The NEWS - February 18, 2008 - (Page 44)

FOCUS By Mark Skaer Of The NEWS Staff AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE: TEST INSTRUMENTS AND MONITORS Instruments Go Infrared and Digital EW YORK — When it comes to test instruments and monitors, there are two words to remember: infrared and digital. It’s the way diagnostic tools are headed, based upon what manufacturers introduced at the 2008 Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Testo (www.testo.com) and Fluke (www.fluke.com) both introduced new thermal imagers, each operating with infrared technology. The testo 880 Series is available in three models, all of which feature a sharp, 3.5-inch full-screen display. A joystick operates screen menus, and a lightweight and balanced ergonomic design “makes field operation easy,” said Testo president Marko Bruinsma, who passed around the new tool to the trade media at a press conference inside Javits Convention Center. The 880-3, a top-of-the-line model, includes an integrated digital camera and motorized focusing for single-handed operation. An accessory kit for the 880-3 includes a telephoto lens, sunshield for the display, two-port external battery charger, and an extra battery. A rugged carrying case is included with every imager. At the Fluke booth, manager of public relations Larry Wilson showed the ins and outs of the new Fluke Ti25 and Ti10, along with the new TiR1 and TiR. All models incorporate IR Fusion®, a patent-pending technology that integrates infrared and visual (visible light) images in full screen or picture-in-picture views, designed for enhanced problem detection and analysis. “IR Fusion helps users recognize image details and better identify problem areas by quickly scrolling through the different viewing modes,” said Wilson. He called it “the only thermal imager available today in this format and price range that incorporates this capability in both the camera and in the soft ware.” The Ti25 and Ti10 imagers are earmarked for industrial HVACR troubleshooting and maintenance applications. Both are tested to withstand a drop of 6.5 feet and are rated to withstand water and dust. According to Wilson, the Ti25 has a temperature measurement range of -20˚ to 350˚C; the N Ti10 ranges from -20˚ to 250˚. The TiR1 and TiR imagers for building diagnostic applications feature the ability to record and save voice comments with every image taken (TiR1 only), a threebutton menu designed for intuitive operation and navigation with the push of a thumb, and on-screen emissivity correction (TiR1 only). Fluke also introduced four other instruments: • The VR1710 Voltage Quality Recorder is designed to help maintenance and facilities management maintain power quality. It pinpoints the root causes of voltage problems by recording data specified by a user-selected average period on voltage trends, dropouts, and power quality parameters, including RMS average, transients, flicker, and harmonics (up to the 32nd). • The 289 True-RMS Industrial Logging Multimeter is designed to diagnose problems in electronics, power distribution, and electromechanical equipment. • The 353 and 355 True-RMS Clamp Meters feature an extrawide jaw to enable users to clamp around large or multiple conductors typically found with significant power loads, such as the service entrance of large pumps or sizeable facilities. • The 566 and 568 thermometers both feature broad infrared (IR) temperature measurement functionality, on-screen menu system, and a dot-matrix display designed to enable users to take even complex measurements quickly and from great distances. THERMOMETERS, PUMPS, TEMPERATURE READERS Amprobe (www.amprobe.com) introduced its THWD-3, a relative humidity (rh) temperature reader that uses a precision capacitance sensor to deliver accurate performance “with long-term stability.” This instrument is designed to measure the full range of rh (0-100 percent) and features an exceptionally wide ambient temperature measurement range (-4˚ to 140˚F). Also introduced is the TH-3, which includes all the features of the THWD-3 except the ability to measure wet bulb and dew point. Both instruments come complete with soft carrying case, sensor cover, battery (installed), and manual. Amprobe also introduced the ACDC-100 and ACDC-100 TRMS digital clamp-ons, described as “fully functional clamp meters with TOP: Dan Prusia (left), Western regional sales manager, HVACR, tools, and equipment, for SPX Corp., shows off the Robinair 11910 low pressure gauge to an expo attendee. ABOVE: Larry Wilson, manager of public relations for Fluke, shows off the company’s new Ti10 Thermal Imager, designed to withstand harsh work environments and provide a thermal imaging solution for everyday troubleshooting and maintenance of HVACR equipment. simplified interfaces and easy-toread, oversized display screens to help technicians get their work done quickly and easily.” Both models feature auto and manual ranging, relative zero mode, Max capture for in-rush current measurements, auto power off, data hold, diode test, audible continu- ity, and a “third hand” test probe holder. The ACDC-100 TRMS features true RMS measurements and a backlit display. Finally, the manufacturer introduced its DM-II Plus power quality recorder, a kit with PC download capabilities that records a broad spectrum of power quality param- eters. The kit includes the recorder, three current transducers, and four cables and alligator clips in a rugged carrying case. The DM-II Plus can measure harmonics, voltage anomalies (sags and surges), and offers data storage memory and a large display. Readings and charts can be viewed on the ■ 44 AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING & REFRIGERATION NEWS February 18, 2008

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The NEWS - February 18, 2008 Turnout Contents Newsline FYI Unitary Oil-Fired Products Furnaces Hydronics Ductless Rooftops Drives & Motors Controls Transmitters, Sensors Zoning Valves Refrigerants Condensers & Coils Heat Exchangers Cooling Towers Chillers Duct Products Humidification IAQ Monitors, Instruments Trucks Tools Software Installation, Maintenance of HVAC Coils Munters MCS Dries Up Water Concerns at Hospital Michigan Home Show Brings out Contractors Investigating Furnace Failures Mold/Bacteria Protection of A/C Coil Learning Center Classifieds Advertisers Opinions

The NEWS - February 18, 2008

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