Tools Test and Monitor Multiple Mediums

Finding new ways to test old problems can be challenging. Winners of the Testing and Monitoring Products category in The NEWS' third annual Dealer Design Awards, however, have met that challenge head on. Gold winner JB Industries Inc. stepped up its testing game with the DM2 Digital Manifold. The multifunction digital manifold measures and records its results. There was a tie for silver, as Air Advice® Inc. generated an IAQ monitoring buzz with its Commercial Elite™ IAQ Diagnostic Program and Bacharach Inc. brought new testing tools to the industrial arena with its PCA2, a handheld combustion and emissions analyzer.

GOLD

The DM2 Digital Manifold from JB Industries Inc. is a multi-function digital manifold that acts as a superheat/subcooling gauge, a charging and testing manifold, and a dual temperature gauge. It displays superheat, subcooling, temperature, and pressure, among other things, for any of 32 refrigerants. According to the company, it is ideal for evaluating, charging, and servicing all types of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. With two temperature sensors, it displays superheat and subcooling, piping temperatures, or differential temperature. It has the added ability to calculate high and low averages.

The product has been designed with the technician in mind. The operating instructions are located on the front of the manifold next to the respective button to remind the technician of all the options available. The built-in capabilities also make it low maintenance, accurate, and fast, according to the company. Many of the functions are instant and will continue to analyze and record data for up to 24 hours.

"This tool makes service and troubleshooting accurate and quick," said one judge.

The digital manifold combines multiple tools, reducing the amount of tools to carry to a jobsite. It eliminates manual calculations and possible calculation errors. Calibration is automatic.

"It is a really nice combination," noted one of the judges. "This makes the technician charge correctly no matter what. I want one."

SILVERS

The Air Advice® Commercial Elite™ IAQ Diagnostic Program is a portable diagnostic tool that uncovers hidden IAQ and energy management issues, enabling solutions to be identified and implemented, according to the company. The program provides portable IAQ monitors; access to Web-based data collection and archiving; automatic generation of reports; and personalized training and support.

The monitors are placed in a building and continuously record key indoor environmental parameters. The data is then automatically transferred to an Air Advice server through a built-in modem. The contractor can view the data online and request a report detailing issues found, possible causes, and recommended actions for presentations to customers.

Reduced time, no PC required on the jobsite, and no software to maintain and install are advantages for contractors using the system. Complete calibration and extended warranty services are included for the life of the program. Personalized training and follow-up are also provided.

"Ease of use on this product is excellent," noted one judge. "This is an excellent offering."

The program includes three monitors to allow simultaneous monitoring of multiple locations in one building. The program helps a contractor not only in servicing HVAC equipment, but also in providing IAQ assessments. According to the company, contractors have successfully used the system to: generate revenue from monitoring and diagnostic services, increase base of service contracts, increase revenue from existing service contracts, sell system upgrades at sites that have been monitored, and gain the inside track on major system replacements.

Bacharach Inc.'s PCA2 is a handheld combustion and emissions analyzer. It directly measures and displays oxygen, carbon monoxide, stack temperature, combustion air temperature, draft, differential pressure, and optionally measures nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The unit will simultaneously calculate and display combustion efficiency, excess air, NOx, and oxygen reference values.

The PCA2 is intended for testing light industrial, institutional, commercial, and residential furnaces, boilers, and appliances. According to the company, it is the perfect tool for service technicians and boiler contractors who need to ensure safe operating conditions, determine combustion efficiency, or perform emissions testing for combustion and emission applications.

"The PCA2 is user friendly," said one judge. "A great multifunctional instrument."

The instrument provides contractors with an intuitive user interface for easier menu navigation, backlight pushbutton switches for identification of instrument controls in dark environments, and recessed probe and hose connections to help prevent connector damage during use.

"It's a small, portable testing device that can be used on all common fuels," noted one judge.

Honorees: Testing and Monitoring Products

GOLD
JB Industries Inc. - www.jbind.com - DM2 Digital Manifold

SILVERS
Air Advice® Inc. - www.airadvice.com - Commercial Elite™ IAQ Diagnostic Program

Bacharach Inc. - www.bacharach-inc.com - PCA2

Publication date: 07/17/2006