Testo® 523 To PDA Communications Loop Modification

We are interested in talking to anyone that has either successfully modified the IR communications loop betweeen the Testo® 523 and it’s printer to include a Palm or other PDA device, or anyone that is currently attempting to make this modification.

You can either respond directly to this post or contact us via email at digital.zeus@yahoo.com - you do not have to disclose your identity if you elect not to.

I know there is at least one technician that successfully made this modification, unfortunately I have lost contact with him as a result of a system crash, so it can be accomplished. Thanks for any input relevant to this topic. 

Stargate® SG3000™ HVACPROTech® Initial Evaluation Report

Our first member has completed his initial evaluation of the Stargate SG3000. An excerpt from that evaluation:

I worked with the Star Gate 3000 today. I decided to check the system at my own house. Many a Testo and Digi-Cool have been tested there, so I am very familiar with the system.

First things first, I have tested Digi-cool, Testo, Refco, Field Piece, and JB. If there is any common theme I have seen with digital gauges, is the fact that the pressures are almost always identical, something will not find with bourdon tube gauges.

When I started this post, I was going to focus on the mechanical aspect of the product. The construction of the instrument is solid. I do not like the fact that it comes without a manifold and the fact that the temperature sensors have a very large mass and takes a considerable amount of time to change, but it is what it is, and I decided to look at it from a technical standpoint. At the end of the day, if the instrument reduces callbacks, and makes the techs more confident in their work, I figured I could live with the design.

The primary purpose of the SG 3000 seems to be to make the refrigerant charging process easier, faster correct and in real-time. As the load changes, the target SH is recalculated and the technician simply watches the display to determine if the system charge is high, low or OK.

If you have ever used the Carrier or Trane charging calculators, and WB and DB thermometer, you will understand the concept easily. The problem with any of these charts is the load is a dynamic thing. As the load in the house changes, so does the target SH, so the SG3000 by design would seem to minimize footsteps through the house to measure WB, and also eliminate the technician having to calculate required SH and any errors that might result. Additionally measuring WB in the R/A duct where it should be measured provides a much more representative picture of the load the system is seeing if the airflow is correct.

I got a chuckle when reading the instructions as they say “Prior to using the SG3000 make sure that:

• The air conditioning system is operating in accordance with manufacturers specifications.
• All coils are clean and free flowing
• Outside temperature is above 55 degrees F
• ect

I am thinking “I’m hooking it up to make it operate in accordance with the manufacturers specifications”

You still need a very competent technician at the helm. The SG3000 will do what it is designed to do, and do it flawlessly. It is not an intuitive instrument, but does come with good instructions both written and illustrated. The keypad and probe designation are a little quirky, but after a few times it is easy to use. The SG 30000 calculates a target superheat for the indoor WB conditions and outdoor air temperature. It does not consider however the operating load, (More on this to follow.). So if the system requires 8 degrees of superheat, when the SG3000 measures that SH, as you correct the refrigerant level, the charge will go from high or low to OK.

Before I go into the design flaw I see with this product, I feel everyone needs to be on the same page with my thinking. so, back to the basics. 

Read more of our Exclusive Instrument Evaluations and the full Evaluation of the Stargate® SG3000™ only at http://www.hvacprotech.com The Source.

Testo® Original 523 RSA – Going, Going…….

Zeus isn’t here to sell you tools – already too many salesmen, using too much oxygen in this world as it is, kinda like lawyers- IMO. Zeus has no financial interests in any of the orginizations, companies or OEM’s represented or recommended here. Zeus bases these recommendations on experience with service, quality, integrity, honesty and value comparative to the instrument and it’s versatility in application and capabilities.

At this time Zeus recognizes and recommends a single source for advanced diagnostics instruments - TRUTech Tools - the reason for that is simple, as many of Zeus’ readers have discovered for themselves – service, quality and integrity. Totally professional.

Zeus hands out the Best Value Seal sparingly – it will rarely if ever be seen again aside from this article. It is not something that is taken lightly nor is it based on unsubstansiated claims and promises.

TRUTech Tools has requisitioned the final remaining handful of the Authentic first Generation Testo 523 RSA’s. Still boxed, fully supported and with full warranty at a fraction of their original cost. Available either without – Testo Package 1($349.00) or with – Testo Package 2 ($425.00), data logging interface software and cable. For a little more than the cost of a high quality analog manifold rig you can purchase an advanced diagnostics instrument with 10 fold the capabilities, reliability and accuracy of the analog set you are using now. So if you’re sitting on the fence, get off your ass and get over there – because when these are gone – they are gone.

For those of you that might need a refresher course, or for the ones who have not been paying attention in class, I’m including a brief spec review of the original 523 below, or better yet call Big Jim at (330) 696-6361 and experience what it’s like to deal with a man that know’s about the tools and instruments we use because he has used them – not because he’s read the latest edition of the catalog.

These are simply overstock. These were a great buy even at the $700+ list. We need to clear them out to make way for new stock.

 

The Testo line of refrigeration system analyzers is changing the way the HVAC/R world troubleshoots, commissions and services AC & refrigeration systems.  With its graphic capabilities and superior accuracy, no other product made can compete at this level.

 

After rigorous testing in the lab and the field, the digital manifold has been proven to deliver laboratory accuracy results in demanding field service.  The multi-functionality, reliability, repeatability, and unique features (eg. temperature compensated pressure testing) sets the Testo products apart from similar products.  

 

Technicians will appreciate the ease of use, the wide range of applications, and the ability to upgrade to new refrigerants along with the data logging capabilities.    Small features like a protective boot and a liquid sight glass have not been overlooked.  The pressure-temperature chart is a thing of the past, and commissioning equipment to anything less than the manufacturer’s standard will become uncommon for all Testo users.  Technicians can get more done with higher accuracy and quicker results than ever possible.  Field documentation can be done with little effort, providing any interested party with the information needed to evaluate system operation in the field or the office. 

 

Testo has taken a quantum leap forward in AC/R measurements allowing anyone from the lab technician to the service technician to deliver consistently accurate results to owners, manufacturers and end users of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment

 

The Testo 523/560 digital refrigeration/air conditioning system analyzer is a multipurpose tool designed to replace a gauge manifold, superheat or subcooling thermometers, Pressure-Temperature charts, etc.. with a rugged hand held versatile tool. 

 

 

 

Unlike traditional gauge sets, the Testo 523  has dual pressure sensors  that are accurate over the full range of working pressure and temperature measurements. From –14.7 to 725 psi, the sensors display with 0.1 psi resolution.  The high and low side sensors are identical, allowing accurate pressure measurement over the full range on either side.  The 35 onboard temperature pressure charts (can hold three additional user variable charts) provide unparalleled detail and accuracy. Unlike traditional charts no interpolation of the temperature-pressure relationship is required.  It is now possible to measure and set superheat and subcooling with laboratory accuracy in the field as the Testo 523 reads pressures and temperatures to the tenth of a psi and tenth of a degree and automatically calculates real-time superheat and subcooling. Using absolute sensors, changes in altitude do not affect the zeroing of the instrument’s sensors unlike bourdon tube gauges. Shocks from normal handling (eg. dropping from its hanging hook in the back of a service vehicle) do not affect the sensor calibration. No field re-zeroing is ever needed.  The platinum based spring loaded sensor (Pt-100) has a very low mass (yielding a fast response) and is not affected by any stray voltages which may be present on the equipment (unlike traditional K-type thermocouples). The sensor is available in lengths up to 40 feet. The Velcro-elastic strap provides insulation from ambient air along with positive contact to the refrigeration line from ¼” to 3” in diameter. Air and immersion probes are also available to further enhance your testing applications.   

 

Also incorporated into the system analyzer is a new dimension: Time. Testo was first-to-market with a complete line of refrigeration system analyzers that incorporate data logging. This allows the service technician and/or system analyst to evaluate system performance over a period of time from a snapshot to 45 days.  In addition, no laptop is required to review the logged readings.

 

The most significant advantages come when data from a Testo 523 is read, analyzed and managed in the Testo PC Software. (Optional)  It is now possible for the technician designer, engineer, service manager, or a lead technician to spot trends, benchmark systems, verify proper/design operation, provide real-time system operation to a manufacturer or other interested party in an tamperproof data format that can be graphed to provide a “digital window” into the refrigeration/air conditioning system. System high and low side pressures, saturation pressures, measured temperatures, along with superheat and subcooling can be viewed on an auto-scaling graph.  All measurements or each individual measurement can be viewed at once.  Sections of the graph can be zoomed in on by dragging a box over the suspect area for further investigation when warranted.        

 

Testo has not overlooked small, but important details that make the products well suited for field use. Owners of Testo products have come to expect such features as a display backlight, user selectable units, a sight glass, and battery life indicator to provide flexibility and reliability in their work.

 

• Real-time superheat and subcooling readings
• Confidently charge at outdoor temperature down to 55°F
• 35 “P/T charts” built-in, plus more FREE at www.testo.com
• Digital readout of temperatures and pressures
• One button MIN/MAX/HOLD/AVG
• Easy line temperature readings
• Built-in, 2-way manifold with sight glass
• Powerful PC analysis software
• Read up to 725 PSI high and low sides (psia or psig)
• Pressure leak test mode built-in

 

Refrigerant pressure range: 725 PSI (50 Bar)
Pressure resolution: 0.1 PSI
Pressure overload: 1087 PSI (75 bar)
External temperature input: 1, Pt 100
Temperature measurement range: -148 to 300°F
Memory locations: 1000
Data interface: RS-232 to PC
Pre-loaded refrigerants: 35
User variable refrigerants: 3
Weight (approx.): 2.4

 

 

 

Dimensions: Watertight housing: Pressure accuracy: Ambient temperature compensation: Battery: Battery life: Extended battery life: System connection: Sensor diaphragm: Operating/storage temp.: Compatible with:Measuring units:

7.75” x 4.5” x 1.75” NEMA 13 (IP 65) 0.5% Full scale 1 digit from 14 to 122°F 9 Volt 40 hours (continuous, backlight off) Sleep mode during extended datalogging 7/16″ UNF 316L Stainless Steel -4 to 140°F any refrigerant; Nitrogen, Water, Glycol (or secondary loop coolants) except Ammonia* Easily switch from English to Metric (SI)

 Includes: 523 RSA, Temperature Probe, Hard case, Quick start guide, and Testo Applications Guide

 

Digital Epiphany [Uncomplicating the Digital Manifold Gauge]

Digital Epiphany: Trending versus Evolution

American Heritage Dictionary – Cite This Source – Share This trend (trěnd)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
The general direction in which something tends to move.
A general tendency or inclination. See Synonyms at tendency.
Current style; vogue: the latest trend in fashion. 

American Heritage Dictionary – Cite This Source – Share This ev·o·lu·tion (ěv’ə-lōō’shən, ē’və-)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form. See Synonyms at development. The process of developing.
Gradual development.

These two words are your key to understanding the crucial significance in the differences that exist in digital manifold gauge OEM’s. I can’t begin to estimate the number of emails I’ve answered and replies on boards that I’ve made in the past two – two and a half years to questions like, “Aren’t all digital gauges the same?” “What’s the real differences in the Refco and the Digi-Cool or the Testo?” “How come this, how come that?”

A day or so ago I was replying to a thread at RE titled simply, “Digital Manifold”. The jist of the thread as it was originally authored was what do you know about the Mastercool digitals. Another member responded that the Mastercools were in his apparently less than scientific assessment, “entry level”. He continued to proclaim – rather proudly I took note that he had just invested – wisely he felt in the digital technology we all know so fondly as the Digimon. Now everyone here knows me, or are at least familiar with my overall philosophy on the DMG – and in particular the Digimon, so I couldn’t resist the temptation to respond to this member. And I did so cordially.

The Mastercool, I am unfamilair with so cannot offer any impressions on them aside from personal opinion based upon what I have read, and I added, everything I’ve read has been published by the OEM – not a wholly reliable source of objective assessment I reasoned.Before I concluded that response, as I typically attempt to do I offered first my opinion of the Refco and advised in my opinion – if ever there were an entry level DMG – the Refco would be it and followed that up with some supportive data to confirm my evaluation.

That thread aside, from a thank you from the OP lie dormant for several days – perhaps approaching weeks, until the other day I received an email notification that a reply to the thread had been made.

To my astonishment another member replied by saying he had looked at the Mastercool website – proceded to quote an introductory paragraph from that website – and concluded based on the information he had gleened from their site – the Mastercool did not appear to be entry level at all.

I have relatively little doubt that my jaw almost certainly hit the desktop. How can anyone I thought nearly aloud, be so naive as to assume that any self biographical description could be taken as law? I mean look at the Digimon fliers – they sound good – look at least adequate, but most of the trade by now knows what lies behind that green casing. But realistically speaking would anyone expect Refco to do otherwise than to project the “tool” in the best light possible? Of course not. Do any of the companies we work for now or have worked for previously run to the local newspaper every time they screw something up and ask to have an advertsiment published listing all of our defficiences for that week?

I responded to the most recent reply in that thread, almost under the assumption that whomever posted that reply must have been joking – but who knows? Mastercool may or may not be worthy of being classified as a digital manifold gauge – an instrument – I don’t know, there is no way to know until it’s been tested and reviewed by our peers – other technicians using it under field conditions. We are negotiating with them to acquire a set for evaluation – rather or not it actually comes to fruition remains to be seen, but that wasn’t the point in my reply to that thread.

At some point in the course of that reply it occurred to me – call it an epiphany or call it what you like but it became crystaly clear to me the key to differentiate these OEM’s.

Does the introduction of any given OEM’s digital manifold gauge follow trending or do they fit into the category of following evolution? Based on the definitions I provided above, at least on the surface the opposition between the two words seem negligible – almost non existent. In fact there is a critical difference in the two.

Some music follows trends, hairstyles follow trends, kids toys follow trends, clothing follows trends. Here today gone tomorrow is a cliche that appropriately fits the characterization of trends. Trends are based on the whimsical notion of something as mundane as what a movie star is wearing, or eating or how they cut their hair. And statistically trends tend to be cyclical – which is a crucial identifying hallmark in the way that SPX views and reacts to the digital manifold gauge. They put the Tif 9600 Series away when they could no longer be given away – only to return with the 41875 and followed suit by putting it away until now – in what they assess as a trend, by introducing the 11000 series that have already began to pick up where their predecessors left off.

Evolution on the other hand is a natural progression of technology – it is the next right thing. It isn’t something that sprang to mind because some engineer had a dream about how they could market a digital version of the analog while making their company untold tens of thousands of dollars – irrespective of it’s inherent failure rate. The true version of the digital manifold gauge evolved applying new technology to achieve with greater reliablity and greater accuracy the same thing the analog gauge was supposed to be doing for the past three quarters of a century.The same reason we are using digital multi-meters, digital combustion analyzers – digital satellite television signals, digital video recorders, digital cameras – fill in the blank yourself, digital manifold gauge are better than their analog counterparts – not just better they are exponentially better in every aspect – if you get the right one.

Does the DMG OEM you are considering making this purchase from have a legacy with the technology? A progressively favorable legacy? You don’t know? Then the answer is probably no. J/B, Digi-Cool and Testo are proud of the legacy they have in this technology – it’s progressive. Each version of the new has been significantly refined in comparison to the previous – but that does not mean the previous was abandoned and rendered obsolete and that’s because each of the successive models fill a legitimate position in the evolutionary ladder – it was not something thrown together to meet the demands of an emerging trend. Each model in any given OEM’s digital manifold gauge series should stand on it’s own merit – if it does not, it has no merit.

It makes no difference if you are an entry level tech or an experienced lead technician if you are considering making a transition from analog to digital manifold gauges – ask these kinds of questions. The more questions you are equipped to ask the OEM – the better you will be able to evaluate the legitimacy of thier instrument as it compares to others.
 

What Would You Do For A Digi-Cool®?

An image of a MAC analog manifold gauge that was put down in answer to a recent Reefer-Tek contest question, “What would you do for a Digi-Cool®?” The winner of the contest will receive the Digi-Cool® DRSA™ 1200 for his troubles.

We’ve added this 33 photo-set melt down, which includes a little 9mm target practice to the Digital Zeus™ Gauge Gallery in the Up n’ Flames Section.  Watch this short video clip, and ask yourself -

-What would you do for a Digi-Cool®?