My Fieldpiece HG1 reveiw

[slctech]

Had the Fieldpiece rep in town last week at our distributor handing out HG1 refrigerant system analyzers for pennies on the dollar. Had been reading up on this new item and grabbed one.
The HG1, itself, is just a stick meter that utilizes different heads to log the required inputs. You can either use the heads to automatically download the information to the analyzer, or you can just manually enter the required information.
The HG1 comes with a USB connection and software to allow you to download saved information to your PC. The software is nice, it allows you to edit and save either the information on your computer or back onto the meter. It also comes with a few forms that can be used to print off your fiindings professionally for a customer.
The HG1 is designed to take SH, SC, and Combustion readings. It suppose to figure the readings and advise the user on potential issues or required adjustments. The unit uses vague codes that make you pull out a manual to see what a certain code means. Once you find the code, you are given a very vague description and instructions of the issue at hand. Good for a newbie, but little useless for a veteran.
To get full use of the item, you will need to purchase several different heads that range from $100 to $200 each. The HG1 only deals with Temperature SC, SH, CO, and CO2 heads. Any other type of head you may use for voltage, millivolt, manometer, aneometer, etc will not be recognized. So don't waste your time and money on those. Wish one could utilize the heads one already has collected in conjunction with this meter, would make it alittle more useful. Maybe a future version will allow this.
The HG1 is designed pretty much for the conventional AC system only, it lacks the deeper processing to figure out HeatPump inputs (heating mode). Try to log those readings into the device and your are advised of out of range input errors. So HeatPump guys beware.
The wet-bulb is still taken with a moist wick attached to the end of a k-type sensor. Matched that reading with those from my psychrometer and found it within a few degrees difference for a few minutes-thats until the wick started to dry out, and obviously my reading was off.
Temperature readings were right on the money when comparing with my other devices.
The head used for CO readings is alittle disceptive. The head itself out of the box is just for walking into a room and taking in air readings. Must purchase a hand held pump to attach, in order to take stack readings, and your only good upto 2000psi.
Combustion analyzation head takes CO2 reading and stack temp. The meter just logs the readings, does not analyze them. A newbie with no combustion experience would just be looking at numbers, with no idea what he was looking at. Stick with your Bacharach and save the money you would have wasted on this additional head.
Now for A/C the superheat and subcool head is very straight forward and easy to use. I found the inputs in conjunction with the WB and DB readings right on the money. You enter the Mfg suggested SC and it will analyze the system in respect to the inputs the meter was given. For troubleshooting, this is great for a newbie, but I would only use it to log the data from each service call for future tracking and gremblin searching.

If anything I am looking forward to the HG2, this is the already upgraded version of the HG1, should be available in a month or so. This upgraded version will handle HeatPump inputs, static pressure, velocity, and gas pressure readings. If your interested in the HG1, wait a while and get the HG2 with the Check Me Mode.....this looks useful for a veteran to really log an entire system's operation.

Here is the link:
http://www.fieldpiece.com/hvacg_tester.html


Hope this helps anyone interested.

[Bud Man]

Thanks. It was very helpful.

[slctech]

Fieldpiece rep just called me back and let me know that the HG1 and HG2 will be the same meter. Those whom have the HG1 can get onto fieldpieces website and download the HG2 upgrade for free. They are expecting to have this upgrade available late second quarter or early third quarter of this year.

[ault51]

Just wanted to clarify some of the info about the HG1.

1. The HG1 manual is designed to help new technicians understand the basics about the tests they perform with the HG1. If the technician already understands the importance of Superheat/Subcooling or TEET and understand what to do when these measurements are off, than he will not need to refer to the manual.

2. The heads for the combustion analysis do have to be purchased separately. This is to keep the cost down for the tech that either does not need the combustion test or already has a combustion analyzer. The pump that comes with the Combustion head that measures %O2, %CO2 and temp can be used with the CO head. The HG1 DOES do the combustion analysis. The output form displays the CO2, Excess O2, CO Air Free, Net Temp and standard Efficiency just like all other combustion analyzers do.

3. The HG1 will work with the other FP heads as well.. For example, if you have the FP ARH4 (Psychrometer) you can input the WB readings with this head instead of the wet sock. As new tests become available, (Check Me), the HG1 can be upgraded with the included USB cable through the website. The new tests may require the Aneometer and Manometer so they all work with the HG1. It is not designed to replace a DMM and only designed to perform the listed tests.

The HVAC Guide takes all the guess work out of superheat and subcooling measurements. The current version has all the tables for 13 refrigerants built in and will be easily upgradeable for all future refrigerants.

[mcjo tech]

Ault51,

You seem to have an in-depth knowledge of Fieldpiece Instrumentation. Just curious, in what capacity do you work for Fieldpiece? President? Care to share it with us?

[slctech]

I am a FP person, I admit I have my nicer set of flukes, but I do enjoy the versitality of Fieldpiece and the many head selections. Rather go up on a rooftop with my fieldpiece bag than dragging numerous cases of equipment.
However, I was really hoping for a bigger bang out of the HG1. I am excited for the HG2 upgrade. I feel this will be more useful. But, at the moment, using the heads one already has. Or utilizing your digital gauges with the temp probe and the skills one has, I don't see a mad frenzy to run out and buy another stick meter/data logger that just gives vague troubleshooting guidance, at best.

AULT51... you seem to have one finger on the pulse and a hand wrapped around the heart of the fieldpiece industry.
What is the current engineering ideas on the table in expanding the HG meter? HG3, etc.

And a huge thing that I would love to see is a move towards wireless WB and Temp heads. Like to work on a system with live indoor readings staring at me while I make adjustments on the outdoor unit. I think if I can buy a wireless temp/humidity thing-a-ma-jig at walmart for $20. The technology can't be that far fetched. Just don't want to spend the thousands that Testo and a few other are asking.

Appreciate your corrections on my brief review, went back and looked over the combustion analyzation of the unit and you were right, I was wrong. But, it is hard to give up my trustworthy Bacharach, don't trust anything else;)

[ault51]

Suffice to say that that FP is working tirelessly to make the HVAC/R tech's job easier, faster, safer and more cost effective. There are many new products in the works and many upgrades in the pipe for the HG1. The wishes you mentioned are well documented.

For the novice tech, the HG1 will make the tests that he is supposed to be performing, easier and faster and make him more independent. This way he won't have to call the boss and ask what he is supposed to do to. For the more advanced tech, the HG1 will allow him to not only quickly perform the tests he already knows how to do, but also keep the system information stored either on the meter itself or in a computer data base. This is useful for customer system tracking and an easy way to objectively and professionally show the customer why the work on their system is necessary. If the tech shows up to a job with a printout of exactly what the measurements were the previous year when the system was running great and compares it to the new measurements, this will be just another piece of the puzzle to help diagnose the problem.

I can tell you this, FP technicians and Engineer's are constantly talking to field techs and visiting with field techs to get a hand on what the industry wants and needs.


And thats all I have to say about that.....;)

[slctech]

I thought I would give this device a good work through this week. I went out and purchased the DL2 data logger and decided to document an entire system using both the HG1 and DL2. I SEE THE LIGHT!!!

Just touching up on a very large residential job on a 28,000sqft home in Park CIty for a well known BasketBall Star. Brought one of the systems up to life and spent a good hour monitoring and logging the performance of the equipment. Went home and downloaded all the information onto a killer spreadsheet. The finished product turned out amazing. Not only for the homeowners records, but also for our files. When your at home away from the pain of being on sight, your mind clears up and your actually more mentally awake to look over all the readings. I have a game plan now for when I return to make some minor adjustments to tweak alittle more efficiency out of the system.

I know were not suppose to talk pricing, but the HG1, DL2, and all the appropriate Heads required only came to $1200.00. I am using this amount in comparison with purchasing a large assortment of test equipment such as dataloggers, CO analyzer, combustion analyzer, SH and SC analyzer, DMM, Dual port digital manometer, aneometer, psychrometer, etc, etc, etc,
I now have all this equipment in one tote and finding this a wonderful tool for those that save and log readings.
Still have all the other equipment already, but now when I need to, I can just carry one bag and data log and analyze an entire system.
Great for the newbie (like Ault51 said) and awesome for us experienced techs looking for a better way to log information.

I know there are those that live and die by their palm programs, but the headache of inputting the readings is gone. The appropriate heads automatically record them for you into the logger/analyzer.
Still would like to see the HG2 program come out alittle sooner:D

[mcjo tech]

Let me preface by saying I mean no disrespect to the HG1 meter by Fieldpiece. What I will ask is if you can record the data below?

1) Customer name and address
2) Work Order number
3) Model and serial number of the system
4) Equipment location
5) Compressor type and Manufacturer
6) Customer phone number
7) Reason for service call
8) Equipment age
9) Equipment Manufacturer
10 Type of system
11) Compressor, blower motor, condenser motor amp draws
12) Compressor, blower motor, condenser motor capacitor readings
13) Motor bearing wear
14) Contactor condition
15) Filter size and type
16) Evap and condenser coil condition
17) Auto fill recommendations for further component replacement
18) Search ability
19) Email function
20) Diagnostic summary and repairs completed


I could go on but think I've made my point.

So much for us Palm guys

[slctech]

Currently the answer is no. However like I am hoping it comes sooner, the second edition programming (HG2) will have all these categories and more. If not there is plenty of room to add additional notes that one may feel are revelant.

Not saying Palming is bad. Hell I did it for years, it was the way to go. Just getting to the point now that carrying around a few extra cases of measuring equipment on rooftops and in crawl spaces is getting old. Technology is moving fast and I am a fan of it. Like the fact that as I am measuring it, it is recording it. I use to right everything down, set in the van, input it in my palm, print it all off, etc etc. Those days for me are gone. I think I'll stick with this fieldpiece set-up until the next gadget comes out.

Not endorsing fieldpiece or this product, I originally gave it a pretty dismal review. But it grew on me this week and like I said, I saw the light.

I dumped all my palm stuff into a laptop that I keep in my service truck. I think my daughter has the Palm now, not sure.

[RussellMuscle]

Let me preface by saying I mean no disrespect to the HG1 meter by Fieldpiece. What I will ask is if you can record the data below?

1) Customer name and address
2) Work Order number
3) Model and serial number of the system
4) Equipment location
5) Compressor type and Manufacturer
6) Customer phone number
7) Reason for service call
8) Equipment age
9) Equipment Manufacturer
10 Type of system
11) Compressor, blower motor, condenser motor amp draws
12) Compressor, blower motor, condenser motor capacitor readings
13) Motor bearing wear
14) Contactor condition
15) Filter size and type
16) Evap and condenser coil condition
17) Auto fill recommendations for further component replacement
18) Search ability
19) Email function
20) Diagnostic summary and repairs completed


I could go on but think I've made my point.

So much for us Palm guys


The contractor or technician can customize the Excel spreadsheet however he wants. He can also create a permanent customized form. He can customize to the level of his excel knowledge and it doesn't take much to add many of these fields. As far as entering them in the field, a laptop would be needed at the moment, but upgrades will likely be available enabling the HVAC Guide to handle this info in the future.

[mcjo tech]

Wow!! First post. Welcome to HVAC-Talk. Sounds as though you have a lot of knowledge about Fieldpiece Instrumentation and direction it is headed. I was just curious, didn't mean to ruffle any feathers

[RussellMuscle]

Yes I do work here at Fieldpiece Instruments. Not trying to hide. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for the interest.

[acguytx]

I know this post is almost 8 months old but is there any updates on this subject and when is this hg2 download supposed to be released?


im thinking of buying this hg1 unit along with the ACM3 Carbon Monoxide Head w/Optional Pump (ACMP3),as well as the ASX14 SUPERHEAT & SUBCOOLING HEAD FOR A/C.

Do you guys think this equipment is worth the money ?

as of right now i dont have a co meter and do my own manual calcs for sh and sc but want a faster more accurate way to do so. I was thinking about the Testo meters but this maybe a tad less expensive..

what do you think?

[acguytx]

well i went ahead and ordered this stuff cost me $620 shipped so i hope i didnt make a mistake and ill update you guys on my thoughts after i use the new tools..

feed back is always appreciated..

[ault51]

Just so you know, If you want to do the complete combustion analysis with the HG1, you will need the AOX2 Accessory head as well in order to get the O2 readings. If you are planning to use the HG1 primarily for the non-combustion related tests, such as SH and SC than you will be set! The ACM3and the HG1 are not the ideal combination if you are only interested in finding CO ppm.. The ACM3 is used with the HG1 as part of the complete combustion analyis feature.

If you are looking for a great stand alone Carbon Monoxide Detector, I recommend the SCM3 http://fieldpiece.com/co_detector.html

The HG2 software with CheckMe! is unfortunately still not available. There will be a link posted to the free upgrade as soon as it is available.

Just wanted to make sure understand what you are getting. I am sure the HVAC Guide is going to work out great for you. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesistate to ask. Have a great day!

[acguytx]

WOW thanks for the reply but are you telling me that the amc3 head with the pump will NOT give me a CO PPM reading??

I bought this because i thought the hg1 along with a few heads would be more versital then dropping money on seperate equipment..

so again are you saying that this unit will not give me co readings in ppm form??

thanks

[acguytx]

heres the descrition below,seems to me that is does in fact measure co ppms

Measures CO in air and finds CO sources.

Fast enough to locate CO source in
“walk-around” test.
Three pin sensor for better performance.
Long battery life.
Optional Pump (ACMP3). See Part #: ACMK3 for CO Detector and Pump
Auto-off can be disabled for data logging.
Select averaging or normal for smoothing or fast response to change.
Range: 0 to 1000PPM (2000PPM with
5 minute max exposure time).
Initial accuracy: 0-15ppm ±5% reading
±1 ppm after zeroing;15-35ppm ±5% reading ±2 ppm after zeroing;
0-1000ppm ±5% reading ±5 ppm
after zeroing.
Response time: <70sec to 90% of reading.
Operating temperature: 32 to 105 ºF.
Sensor type: Electrochemical (specific to CO).

[ault51]

The ACM3 head absolutely will give you CO PPM and the pump will allow you to get readings from a flue . I was just saying that ACM3 is used with the HG1 to find CO PPM as PART of the Combustion Analysis feature of the HG1 to find Combustion efficiency. The ACM3 can also be used to find CO PPM for reasons other than trying to find combustion efficiency.

Sorry if I confused things. When you get everything delivered, let me know if you have any questions and we can talk.

[draisland7]

Hey Russ thanks for all your help, enjoy Austrailia!

[RussellHarju]

Hey Russ thanks for all your help, enjoy Austrailia!
Thanks. I am back from Australia and still really tired. So much Fieldpiece interest down under that i didn't even have time for a look around. :) But now i'm back in the office and you can contact me with any questions. 714 634 1844. Thanks again!

Russ

[RussellHarju]

well i went ahead and ordered this stuff cost me $620 shipped so i hope i didnt make a mistake and ill update you guys on my thoughts after i use the new tools..

feed back is always appreciated..

Have you had a chance to take it for a test run?

[fotofx]

What it really needs is a wireless temp head. Would love to be able to leave the temperature sensor inside at the evap and be able to plug the wireless receiver in outside and get my inside temps. Seems it wouldn't be that difficult because it would only be a head and would not require any changes to the HG1/2..

Steve

[acguytx]

i thought the hg2 dowwnload upgrade was going to be free? did i miss something or are they charging 29 dollars for it on the website?? not happy they are trying to charge for this when they promised afree upgrade! ????

[fotofx]

Hmmm... I downloaded my HG2 upgrade for free. I even called and they sent me a new label for the dial for free.

[acguytx]

good to know, ill go back and check links again for download of upgrade but i swear when i look it said 29 dollars or something?

thanks for the info

foto how are you likeing the upgrade , how are you using your meter, what heads to you currently use?

[fotofx]

The download link for the firmware upgrade is:

http://www.fieldpiece.com/HGx%20Firmware%20Update_VISTA_V26.exe

I have the ARH4 and the stock head that came with it. I upgraded to get the Checkme feature but never really use it. I use the evap test and superheat on a daily basis. Works pretty good but I hate running inside to get my wet bulb. That why I think a wireless head would be great.

[acguytx]

read ythis below it says 50 bucks, is that not the correct upgrade/download for the hg2 ? please someone from here explain this to me or send me a link for the FREE download and a way to get the sticker and new instructions for the new functions. thanks

HG1 and HG2 firmware for Windows XP®

This is a firmware update for the firmware inside the HVAC Guide®. HG1 owners may download the HG1C2 Firmware update that contains the additional CheckMe!® test for $50. Model HG2 comes standard with the CheckMe!® test. Follow instructions below for all updates.

Instructions

I. Download the firmware.

HVAC Guide® Software must be installed before the update will work. See software instructions above to install software.
Click “Download Now” below. Be sure to note where your internet browser is saving the file.
Double click the file labeled “HGx Firmware Update_XP_V26.exe”.
Click “Install”. This will only extract the files into a folder, not install the software.

[fotofx]

I think the intention was to charge for the upgrade but at this point they are allowing it as a free download. I placed the link in my above message.. Guessing you were already typing as I was posting..

[acguytx]

ok ill try it later thanks, btw i am not using vista so ill use the link from the site.

I also find all the heads slow and restraining as i can figure SH and SC faster manually then having to manually input the pressures and temps by hitting enter and changing from temps to pressure all the time.

its slow to me, i need a more real time feature as i can hook things up, check suggestions and add or remove refrigerant and then see the changes in real time like the digicool head which i might purcahse next season.

[fotofx]

That link is for XP or Vista.. It is only the firmware. You will still need the software to connect to the HG1.. You should have it or you can download the latest version.

[acguytx]

ok so i went to the site and downloaded the link fpr xp “HGx Firmware Update.exe and went through all the steps and it said complete, i now went to my meter and it says i have version C2.26 table 01.12 so did the download take?

now where on meter do i have new options or should i say where do i turn dial to use new programs or to see if this update took place??

who do i email for new sticker?

tia

[fotofx]

2.26 is the latest.. Turn the knob so it points straight down and see if you have the checkme form. I didn't email.. I called and they transferred me to someone who took my address. Got it in the mail a few days later.

[acguytx]

yea i saw that at the botom, i guess ill read up on how that helps me at all with my field readings etc..thanks

[fotofx]

Honestly, I only updated because it was available. I think the CheckMe is mainly for California. I don't know if it adds anything to (or corrects/updates) the existing functions.

[RussellHarju]

i thought the hg2 dowwnload upgrade was going to be free? did i miss something or are they charging 29 dollars for it on the website?? not happy they are trying to charge for this when they promised afree upgrade! ????

We offered it for Free for 8 months. Since Checkme is written by a third we had to start charging for it when the HG2 came out. Upgrades may have a charge associated with them.

[RussellHarju]

read ythis below it says 50 bucks, is that not the correct upgrade/download for the hg2 ? please someone from here explain this to me or send me a link for the FREE download and a way to get the sticker and new instructions for the new functions. thanks

HG1 and HG2 firmware for Windows XP®

This is a firmware update for the firmware inside the HVAC Guide®. HG1 owners may download the HG1C2 Firmware update that contains the additional CheckMe!® test for $50. Model HG2 comes standard with the CheckMe!® test. Follow instructions below for all updates.

Instructions

I. Download the firmware.

HVAC Guide® Software must be installed before the update will work. See software instructions above to install software.
Click “Download Now” below. Be sure to note where your internet browser is saving the file.
Double click the file labeled “HGx Firmware Update_XP_V26.exe”.
Click “Install”. This will only extract the files into a folder, not install the software.

You can call Fieldpiece for a sticker. 714 634 1844. If you bought your HG1 before June then it will likely be Free anways. And HG1 shipped out of Fieldpiece before June does not have the block programmed in and will let you install checkme for free.

[RussellHarju]

Honestly, I only updated because it was available. I think the CheckMe is mainly for California. I don't know if it adds anything to (or corrects/updates) the existing functions.

Right now there are 26 utility companies that give rebates to contractors who are in the Checkme program. However i have had guys tell me they were able to find problems with checkme that they couldn't just using the other tests.

[RussellHarju]

ok so i went to the site and downloaded the link fpr xp “HGx Firmware Update.exe and went through all the steps and it said complete, i now went to my meter and it says i have version C2.26 table 01.12 so did the download take?

now where on meter do i have new options or should i say where do i turn dial to use new programs or to see if this update took place??

who do i email for new sticker?

tia

Send address to fppm2@fieldpiece.com. I will send you a sticker.

[fotofx]

Now thats service.. Thanks for the quick response..

[draisland7]

Russel when is Fieldpiece coming out with some digital gauges?
Dennis Anderson
ps hvac guide is working great!

[RussellMuscle]

Russel when is Fieldpiece coming out with some digital gauges?
Dennis Anderson
ps hvac guide is working great!

How much does everyone want Fieldpiece to have digital guages? If you request it, it will come. :)

[qwerty hvac]

Please make them.

[dmizell26]

russell can i use the hg2 with an amp clamp attachment for amperage and another to measure voltage?

[jnsrose]

You know this thread is 4 years old don't ya?

[dmizell26]

yes.....