Another SMAN3 problem

[Kimball]

Honest feedback on the SMAN3. Purchased last Friday, stopped working today. Almost lasted a week without issues. I've had mine on order for 7 months! Problem/issue is with the teflon packing on the high side valve. According to fp cs its a known issue. They were very helpful and promised to send me some parts right away. I'll let everyone know how the repair goes. Hate to send it back cause I waited so long to get it. Oh, BTW rep at fp cs was Chris.

Anyone know the price and availability of the hard case yet?

[gonefishing]

Over tightening the valves will swell the Teflon seat and plug the barrel. The new
replacement core will cure the problem, just be aware of applied torque when
closing them off, until the issue has a permanent solution.

GF

[RussellHarju]

Over tightening the valves will swell the Teflon seat and plug the barrel. The new
replacement core will cure the problem, just be aware of applied torque when
closing them off, until the issue has a permanent solution.

GF

This is correct. You only need to finger tip tighten to create the seal with the teflon.

[Dr.phil]

Russell, one of my guys is having a problem with the high side not pressurizing very fast no matter what hose he uses. Could this be related to the discussion?

[Kimball]

Thanks for the insight Russell. It's possible then it was self inflicted. Either way great customer service. Iam used to my 4 hose JB Zeppelins ill be more gentle next time.

[ceg22]

had the same problem with my set after abought 6 months, talked to Jeremy from FP CS, part shipped same day by ground, he offered next day i chose ground. Got to say thanks FP for great CS and Prpduct

[RussellHarju]

Russell, one of my guys is having a problem with the high side not pressurizing very fast no matter what hose he uses. Could this be related to the discussion?

It's possible and the likely cure is just a new set of valves no matter the cause. Every manifold has replacement valves available because of over tightening is very common and you don't need to do it and will wreck the teflon sooner or later. email me your address and I'll send out a replacement set right away. fppm2@fieldpiece.com.

[Dr.phil]

It's possible and the likely cure is just a new set of valves no matter the cause. Every manifold has replacement valves available because of over tightening is very common and you don't need to do it and will wreck the teflon sooner or later. email me your address and I'll send out a replacement set right away. fppm2@fieldpiece.com.

Thanks, Russell. I'll tell everyone on here, that since being a member of this forum and seeing you're response, we've made several purchases of fieldpiece products. Customer service is everything!:cheers:

[Damo]

I had some replacement valves sent out by Russell and Tony from Fieldpiece a couple of months back, their customer service is amazing, it was only a matter of days from when I initially contacted them with the problem to when I had the replacement valve kit in my hands in Melbourne Australia!

[allenb2626]

My high side is giving me problems last two calls it didnt work at all the valve wouldnt let anything bleed out.. i hate to say this but i am going to give my sman3 back to where i bought it

[Makinhole]

So far mine are working flawlessly! (knock wood) I love them, and I am confident if I do have a problem it will be resolved rapidly. Thanks Field Piece!:cheers:

[Kimball]

UPDATE: STILL waiting. Maybe I'm impatient. I bought a $400 tool that functioned for a WEEK. Then down for a MONTH. In one of the busiest times of the year. Several calls to FP revealed the parts I need were in such high demand, they were out of stock. I'll update again if I get it repaired or put it up for sale.

[RussellHarju]

UPDATE: STILL waiting. Maybe I'm impatient. I bought a $400 tool that functioned for a WEEK. Then down for a MONTH. In one of the busiest times of the year. Several calls to FP revealed the parts I need were in such high demand, they were out of stock. I'll update again if I get it repaired or put it up for sale.

I have a set of valves with your name on them at my desk with your name on it. We got some in yesterday. Please email me your address and I will overnight them to you. fppm2@fieldpiece.com Thanks!

Russ

[Kimball]

Email sent. Looking forward to getting some use outta these. This is the longest any tool has stayed clean. Lol

[Oldschoolmetal]

Hey Russ, I bought a Sman3 a few months ago along with another tech, we both love our gauges but I have a Major concern. The main body of my gauge, the yellow part has a crack on one side. Looks like its inline where it ties on to the manifold. The other techs gauges are also doing the same but are much worse, his cracks are bad. Have you had any other sets do this?

[Oldschoolmetal]

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/picture.php?albumid=2262&pictureid=15012
This is a picture of what I mean Russ..

[RussellHarju]

Hey Russ, I bought a Sman3 a few months ago along with another tech, we both love our gauges but I have a Major concern. The main body of my gauge, the yellow part has a crack on one side. Looks like its inline where it ties on to the manifold. The other techs gauges are also doing the same but are much worse, his cracks are bad. Have you had any other sets do this?

I've seen a couple do this but not many on the grand scheme of things. Please give me a call at 714 634 1844 and I can help run an exchange for a new one through a distributor so you are not with out your tool. Thanks!

[TCreacy]

Hey russell, I havent purchased them but a student of mine did. He bought the sman 3 and a vacuum pump from yall just recently. He says that when he hooks the smans to the pump it wont pull below 300 microns, but when he hooks the pump to his regular manifold, it pulls down great.

Do you know of any problems, I may be able to recommend. I told him to try and pressurize them and check it with a leak detector

[RussellHarju]

Hey russell, I havent purchased them but a student of mine did. He bought the sman 3 and a vacuum pump from yall just recently. He says that when he hooks the smans to the pump it wont pull below 300 microns, but when he hooks the pump to his regular manifold, it pulls down great.

Do you know of any problems, I may be able to recommend. I told him to try and pressurize them and check it with a leak detector

All the ones i've seen with vacuum complaints have been fixed with proper set up. Have him call our tech support at 714 634 1844. They'll help him out and determine if its the setup or the vacuum gauge. Also depending on which gauge it was compared against ours may be more accurate. 300 microns is a pretty deep vacuum to get to.

[Oldschoolmetal]

Thanks Russ. You guys are awesome.

[kdb4]

I've been playing with my sman3 for a week now. If I put a 1/4 cap on the high and low side, open the valves, put pressure on the fill line (center tap), then both the pressure gauges show pressure withing 1/10 psi or so, very nice!

But if I put a vacuum on it, the low side gauge drops to -29.x, the micron gauge kicks in and displays the micron reading, all seems to be working fine. But the high side shows -24.x. It seems the digital gauges are calibrated great for pressure, but the high side is off for vacuum. Has anyone else tried this?

[TCreacy]

All the ones i've seen with vacuum complaints have been fixed with proper set up. Have him call our tech support at 714 634 1844. They'll help him out and determine if its the setup or the vacuum gauge. Also depending on which gauge it was compared against ours may be more accurate. 300 microns is a pretty deep vacuum to get to.

I'll pass the message, I teach in my class at the college that yes epa and most manufactures say 500, but 250 is better.

[RussellHarju]

We recently had a few technicians report a problem with high side valve on SMAN2 or SMAN3. We redesigned the valve piston to eliminate this potential problem and have incorporated this design in all SMANs shipped on or after August 15.

If you already own a SMAN, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to get the latest valve pistons for your SMAN.

If you have an SMAN with a serial number lower than 11009403 we will be glad to send you two new valve pistons incorporating the latest design. You have two options. Email me your address and I will send a set of new valve pistons and a set of instructions free of charge so you can install them yourself at your convenience. It is a quick swap out and only requires a 15mm or 18mm wrench and about 5 minutes. Or you can ship your whole SMAN to Fieldpiece and we can replace them here and ship your SMAN back to you.

Thank you everyone for your continued support, feedback and business. Let me know if you any questions.

Russ Harju
Fppm2@fieldpiece.com

Here are some pics of the old and new valve piston designs.

From right to left: Old piston valve, new piston valve, new piston valve with cutaway.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6073507357_5af5066d99_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57877372@N07/6073507357/)
IMG_0855 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57877372@N07/6073507357/)

[kdb4]

I've been playing with my sman3 for a week now. If I put a 1/4 cap on the high and low side, open the valves, put pressure on the fill line (center tap), then both the pressure gauges show pressure withing 1/10 psi or so, very nice!

But if I put a vacuum on it, the low side gauge drops to -29.x, the micron gauge kicks in and displays the micron reading, all seems to be working fine. But the high side shows -24.x. It seems the digital gauges are calibrated great for pressure, but the high side is off for vacuum. Has anyone else tried this?

I used the atmospheric pressure calibration button to recalibrate it, that has solved the problem.

[jdkvice]

I too have experienced just about every problem noted to the SMAN. I ordered a set of SMAN3's around march on a spring sale. I recieved them in 6 weeks, in april some time. I used the tool for one week, both clamps shattered, and the yellow casing around buttons cracked. I was impressed with the function at the time and convinced two fellow techs at my company to invest in a set. I sent my 1 week old manifold in, 6 weeks later I got a brand new set. Within 3 uses the high side would not read any PSI, it would just read out OL. I tried calibrating, no good. I called field piece and they sent me the new plunger for the high side. Installed it, no difference. I returned the manifold with a promise of another new set. During the first week of waiting for my third set, both my fellow techs had broke clamps, they just shatter and stress crack. The spring just seems to be to strong. After seeing this and holding my patience well, I asked for my money back. I just got my money back today, 2 manifolds and 5 months later. I will say, that FP customer service is awesome. They were very nice and I appreciate there service. It is a great tool and hope maybe someday will be convinced to invest in it again when the bugs are worked out. I worked with one of the fellow techs today that has a set on a finish, used his SMAN and his is showing signs of problems. First hes missing a clamp, waiting for it to arrive, second showing signs of the infamous high side issue. Very slow to read pressures, and jumps around a bunch. I was really interested in the HG3, very interested, also the expandable meter. As of right now though, my UEI has never looked better. I really like the function of the product, good ideas, cant wait to see them with some bugs worked out!

Justin

[itsiceman]

This UEi?

http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/6FYz6cJ8pMOARr56eYpLcIkml7nCHugwDq-nTErhaenn98r1e0pd1Yzu3WPJ8diClLSCfFbKgoAuSNlHtiI_R AWfA76gXpoU5QgPG45kHuRUl8NPi7R62Dw1mWy1GyIz-DD4X2daAWAgapwXKa3ojbftb_ie5aZfa7RxlM8g1A

[jdkvice]

No silly, my uei stick. I will admit that uei looks silly, by the time u hook that thing up I already have my sh / sc with my analogs :)

[RussellHarju]

I too have experienced just about every problem noted to the SMAN. I ordered a set of SMAN3's around march on a spring sale. I recieved them in 6 weeks, in april some time. I used the tool for one week, both clamps shattered, and the yellow casing around buttons cracked. I was impressed with the function at the time and convinced two fellow techs at my company to invest in a set. I sent my 1 week old manifold in, 6 weeks later I got a brand new set. Within 3 uses the high side would not read any PSI, it would just read out OL. I tried calibrating, no good. I called field piece and they sent me the new plunger for the high side. Installed it, no difference. I returned the manifold with a promise of another new set. During the first week of waiting for my third set, both my fellow techs had broke clamps, they just shatter and stress crack. The spring just seems to be to strong. After seeing this and holding my patience well, I asked for my money back. I just got my money back today, 2 manifolds and 5 months later. I will say, that FP customer service is awesome. They were very nice and I appreciate there service. It is a great tool and hope maybe someday will be convinced to invest in it again when the bugs are worked out. I worked with one of the fellow techs today that has a set on a finish, used his SMAN and his is showing signs of problems. First hes missing a clamp, waiting for it to arrive, second showing signs of the infamous high side issue. Very slow to read pressures, and jumps around a bunch. I was really interested in the HG3, very interested, also the expandable meter. As of right now though, my UEI has never looked better. I really like the function of the product, good ideas, cant wait to see them with some bugs worked out!

Justin

I want to win you back Justin. Please email me because I got an offer you can't refuse.

[mgenius33]

I've been playing with my sman3 for a week now. If I put a 1/4 cap on the high and low side, open the valves, put pressure on the fill line (center tap), then both the pressure gauges show pressure withing 1/10 psi or so, very nice!

But if I put a vacuum on it, the low side gauge drops to -29.x, the micron gauge kicks in and displays the micron reading, all seems to be working fine. But the high side shows -24.x. It seems the digital gauges are calibrated great for pressure, but the high side is off for vacuum. Has anyone else tried this?

I too, thought I had problems with the calibration on my SMAN3. Not saying that this is your same issue, but I came to realize that the SMAN zeros itself on startup if there is minimal pressure. So, if your hoses are still attached to the backside hose ports it will throw off the calibration when you take them off.
I would turn the gauges on, and they would show zero. Then I would take the hoses off the backside ports, and connect them to the AC unit, which only took a couple seconds. Not paying attention, the pressure would drop to Hg while I was trying to connect to the AC unit. I started to notice the Hg reading, and I was hitting the atm cal button a couple times a day, thinking my gauges were drifting. Well, it seems with the precision of digital gauges, it's still reading the off gasing for at least 5-10seconds.

Now I'm allowing ~10sec with the hoses detached from the backside port rests before turning on the gauges. I've haven't had to hit the atm cal button since. I have to say, I'm really liking these gauges!
And thank you Russell for the immediate responses and customer support!

[itsiceman]

So what is the restriction inside this manifold :confused:
It should not do this.
The manifold valve looks to be a standard double o-ring floater.
The wire mesh at the ports can't be it either since the TitanII has it too.
Is it a capillary size opening going to the sensors or something not lining up just right and when it opens again at the sensor it is holding the pressure difference when there is one.
You should be reading without any delay.

[mgenius33]

So what is the restriction inside this manifold :confused:
It should not do this.
The manifold valve looks to be a standard double o-ring floater.
The wire mesh at the ports can't be it either since the TitanII has it too.
Is it a capillary size opening going to the sensors or something not lining up just right and when it opens again at the sensor it is holding the pressure difference when there is one.
You should be reading without any delay.

Not sure if you're referring to my post???
If so, I'm not saying there is a restriction. Just stating the physical fact that as pressure approaches "0" the "time" of dissipation will increase. Also, the fact that my SMAN's will zero themselves when turned on even if minimal pressure still exists in the hoses, which are still sealed to the gauge ports. If the hoses aren't removed from the back of the gauge ports prior to turn on, and time for off gassing is not allowed, a difference in pressure can occur on the gauge readout.
Some may disagree, but this method has worked very well for me and my gauge set. As stated, haven't had to hit the atm. cal. button since...

[itsiceman]

Sorry just being an idiot again but there must be some restriction for it to act like that. Just saying a bigger bore up to the sensor would take care of that issue if someone doesn't want to wait for something silly like that.

[itsiceman]

Are you sure yours automatically zero on start up?
Wouldn't that mean if you have them connected to a unit you could never turn them off or let them shut down on a auto shut off?

[mgenius33]

Well, from my testing on these gauges, it only zeros itself on startup when the pressure is minimal + or -.
However, as you've stated, it will keep the pressure upon auto shut off, and manual turn off, if the gauges are left connected to the unit. Of course, for battery life, I will shut them off if I need to check the evap or something while the system is still in operation.

Maybe they aren't working as designed, I don't know, but from my experience this seems to be the way mine are working. I stress, "seems to be"....

[mgenius33]

Sorry just being an idiot again but there must be some restriction for it to act like that. Just saying a bigger bore up to the sensor would take care of that issue if someone doesn't want to wait for something silly like that.

I see what you're saying about the bigger bore.
Are other digitals designed with a larger bore?

[itsiceman]

The testo units have the sensor built inside the manifold block so not real sure if there are any passages or just wide open.
Most the rest of them are like the SMAN where the sensor gets screwed onto the manifold like a traditional set of gauges.
One time I had the high and low side valves open on the SMAN and sent pressure thru the center port and did notice it took a while for it to bleed back down to zero like you were saying and if it auto zeros in that low range I see where that could be a problem.

[C Combs]

just bought my SMAN3 this morning and used it this afternoon. Cant wait to try the vacuum feature on it!! i have a feeling a few of my stick meter attachments are gonna start collecting dust in the van. Always good to have as back up though.

[Soil Sampler]

TALK ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE! FIELDPIECE ROCKS!

Check the mail yesterday and what do I find, a nice little padded envelope containing a set of the new design valve pistons for my SMAN3. I didn't call and request these, they were just sent out by Fieldpiece. Now that is great customer service. There are other companies out there that could learn a thing or two from Fielpiece. I was a customer for life already but this kind of service lets me know I am dealing with an excellent company! Thanks Fieldpiece!

[mgenius33]

just bought my SMAN3 this morning and used it this afternoon. Cant wait to try the vacuum feature on it!! i have a feeling a few of my stick meter attachments are gonna start collecting dust in the van. Always good to have as back up though.

This is the only issue I have with this tool. You have to use a secondary vacuum rated ball valve on the common hose to the vacuum pump, due to the fact that you have to leave the manifold valve or valves open in order to continue to read a vacuum on the system. Maybe not a big deal, but I don't think that the o-rings are as good at holding a vacuum as the seat seal in the piston valves.
On the other hand, I no longer have to use a vacuum to ensure a sealed system. The nitrogen pressure test will show the leaks, as the digital gauges are so much more precise, opposed to the analogs which can move if you tap them.
Still very happy with the purchase though...

[RussellHarju]

This is the only issue I have with this tool. You have to use a secondary vacuum rated ball valve on the common hose to the vacuum pump, due to the fact that you have to leave the manifold valve or valves open in order to continue to read a vacuum on the system. Maybe not a big deal, but I don't think that the o-rings are as good at holding a vacuum as the seat seal in the piston valves.
On the other hand, I no longer have to use a vacuum to ensure a sealed system. The nitrogen pressure test will show the leaks, as the digital gauges are so much more precise, opposed to the analogs which can move if you tap them.
Still very happy with the purchase though...

You can close the high and lose side valves once you have started the vacuum. They just need to be open to "turn on" the vacuum sensor.

[slash123]

ok russel i have the exact same issue as jdkvise i bought my sman3 about a month ago used only 3 times and now all it does is vacume high side when conected reads -29 still and low side is like 20 psi off callibration and while it was put away hanging in the foam case one the clamps shatered on this past thursday i talk to one the manegers at the supply house they said they gota get a number from callifornia and a ups box to send it back with so i figure ill be with out it for couple months o.0 suxs ... can u work some magic rus???? ooo and i have a hand held with attachment super heat subbcooling and it hasnt work since i got it it only show 4.5 degres on both sh and sc either one .... any ideas on that would be helpfull thnkssssss .....

[RussellHarju]

ok russel i have the exact same issue as jdkvise i bought my sman3 about a month ago used only 3 times and now all it does is vacume high side when conected reads -29 still and low side is like 20 psi off callibration and while it was put away hanging in the foam case one the clamps shatered on this past thursday i talk to one the manegers at the supply house they said they gota get a number from callifornia and a ups box to send it back with so i figure ill be with out it for couple months o.0 suxs ... can u work some magic rus???? ooo and i have a hand held with attachment super heat subbcooling and it hasnt work since i got it it only show 4.5 degres on both sh and sc either one .... any ideas on that would be helpfull thnkssssss .....

Call me at 714 634 1844 to better explain the issue and i will come up with a solution.

[jdkvice]

Its been a busy past few weeks, but finally have a moment to sit down. Once again five stars to fieldpiece customer service. Thank you Russ for what you did for me. You can be sure that I will be investing in some other items from fieldpiece in the near future. You can't go wrong, if something happens, you guys have our backs out here. Thanks for that! A+ company. Thanks again. Justin

[slash123]

ok sooo fieldpiece waranty service custumer support is awsome i posted last thursday my issue and russ... had my fix to me buy tuesday omg thats awsome now i have to test my new piece hope it works .... longer than a week will see if not i know fieldpeice has my back .... thnks again russ.... will see what happens

[RussellHarju]

ok sooo fieldpiece waranty service custumer support is awsome i posted last thursday my issue and russ... had my fix to me buy tuesday omg thats awsome now i have to test my new piece hope it works .... longer than a week will see if not i know fieldpeice has my back .... thnks again russ.... will see what happens

Thanks Slash. Our job is to make sure you can do your job.

[gan]

Thanks I recieved my parts for the valve and you guys even sent me a new hanger since I mentioned mine got streched out. You guys are awesome, I will looking into getting a leak detector from you guys here shortly, to match my wireless scale.

[john.0522]

This is great I have ben telling wife how much I need one of these now she’s looking over mi shoulder reading this telling me it’s junk.

[cook42]

Just like to know if its wise to just order them directly from the factory? Because I'm trying to save up some money to buy them. I hate to spend my hard earn money on a product that might cause me headaches so soon!

[dan wong]

Any idea if Field Piece may come out with a 4 port version?

[john.0522]

Any idea if Field Piece may come out with a 4 port version?

I would love that lets all call or email them and suggest it.

[adamste81]

Anyone have any new news on these? I was just about to get some, and happened to find this thread.....now not so sure. These would be my first set of digitals. Thanks.

If nothing else FP customer service seems to be leaps and bounds above many of the other manufacturers. :cheers:

[RussellHarju]

Anyone have any new news on these? I was just about to get some, and happened to find this thread.....now not so sure. These would be my first set of digitals. Thanks.

If nothing else FP customer service seems to be leaps and bounds above many of the other manufacturers. :cheers:

I'm from Fieldpiece. Here are the updates to the SMAN. We had two problems. 1st problem was a bad batch of clamps were made that caused them to break. We have since figured out the process that caused the bad plastic and fixed the problem. Since we introduced the fix we have received ZERO clamps back due to bad plastic.

2nd problem was the valve design caused a few of the valves to stick on the high side. We found why the the valves caused the high side to stick, redesigned the valves and have received ZERO Smans back due to the valve sticking.

A few guys on here probably will also share their experience but if you have any specific questions you can call me directly at 714 634 1844. I assure you we will not turn our backs if you choose to buy the SMAN.

[cook42]

Hey just got my SMAN3 last week and I have not used them yet! I mailed in my warrenty card and was just wondering should I request having those valves sent to me now? Or should I wait until they fail?

[adamste81]

Or should I wait until they fail?

I think, when he replied to my post, he said they have found the error and corrected the problem so hopefully you will have no failure on those valves.

[freemandela]

Any idea if Field Piece may come out with a 4 port version?

yes, they're called TESTO 557 ! :angel:

[itsiceman]

Did you mean the SMAN4

[shippy]

You only need the valves if your sman is below a certain serial number, which I believe Russell from Fieldpiece has posted in one of the threads. If not, just pop him a quick email, he'll get ya squared away. Good man, that Russsel!

[energy star]

I emailed and called for those serial numbers, never heard back. Russel did message me about the hangers at one point. But the call to the office went unanswered.......

[stickinit2thman]

I've been playing with my sman3 for a week now. If I put a 1/4 cap on the high and low side, open the valves, put pressure on the fill line (center tap), then both the pressure gauges show pressure withing 1/10 psi or so, very nice!

But if I put a vacuum on it, the low side gauge drops to -29.x, the micron gauge kicks in and displays the micron reading, all seems to be working fine. But the high side shows -24.x. It seems the digital gauges are calibrated great for pressure, but the high side is off for vacuum. Has anyone else tried this? Yes mine started doing that but its seems accurate on the low and micron

[dan wong]

yes, they're called TESTO 557 ! :angel:
I been looking at that

[RussellHarju]

I emailed and called for those serial numbers, never heard back. Russel did message me about the hangers at one point. But the call to the office went unanswered.......

Units with serial numbers above 11010107 have the newest valves. Email me if you need a replacement set at fppm2@fieldpiece.com

[ChillerWisperer]

What is the normal turn-around time for warranty service? I sent mine back (through Johnstone) on Monday the 10th.

[RussellHarju]

What is the normal turn-around time for warranty service? I sent mine back (through Johnstone) on Monday the 10th.

It's usually in our hands for no more than two days so you are mostly looking at shipping time. I will tell you the fastest way is always to deal with our warranty department directly to avoid the distributor adding a day to shipping time. If you want you can check status at 714 634 1844 ask for Jeremy or Kris.

[ChillerWisperer]

Thanks for the quick response Russell. I talked to Kris, but you guys don't have a record of the RMA# that was given to Johnstone. Probably written down wrong on the receipt that they gave me. Johnstone is trying to track it to see if you received it, so I should know soon...hopefully. But as of now, they're MIA.

[Danimal535]

removed my temp clamp from 3/8 high side pipe set on top of condenser and it exploded. DARN

[energy star]

The temp sensor split?

[Danimal535]

blue plastic shattered with a loud pop from the spring

[RussellHarju]

blue plastic shattered with a loud pop from the spring

Danimal,

You got a clamp that had a bad batch of plastic. Send me your address and I'll send two out to you today.

[Danimal535]

Danimal,

You got a clamp that had a bad batch of plastic. Send me your address and I'll send two out to you today.

Thanks Russell you guys are the best I emailed you my info

[frosty6550]

went to use my sman today only to find that the high side wont calibrate to atm always reads 6-8psi, wont recognize a vaccumm on high side either. Reads ok though when connected to a system. Anyone else had this problem?

[RussellHarju]

went to use my sman today only to find that the high side wont calibrate to atm always reads 6-8psi, wont recognize a vaccumm on high side either. Reads ok though when connected to a system. Anyone else had this problem?

Call FP with serial number. 7146341844. We'll be able to determine if its problem that can easily be fixed or you'll need to get it replaced. It's under a year old so it will be free of charge to repair or replace it.

[freemandela]

It's under a year old so it will be free of charge to repair or replace it.

too bad FP does not offer 2 year warranty, like TESTO....

[frosty6550]

thanks for the response Rus. I stay outside of the US and whilst the quick response from yourself and customer service is appreciated, the cost for me to ship it back and wait while its decided to repair or replace is not only a pain in the a** but means i have to move back to my analogue gauges. I love the product but it seems it cuold have done with more field testing, reading from the reviews/problems I've seen online. BTW I stay in Grand Cayman so I'm sure you can understand the shipping costs!

[gravity]

hey russ. i bought me sman3 in like march or april. i never filled out a warranty card and honestly dont think i have it anymore. is this warranty card/ registration important? how do i obtain another one?

[stickinit2thman]

hey russ. i bought me sman3 in like march or april. i never filled out a warranty card and honestly dont think i have it anymore. is this warranty card/ registration important? how do i obtain another one?I may be wrong and excuse me for jumping in but from what ive seen on here they either go by manufacturer date or maybe even the date their records show it was sold. But again I could be wrong but I wouldnt worry to much about it since they do all they can to take care of anyone who purchases their product. Alot of people talk about other companies and how good they are but speaking from experiance they go well above and beyond to get you up and running and have never heard of a warranty claim being denied. Also from my experiance with FP and other makes is most problems surface early on like the first 1-2 months or so, and every problem I have had was the last time having the problem, they either repaired or replaced and never had another hiccup. Im shure russ or travis will be along shortly to help you out officially.:.02:

[RussellHarju]

I may be wrong and excuse me for jumping in but from what ive seen on here they either go by manufacturer date or maybe even the date their records show it was sold. But again I could be wrong but I wouldnt worry to much about it since they do all they can to take care of anyone who purchases their product. Alot of people talk about other companies and how good they are but speaking from experiance they go well above and beyond to get you up and running and have never heard of a warranty claim being denied. Also from my experiance with FP and other makes is most problems surface early on like the first 1-2 months or so, and every problem I have had was the last time having the problem, they either repaired or replaced and never had another hiccup. Im shure russ or travis will be along shortly to help you out officially.:.02:

Your proof of purchase starts the warranty date so don't worry about forgetting to send in the warranty card. We can also determine when it was made which can help if you do not have the proof of purchase. And we have a very good reputation for helping people out.

[redback]

Hey Russ, I bought a Sman3 a few months ago along with another tech, we both love our gauges but I have a Major concern. The main body of my gauge, the yellow part has a crack on one side. Looks like its inline where it ties on to the manifold. The other techs gauges are also doing the same but are much worse, his cracks are bad. Have you had any other sets do this?

Mine have done the same.

Fieldpiece Australia sent a service report to my wholesalers accusing me of damaging the meter during service. After the wholesaler gave me the service report, I called FP Australia to inform them the meter had not been misused. The response I got was meters are not sold with cracks in them.

[RussellHarju]

Mine have done the same.

Fieldpiece Australia sent a service report to my wholesalers accusing me of damaging the meter during service. After the wholesaler gave me the service report, I called FP Australia to inform them the meter had not been misused. The response I got was meters are not sold with cracks in them.

Please send me an email. My email is in my profile. I will straighten it out with FP Australia.

[trai]

i had to send my sman3 back because the the plastic cracked and the thermo coulpes fell to pieces

[redback]

Please send me an email. My email is in my profile. I will straighten it out with FP Australia.

Here is a copy of the service report from Fieldpiece Australia.

235741

[itsiceman]

Wow If I read that right one of the software updates was to include display readings above the working pressure to 800psi or is 500 psi not the top end of the working pressure?
I may be misunderstanding the spec but the way I read it over 500 psi is not rated as far as accuracy goes and you should never go up to 800 psi being listed as the MAX pressure (500psi MAX for the micron gauge) but if you are displaying past 500 psi there is no guarantee of accuracy :confused:

[redback]

it will read to 800psi on the pressure scale, the condensing temps will display over 500psi for some refrigerants such as r410a.