Product Review

The Monoprice Lineman's Test Set is a professional piece of equipment designed for telephone installers, repair technicians, and phone system maintenance personnel. This durable, line-powered device is full of features for testing existing and newly installed communications systems for proper functionality. The tester has a three-position volume switch, which can provide up to 12 dB of volume gain. The ring mode can be set to send either DTMF tones or rotary dial pulses. A three-position mode switch allows the tester to be set to Monitor, Ring, or Talk modes: The Monitor mode provides a high-impedance coupling to the telephone line, allowing it to be monitored without interfering with existing conversations, data transmissions, or signaling. The Ring mode allows the tester to be on-hook with an electronic ringer connected to the telephone line. This provides a low-impedance coupling to the telephone line for monitoring of optional line identification tones. The handset includes an automatic last-number redial function, which is capable of repeating up to 31 digits. It also features a number memory storage capability, allowing the technician to store up to 10 different numbers of up to 15 digits each, including the insertion of 3-second pauses for use with trunk lines. A pre-installed CR2032 lithium battery maintains the stored number memory and can be easily replaced by removing two screws and opening the handset.