Digi Cool?

[timebuilder]

I'm thinking about going digital for my gauges this year, but I'm not there 100% yet.

I'd like to hear some comments, pros and cons, by those of you who use digital gauge sets like the Digi Cool.

Thanks.

[Reeferman]

I'm thinking about going digital for my gauges this year, but I'm not there 100% yet.

I'd like to hear some comments, pros and cons, by those of you who use digital gauge sets like the Digi Cool.

Thanks.

Do a search and you will find everything you need to know.

[ptemko]

The only set I have seen in the wholesalers around here is the Yellow Jacket version. The only 2 refrigerants I use are R22 and R410A. I think that 90% of my calls are still R22 so I think I will pick up the Yellow Jacket set this spring. I have read all the info on the digi cools but have never seen any around here. I also don't want to put out that type of money on 2 sets for the 2 refrigerants.

[Reeferman]

The only set I have seen in the wholesalers around here is the Yellow Jacket version. The only 2 refrigerants I use are R22 and R410A. I think that 90% of my calls are still R22 so I think I will pick up the Yellow Jacket set this spring. I have read all the info on the digi cools but have never seen any around here. I also don't want to put out that type of money on 2 sets for the 2 refrigerants.

DigCool makes or used to make the Yellow Jacket. The only difference is the case color and the face plate.

[fcs]

I've got the Digi-cool 1200 Only Cons I had, Doug fix in the 1250 ie backlight, and 2 temp probes with SC SH reading at the same time.

Pros there are to many to list IMHO, 1 I'd mention those is the bar graph. you can easy to spot a TXV issue. Also you can see a drop of 1 psig and speed up time on standing pressure test.

They are FAR more durable then analogue

Yes there expensive but they are the best investment I've made. Going to get a 2nd set as soon as money allows.

[timebuilder]

Any other recent experiences? I'd like to have some up-to-date observations, as opposed to the older ones I can find via a search.

Thanks!

[Reeferman]

Any other recent experiences? I'd like to have sojme up-to-date observations, as opposed to the older ones I can find via a search.

Thanks!

Well the 1250 is out. Not sure what else to say. They do what Lockhart says they do. There are new temp clamps out for them. There are no surprises or #$%^ups with them. I would suggest that you phone him and then you can decide afterwards if you think he is the real deal or not.

[addamsmasher]

I have the Ritchie version, didnt realize till about 5 minutes ago who DigiCool was. Now I'm wishing I had a year ago when I bought my manifold. Backlight a definite plus (DigiCool) bulkiness not a plus. Temperature probe they give you to measure SH and SC cooling, thumbs down. I would have thought for that price they'd offer something a little less cumbersome. I still use my $92 clamp probe. Multi refrigerant compatibility definitely a plus, they're kind of like eye candy too, the customers seem the assume I know what I'm doing since I'm hooking this complex looking contraption up to their system.


PS anyone know where I can get a spare cap for the temp probe, mine broke. Thanks


Chris

[addamsmasher]

The only set I have seen in the wholesalers around here is the Yellow Jacket version. The only 2 refrigerants I use are R22 and R410A. I think that 90% of my calls are still R22 so I think I will pick up the Yellow Jacket set this spring. I have read all the info on the digi cools but have never seen any around here. I also don't want to put out that type of money on 2 sets for the 2 refrigerants.

A little more research and you might find that you can actually use the same manifolds on the two different refrigerants.

[Reeferman]

I have the Ritchie version, didnt realize till about 5 minutes ago who DigiCool was. Now I'm wishing I had a year ago when I bought my manifold. Backlight a definite plus (DigiCool) bulkiness not a plus. Temperature probe they give you to measure SH and SC cooling, thumbs down. I would have thought for that price they'd offer something a little less cumbersome. I still use my $92 clamp probe. Multi refrigerant compatibility definitely a plus, they're kind of like eye candy too, the customers seem the assume I know what I'm doing since I'm hooking this complex looking contraption up to their system.


PS anyone know where I can get a spare cap for the temp probe, mine broke. Thanks


Chris


http://digi-cool.com/

[addamsmasher]

Thanks, whats the DRSA 1600 about? They say its entry level, and ITS PINK WTFFFFFFF?

[hvacrmedic]

Thanks, whats the DRSA 1600 about? They say its entry level, and ITS PINK WTFFFFFFF?

The color in that picture isn't true. It isn't actually pink. IIRC, Doug said that it was voted the color least likely to show stains from grime, or something like that. My blue protector has some very visible streaks on it. I like them though, it looks like the thing is actually being used, which is good, because it is. If I was a homeowner and a tech came up with tools that all looked like he just bought them yesterday, then I'd be concerned. If I ever buy another set I'm going to put my scratched up and black streaked blue protector on it. :)

[bustawrench1]

I have the Digi-cool 1200............it's been banging around in my truck since last June. I've had no trouble with it (one glitch which turned out to a dying battery) and I find myself reaching for it first now. The analogs stay in the van unless I've got a dirty job or I'm worried about theft in a lame neighborhood.

All in all, I'd buy them again.

I'm hearing some not so nice things about the Testos.........might want to shy away from them.

[itsiceman]

The color in that picture isn't true. It isn't actually pink. You really haven't seen one tell the truth :rolleyes:

This is the only questionable info I ever found written about his products

other than that everything else is all true from what I've experienced

Bullet Proof + Accurate + Easy To Use = Digi-Cools

[BobbyBJr]

I've had the Yellow Jacket version for about a year with no problems at all. I'll prob upgrade to the new version one day, but I work more in the office than I do in the field now and there is no hurry.

[addamsmasher]

what manifold do the DigiCools come with? I like my YJ's cos if the TiTaN manifolds but I hate how they don't have a backlight.

[fcs]

If I understand your Question right .

The DigiCools can go on any Manifold but doesn't come with one,

The YJ is more then likely the Digicool 1200 and you can get the upgrade kit which has back light and dual temp probes.

[JBM1000]

I have the J&B DM2 and to this day cuss myself for getting them instead of DigiCools. But the DM2 are fine as long as you protect them from moisture like a hawk by using a zip lock bag over the top etc. One Drop OF Water and they are dead! It follows the hanger stem right into the PC board. They do have two sensor thermistors and are highly accurate. They will not track a fan cycle ramp in psi (225 to 300) but will follow a txv throttling accurately.
They will not hold up to normal banging around or other Bull in a China closet tech stuff!
The next set will be the "real deal" and be DigiCools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

15412

[addamsmasher]

would I go thru digicool for the upgrade or through YJ? THanks for the info


Chris

[fcs]

go thought DigiCool. Best Customer Service you'll find.

[addamsmasher]

Just spoke w/some one @ D.C she said they kits will be available next week and their price is 199 USD plus shipping. She said True-Tech tools should be getting them and will probably be cheaper.

[fcs]

Cool,

True Tech is owned by Jim B. 's (a member of this site) Dad.

DigCool is Always straight up they take great care of there customer.

[jim bergmann]

I have the Digi-cool 1200............it's been banging around in my truck since last June. I've had no trouble with it (one glitch which turned out to a dying battery) and I find myself reaching for it first now. The analogs stay in the van unless I've got a dirty job or I'm worried about theft in a lame neighborhood.

All in all, I'd buy them again.

I'm hearing some not so nice things about the Testos.........might want to shy away from them.

Beach,
I do not know what you are hearing about Testo, but I can assure you that there are no problems with the instrument. I would know. The Testo does have several advantages over any other digital gauge out there including data logging ability, real time superheat and sub cooling, wireless and wired probes, and optional wireless printer. in addition, it comes with a two year warranty. I have a set that has been used almost daily for two years without problems.

[yellowirenut]

how does Digi-cool fair in the rain...doing commercial work my days are spend on a roof rain, shine, ice and snow

[fcs]

how does Digi-cool fair in the rain...doing commercial work my days are spend on a roof rain, shine, ice and snow

Great
I heard of guys forgetting them Over the weekend and getting rained on all weekend Work fine.

I've used them in the rain several time. They Don't need baby at all.

[AtoZhvac]

Beach,
I do not know what you are hearing about Testo, but I can assure you that there are no problems with the instrument. I would know. The Testo does have several advantages over any other digital gauge out there including data logging ability, real time superheat and sub cooling, wireless and wired probes, and optional wireless printer. in addition, it comes with a two year warranty. I have a set that has been used almost daily for two years without problems.


Jim,

How does the Testo fair as far as water resistance?

Thanks

[xgfreon]

The only set I have seen in the wholesalers around here is the Yellow Jacket version. The only 2 refrigerants I use are R22 and R410A. I think that 90% of my calls are still R22 so I think I will pick up the Yellow Jacket set this spring. I have read all the info on the digi cools but have never seen any around here. I also don't want to put out that type of money on 2 sets for the 2 refrigerants.


http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=199932&highlight=digicool

[Twilly]

Twilli is very happy with his YJ

[grayghost]

I have only had the 1250 for a couple of weeks. They have been easy to use and built well. Since I do not plan on using them to pull a vacuum I just put them on a standard YJ manifold. It makes them a little lighter and less cumbersome.

[mdharris68]

Are there a pair of digital guages that read the temp of the gas without addtional clamp on probes to calculate sh and sc? That is the only reason I was wanting to get a pair.

[Reeferman]

Are there a pair of digital guages that read the temp of the gas without addtional clamp on probes to calculate sh and sc? That is the only reason I was wanting to get a pair.

You need to rethink your question. How would you calculate sub cooling when taking pressure at discharge service valve and calculating subcooling?

[mdharris68]

You need to rethink your question. How would you calculate sub cooling when taking pressure at discharge service valve and calculating subcooling?

90% of the equipment I touch has an access valve in the liquid side of the system. I avoid discharge port's if at all possible, usually have to fix leaks there though.

[t527ed]

Are there a pair of digital guages that read the temp of the gas without addtional clamp on probes to calculate sh and sc? That is the only reason I was wanting to get a pair.


gas is not going through the guages, how is it going to measure temp?????:cool:

[Tie Strap]

do they just stop at 30" of mercury? if not how low does it go? ;)