Carrier’s APM software kit can be used in combination with a laptop computer or Palm Computing® device to connect directly to the “brain” of Carrier’s variable-speed gas furnaces, allowing the service technician to read more than 70 data points from the furnace’s control center including status code history, operating cycles, operating hours, target operating parameters, input/output status, and more, says the company. The APM also provides a count of fault codes and informational and troubleshooting information to help speed the diagnosis. It provides a data logging function for laptop computers that allows furnace operation to be monitored for a period of time while the technician is away, the company says.

“The APM kit allows the technician to take a snapshot of the furnace’s performance since the last service call, collecting information that normally may not be obtainable,” said Bob Peitz, senior manager, Carrier Heat and Systems Products Marketing.

The APM interfaces with more than 270,000 of Carrier’s variable-speed condensing gas furnaces that have been produced and installed since 1986.

Another second-generation tool, the ECM Simulator kit allows the technician to troubleshoot inducer/blower motor-related problems by simulating both the new ECM 2.5 “serial communicating” motor used in the new Carrier 58MVP Series 171 and the WeatherMaker® 8000 variable-speed 58CVA. The ECM kit is compatible with all 58MVP Series furnaces built since 1993.

“The ECM Simulator uses a simple process to isolate blower motor and inducer motor-related problems,” said Jeff Warther, Carrier Heating Group product manager. “The convenience of the simulator makes it a very appealing service tool to anyone who wants to save time and labor.”

For more information, visit www.carrier.com.

Publication date: 04/28/2003