USB Cable Data Line Test Board USB Cable Checker Data Wire Charging Test Card Type-C Micro Type A Type B

I decided to purchase this Treedix simplified USB cable tester rather than a considerably more expensive different brand tester with an LCD readout. The difference is dedicated LEDs versus LCD readout. The board left side has USB connectors for Type A 3.0, Type B 2.0, and Type C 3.0. The board right side has USB connectors for Type B 3.0, Type C 3.0, Type Micro B 3.0. The board bottom side has USB connectors for Mini B 2.0, Micro B 2.0, and an Apple lightning connector. The circuit board backside has useful pad printed wiring diagrams for the connectors.The board comes with a CR2032 battery with provision to supply alternate 3V to12V input power via a JST PH 2.0 jack. A switch allows selection of input power. Unfortunately, a JST plug with leads is not supplied.I tested numerous unknowns to known high quality USB and lightning cables. Some cables I thought were USB 3.0 were actually USB 2.0. So far, none of my tested cables were found defective. The included Quick Start Guide was adequate, but a detailed instruction manual is downloadable from the internet.It is easy to install the plexiglass cover with included plastic hardware and a screwdriver. In summary, this is truly an inexpensive and versatile USB and lightning cable tester.

Important Warning: DO NOT use this tester to connect to live devices. Doing so could potentially damage both your devices and the tester itself. It is designed solely for testing cables as intended.---------------------------★ Section 1 - The Review ★• This is by far the best design I've encountered for a cheap USB cable tester. It features a straightforward circuit powered by a CR2032 battery or via a Vin pin (cable not included). Each pin of the cable connects to a corresponding light that illuminates when a cable completes the circuit. I really appreciate the broad range of compatible ports, including USB Type-A 2.0 and 3.0, Thunderbolt 3/USB Type-C 3.0 on both sides, Lightning, Micro-B 2.0 and 3.0, and Mini-B 2.0. These standards are fully backward compatible, and the inclusion of both versions ensures that this tester is 100% reliable.• The board has two sides: "Side A" and "Side B," accommodating the reversible nature of Type-C cables. For other types such as Lightning, Micro-B, Mini-B, typically only one side will light up. Generally, you should focus on the side with the most lights illuminated; the other side can usually be disregarded, except for Lightning cables.• One area for improvement.. It would be the documentation of expected pinouts and explanations of the different common combinations. However, this can easily be resolved with a quick Google search. I’ll share my understanding and research below.---------------------------★ Section 2 - Here’s a breakdown of what each of those pins means ★GND (Ground): This is the reference point for electrical signals in the circuit. It serves as the common return path for electric current.• TX+/- (Transmit): These pins are used for data transmission. "TX+" is the positive data line, and "TX-" is the negative data line. They work together to send data signals.• RX+/- (Receive): Similar to TX, these pins are used for receiving data. "RX+" is the positive line for incoming data, and "RX-" is the negative line. They allow the device to receive signals from another device.• VBUS: This pin carries the main power supply voltage. It typically provides +5V to power devices or charge them.• D+ and D-: These are the data lines used in USB connections. "D+" is the positive data line, and "D-" is the negative data line. They enable data transfer between devices.• CC1 and CC2 (Configuration Channel): These pins are used in USB Type-C connections to determine the orientation of the connector and negotiate power delivery. They help devices communicate their capabilities to each other.• SBU1 and SBU2 (Sideband Use): These pins can be used for additional features, such as audio or alternate modes, depending on the type of device connected. They provide extra functionality in certain situations.• ID (Identification): This pin is used to determine the type of device connected. In certain configurations, it helps differentiate between host and peripheral roles. For example, in some USB OTG (On-The-Go) setups, the ID pin can signal whether the device should act as a host or a peripheral.• Shield: This pin is used for grounding the shield of the cable, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). It helps protect and improve the signal integrity by grounding any external noise that may affect data transmission.---------------------------★ Section 3 - A valuable diagnostic tool for several reasons ★• Signal Integrity Testing: It helps verify the quality of data transmission through the USB cable, ensuring that signals are not degraded. This is crucial for high-speed data transfer applications.• Pin Configuration Verification: The board can confirm that all the necessary pins in the USB cable are properly connected and functioning. This is important for ensuring compatibility with devices.• Identifying Faults and Damage: By testing various cables, you can quickly identify any faulty ones. This is helpful if you suspect that a cable is defective or if a company is providing subpar products.• Compatibility Checks: It can help determine if a cable is compatible with specific devices, preventing the use of cables that might cause performance issues or failures.• Preventing Scams: If you're considering purchasing cables from a vendor, using the test board can help you confirm that the cables meet advertised specifications. Then you would know to return the product for a full refund, and purchase a different cable from another vendor. This can protect you from scams where companies sell low-quality or counterfeit products.• The Frustration Caused by USB Cables: Want to organize or discard cables, but don't know which ones are functional? You can use the USB Cable Tester Board to easily help you identify the right cables to keep.

The Treedix USB Cable Tester Board is a handy tool for anyone looking to test USB cables efficiently, especially useful for technicians, DIY enthusiasts, or even regular users wanting to assess cable quality. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and performance:The tester comes with a sturdy acrylic case, providing good protection while allowing visibility of the inner components, so you can see the status lights clearly. The build is lightweight, portable, and compact, making it easy to carry in a toolkit or even a pocket. Assembly might take a little time due to the acrylic case, but the setup process is straightforward.The Treedix tester shines in its ability to detect issues with data lines, power lines, and USB connectors. It supports various USB types, including Type-A, Type-B, and Micro-USB, so it’s versatile enough for most modern and legacy devices. You can quickly identify whether a cable is purely for charging or capable of data transfer, which is valuable for troubleshooting charging or data sync issues.Testing a USB cable with this board is fast and accurate. The LED indicators make it easy to see results at a glance—green lights for a good connection, red for a fault. It allows for testing continuity on different pins and verifies the cable’s functionality in data transfer and charging capacity.Value for MoneyFor the price, it’s a great buy, especially if you frequently work with USB devices. While it’s more of a basic tester than a high-end diagnostic tool, it offers significant functionality for its cost, making it ideal for everyday use.Pros:• Easy to use with clear LED indicators• Supports multiple USB types• Compact and portable design• Great for both data and charging cable testingCons:• The acrylic case requires some assembly• Limited to continuity testing—doesn’t provide in-depth diagnostics like resistance measurementsOverall, the Treedix USB Cable Tester Board is an affordable and practical tool for anyone needing a quick, reliable way to check USB cables. It’s straightforward to use and saves time when troubleshooting cables, making it a valuable addition to any toolkit.