"Not having to send sensors back to the factory for calibration will save weeks of down time in our business."

Another judge liked the "robust and sturdy design" of the testo 330-1 product. It has an integrated protective coating and triple recessed magnetic support, to avoid scratching the appliance. Details and reliability were a concern, according to Spohn. "This product will continue to perform for years on the job," he said. "We designed it with the rigors of field service in mind."

SILVER: The TestoKool 523 Digital Refrigeration System Analyzer can handle the rugged work requirements of HVACR technicians.

Silver Winner

Users have a "digital window" into any refrigeration system via an easy display revealing pressures and temperatures. The unit also has the capability to directly read the refrigerant line temperature for automatic superheat and subcooling calculations.

The data-logging feature of the TestoKool allows a contractor to find intermittent problems, and verify the operating characteristics of a piece of equipment over seconds, minutes, or even 24 hours or longer.

The contractor simply leaves the TestoKool attached to the system while tending to other projects. When the technician returns, the information is waiting.

Spohn said, "The built-in manifold allows for evacuation, charging, or partial system bypass, all in one tool. It even has a small refrigerant holding capacity."

A judge commented, "This is an excellent tool and has plenty of benefits for a technician."

The temperature compensated pressure sensors are built to measure up to 725 psi, well beyond today's typical high-pressure refrigerants. The sensors will withstand up to 1,087 psi in an overload situation.

Spohn said, "This helps to make this product one that can endure many years of service."

BRONZE: Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters won third place with the Kestrel 4100 Pocket Air Flow Tracker. The hand-held tool holds up to 480 data points.

Bronze Winner

The Kestrel 4100 is specifically designed for measuring cfm, temperature, relative humidity, and dew point with storage of up to 480 data points.

The data-logging function allows technicians to monitor facilities in a specific area over time. The user is able to set the logging interval to store data automatically (frequency options of anywhere from every two seconds to every 12 hours), providing great user flexibility.

The data can be viewed on the Kestrel's screen in chart form, or uploaded to a computer using the optional interface.

Christine Munding, assistant brand manager with Nielsen-Kellerman said, "The Kestrel 4100 makes a technician's job easier by eliminating the need for calculators or equations. The user simply selects the shape of the duct or opening (rectangle or circle), and then enters the dimensions of the duct and the airflow is automatically calculated. The cfm is instantaneously displayed when the Kestrel 4100 is held in the airflow."

In order to ensure accurate readings when the airflow is fluctuating or variable across the duct, this instrument has a simple averaging function that allows the user to control the timing of the averaging. Because the Kestrel holds the maximum and average flow values, this function is also ideal for technicians taking readings in ducts that are reachable, but hard to see.

Honorable Mention

Publication date: 07/18/2005