Product Details
Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1788-MCHKR serves as an essential handheld diagnostic tool for industrial network maintenance and commissioning. This versatile media checker rapidly identifies cable failures and measures wire length across multiple industrial protocols, including Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, DH+, and RIO. Powered by two standard AA alkaline batteries, it delivers up to 50 hours of continuous operation in the field. We supply this item as a 100% Brand New, factory-sealed unit.
Part Number Breakdown
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1788: Identifies the 1788 Linking Devices product family.
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MCHK: Denotes the Media Checker function.
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R: Specifies the hardware revision or regional variant.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Product Type | Handheld Media Checker |
| Supported Networks | Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, DH+, RIO |
| Input Connectors | RJ45, DB-9, BNC |
| Ethernet Cable Range | 1 - 350 meters |
| Ethernet Resolution | 0.5 meters |
| ControlNet Cable Range | 1 - 650 meters |
| Display Interface | 2-Line, 16-Character LCD |
| Power Requirements | Two AA 1.5V Alkaline Batteries |
| Typical Battery Life | 50 hours |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +45°C |
Engineering Advantages
Multi-Protocol Network Diagnostics
The 1788-MCHKR simplifies field maintenance by supporting a wide array of legacy and modern industrial networks. Technicians can use a single device to troubleshoot Ethernet (UTP/FTP), ControlNet (RG6/RG6F), DeviceNet (Thick/Thin), and legacy DH+/RIO cables. This versatility eliminates the need to carry multiple specialized testers, reducing toolbag weight and streamlining troubleshooting workflows.
Precise Cable Fault Detection and Length Measurement
This media checker accurately detects common cable failures such as opens, shorts, and miswires. It provides precise length measurements with a 0.5-meter resolution for Ethernet cables up to 350 meters and ControlNet cables up to 650 meters. Knowing the exact location of a fault or the total length of a cable run helps engineers quickly replace damaged sections and verify compliance with network physical layer specifications.
Rugged Portable Design
Designed for the demanding industrial environment, the 1788-MCHKR operates reliably in temperatures ranging from 0°C to 45°C. Its handheld form factor and intuitive interface—featuring Enter, Up, Down, and Setup buttons alongside a clear 16-character LCD—allow technicians to perform rapid wire mapping and continuity tests directly on the factory floor without needing a laptop or external power source.
FAQs
Q: Which types of industrial cables can the 1788-MCHKR test?
A: This media checker supports a broad range of cables. It tests Ethernet (UTP/FTP), ControlNet (RG6, RG6F, DS3/4), DeviceNet (Thick, Thin, KwikLink), and legacy DH+/RIO cables (1770-CD, 9022, 9463).
Q: How accurate is the cable length measurement?
A: For Ethernet cables, the device offers a high resolution of 0.5 meters. It can measure Ethernet cable lengths from 1 to 350 meters and ControlNet cable lengths from 1 to 650 meters, helping you pinpoint faults with high precision.
Q: What kind of power source does the 1788-MCHKR use?
A: The unit is powered by two standard AA 1.5V alkaline batteries. These provide excellent portability and typically last for about 50 hours of typical operation, ensuring the tool is ready for full-day field use.
Q: What connectors are available on the device?
A: The media checker is equipped with versatile input connectors to match various industrial cables, including an RJ45 jack for Ethernet, a DB-9 port for DeviceNet/DH+/RIO, and a BNC connector for ControlNet coaxial cables.
Additional Information
- 100% Genuine Parts: All products are original and authentic, ensuring reliable industrial performance.
- 30-Day Refund Guarantee: Return any in-stock item within 30 days in original, unopened packaging for a full refund (excluding shipping and fees).
- 12-Month Warranty: Covers defects in materials or workmanship; excludes misuse, normal wear, or unauthorized modifications.
- Worldwide Shipping: We ship via USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Delivery times vary by country and may be subject to customs or import fees.
- Support & Contact: Technical and warranty assistance is available anytime. Contact us here: Contact.
- Purchase Guidance: Check product specifications and compatibility carefully before ordering to ensure proper application.
Tech & Buying Guide
Understanding Marshalling Cabinets in Industrial Control Systems Architecture
Industrial control system deployments rely on structured signal distribution to bridge field instrumentation with central processing hardware. A marshalling cabinet serves as the vital intermediate connection point between heavy field home-run multi-pair cables and delicate input/output (I/O) modules housed inside Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Distributed Control System (DCS) enclosures. By segregating field cable terminations from control hardware, engineers maintain system flexibility, safeguard controller components, and streamline commissioning workflows.
FAT vs SAT in Industrial Control Systems: Key Differences and Execution Guide
Industrial control system deployment relies on strict verification protocols to guarantee operational safety, system stability, and regulatory compliance. Commissioning complex Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) racks, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) requires two critical milestones: the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and the Site Acceptance Test (SAT). Both procedures validate that system automation meets design specifications, but they occur at different stages of project execution and target distinct operational risks.
Hub vs Switch vs Router in Industrial Automation Architecture
Modern factory automation relies on reliable industrial networking infrastructure to exchange real-time field data across operational technology systems. Engineers often encounter networking hardware like hubs, switches, and routers when integrating Programmable Logic Controllers, Distributed Control Systems, and SCADA monitoring nodes. Although these devices share physical ports, they operate at different layers of the Open Systems Interconnection reference model and deliver distinct traffic management capabilities.