Let’s be honest, we’ve been in the AV installation business for quite a few years now, and one of many technological changes we have seen across this time has been the huge increase in network cabling infrastructure that is now very much a routine part of any install.

One of the biggest learning curves for many of us, is that any great Smart System integration lives and dies by the reliability of the connections within the system. There are of course many ways to ensure that your infrastructure is as sound as can be – we have previously discussed the amazing Simply45 RJ45 pass-throughs and of course the fantastic keystone range from CobiCabling. Incorporating these two products alone has saved us so much time on site simply due to their reliability and ease of use (all backed up by bucket loads of industry experience and design expertise). We do of course hear from others that these products come at an additional cost but from our experience this is very quickly offset by the time saved which easily scales up across multiple connections on even the most standard of installations. So our feeling really is ‘why wud ye no!’ (You have to say that last bit in a Scottish accent !).

Network Cable Testing and Tracing

So that brings me on to the topic of network cable testing and tracing, which goes hand in hand with the above. This is something that takes time during any installation, and more so, when getting to grips with an existing system, when there sometimes appears to be no rhyme nor reason.

Network cable testers are devices used to test the physical connectivity of cables used in a network and there are a fair few of them on the market. The higher to mid-range testers provide information connectivity but take a while to set-up and run the tests – making them the perfect solution for a final check and production of full reports at the conclusion of the installation.

What we were looking for

What we really felt we lacked was the quick and easy, small and compact (I always keep it in my van), type of network tester that could be the workhorse of our day to day installations. This is where the awesome little Patch, App and Go device so nicely fits in and has become one of our main pieces of kit.

Patch, App and Go Smart Network Tester

So what is it?

It calls itself a one-person continuity tester and cable tracer powered by any mobile device.

What are its main features?

It is app driven – so any app on any mobile device running Android or IOS controls it. Just download the app, link to and register your device, and you’re off and running.

Patch App and Go showing branded casing, PAG Sender Unit and 6 smart plugs sitting in front of the case
PAG Quick Test - Screenshot from a mobile showing a Pass result with all wires shown as connected correctly
PAG Quick Test - Screen shot from a mobile showing a Fail result with two wires shown as failed

It offers three testing options:

1. Quick Test – the simplest of them all – one cable, one quick test – are the connections good or not? Simply plug the sender unit into one side and a Smart Remote Plug into the other, choose your cable type and hit the TEST button.

This gives you an onscreen indication of whether it is a pass or fail and, if a fail, a handy diagram showing exactly which wire has any problematic connections.

2. Multiple Test – Allowing you to do several tests, save the results and even generate a pdf report for sharing if you require it.

In addition to the above this more advanced setting allows you to define the number of ports you will be testing and a start ID.

A really nice feature is the ability to set a ‘Site Name’ and ‘Location Name’ e.g. Toad Hall, Pool Room.

You can then sequentially test each port quickly and easily and then generate a report at the end.

Another helpful feature is the ability to quickly re-test any of the connections, allowing you to fix any faulty connections, retest and generate an updated report without the hassle of testing the other connections again.

PAG Multiple Test - Screen shot from a mobile showing multiple test results showing a Fail result on one cable with option to retest that cable
PAG Multiple Test - Screen shot from a mobile showing multiple test results showing a Fail result on one cable with option to retest that cable

3. Trace – the final, and for me, one of the best of all is the Trace test.

This allows you to trace any undefined ports and is absolutely invaluable for getting to grips with an unfamiliar system.

Each of the Smart Plugs is programmed with a number (from 1 -6 in the basic starter kit) and this is where the fact that this tester is suitable for one-person really comes into play. You can simply plug each of the numbered Smart Plugs into panel ports, then run through each of the ports  round the site with the sender unit.

For each one the app will show which of the corresponding SmartPlugs is plugged in. For a bit of added va-va-voom – the SmartPlug itself also lights up when it receives the signal (another clever little extra). This lets you very quickly map and label your system.

PAG Trace Test - Screen shot from a mobile showing that the Smart Plug number 5 is attached to this cable end

What we think is so very cool about it?

  • The app is really simply to use – once you get familiar with three basic settings then it is very easy to Patch, App and Go.

  • It’s a real on-site time-saver – giving you confidence that the cable connectivity is sound or lets you quickly and easily fault find and provide a simple report

  • Allows you to quickly make sense of unfamiliar set-ups – on your own without so much back and forth.

  • It’s Teeny and Lightweight – the whole kit and caboodle, case and all is only about the size of an A5 notepad and only about 6cms deep. So easy to store in your van along with your day to day essentials and easy to carry about with you on site.

  • Nae Batteries – the sender unit is rechargeable via USB cable

What comes in the Pack? 

The basic starter pack includes the PAG Sender Unit, USB charging cable, 6 Smart Plugs (numbered 1 – 6) and the protective zip-case which holds everything.

Levelling Up: Of course there are extra bits you can get to level up your starter kit including:

  • More Smart Plugs because everyone needs more plugs (going all the way up to 48 for those working on larger sites) and the ability to buy one replacement plug (of any number) because well we all know there will also be that one plug that is left sitting in some random site at some point!
  • There is also a pair of high quality pass-through adaptors which allow a plug to be adapted to a socket (male to female) for testing purposes.

In summary, we think the Patch App and Go is awesome and is a tool we cannot now see beyond for all our network installation jobs.

If want to give them a try then have a look at the Patch, App and Go range available in our Dizztribution online store or feel free to contact us with any questions.

Dizzyfish / Dizztribution

Dizzyfish are an AV installer based in Scotland. We provide specialist, bespoke audio visual solutions for domestic and private clients.

Dizztribution, ‘AV Products By Installers, For Installers’, are a supplier of quality AV products to the AV,  electrical and security trades.

Dizztribution are trade-only distributers for All-Rack, Aquavision, AudiMaxim, AudioFlow, Beale Street Audio, CobiCabling, Evolution, Firetopper, FSR Inc, Hideit Mounts, iEAST Audio, KableMate, Klein Tools, LINIAN, Patch App & Go, Partizan, Pulse Audio, Simply45, Super-Rod, Vanco, Zero-Ohm.

We are the sole UK distributors for: AudiMaxim, Beale Street Audio, CobiCabling, Evolution, FSR Inc, iEAST Audio, Pulse Audio, Vanco, Zero-Ohm.

To view our products and sign up for a trade account, visit our Dizztribution Online Shop.

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