SMAN or Testo?

[jpsmith1cm]

Over the counter exchange....I really appreciate that about FP and Testo.

That is something you can't do with DCs...get an on the spot exchange.

Never had the need to do anything to my DCs.

Well, that's not entirely true.

When testing a Beta for the AK-900, I did have to send it back to have a programming bug sorted out.

[hvac5646]

Never had the need to do anything to my DCs.

Well, that's not entirely true.

When testing a Beta for the AK-900, I did have to send it back to have a programming bug sorted out.

JP, I think it should be pointed out that many people have many diff brands of hvac instruments. Whether they had difficulties with them are immaterial. The point is they have a local source to exchange them if they ever do encounter a malfunctioning instrument. Not taking anything away from DC, but it's a plain fact thy do not have that same convenience as other manufacturers who do have a local source where their products can be exchanged.

[jpsmith1cm]

JP, I think it should be pointed out that many people have many diff brands of hvac instruments. Whether they had difficulties with them are immaterial. The point is they have a local source to exchange them if they ever do encounter a malfunctioning instrument. Not taking anything away from DC, but it's a plain fact thy do not have that same convenience as other manufacturers who do have a local source where their products can be exchanged.

As I think that it should be pointed out that purchasing a quality instrument should take precedent over other considerations.

Perhaps, if more techs bought a quality instrument rather than purchasing the cheapest then this discussion wouldn't be taking place.

As it is, we have a "Wal-Mart" mentality and tend to shop exclusively on price rather than looking at all considerations before making a purchase.

Again, this is my opinion. I'm sure folks that have returned their TestoMANs several times are just as happy with them after they get them back as I am with my DCs.

[catmanacman]

i have a set of fp sman3 and will never go back regular guages although the next set of digitals will probably be digicools. for the most part the fp are great but the durability of mine is a issue

[hvac5646]

As I think that it should be pointed out that purchasing a quality instrument should take precedent over other considerations.

Perhaps, if more techs bought a quality instrument rather than purchasing the cheapest then this discussion wouldn't be taking place.

As it is, we have a "Wal-Mart" mentality and tend to shop exclusively on price rather than looking at all considerations before making a purchase.

Again, this is my opinion. I'm sure folks that have returned their TestoMANs several times are just as happy with them after they get them back as I am with my DCs.

I did say quality was paramount. That is why I shared my knowledge of the bullet with the OP.

TestoMans? I am laughing right now...not even a little biased are you?

[hvac5646]

As far as the Wal-Mart mentality...shame on guys who make tool and instrument purchases that way.

I have been in Wal-Mart once in my entire life with Uncle Clover. It was his only time too..."Any port in a storm" as the old nautical saying goes.

But then again, there are young people just starting out in this trade who can't afford better but will hopefully follow the path of quality over price when they gain the wherewithal to do so.

[ga-hvac-tech]

Over the counter exchange....I really appreciate that about FP and Testo.

That is something you can't do with DCs...get an on the spot exchange.

Yeah... over the counter exchanges are great if one needs them...

My DC 1200, which was converted to a 1250, is 7 years old now... the only issue (other than changing batteries), has been the wires and plug for the clamps. Did a custom remodel... no issues.

I have yet to see ANY other digital gauge set 7 years... for that matter I have yet to see ANY electronic test instrument other than an H10 and my SC76 last 7 years... and the SC76 does not read DC volts anymore (do not need that... so not an issue).

[ga-hvac-tech]

A little off the subject... has anyone tried the Hilmor digital (digital/analog readouts... yet electronic sensor) manifold?

http://hilmor.com/products/electroni...-vacuum-sensor

There is another thread about this tool... wondered if anyone had seen it or tried it...

[hvac5646]

A little off the subject... has anyone tried the Hilmor digital (digital/analog readouts... yet electronic sensor) manifold?

http://hilmor.com/products/electroni...-vacuum-sensor

There is another thread about this tool... wondered if anyone had seen it or tried it...

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[hvac5646]

The tool bug just bit Uncle...again.

I am fairly confident he will buy the Hilmor digitals.

[Joehvac25]

The tool bug just bit Uncle...again.

I am fairly confident he will buy the Hilmor digitals.

Maybe he can write the first review on the website lol.

My digis look like there due in tomorrow, after having the flue and puking all day yesterday I have a foot of snow in my driveway to deal with today!

[hvac5646]

Maybe he can write the first review on the website lol.

My digis look like there due in tomorrow, after having the flue and puking all day yesterday I have a foot of snow in my driveway to deal with today!

I don't think that is very likely. Uncle likes collecting the "cool" digitals (as he phrases it) but he won't write a review.

You are a Uooper and you are complaining about the winter?

[Joehvac25]

I don't think that is very likely. Uncle likes collecting the "cool" digitals (as he phrases it) but he won't write a review.

You are a Uooper and you are complaining about the winter?

It's not so bad but after a long day of the flu to wake up to at least a foot of snow it's kind of crappy lol, when I looked out my window the front tire of my van is almost covered completely, if I make it out today il see how much it really is.

[Joehvac25]

My driveway

[jpsmith1cm]

I did say quality was paramount. That is why I shared my knowledge of the bullet with the OP.

TestoMans? I am laughing right now...not even a little biased are you?

Well, it was a bit of a joke on my part, so if you're laughing then I succeeded.

[itsiceman]

If we are joking now I was going to suggest a drinking game every time 5646 mentions Digi-Cool or Uncle Clover

[Brent Ridley]

I see this topic discussed all the time.

Which digital gauges better Testo, Fieldpiece, Digi-Cool, Yellow Jacket, Hilmor?

Well, I'm going to start a new series of threads. Each thread will be a dedicated review on each one of these.

Now, I'm nothing more than a service tech. I'm out in the field everyday doing resi, light commercial, and refrigeration. I will put each one through the paces for a week and see how they hold up. I am also going to do reviews on other tools as well.

I personally don't own all these gauges but I have a few myself and the guys I work with have the others. The Hilmor gauges may be the only ones that will be hard to get.

Keep an eye out for the first review later this week.

I hope to help those out there who just want an honest opinion on digital gauges and tools.

[Joehvac25]

Well it ain't a set of testomans but it will work.

[hvac5646]

Well it ain't a set of testomans but it will work.

????
Did the mfg forget the manifold?

[jpsmith1cm]

????
Did the mfg forget the manifold?

It can be ordered with or without a manifold and is packaged without a manifold.


You can use the DC manifold or use the manifold of your choice.

Mine are on YJ41 manifolds.