This is an excellent tool, especially if you are a professional installer. These days, it kind of hard to stay in business by just installing security camera systems, especially if you don't live in large metropolitan areas. So, if you are like me, you do security cameras, alarms systems, telephone, and even some local cable and Internet contracting work. As all of these systems change, the tool pouch I were on my belt keeps getting larger and larger to the point that I finally started using different tool pouches depending on the job. This tester is one of those tools that can be used with just about each pouch or job. Not only is it great for security camera installations but it also has a multimeter function that you can use to test line shorts, identify cable pairs, and other jobs. The best thing about the monitor/tester is that it is rechargeable, the charge lasts for a reasonably long time, and you can self power cameras when aiming and adjusting them so you don't have to worry about having the security camera power supply systems hooked up and wired when you mount, aim, and adjust the camera. I highly recommend it!

I'm an amateur CCTVer. In fact I've only installed one system and that was the Security Camera King Ultimate Series 32 Camera Package System. I was asked to install this system in our automobile auction where I work. There were several different cameras including a PTZ and several different cable runs and wires, including one cable run a few hundred feet out to our chain link fence entrance gate. It may seem exorbitant to purchase a $472 Monitor/Tester for just one 32 camera system, but the 32 Camera system with all the custom ordered cameras and cable/wire/microphones cost more than just a few thousand dollars. Considering all that, and the fact that I saved about $9,000 minimum by installing the system myself, makes this purchase pale by comparison, especially for the help and convenience that it provides. It's a nice "self powering for the camera" monitor and a good multi tester as well. Not only did it save me the hassle of running back and forth between cameras and the DVR during set up (I can see how that could get "old" real fast) but it also helped me discover a short in one cable that I caused by not putting the BNC connector on properly. Just by doing a quick open test on the cable I could check for this before connecting any cameras or the DVR and causing any damage. Definitely worth the investment for a large multi camera install.

I ordered this tester about 6 months ago and have used it nearly every day ever since. I have a lot of new installs these days and a lot of existing contracts for security camera systems, security alarm systems, and telephone and Internet installations. Obviously this tester was designed to be used primarily for security camera testing but you can use it for other installations as well since it has a multi meter. Of course the overall advantage of this tester compared to many others is that not only can you set the focus, zoom, OSD, etc. of the camera with it, but this tester carries a big enough charge to power the camera at the same time. That means you don't have to have the power run completed to the camera to mount and set it up. Note: you can't use this to power up 24 VAC cameras it only works for 12 VDC cameras.

If you are a security systems installer or technician I can't see how you can work without this tester. As a matter of fact it's got so many different useful functions and features you can actually use it for a variety of uses in addition to security camera testing. The tester is not only a portable LCD monitor and multimeter, but this particular model can power your camera while you are testing it. Depending on how you use it and how much you use it, you can get several hours of useful work time from it on one charge. If your putting in multiple camera systems and don't want to run back and forth between cameras and the DVR this is a great tool to have. Not only that but since the tool can power the cameras you can test them separate from the system's power supply in case the system's power supply isn't working. It also good for checking the controls on PTZ cameras and for new camera set up.

I am an independent contractor that installs security systems, both alarms and security cameras. I use this tool for installations daily as well as for troubleshooting jobs. This tool not only allows you to set OSD controls at the camera, but you can also isolate the camera from the rest of the system if you are trouble shooting since the tester can power the camera. I often use the multitester when I am installing alarm systems too.

I'm a CCTV installer and recently my tester finally bit the dust. I thought I'd go all out and try your CCTV Tester with 12V Power Output and Multi Meter, Product Number Tool-TP250. All I can say is that this tester is well worth the cost. The 12V power output works great for setting cameras before they are ever hooked into the system power supply. Of course the monitor is a must (unless you like to run back and forth to the DVR--try that sometime in a multifloor business building). The battery holds its charge long enough for several installs depending on how you use the tester. The multimeter comes in handy for testing voltage drops, shorts, etc. and it's also great for being able to test PTZ control. Every professional installer should have one of these.