The CT-2 includes most of the connectors I commonly use for audio/video/lighting. It tests not only straight-thru cables but also adapters. Add 1/8" and 3/32" adapters to the kit and it's got quite a bit of the common stuff covered. Note that the photo is of the CT-1 unit (at least as of 2007/03/08). The CT-1 is silver; the CT-2 is black and adds the DMX connectors, necessitating relocation of some connectors: the banana jacks, phono, and BNC connectors are on the front of the CT-2. If you really study the photo at http://www.smproaudio.com/CT2.htm you will note that the left XLR connector is labeled "XLR/m". This label is incorrect (and actually appears on my unit) -- the left XLR connector is actually female.

Testing straight-thru connectors is intuitive. Adapters, however, require some thought. Either (1) document your results with known-good adapters before you have to diagnose a problem or (2) download my cheat sheet which covers some common adapters.(http://www.tritel.net/~eelliott/CSC/Confidential/Download/SM_Pro_Audio_CT-2_connector_wiring.pdf). I rate it highly because it includes a lot of connectors for $30. There are probably testers that test multiple connections simultaneously (rather than one wire at a time) with more automation that cost a lot more. When researching testers, I finally identified one Italian unit with a similar connector complement that looked more sophisticated, but fortunately couldn't find a USA retailer -- which forced me keep looking until I found the CT-2.

Rugged. Metal case. Good connectors. Rubber feet. Fit/finish are good. Looks good. I just received it today, but I expect that it will accept some abuse.

A bargain at $30. It even includes a pair of red/black test leads for continuity testing. No case is included (but it fits nicely in an old Sonicare tooth brush zippered travel case).

hobbyist

Has all the inputs you need.. for the ones it doesn't have, it includes leads for continuity testing. It even has a battery check, so you can tell if your battery is dead.

Extremely easy to use. The one page instructions don't really explain what you're looking for, and I've never used a cable tester before, so I wasn't sure what exactly I was doing. But I plugged the cords in, and turned the knob.. and it's pretty easy to figure out by yourself.

Heavy, feels sturdy. Has rubber feet. No case though, but you probably don't really need one. The only problem I had with quality is where the batter goes. Kind of annoying to have to stuff the 9 volt battery and the wires in the hole, and then screw the plate on. They should have given it just an extra 1/16 of an inch of space. Not really a big deal though.

Having a cable tester is invaluable. Especially when you use a bunch of different cables from many different sources. Not to mention this cable tester is very affordable.

I didn't have to contact support. But I gave it a 9 because of the not-so-detailed instructions. But very easy to use, so the instructions aren't all that important.

Looks nice, seems sturdy, has everything you need.

Producer / Mixer / Engineer / Composer / Musician

Experimental