rechargeable in there, just keep a pack of AAA cells around. You probably will find that you go through AA and AAA cells a lot, so buy the 12 packs of them. Would also remind you to check the ones in remotes and such every month for leakage, as the ones from "brand name" no longer have any warranty against leaking, and are famous for leaking as well. I changed away to a cheap store brand, where the 12 pack costs the same as the 2 pack of the branded ones, and it endures, and is energised, for just as long, and yes there is a chance of leakage, but as the capacity is lower you will probably have it flat before it leaks. Lasts a year in a clock, same as the brand name, and no worry you will come to find a trail of slime down the wall, and a dead clock.
@@TheBroadcastEngineer Just that i lost stuff to battery leakage, and seen way too many branded packs leaking in the shop on the shelf, even if expiry is 5 years in the future. Relying on brand recognition, but using the cheapest manufacturer to make them instead, and selling as a premium product, but in reality the battery is the same as the no name store brand ones.
A pen sized non-contact voltage tester. Test the tester, test the subject, and then test the tester (again)... every time. I also carry a "Wiggy" loaded voltage tester too since non-contact testers sometimes are fooled by induced voltages and high RF environments.
Yes!! I couldn’t find the one I have in time for the video but yes, 1000 times yes to have one of those.
Suggestion for a future show: How to deal with an FCC Inspection! I went thru three in my career. There are ways to prepare for one. Unfortunately, few stations are prepared for one. And, the FOB person may not be aware of special conditions on your grant. (Can't believe I was first...)
Great idea! I’ll see if I can maybe get an FCC person on! 😱
My whole facility was done with zip ties...ugh
Hopefully, at least flush cuts were used to cut the ends off? No little razors were left to cut up your arms…
You may want to add a Network Tester that actually tests the cables ability to pass data at the needed speeds. Not just a continuity tester. Fluke Networks has appropriate testers. I think you may be surprised that some seemingly OK cables are responsible for errors that seem random resulting in a more reliable system.
Did I forget to mention my favorite new cable tester? The Fluke LinkIQ? That thing is amazing. Tests the cables, tests PoE, makes reports on cables…
Coffee Filters are handy to clean broadcast consoles and computer screens.
Interesting. I’ve never heard of coffee filters. Wouldn’t that be a bit harsh on screens?
I figured out the secret to passwords is trimming first. Thank you.
Passwords or zip ties?
@@TheBroadcastEngineer I think they mean the passthrough connectors, your trick for using a standard crimper.
PassThrough RJ-45 connector is bad stuff, cause they had an opened end of connector.
The ordinary RJ-45 has dead end, so if you tape it on the shielded side, then crimp, it will be sealer very close to IP64 (!).
Now try the same with PassThrough.
Never had a problem in the thousands that I’ve done with pass through. If you’re not careful or have a bad tool that causes problems. I also test all my cables before walking away from them.
@@TheBroadcastEngineer you have a very good point, but could you do a water test without any consequences?
@nikostalk5730 I don’t make cables for outside that aren’t inside a waterproof enclosure.
@@TheBroadcastEngineer well, that's the answer i've looked for! For indoor use - they are ok to be used. Good video btw!
I hear the bellyaching about the passthrough RJ connectors on the internet all the time. I also have been using them for ages and haven't seen an issue. Supposedly its a problem with POE, which I've also done a ton of, ones that power a microwave ODU. So real juice being pulled, on many occasions we used all 100 meters and maybe a bit more that e-net is good for. I'm using the real deal paladin passthrough crimper that trims. I think some people just have no grip strength. IT forums are usually just people pooping on other folks work so...
As far as a labeler, I am really attached to the brother stuff. Mostly because you can get the label tape in a pinch at staples or whatever. Otherwise you get the off brand stuff on the internets. Panduit pages are really great if you have a big job and can pre-fab them. The up front cost is higher since you have to buy so many in a pack but price per label is much lower. Plus you make the labels on a real computer. Like I said, big jobs with hundreds of labels.
Brother makes nice labels. I’m a Brady fan. I like slashed zeros. But really any label maker that helps do documentation is good.
@@TheBroadcastEngineer I like Brady, I used a m710 for years but the place were I used one had someone that kept consumables ordered and stocked. Really nice machines though.
The "secret" to pull thru RJ-45's and crimpers with the cutting blade (which I use with near zero failure rate) is to pull the cable thru "tightly" then keeping the conductors under tension twist them together before you crimp. Don't know why this works but noticed a demonstrator at a trade show did this, tried it and no further problems.
@dtvandy Interesting! I’ve never had success with the crimp and cut tools.
@@TheBroadcastEngineer I've never had an issue and we (if paid) would run a certifier on them... I guess that's why some customers require factory made, though I don't think there's any difference in tooling, though I don't think the wire jobbers spend the extra coin on the pass throughs when they can just have folks that do nothing but RJ connectors and be fast with the old school connectors. Latinas in flowery smocks got nimble hands.
Will also add another thing, a cheap AC DC clamp meter from Uni T. Small, pretty good performance, and cheap, plus does DC current without breaking the wire, along with AC current, and with autorange as well. Pro tip is the unit runs off 2 AAA cells, do not put rechargeable in there, just keep a pack of AAA cells around.
You probably will find that you go through AA and AAA cells a lot, so buy the 12 packs of them. Would also remind you to check the ones in remotes and such every month for leakage, as the ones from "brand name" no longer have any warranty against leaking, and are famous for leaking as well. I changed away to a cheap store brand, where the 12 pack costs the same as the 2 pack of the branded ones, and it endures, and is energised, for just as long, and yes there is a chance of leakage, but as the capacity is lower you will probably have it flat before it leaks. Lasts a year in a clock, same as the brand name, and no worry you will come to find a trail of slime down the wall, and a dead clock.
Funny you should mention the batteries… you’ve watched next week’s video then time traveled back to post this! 😜
@@TheBroadcastEngineer Just that i lost stuff to battery leakage, and seen way too many branded packs leaking in the shop on the shelf, even if expiry is 5 years in the future. Relying on brand recognition, but using the cheapest manufacturer to make them instead, and selling as a premium product, but in reality the battery is the same as the no name store brand ones.