Digital gauges Two birds one stone?

[ryan1088]

Ok, so now I'm leaning towards a DC AK-900. Which temperature sensors would you guys recommend for the AK-900?
Also, several have mentioned not using manifold gauges for evacuation. I've always used my 4-way manifold for evacuation with a 3/8" hose to the vacuum pump. I have a Thermal Vak-Check Model# 4501 micron gauge I attach to the tree on my vacuum pump. I'm getting the impression that's not the best way. What are your methods? Feng? WWFD?

There's a thread on here by Jim that you need to look up and watch. 500 microns in 5 minutes or something like that.

[jpsmith1cm]

There's a thread on here by Jim that you need to look up and watch. 500 microns in 5 minutes or something like that.

500 microns in 51 seconds.

It's awesome.

[ryan1088]

500 microns in 51 seconds.

It's awesome.

Ya that. Close enough, lol.

[itsiceman]

No I think you were right the first time. Jim Bergmann even states that a BluVac should be used when evacuating with an SMAN .

Correct me if I am wrong but I think the SMAN micron gauge does not begin to measure vacuum until 25000 microns.

The SMAN micron gauge starts to read much lower at 9,999 microns

[Bunyan]

Video with description that they're talking about regarding vacuum:

http://www.trutechtools.com/Vacuum-Training_c_1100.html

[air1]

Video with description that they're talking about regarding vacuum:

http://www.trutechtools.com/Vacuum-Training_c_1100.html

Excellent link. Thanks.

[hvacrmedic]

I don't know what this thread is about. I'll have to go back and read the OP.

LOL, I went back and read it. Seems my comment about hvaclover was a freudian slip, since I was unwittingly replying to his nephew! That IS weird. I must have looked at the beginning of the thread and didn't remember it. Too funny. I suppose I should apologize to hvac5646 at this point. Didn't mean anything by it hvac5646. Carry on.

[itsiceman]

Carry on.

I actually didn't understand the OP question. Do you want to use the dual thermometer function in a digital gauge for other purposes than pipe temps? Yes you could but it isn't something I would want to do long term. It's good in a pinch. To get the DC to work like the Cooper box you would need to splice in a jack to accept the cooper sensor then it would be better but you will probably still want some good thermometers down the road not tied to your gauges also.

[hvacrmedic]

I actually didn't understand the OP question. Do you want to use the dual thermometer function in a digital gauge for other purposes than pipe temps? Yes you could but it isn't something I would want to do long term. It's good in a pinch. To get the DC to work like the Cooper box you would need to splice in a jack to accept the cooper sensor then it would be better but you will probably still want some good thermometers down the road not tied to your gauges also.

LOL. Ok, here's my inerpretation of the OP

OP: So thinking ahead to AC season and needing some expensive tools. I am trying to get the best bang for my buck. When I told my boss that I was gonna buy a digi-cool cause I need 410 gauges and temp sensor and a red box cooper and gauges is around the same price. I got the don't waste your money on a toy what do you guys think?

Translation: With AC season around the corner I'm trying to decide whether to buy a Digi-cool DRSA or a set of analogs and a Cooper blue box. The boss says that the DRSA is a toy, so don't buy it.

OP: I was told buy gauges and use my sensor on my $100 amp probe meter. I understand it works and is the best $ option but is a set of digital gauges better than "OldSchool" methods I have said it before I have never seen someone with digital gauges in my travels. I hope it's not like just wanting a Bigfoot for a pet.

Translation: It was suggested that I just use a set of analogs and a k-type sensor with my Amprobe meter. I understand that this will work, and would be the least expensive option, but I keep hearing that digital gauges are better than the old school method, so my question is, is it really better? I'm afraid that I'll suffer from buyer's remorse when the new wears off.

HTH.

[itsiceman]

If it's another one of those threads I have a set of Digi-Cools and wouldn't hesitate buying another set. I would pause at the thought of purchasing some other type of digital set just from past experiences. I have no desire or need for straight up analog gauges anymore so I wouldn't go down that road for a new set.

[hvac5646]

If it's another one of those threads I have a set of Digi-Cools and wouldn't hesitate buying another set. I would pause at the thought of purchasing some other type of digital set just from past experiences. I have no desire or need for straight up analog gauges anymore so I wouldn't go down that road for a new set.

Don't you have a set of analogs to recover with?

I would not use any digital manifold for that dirty job.

[itsiceman]

Why wouldn't you? I couldn't keep a set of analogs in working order if my life depended on it. I have multiple sets of digital gauges to choose from but I don't get to work on too many bastardized systems like you are describing in lower temp stuff. Thankfully about the worst thing I see these days is dye

[jnsrose]

I have two smans and love them. That being said I am not a fan of the micron gauge but I do use it in a pinch. I have leaned a lot over the years from here and others about evacuating and I rarely use a manifold. I also wouldn't mind owning a set of Digis ak900 but do not have a need for a third set at the moment. I also do not use my digitals for recovery of old systems. Not really sure why, maybe just like to break out the analogs once in a while. I do know a few people with the Digicools and I am impressed. Would like to know how to use and understand the bar graph.