Well....a good multimeter can test
continuity...can be had for about $30-$50....and for the most part that is mostly all you are testing with most cable testers...that one side rings true to the other side and doesn't
crossover or is wired backwards...AND it can do much more then just do continuity--like test & read voltages..or AC & DC currents, resistance
etc etc...plus in my view a student should learn the bare basics of using and relying upon a multimeter first...to understand cables and connectors and proper wiring and the why's....before just tossing them a quickie cable tester that tells them if the
ground is lifted or shorted across a pin or whatever......but thats just me.
That being said...this is a popular one in my kit..
Bugcatcher
and the Rat sniffer/sender tester is a nice little pocket gadget..nice to test cables but also nice to test ends with a connection to a
console too..
Rat Sound Systems Inc. Home Page
The Velleman is a nice looking one that has recently caught my eye--but I have not had a chance to check it out or
play with it--but it does a ton of connections...
http://www.markertek.com/Tools-Test-Equipment/Cable-Test-Equipment/VTTEST15.xhtml
For
DMX (since you mentioned 5pin)...well I got started using and learning on the
Gam Command from
Gam, and the Lil-DMXter from Goddard designs...and now Goddard has the LilDMXter2 and the Mini...so for me its habit over what may be best..plus its more then just a cable tester but its a
DMX reader and sender and much much more..
Goddard Designs
But..they are expensive....
Others I'm sure will have other ideas...depends on the costs & what you want to spend... A good pocket multimeter will give you just as much service and more then a limited uni-tasker...
Hope this helps get ya started.. GLTA...
-w