Testo 523

[pacnw]

So, Johnstone Supply had a sale on Friday and I bought a Testo 523. The case was open and it looked different than their parts book image and different than I remembered from Testo's site.
I think it is the older model/last years.
Should I return it for the newer one, is it better to have the newer one or are they just as good just a different look?
I think I like the set-up of the newer one better and will exchange it, but wanted a practical answer too.
Thank you

[y7turbo]

even if you just dont like the old ones looks, return it! those things arent cheap so if its not what you expected, i would return it.

[rickhall]

1st Gen does data logging that the new one doesn't. I had an opportunity recently to purchase either one and I selected Generation for this alone

[jim bergmann]

The black, squareish style 523 was the first generation, but it is by no means second quality. I still have one and use it weekly, it has some of the best pressure sensors ever used for the application, and it still carries a 2 year warrenty from the day that you bought it.

This is from the orgional applications guide I wrote for the instrument, drop me a PM, and I will send the guide via PDF, it is to large for here. :(

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 the 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) set 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 on all instruments from the Testo 523 to the Testo 560. 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 523/560 has dual pressure sensors (with stainless steel isolation) 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 523/560 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 523/560 is read, analyzed and managed in the Testo PC Software. 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 measurement 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.

[weber]

So, Johnstone Supply had a sale on Friday and I bought a Testo 523. The case was open and it looked different than their parts book image and different than I remembered from Testo's site.
I think it is the older model/last years.
Should I return it for the newer one, is it better to have the newer one or are they just as good just a different look?
I think I like the set-up of the newer one better and will exchange it, but wanted a practical answer too.
Thank you

I think the question is what did you pay for? A new one or old one?

What was the price? The old ones are a couple hundred bucks cheaper.

[pacnw]

I did not look at the receipt yet, but was told a price and was charged that price.
There was/is no mention of old or new and the cost is the consistent with the price that the new unit is selling for on the Testo and Trutech sites.
Thought I was getting the new one and got the old one. If there is a cost difference then I paid the higher price, I think.
Guess now I have to determine the value of the data logging, as that seems to be the major difference according to Jim's post.

[hvacman07]

Love mine only one problem dont have any where for the other end of my hoses to connect to

[weber]

Love mine only one problem dont have any where for the other end of my hoses to connect to

If its the new model of the 523's, the make a hose keeper for like 20-30 bucks.

[weber]

I did not look at the receipt yet, but was told a price and was charged that price.
There was/is no mention of old or new and the cost is the consistent with the price that the new unit is selling for on the Testo and Trutech sites.
Thought I was getting the new one and got the old one. If there is a cost difference then I paid the higher price, I think.
Guess now I have to determine the value of the data logging, as that seems to be the major difference according to Jim's post.

Well if you paid over 500 its for the new one, the old ones are a little over 300.

[pacnw]

Well if you paid over 500 its for the new one, the old ones are a little over 300.

did pay for the new and got the old, at these prices.