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: 0.1µF, 1µF 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
Stripboard Layout red

0.1µF
2k2

180k 1µF
red Press to
to test
5 560
6 560
8 wires to the red
2 560
network lead socket 1µF
1 560
then to LED anodes 560
3
(the numbers show 560
7 22k
the LED sequence) 8 560 black
4 560

to LED cathodes (0V)

4017
cut the track under = cut track
each 560 resistor

Each socket should be wired up in the to stripboard (see above)

8 wires
socket

same way, so that wire 1 from the Network lead

1 wire being tested
stripboard connects to pin 1 on the first 8 wires

socket, and pin 1 on the second socket 0V wire to LED cathodes

8 wires to
LED anodes socket
connects to LED 1. LEDs mounted on case (long leads)

Circuit diagram +
2k2 1µF

8 4 16
7
14 4017 1-of-10 counter 15
555
6 timer 3 8 13 3
180k 2 4 7 10 1 5 6

0.1µF 2 1 8x 22k 9V
560
+ 8-way lead is connected in here
1µF

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

If the lead is OK each LED should light up in

sequence from left to right (1 to 8 above).

© John Hewes 2006, The Electronics Club,

THE www.kpsec.freeuk.com
ELECTRONICS A kit for this project is available from
CLUB
RSH Electronics