Exactcharge

[iraqveteran]

Does anybody use the exactcharge software? It can also be loaded onto a palm pilot for portable calculations. Its the electronic version of the superheat/subcooling calculators that are slide charts.

I have looked at them and was thinking of getting one to try out in the field. I will be moving into commercail, refrigeration, and food service here in a few weeks and thought it may be useful when dealing with a variety of refrigerants.

So what do you think? What are some personal experiences with the software and is it worth the investment or is it a joke?

[DPSwitch]

Looks interesting, can't tell from the website, looks like you can get it preloaded on a Palm zire for a reasonable price ready to go.

[papa_jo]

subcooling is the way to go

[iraqveteran]

Looks interesting, can't tell from the website, looks like you can get it preloaded on a Palm zire for a reasonable price ready to go.

It is a reasonable price but my question is is it really worth it.....

Thats whats keeping me from getting it. I want an outside opinion.....prefferably from someone whos got one and uses it.

[iraqveteran]

subcooling is the way to go

I agree with you half way. Superheat is just as important as subcooling. Both measurements need to be taken to properly address a problem.

[mark beiser]

I have a Palm PDA in my tool bag, and use Exact Charge quite a lot. If the unit has charging instructions with it, I'll use the manufacturers instructions, otherwise I use the Exact Charge software. I have run it head to head against a number of manufacturers charts and slide rules. It is right in line with any of them that take both indoor WB and DB temps into account, and is real close, if not dead on, with ones that use only WB or only DB conditions.


subcooling is the way to go

You don't charge fixed metered systems by subcooling, unless it is one of those Lennox systems that has instructions to do so.

[iraqveteran]

[QUOTE=mark beiser;1821070]I have a Palm PDA in my tool bag, and use Exact Charge quite a lot. If the unit has charging instructions with it, I'll use the manufacturers instructions, otherwise I use the Exact Charge software. I have run it head to head against a number of manufacturers charts and slide rules. It is right in line with any of them that take both indoor WB and DB temps into account, and is real close, if not dead on, with ones that use only WB or only DB conditions.QUOTE]

Thats good to know. Thank you for your response.

So if I am understanding this correctly. It is a digital slide so to speak. I can enter the refrigerant I am dealing with, indoor WB and DB conditions as well as outdoor WB and DB conditions and it will give me target superheat and subcooling. Once that has been established, I can then enter Suction and Head Pressures and it will calculate correct pipe temperatures.

Correct me if I am wrong. But thats what I am looking for. And if this is what I am looking for, I will more than likely be purchasing it within the next few days.

[mcjo tech]

iraqveteran,

We are forever in debt to those like yourself who protect our great freedoms. We live in the greatest nation of all because of those who have sacrificed so much. Please check your email in regards to your questions. I have tried to make the best software I am capable of and have spent hundreds of hours working on it. My thanks to all of you.

[mark beiser]

Once that has been established, I can then enter Suction and Head Pressures and it will calculate correct pipe temperatures.

You could do that, but since the "correct pipe temperature" changes as you add refrigerant, due to suction pressure change, you would have to recalculate it.

I use digital gauges that very accurately display the saturated temp, or in the case of my Testo 523, display the actual SH.

The program is worth the price of the software, and a PDA to run it on, just for the target SH calculations.
It also has a number of other handy features that add to the value.

[tarheel_tech]

Does anybody have a link?I would like to find out where to buy it and some more information on it.

[fcs]

iraqveteran,

I have tried to make the best software I am capable of and have spent hundreds of hours working on it. My thanks to all of you.

MCJO
I tried to down load a Demo for my Laptop (Vista) and it said demo expired :confused:

I interested in this for Field laptop use.

Also FYI I Think you have some broken links on our site
http://www.exactcharge.com/Home.aspx .

[mcjo tech]

Sorry for the problem with the Demo version. We have made a number of changes to the website when we added the new Systems Data Report Software and it has caused us some difficulties. I thought we had the Demo malfunction resolved but apparently not. I will look into it again. The full version for Windows based computers including Windows Vista will work properly. Thanks for letting us know about the malfunctions.

Joe

[papa_jo]

I agree with you half way. Superheat is just as important as subcooling. Both measurements need to be taken to properly address a problem.

i agree with you also - subcooling with expansion vavle and superheat without is the way I do it

[iraqveteran]

i agree with you also - subcooling with expansion vavle and superheat without is the way I do it

thats the way to charge a system. But you need to check both SH and SC to get the whole picture of what the system is doing.

[iraqveteran]

iraqveteran,

We are forever in debt to those like yourself who protect our great freedoms. We live in the greatest nation of all because of those who have sacrificed so much. Please check your email in regards to your questions. I have tried to make the best software I am capable of and have spent hundreds of hours working on it. My thanks to all of you.

Your welcome. I'm out now and hopefully won't get called back up. But we'll see how the elections go in November.

[fcs]

Sorry for the problem with the Demo version. We have made a number of changes to the website when we added the new Systems Data Report Software and it has caused us some difficulties. I thought we had the Demo malfunction resolved but apparently not. I will look into it again. The full version for Windows based computers including Windows Vista will work properly. Thanks for letting us know about the malfunctions.

Joe

I was hope to try out the demo and the demo reporting software this week last week , but still getting errors on both:(

I would like to see if it dose what I Looking for so I don't end up buying software that I never use. If it does what I appears to do then I'm in.

How soon Do you think it will be.

Also is there a bundled price for ExactCharge System Data Report
(Windows PC) and ExactCharge Calculator Software (Windows PC) together or does the reporting soft included ExactCharge Calculator Software.

Thanks

[weber]

I have a simuliar program that has a better feature with it.

You put in the same info, and it gives you your target Sh, ect just like the exact charge program, but this one tells you how many ounces you need to add or remove.

It also has an airflow calculation section.

This program was indorsed by CA, and once trained on using it, on every system that I used the tool on, the state of CA would pay me $35. This had nothing to do with customer or the job, just the fact that the charge was verified by a trained tech utilizing this program.

I believe the name was Verified RCA.

[Flexusksc]

If in doubt weigh it in, no guess work

Subcooling is the best way to charge with a TXV buuut how do you know the txv is working unless you check superheat, i've seen alot of bad installs where the txv has been over heated and sticks

[fcs]

I have a simuliar program that has a better feature with it.

You put in the same info, and it gives you your target Sh, ect just like the exact charge program, but this one tells you how many ounces you need to add or remove.

It also has an airflow calculation section.

This program was indorsed by CA, and once trained on using it, on every system that I used the tool on, the state of CA would pay me $35. This had nothing to do with customer or the job, just the fact that the charge was verified by a trained tech utilizing this program.

I believe the name was Verified RCA.

Thanks Weber looks great
I Googled it and got this web site
http://www.verified-rca.com/ is this the software you have?

Thanks

[mcjo tech]

fcs,

I personnaly stand behind the software. It does what it says it will do. If you would like, purchase the ExactCharge Calculator Software for PC using the Send Software button and I will send you the Systems Data Report Software for free. If you are not satisfied with the software (rarely if ever happens) I will refund you every last cent you paid for it.

Joe
ExactCharge Industries

[mcjo tech]

I really don't know much about the Verified RCA software but it is my understanding that the software is not available to load onto a device without taking their class. So I guess if you want to travel to California and take their class you can get it. As far as a better feature (giving you ounces needed) that is good but I beleive we offer other features that they do not. Does it have 28 Pressure/Temperature charts including blends? Can it calculate Duct Sizing? Does it have approximate pressure control cut in and cut out correspondence for mid and low temperature refrigeration service and repair? How about diagnostic text screen? IMO (of course I'm biased) ExactCharge is better suited for everyday field use.

[hvacman07]

Trane has a device that u can hook up to the xl19i new product called charge assist unit has to have the comfont link II control board only avalib in the xl19i trane hasnot got it in any other units yet will be avalib in the xl16i later this year this gauge will charge the unitwith no gaugesjust hook it up and the control board in condenser will do the rest this unit is nice went to a class last week on this and this unit is sweet communicating a/c unit ask trane next time you are in a supply house

[weber]

Thanks Weber looks great
I Googled it and got this web site
http://www.verified-rca.com/ is this the software you have?

Thanks

Yes, thats the one.

No sure if it has anyupgrades since mine is about 4 or 5 years old.

Its desinged for residential, r-22 & r410a.

Most of the accesories that come with the exact charge are not neccesary. I have programs on my pda that work better. I have used both programs and both are good products, but recommend the RCA over the Exact charge.

[mcjo tech]

Weber,

I appreciate that you posted that you think both products are good. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is the great thing about this forum. Just like with other products there are always preferences.Some like Testo others Digi-Cool. some are Fluke guys others Fieldpiece. However I would have to disagree with you about the other features of the calculator not being necessary. I receive calls regularly from technicians who use and love the software for its ability to aid them in Low and Mid temperature refrigeration work. Many who design ductwork wouldn't be without it. Less experienced techs find the diagnostic text screen of great help. I am a technician who works in the field daily. When I receive calls about the software often I am on a roof somewhere working on equipment. I do not have a Phd in science heck, I didn't graduate from college. Been in the field for 21 years now and have spent my time and money to create a product that I felt would be a good benefit to my fellow technicians.



Joe

[tarheel_tech]

Have you got your demo back up yet? Everytime I try it,it will not work.I am really intrested in your product.

[mcjo tech]

ChrL Brann,

Could you please contact me via my email in my profile. I am not certain what is going on with the Demo. Would like to hear from some of you guys in regards to what the Demo malfunction is indicating and what error you are getting so I can fix it.


Thanks

Joe

[weber]

Weber,

I appreciate that you posted that you think both products are good. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is the great thing about this forum. Just like with other products there are always preferences.Some like Testo others Digi-Cool. some are Fluke guys others Fieldpiece. However I would have to disagree with you about the other features of the calculator not being necessary. I receive calls regularly from technicians who use and love the software for its ability to aid them in Low and Mid temperature refrigeration work. Many who design ductwork wouldn't be without it. Less experienced techs find the diagnostic text screen of great help. I am a technician who works in the field daily. When I receive calls about the software often I am on a roof somewhere working on equipment. I do not have a Phd in science heck, I didn't graduate from college. Been in the field for 21 years now and have spent my time and money to create a product that I felt would be a good benefit to my fellow technicians.



Joe

Joe,
Please dont take my recommendations as an insult to your product, because that is not what is meant here. Not all techs work on refrigeration equipment, so they would be purchasing something that most do not need. Also duct work is a good, but most of the time when in the field you are repairing not engineering. When Im designing ductwork I have other tools at my disposal. Its good to have those incorperated into your product but are not absolutly neccesary, so some or most techs are buying more then they need.

I own Testo and Digi-Cool, Field Piece and Fluke, ect... So when I recommend a product to a fellow tech, its my professional opinion. I wouldn't make a recommendation without fully testing a product verses another. It has been awhile since I used your product, so if you would like a field test to be done, I would be more then happy to give your product another go, and give you and many others my opinion.

Like I said previously, this is a good product and is better then having none at all. Every tool I purchase is an investment and I need to get the most for my money and need to see a ROI. If not, I dont recommend it.

[tarheel_tech]

ChrL Brann,

Could you please contact me via my email in my profile. I am not certain what is going on with the Demo. Would like to hear from some of you guys in regards to what the Demo malfunction is indicating and what error you are getting so I can fix it.


Thanks

Joe

Joe,you got mail:D

[fcs]

fcs,

I personnaly stand behind the software. It does what it says it will do. If you would like, purchase the ExactCharge Calculator Software for PC using the Send Software button and I will send you the Systems Data Report Software for free. If you are not satisfied with the software (rarely if ever happens) I will refund you every last cent you paid for it.

Joe
ExactCharge Industries

That sound great I'll go to your site and buy get it.

I'll let you know what I think.

Thanks

[fcs]

Joe,
When I go to the Send Software button I get into a loop. It ask me to select order but there is no opption to selecte from:confused::confused:.

Then I went to "Buy Sowftare" but stop due no way to request the Systems Data Report Software for free?

[mcjo tech]

fcs,

Sorry I have been out today and just got back. To order the software first create a User Name and Password using the not registered link in login. Next go to Product Page and purchase the ExactCharge Calculator Software for PC. Complete payment and then go back to Product Page and click the Send Software button. Here it will show you the software that is to be sent. You may need to use the down arrow to view it. Click on that software and it will ask you if you are sure you want to be sent the CD. Confirm your sent CD order and click finish. Your order is then logged and I am sent notice to fulfill it. Once I get the notice I will prepare your software CD and also send with it a Systems Data Report CD. If you would like to speak with me via phone my phone number is on the website at the top right of any page and is Toll Free.
I personally like to talk with the technicians prior to them purchasing the software so I can answer any questions they may have.

Thanks,

Joe

[fcs]

Joe,

Order just a few minitew sent thanks for the reply, I'll look forward to using it both programs.

And Ill let you know what I think.

[mcjo tech]

Thanks fcs,

You have mail. I am hopeful you will find the software beneficial.


Joe

[mcjo tech]

Weber,

I have a great deal of respect for you, your knowledge, and your contributions to this forum and I was not insulted in the least. When I originally conceived and designed the calculator I wanted to have a product that could be used by as many technicians as possible regardless of whether they worked in mid and low temp, A/C, or ductwork design. This versatility of the software was implemented from the beginning of its conception and is a strength of the software not a weakness. I could have created separate calculators that would have been more specific but the cost would have been the same and the users ability limited to only its one function, so thought I would design the software to meet a wide range of field applications. In regards to a field test: The calculator has been on the market for two years now and has been throughly tested. Hundreds of technicians use the calculator and I am satisfied with the feedback I receive from them.

As always you have my respect, you are a man of true integrity.