Proster PST187a-PST Wire Tracker for RJ11/RJ45 with Cable Testing

For anyone tracing telephone or network cabling and checking connections, the Proster PST187a-PST brings a transmitter and receiver together in one handheld wire-tracking kit. It can help identify a target cable among several, then check continuity and common wiring faults, making it useful for installation work and fault-finding around the home or workplace.

The receiver gives both audible and LED signals to help locate the strongest response, while a built-in LED light helps when working in darker areas. It is designed for RJ11 and RJ45 cabling, as well as TV coaxial and other low-current lines. Do not use it to test live wires.

Quick overview

This red cable tracker combines tracing with practical line and network checks. Alongside continuity testing, it can check cable sequence and identify open, short or crossed connections. For RJ45 network cables, the assignment test checks open, short and crossed wires, telephone cable testing covers 2-wire RJ11 and 4-wire RJ45 connections. It also detects DC line levels and polarity, detects ringing signals, and checks open, short and crossed conditions on 2-wire lines.

The transmitter sends a multi-frequency pulse signal, with a stated transmission distance of more than 3km. At the receiving end, compare the sound level and LED brightness to help distinguish the target wire. The light, low-battery indicator and earphone function add useful support when tracing in dim or noisy surroundings. It runs on a 9V battery, which is not included, and the stated continuous battery life is 50 hours.

Customer feedback reflects a mix of experiences: buyers appreciate the range of tracing and testing functions, while comments on ease of use, build quality and signal strength are varied. Some also report durability concerns. The product’s functions make it particularly relevant when one tool needs to handle both cable identification and basic checks.

Everyday use

For a cable check, connect the transmitter as appropriate for the line, then use the receiver to follow the signal and identify the cable. The sound and LED indicators provide two ways to judge the response, turning up the volume before tracing helps make the audible signal easier to use. When checking a network lead, the sequence and continuity functions can help reveal a wiring issue before the cable is put into service.

The integrated light is handy when working behind equipment or in a dim utility area, while the low-battery indicator helps flag when the power source needs attention. The unit uses a DC 9V battery. Keep testing to non-live wiring, as the tracker does not support live-wire testing.

Best use cases

This tracker suits telephone-line work, computer network installation and telecommunications maintenance, as well as home network troubleshooting. It can help when several similar cables run together and the required line needs to be identified, or when a network connection needs checking for continuity, sequence or crossed, open and short circuits. Its compatibility with RJ11, RJ45, TV coaxial and low-current lines gives it a broader role than a basic continuity checker focused on a single cable type.

For a technician or DIY user choosing between a simple continuity tester and a combined tracing-and-testing tool, the Proster adds signal tracing, line-state checks and a receiver light in one kit. It suits you if you need to locate cabling and carry out several basic checks with the same device.

Buying verdict

The Proster PST187a-PST is a practical fit for cable identification and basic fault-finding across telephone, network and other supported low-current lines. Its transmitter-and-receiver setup, audible and LED tracing signals, and open, short, crossed and continuity checks bring together the functions needed for routine cabling tasks. Choose it for non-live cable work where tracing and connection checks are both part of the job.