HVAC PROTech® Forums

Maineiac · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 9:11 pm Post subject:

Doc, you can do it alone. Get out you fav analogs vs. Testo. I'll bet a cup of coffee testo will win everytime Icon_coffee4

_________________
Gone Digital ? Why the heck not? Get in the game.

ServiceF1rst · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject:

beaner · LEVEL-VI Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 300 78.62

Now that is what the 556-1 is designed to do providing everything is set properly. Clean filter, airflow, ductwork is correct. It's a check for system performance something could be off and it will reflect in the subcooling reading. I love my 556-1. I going to do a test soon on incorrect pistons and see what effect a wrong piston does to the superheat. Will post the graphs. beaner

ServiceF1rst · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:17 am Post subject:

MechAcc · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:32 am Post subject:

ServiceF1rst · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:35 am Post subject:

rickhall · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 1:30 pm Post subject:

I am building a simple copper manifold that we will use for training. The manifold will allow up to 8 different sets of gauges to be connected at the same time. The students will be able to connect hi and low side. When I am finished I will post both pictures and readings. My plan is to use for students at the college and for continuing ed journeyman and masters. The non college will bring their own instruments.

ServiceF1rst · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject:

dr. kalypso · LEVEL-II Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 17 4.77

Everyone - This is exactly what i'm trying to get at. It is s fact of life in most companys that you can't always get the same tech back to the same call. The variability of readings across different gauges and techs is what I would like to see minimized. I Know that for a purely empirical test of analogs vs digital ( excuse me DRSA's ) I would absolutely agree that duplicating sensor locations and hose connection locations is rule # 1.

The very reason that i even purchased the 556 was so that i could develop some level of confidence in the readings taken by multiple techs across all types of equipment in sometimes less than optimal conditions. Some techs have $400 multi sensor temp kits, some are using fieldpiece, one kid even showed me where he tucked the tip of his pocket digital thermometer under the suction piping insulation. Add to that the inaccuracy inherent in analogs and we can all see that is time for a change.

ServiceF1rst · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 10:13 am Post subject:

Very, very well put Doc. The "crusade" for the transition from analog to digital [for the benefit of the trade and the integrity of the technician] has been an uphill fight, at least from my own perspective for well over 2 years. The unfortunate part about it is that the fight was nearly 100% focused on the failed attempts at bringing digital technology to the manifold and not the validity of the technology as it is available today. I don't think anyone drawing breath in today's world can with any degree of validity or credibility dispute the fact that the analog bourdon tube and diaphragm gauges cannot get close to the accuracy and repeatability of digital indication. The expanded role that digital technology has brought to the manifold gauge is phenomenal - converting it literally from tool to a precision instrument.

I have draft documents at this very moment, in the refining stages to petition both ASHRAE and RSES to develop Standards and Best Practices papers relevant to the proper application of digital manifold gauges for accurate extraction of equipment operating parameters. Because for the first time in our history as a trade, you and I should following a standard or following best practices applications be able to achieve the same diagnosis relevant to the systems pressures and SH/SC values as it is relevant to equipment operation - that is a concept that has never been and will never be feasible with analog guages.

This was the motivation that led to me writing the Digital Gauge Manifesto. Quit bitching about the cost of these instruments, they make you better in your chosen profession because they offer repeatability, accuracy and contribute to your credibility - yea I know some people don't like to hear that, but that's the way it is. I don't like to hear my truck mechanic say it's going to cost me $100.00 to have my electrical circuits evaluated by a diagnostics instrument either, but that's the way it is - I want it fixed properly, so I pay it. I don't want some clown sticking the leads to a sweep needle meter into the insulation of my wiring trying to determine an issue in an electronic circuit, so I pay it.

Doc it's through documentation of the results of the project you are proposing, one's like that bean is proposing on boards like these that validate these instruments or conversely invalidate them. This technology has been validated - time and time again by reputable OEM's - Digi-Cool, Testo and J/B and we validate it in the field with our evaluations program. Robinair and Refco are, unfortunately irrelevant in any discussion relevant to this technology they don't get the message that our interests lie in the advancement of the trade and the technician with this technology, not who can put the cheapest version on the market and subsequently reblacken the eyes of all OEM's that develop and refine the legitimate instruments.

Very much looking forward to your results.
_________________

Of all the instruments utilized in the HVAC/R trades - I trust analog gauges the least.