Gauges, Probes & NIST #LIVE

In this live podcast from the Castbox app, we talk about analog vs. digital, digital vs. probes, and probe vs. non-invasive testing of A/C and refrigeration. We also talk about apps and various Bluetooth tools.

Although analog gauges are old, reliable tools, digital gauges tend to be a bit more accurate than analog ones. However, the jury is still out on which one has the durability edge. Digital gauges also have batteries to worry about, whereas analog ones don't. Ultimately, the only reason to use analog gauges over digital ones is a personal preference. Probes work well with hoses, tees, and core depressors.

We still use manifolds to this day because they have charging tees and are easy to use, though you can modify probes to make them more user-friendly. Refrigerant can be left over in the hoses, and refrigerant mixing is a possibility. Probes minimize the losses of manifolds. However, non-invasive testing is another manifold-free route. The key to using non-invasive testing effectively is to become a master of the obvious and not to put too much focus on the readings alone. While it is important to know the measurements, it is even more important to use your senses to look for clear problems.

When you use tools that connect to electronics via Bluetooth, we recommend using a separate device, not your personal phone. For example, Bryan uses an iPad with a data plan.

We also discuss:

• Five Pillars of HVAC Diagnosis
• Favorite temperature clamps
• K-type thermocouples
• Mandating vs. recommending tools
• Scales
• Fieldpiece probes for A/C
• Sporlan probes for refrigeration
• Advantages and disadvantages of Testo probes
• Core depressors
• Checking light commercial systems with probes
• Rub-outs
• When readings are overrated
• Best practices
• "Negative" superheat and subcooling

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.