Field preparation starts with the work order, risk assessment and task-appropriate equipment. A missing cable or adapter can force an unnecessary return. The 23 items below are a general checklist; electrical safety, PPE and site procedures must be verified for every job.
Connectivity & Cables (1-7)
- USB-C → USB-A, USB-C → HDMI, USB-C → Ethernet adapter set
- RS-232 / RS-485 → USB converter (for legacy PLCs)
- Ethernet cable (CAT6, 5m — one short, one long)
- Console cable (RJ45 → DB9, for Cisco/HP gear)
- Micro-USB + USB-C + Lightning charging cable set
- DC barrel-jack assortment (5.5×2.1, 5.5×2.5, 4.0×1.7)
- Multimeter leads (red/black, crocodile + needle-tip)
Measurement Tools (8-13)
- Digital multimeter (true-RMS, CAT III 600V, auto-ranging)
- Clamp meter (DC + AC, at least 200A capacity)
- Cable tester (RJ45/RJ11, pin-by-pin verification)
- Tone generator + probe (to trace where a cable goes)
- Laser distance meter (pre-install site measurement)
- Thermal camera (FLIR ONE or HIKMICRO phone attachment)
Hand Tools (14-18)
- Magnetic screwdriver set (Phillips, flat, Torx, Hex)
- Crimper (RJ45 + dupont + JST)
- Side cutter + wire stripper
- Pliers (small-grip + needle-nose)
- Tape — electrical tape + double-sided tape + zip ties
Compute (19-23)
- Charged laptop + external charger (saves you when site power dies)
- USB-C power bank (at least 20,000 mAh, PD 65W)
- Blank USB stick (16 GB, FAT32 — for boot media)
- Raspberry Pi + microSD (ad-hoc test server)
- Phone with hotspot + a backup LTE modem
Match the kit to the work order before travel. High voltage, explosive atmospheres, work at height or production-line intervention require the appropriate competence, permits and PPE. Preparation is not about carrying every tool; it is about using the right tool safely.