Computer Network Lead Tester Project

This project was designed for confirming the continuity and correct wiring of computer network leads which have 8 wires, but it can be used to check any lead with up to 8 wires by using appropriate connectors. For example stereo audio leads with 5-pin DIN plugs can be checked by just using the first 5 LEDs. The tester is simple but it can save a great deal of time when making up leads and it is much cheaper than the more sophisticated alternatives! The tester works by connecting each wire to an output at one end and an LED at the other end. The outputs are switched on one at a time in sequence so that a correctly wired lead will make each LED light in turn. The 4017 IC counts up to 10 so there is a pause (for the 9th and 10th counts) before the LED sequence repeats. If the LEDs light up in the wrong sequence one (or both) of the connectors is wired wrongly. If an LED fails to light it indicates a broken connection. Please note that the RJ45 computer network plugs cannot normally be re-wired, instead they must be cut off and replaced.

Parts Required
resistors: 2.2k, 22k, 180k, 560 8 555 timer IC capacitors: 0.1F, 1F 16V radial 2 4017 counter IC red LEDs 8 DIL sockets for ICs: 8-pin, 16-pin push switch battery clip for 9V PP3 stripboard: 16 rows 19 holes RJ45 computer network sockets 2 (a dual socket for example) (or choose suitable connectors for the leads you wish to test)
555 red

Stripboard Layout
2k2
180k 560 560 560 560 560 560 560 560

0.1F

1F red Press to to test

22k

8 wires to the network lead socket then to LED anodes (the numbers show the LED sequence)

5 6 2 1 3 7 8 4

red 1F

black

to LED cathodes (0V) cut the track under each 560 resistor 4017 = cut track

Each socket should be wired up in the same way, so that wire 1 from the stripboard connects to pin 1 on the first socket, and pin 1 on the second socket connects to LED 1.

to stripboard (see above)

8 wires

socket Network lead being tested

1 wire 0V wire to LED cathodes LEDs mounted on case

8 wires 8 wires to LED anodes (long leads)

socket

Circuit diagram
2k2 7 180k 0.1F 6 2 8 4 14 3 8 13 3 2 16 4017 1-of-10 counter 4 7 10 1 5 15 6 8x 560 8-way lead is connected in here 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1F 555 timer 1

22k

9V

+
1F

If the lead is OK each LED should light up in sequence from left to right (1 to 8 above).

THE ELECTRONICS CLUB

John Hewes 2006, The Electronics Club, www.kpsec.freeuk.com A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics