Sam's blog

Today’s review is quite interesting as we will be discussing the Fluke A3003 FC Wire Digital DC Current Clamp Meter. First things first, the FC in the title means it is Fluke Connect enabled. What this entails is the ability to transmit wirelessly to other Fluke Connect enabled meters or view data via the Fluke Connect Mobile app or on a PC. This allows you to communicate with offsite coworkers and everyone can be on the same page.

The summer season is in full swing and refrigerant recovery is the name of the game. Bacharach is no slouch in this category and the ECO-2020 Refrigerant Recovery Machine is the proof in the pudding as it were. This unit boats a powerful 1 HP 2-cylinder oil-less compressor that gives it quiet running performance. As with most recovery machines today, this unit is compatible with all category III, IV and V refrigerants and can also be used for R410a liquid and vapor.

With the ever increasing connectivity of our lives, having a reliable cable verifier is becoming a minimum for technicians. Ideal Industries have introduced a new line of VDV testers and promise that they are more than just a wire mapper. Today I will be taking a look the Ideal R158002 VDV II Plus VDV Cable Fault Tester and going over the features and specifications.

Today I will be reviewing the Fieldpiece SC57 Wireless Clamp Meter. As with everything else Fieldpiece does, this is built with HVAC technicians squarely in mind. You can rest assured that this meter will handle your day to day operations and make your life easier. Below I will touch on features of this unit, what tests this unit performs, and the role wireless technology can play in the field and why you should want it.

Lots of changes have made their way into the HVAC Industry with the latest being the shrinking size of the recovery machine. Yellow Jacket has released their own version with the Yellow Jacket 95730 YJ-LTE Refrigerant Recovery Machine. This unit is hailed by Yellow Jacket as the smallest, lightest, and most powerful unit in its class.

Is finding the moisture content of a roof or wall something that would be of use to your operation? Today’s review will help answer that question as we look at the Tramex RWS Moisture Content Detector.  This handheld scanner is really two of Tramex’s products built into one device. One half of the device is used to for roofing and the other half is for use on exterior walls. Let’s start with a quick explanation of how it operates.

Measuring and recording Earth Ground Resistance is important to maintain an electrical system. The Amprobe GP-2A Earth Ground Resistance Tester is one such device that can handle these tests. Having poor grounding can lead to premature equipment failure and extended downtime which can be quite costly to a company’s operations. The handheld unit is lightweight (2.2lbs) features an easy to read display and has a simple to navigate menu system.

Today I will be reviewing the Vortex AC Refrigerant Recovery Machine by Inficon. Recovery machines are essential tools that every HVAC technician needs and already has in their tool chest. This recovery machine features an industry leading 3 year replacement warranty and is proudly made in the USA. The 714-202-G1 Vortex clocks in at 27lbs and has a textured reflective handle that stays cooler when in direct sunlight.

Today I will be reviewing Testo 435-2 HVAC Ventilation Analyzer. This meter is designed to be used for measuring room climates, inspecting and maintaining vent and air conditioning installations, and assessing the quality of room air. There are many options to choose from for the base model of Testo 435. This particular analyzer is a customizable handheld meter that can store up to 10,000 measurements and comes with PC software for report creation and analysis. Since this is a customizable meter, the unit does not come standard with a probe as there are a plethora of probes to fit your specific needs. This allows Testo to focus on the main meter itself to give it superior quality.

This quality is seen in not only the look and feel of the instrument, but also in the ease of operation. The Testo 435-2 is ruggedly built with a combination of ABS, TPE, and Metal components and has an IP54 protection class. The feel is also very ergonomic and weighs in at just under 1lb, striking a great balance between being too heavy or too light. The menu system is great as well and has preprogrammed profiles depending on what measurements you are taking. These preprogrammed settings influence what is displayed on screen, the assignment of the function buttons and also changes the structure of the menu making it more intuitive. While the unit is slender and sleek the display does a great job of maximizing its space. The screen is backlit with the light blue Testo normally defaults too. The LCD is very easy to read with the readings being large.

Testo does offer a kit for this version - Testo 435-2 (400563 4356). This kit comes with the 435-2 Unit as well as the 0632 1535 IAQ Probe, 0635 1025 Hot Wire Anemometer Probe, and a carrying case. The IAQ Probe measures CO2 (0 – 10,000 ppm), Humidity (0-100%), Temperature (0-122 F), and Pressure (+600 - +1150 hPa) while the Anemometer probe will give you a measurement for Temperature (-4 – 158 F) and Air Velocity (0-20 m/s).

When it comes to HVAC and Air Quality what parameters are most important to you?

Today I will be reviewing the Robinair RG3 and RG6 Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machines. These are two new and improved recovery machines offered by Robinair. These are tough and rugged and built for everyday technicians. The RG3 is the little brother to the RG6 in size and capacity. Let’s start with some basic information about the RG3.