The Klein Tools VDV500-163 Digital Tone Generator performs both analog and digital toning for tracing and identifying Ethernet, telephone, speaker, coax, and data cables. It supports three distinct tone cadences and connects to cables via Angled Bed of Nails clips or RJ45/RJ11/RJ12 ports. Built-in continuity testing with LED indication, auto power-off after inactivity, and a 20-hour battery life on 4 AAA batteries make it a practical daily-carry tool for electricians and network technicians. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
What is the difference between analog and digital toning?
Analog toning produces a continuous sine-wave cadence. Digital toning modulates a coded signal that some probes filter more cleanly from background EMI and adjacent cable crosstalk. The VDV500-163 offers both modes, switchable per job requirement.
How many cadences are available, and how do I switch between them?
Three cadences (analog and digital combinations) selectable via a mode button. Using different cadences across multiple technicians prevents tone-bleed confusion when more than one cable is being traced simultaneously.
What cables can the VDV500-163 tone?
Ethernet (RJ45), telephone (RJ11/RJ12), speaker, coaxial, video, and data cables — connected via the built-in RJ port or alligator clips for bare wire. Not suitable for energized conductors.
How does the VDV500-163 differ from the VDV500-063 Toner-PRO?
The VDV500-163 adds digital toning alongside analog (3 combined cadences). The VDV500-063 offers 5 pure analog cadences. For dense cable environments where digital filtering reduces false positives, the VDV500-163/VDV500-920 set is the better choice. For pure analog toning with more cadence variety, the VDV500-063/VDV500-820 applies.
Can the VDV500-163 work with third-party probes?
Yes — it outputs standard toning frequencies compatible with most industry probes. Klein recommends the VDV500-223 Digital Tracing Probe for optimal analog-and-digital performance as a matched set.
# Klein Tools® VDV500-163 Digital Tone Generator **Model:** `VDV500-163` **Brand:** Klein Tools **Category:** Tone Probe > The Klein Tools VDV500-163 Digital Tone Generator performs both analog and digital toning for tracing and identifying Ethernet, telephone, speaker, coax, and data cables. It supports three distinct tone cadences and connects to cables via Angled Bed of Nails clips or RJ45/RJ11/RJ12 ports. Built-in continuity testing with LED indication, auto power-off after inactivity, and a 20-hour battery life on 4 AAA batteries make it a practical daily-carry tool for electricians and network technicians. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty. ## Specifications | Attribute | Value | |---|---| | Product Type | Tone Generator | | Tone Modes | Analog and Digital; 3 tones | | Compatible Cable Types | Ethernet, telephone, speaker, coax, video, data (RJ45, RJ11, RJ12) | | Battery Type | 4 x AAA | | Overall Length In | 4.7 | | Assembled Weight Oz | 5.3 | | Barcode (UPC) | 092644583896 | | Warranty | 1-year limited | ## What's Included - Tone Generator - 4 x AAA Batteries Source: https://www.jaspecs.com/klein-tools/tone-probe/vdv500-163-klein-tools-digital-tone-generator/