Digital Gauges

[OldSchoolMech]

This site has opened my eyes to digital gauges. I look at it like this the ectrician had to make the switch from analog to digital and alot hated it and had problems but digital gauges in refer have been out for over 20yr now

[OldSchoolMech]

I also wanted to add that I'll be looking to buy a set of digi-cool or SMAN-3 or a testo but I wanna use them myself before I drop that kinda loot

[AStudent]

FWIW the JB units on the shelf have been discontinued.

I thought they had been....the word discontinued was all I saw when I looked at the JB website.

A fellow student just bought a set of JB gauges from our instructor....I warned him that JB was not the best, but he could not pass up the price.

[Sicofthis]

Engineerdave is right about the compressor superheat. It has to be within certain limits. Some recommend between 20-30 at the compressor.

Dan

Yeah I believe Copeland recommends under 20 for its scrolls.

[rdholder]

I also wanted to add that I'll be looking to buy a set of digi-cool or SMAN-3 or a testo but I wanna use them myself before I drop that kinda loot

Fieldpiece SMAN3 is $328.46 with hvactalk promotional code. At check out just put in the code “hvactalk”, then apply and you will get the 5% off the total cost of the product. Free shipping at shoprdholder

[Peztoy]

I'm leaning toward sman3 this time. Digicool 1250 disappointed me when the thermistor wire broke at the thermistor. The wires are as fine as sewing threads. After a little bending and twisting it just broke off. I paid good money for this thing. Sure you get another under warranty, but its still the weak link in an otherwise great tool.

[jpdc]

I bought my DigiCool 1250 (and love it) before the AK900 came out. Next one I buy will be the AK900. Too much bang for the buck to pass up.

What's the best manifold for the AK900. Is the YJ Titan really good? 4 port.

[eddiegoodfellar]

What's the best manifold for the AK900. Is the YJ Titan really good? 4 port.

Why not use the one that comes with it?

[Reeferman]

What's the best manifold for the AK900. Is the YJ Titan really good? 4 port.

If you need a 4 valve then it works fine.

[ORV]

I've had my Titan for 3 years now and I love it. Some don't like it but I have had nothing but love for it

[rdholder]

Yup...$300 plus shipping if you order from Canada...so 340 plus the cost of hoses, which you are going to buy with any digital set anyway.

My ak900 with 5ft. hoses with a ball valve on each hose cost me roughly $430....compare that to what the supply house wants to charge for the Testo 550...$387 with no hoses.

I have Digi-Cool for $269.80 with the hvactalk code free shipping. the Fieldpiece SMAN2 for $262.91 with the hvactalk code. shop.rdholder.com. and Mastercool hoses 4000lb burst

[AStudent]

I have Digi-Cool for $269.80 with the hvactalk code free shipping. the Fieldpiece SMAN2 for $262.91 with the hvactalk code. shop.rdholder.com. and Mastercool hoses 4000lb burst

Who do you ship through?

[rdholder]

Who do you ship through?

I ship with via USPS Priority Mail 2 day 3 day on most, but something’s are shipped USPS Parcel Post, 2 to 8 day

[AStudent]

I ship with via USPS Priority Mail 2 day 3 day on most, but something’s are shipped USPS Parcel Post, 2 to 8 day

Very nice....I'm not a fan of UPS..you can look forward to future purchases from this guy.

[ga-hvac-tech]

Have not read the whole thread... however:

Digicools is my vote!

I bought a 1200 in the Spring of 2007, converted it to 1250 in 2010. This is by far the toughest single electronic tool I have ever owned (including back in the professional auto mechanic days).

The 1250 is rock solid, the AK900 is great for resi work.

There is a thread somewhere about building yourself clamps for the temp probes (probably in the thread somewhere).

The weak link of the DC's is the wire to the temp probes and the plug into the digital head. I modified that part of mine... now it has NO issues...
Given the multiple weak links to all the other digital heads, as well as the lack of reliability and not very rugged... DC is still the king IMO.

Richard; Were you in SC years ago? Thought I remembered you posting from there years ago.

[Tmech12]

Always wanted a pair of the digital gauges, just bought a set of JB 4 port 410 analog gauges today, im cheap

[ga-hvac-tech]

Always wanted a pair of the digital gauges, just bought a set of JB 4 port 410 analog gauges today, im cheap

Digitals are kinda like having AC in your car... one gets spoiled in a matter of minutes. Also; When one realizes how GROSSLY inaccurate analog gauges are... well what can I say.

[jnsrose]

Did someone wake up a dead thread? I have s-mans and love them. Hear nothing but good things about digi cools from my co workers.

[gravity]

have u got the new valve seats in your SMAN?

[Jaris]

I have to admit that one thing I REALLY love about my AK900 over my SMAN3 is the manifold. Those 1/4 turn valves are sweeeet.

I am totally spoiled on them, and every other manifold valve I use seems tedious and time consuming.