General
TX connectors	DB25 M/F, DB9 M/F, HDB 15/M, RJ-45/F
RX connectors	Centronics 36/F, DB25 M/F, DB9 M/F, HD15/F, DB15F, RJ-45/F
Additional connections	BNC, USB, 1394 Firewire
Indication	LED

The HOBBES PC cable tester is a portable, standalone measuring device for testing PC data cables. It is used for quick and precise diagnosis of connection faults in cables used in computers, peripheral devices, and networks. The device enables visual representation of the conductor connection between connectors and detects faults such as open circuits, short circuits, crossed or incorrectly wired pins. The application is particularly suitable for specialists in cable installation, system integrators, and IT infrastructure maintenance who require fast fault detection in data cables.

Applications

The cable tester is used to check the integrity of data cables in PC systems. This includes cables for serial interfaces, USB connections, Firewire (1394), network cables (RJ-45), printer and graphics card connectors (e.g. Centronics, DB25, HD15). It is especially useful for fault detection in cables used in server rooms, workstations, or during computer hardware assembly. Testing is performed without additional equipment, as the device operates independently.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device features an LED display that visually represents the actual pin assignment of the cable connection. Each pin at one connector is mapped to the corresponding pin at the other end of the cable. This enables detection of open circuits (no connection), short circuits (two pins connected together), and incorrect wiring (e.g. crossed or misassigned pins). The LED display is specifically designed for testing printer cables (e.g. Centronics 36), with increased LED brightness to ensure better readability. Testing can be performed either manually or automatically, with automatic scanning enabling quick inspection of the entire conductor path.

Technology Explained Simply

The cable tester operates using a wire-mapping method, in which a signal is sent from each pin at the transmitter (TX) and detected at the receiver (RX). The display indicates whether the signal arrives correctly at the corresponding pin. The connectors are designed to cover common interfaces in the PC field. The device is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for mobile use.

Compatibility and Accessories

The tester supports a wide range of connector types: at the transmitter (TX), DB25 M/F, DB9 M/F, HDB 15/M, and RJ-45/F are available. At the receiver (RX), Centronics 36/F, DB25 Mron/F, DB9 M/F, HD15/F, DB15F, and RJ-45/F are integrated. Additional connectors for BNC, USB, and 1394 Firewire are also included. The combination of these interfaces enables testing of most common PC data cables. Testing of USB and Firewire cables is included in the Pro model, extending coverage to modern interfaces.

Mounting and Installation

Installation is performed by simply connecting the cables to the corresponding sockets on the device. No additional mounting or configuration is required. Operation is via buttons to select the test mode (manual or automatic) and to start the test. Results are immediately visible on the LED display.

Advantages in Operation

The cable tester enables fast and reliable fault diagnosis without additional equipment. The visual representation of pin assignment simplifies error identification. The portable design and the option of power supply via battery or power adapter make the device flexible to use. The integrated connectors for common interfaces reduce the need for additional adapters or test equipment.