Support- www.patreon.com/acservicetech Tool List- www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech For those that are looking for the tools used in the videos: (Linked Below) Yellow Jacket Refrigerant Gauge Set amzn.to/2aenwTq Refrigerant hoses with valves amzn.to/2aBumVI Yellow Jacket Gauge set & hoses amzn.to/2vLVkV9 Yellow Jacket 4 Port Manifold w Hoses amzn.to/2BkuGIq FieldpieceSMAN360 Digital Manifold Set amzn.to/2BdoaD4 FieldpieceSMAN460 Digital Manifold Set amzn.to/2nB4Fe6 Fieldpiece ST4 Dual Temp Meter amzn.to/2wc1ME3 Compact Ball Valve for Refrigerant Hose amzn.to/2KUisW8 QuickDisconnect 90 for refrigerant hose amzn.to/2MMtVcg UEI DL479 Multimeter with temp sensor amzn.to/2jtsUbJ JB 6 CFM Vacuum Pump amzn.to/2nqbvo8 Appion Blue 3/8" to 1/4" Vacuum Hose amzn.to/2uYlVyc Appion Red 3/8" to 1/4" Vacuum Hose amzn.to/2uYg6Ro Appion Valve Core Removal Tool amzn.to/2uYr8WL Yellow Jacket 1/4" by 1/4" hose amzn.to/2umtcod CPS Vacuum Micron Gauge amzn.to/2v1nM3O Supco Vacuum Micron Gauge amzn.to/2v1JRiA RectorSeal Bubble Gas Leak Detector amzn.to/2ckWACn UEI DL389 Multimeter amzn.to/2xAdaJf Air Acetylene Torch setup amzn.to/2aQalsb 15% Silver Brazing Rods amzn.to/2gVLyLc Nitrogen Regulator amzn.to/2bXdR5f Nitrogen Flow Meter amzn.to/2brvoBg Digital Refrigerant Scale amzn.to/2b9oXYl Accutrak VPE Ultrasonic Leak Detector amzn.to/2nFYKVe Imperial Kwik Charge 535-C amzn.to/2uipEI6 FieldpieceSDMN6 Dual Manometer Pump amzn.to/2jyK5Ka Supco Magnet Jumpers amzn.to/2gS4h6z 2 pairs of alligator clips- amzn.to/2CtIL5z JB Vacuum Pump Oil amzn.to/2mGrlXy General Tools digital Psychrometer amzn.to/2cSHsi1 Fieldpiece SDP2 Digital Psychrometer amzn.to/2nniMVR Ratcheting Service Wrench amzn.to/2dGV4Nh Appion G5 Twin Recovery Pump amzn.to/2dGSEyr Irwin Wire Stripper/Cutter/Crimper amzn.to/2dGTj2V Other tool links can be found in the video description section. Shop through Amazon! Your Purchases through Amazon provide a means for channels such as mine to earn advertising fees from all purchases after clicking through. Prices are the same as normal- www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech
it would be nice if you didn't promote companies that use their profits to undermine worker rights and human rights. The money you make from your referral links is blood money.
I graduated from trade school last month and I start my first HVAC job on the 28th of this month. Your videos have been very useful to me. As I enter the field, with my education and training and supplementing that with great videos from channels like yours on RUclips, I feel that I'm ready. Thanks for doing what you do.
I haven’t been in a truck since 1998 ... I feel so old. Wish they had these type of videos when I was just starting out . Trade school was nothing like real life.
Ha ha, I wish I had something like this myself when I started. The only thing I had was a phone number of someone I had to wake up and ask questions too if it was in the middle of the night if had a difficult time figuring out a problem!
I just put a book out that took 3 years to put together that has all the methods we use related to refrigerants step by step. I also discuss the false methods and rules of thumb that some techs use and why not to use them. As a teacher, I found many books just talked theory and not practice with the tools we use, thanks!
Good video. An additional point to consider is when you’re working on a RTU in pouring rain, I leave my digitals in the truck and use my analogs, nothing to short circuit...
I either build a little shelter in light rain for the gauge ports and gauges or just don't work in the rain. We don't want to introduce water into the system. Yeah we wouldn't bring our digitals out in a situation like that, thanks!
Fieldpiece SMAN digital gauges all day long!! I also use the Fieldpiece JL3 Probe kit. I got rid of my analog gauges years ago, but I do agree on new techs for learning the 5W’s and an H. I also do Not vacuum through the gauges, it’s to slow. Appoin hoses and Appion Schrader tools with either a JB or even better the new Fieldpiece pump for vacuum.
I would go with the Digital set. Why because by the time your done with trade school your more than comfortable with the analog yellow jackets gauges. Furthermore when your out in the field time is crucial for the next call. time is money!
It would really be nice to have the digital gauge set back lit while showing things on it. And very often you speak of things and your hand ends up being in the way of what you are speaking of. I really appreciate your videos, just giving some ideas to help your channel be a bit more useful. Thanks for all you do.
I originally bought the SMAN because of the built in vacuum gauge but no longer rely on its accuracy due to refrigerant contamination of the micron sensor. When compared side by side on the same vacuum, a stand alone micron gauge seems more accurate. Also, it is easier to keep contaminants away from the sensor. I do like your method of pulling a vacuum without the manifold though.
Thanks for making this video, maybe next time you can make a video for those techs (like me) still using analog gauges, in addition to this, can you share how to compute SSH/SSC in “old fashion way” 🙏
Hi Edgar (and Craig), Just a note to clean up a slight typo below, Craig accidentally repeated himself and said to look up "acservicetech subcooling" TWICE when he actually meant to type in "acservicetech superheat" as one of the 2 search query's you should look for to get you info requested; he has explained that very well in his past videos. Another GREAT teaching video Craig!
Ha ha, I was in a hurry with that, yeah there is a whole superheat playlist with many refrigerant charge checks with the superheat method as well as another playlist with the subcooling method, thanks Bobrub and Edgar!
Refco wireless is great. I wish testo uei and fieldpiece would put displays on there wireless probs. It’s nice when you don’t have a phone handy, hands are oily or your mobile device battery is low or dead.
In the past I would say yes so that you don't mix different types of oils entrained with different refrigerants but with the cost of the newer high end gauge sets, I don't see techs having more than one of the $500 dollar manifolds plus $100 valved hoses. I do however see techs having the digital and then multiple compounds though. Also I am seeing people dumping poe on top of mineral oil for r-22 conversions so all I can say is do your best to keep your hoses clean and try to drain the oil out instead of having them hanging with the u at the bottom all the time where the oil collects when both ends of the hoses are connected to the manifold gauge set. Just do the best you can do with blowing the hoses out with nitrogen every once in a while and whenever possible keep sets for different refrigerants to avoid cross contamination, thanks Danny!
Question, most companies want the technicians to be quick on a service or repair. Wouldn’t the digital gauges be faster for a new tech? It would also remove a lot of the nerves in the beginning. Thoughts?
With so many different refrigerant coming out, as a new tech, I would go with the digital. If I were to go with analog I would need at least three different gauges. Is my thinking correct?
But most of the people drive automatic and they don’t even know stick shift and they’re doing just fine, i do respect this channel tho I learned a few things💪
I'm old school with analog manifold. My uneducated digital manifold question is: Do I still need to measure the temperature with my digital thermometer entering the condenser, and than use my slide rule to see what SB target is necessary, or does the digital manifold also measure outside temperatures too? For instance, I have a R-22 system with TXV and my charge slide chart said I needed to shoot for about 16 to 18 degrees of subcooling which I achieved.
These guages will figure out the subcooling and superheated for you. But I am old school like you. I use the old analog guages and have no intention of ever buying digital guages. It takes only a few seconds to read your Guage and then subtract the liquid line temp to figure out the subcooling. Same for superheat. Not to mention digital guages are absurdly expensive.
Still love this channel.. I just bought some digital guages and god do I feel like I got to get used to them. I'm so used to analogs. I feel like it harder for me to troubleshoot with digital. Did it take u long to adjust to the digitals?
Dude, I literally say it as fluent as u did, a lot... But since it's a decent technical video, u gotta edit ur voice over when u said u measure SH on systems with pistons. They all have pistons. U meant ones that function with an orifice tube, or SC for expansion valve systems
Can I used the 3port gauge to add freon the AC in my car.. can I use it to add freon to my mini split.. ir do I need to get a different one for the mini split
If you're just topping up, there really is no need, but if you are troubleshooting or doing diagnostics e.g. checking system pressures, checking for leaks and obstructions in the system, you will want to hook up a manifold gauge anyway to do just that. As for using the same manifold with different systems, it is important to check what refrigerant they use; if they are the same it shouldn't be a problem, but if they are different e.g. car auto typical R134a versus typical split R22 or R410a, you will want to clean out the gauge and hoses before using it on the other system, or use a dedicated gauge assembly for the purpose.
I’m just ready to buy the YJ 3-port, through your link of course, and wondered if they come with various different refrigerant scales. I, for instance, primarily require 22 and 134a. Would those be available on the same gauge?
Yes that is correct. You could use a p/t chart or the danfoss refrigerant slider for R410A house air conditioners. I try not to mix refrigerant oil in the hoses between each manifold set but if this is your first one then maybe blow the hoses out with compressed air or nitrogen after use if you are going from r-22 to 134a and thanks for using our links or clicking through them to purchase tools!
I recently purchased a set of digital gauges and I have to admit, through all of the videos I’ve watched pertaining to digitals sets, I’ve yet to hear anyone explain what’s proper to do between uses if you’re switching between for example 22 and 410a. I was figuring on just bleeding some nitrogen through to “clean” everything out. Sound reasonable?
Yeah there is not much else you can do except try to blow the nitrogen through to get some oil out other than having another set. That is why you don't really hear anything about it, thanks!
AC Service Tech LLC I think based upon that I may just use them exclusively for 410a and only use the analog gauge set for 22 since around where I live companies are really pushing for modernizing the old systems
I bought digital gauge’s and kinda not worth it I’ve been doing hvac for 12 years and yeah I was excited to buy the digital gauges and just feel forced to use them because it was almost $700
F that, i'd get the digital right off rip. Get stuff done faster and more accurate. I'm not a tech though, just a home owner that does his own repairs because the florida ac techs are shysters. They gonna make me get my epa license too and completely cut them out. That digital set will pay for itself on your first repair.
Support- www.patreon.com/acservicetech
Tool List- www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech
For those that are looking for the tools used in the videos: (Linked Below)
Yellow Jacket Refrigerant Gauge Set amzn.to/2aenwTq
Refrigerant hoses with valves amzn.to/2aBumVI
Yellow Jacket Gauge set & hoses amzn.to/2vLVkV9
Yellow Jacket 4 Port Manifold w Hoses amzn.to/2BkuGIq
FieldpieceSMAN360 Digital Manifold Set amzn.to/2BdoaD4
FieldpieceSMAN460 Digital Manifold Set amzn.to/2nB4Fe6
Fieldpiece ST4 Dual Temp Meter amzn.to/2wc1ME3
Compact Ball Valve for Refrigerant Hose amzn.to/2KUisW8
QuickDisconnect 90 for refrigerant hose amzn.to/2MMtVcg
UEI DL479 Multimeter with temp sensor amzn.to/2jtsUbJ
JB 6 CFM Vacuum Pump amzn.to/2nqbvo8
Appion Blue 3/8" to 1/4" Vacuum Hose amzn.to/2uYlVyc
Appion Red 3/8" to 1/4" Vacuum Hose amzn.to/2uYg6Ro
Appion Valve Core Removal Tool amzn.to/2uYr8WL
Yellow Jacket 1/4" by 1/4" hose amzn.to/2umtcod
CPS Vacuum Micron Gauge amzn.to/2v1nM3O
Supco Vacuum Micron Gauge amzn.to/2v1JRiA
RectorSeal Bubble Gas Leak Detector amzn.to/2ckWACn
UEI DL389 Multimeter amzn.to/2xAdaJf
Air Acetylene Torch setup amzn.to/2aQalsb
15% Silver Brazing Rods amzn.to/2gVLyLc
Nitrogen Regulator amzn.to/2bXdR5f
Nitrogen Flow Meter amzn.to/2brvoBg
Digital Refrigerant Scale amzn.to/2b9oXYl
Accutrak VPE Ultrasonic Leak Detector amzn.to/2nFYKVe
Imperial Kwik Charge 535-C amzn.to/2uipEI6
FieldpieceSDMN6 Dual Manometer Pump amzn.to/2jyK5Ka
Supco Magnet Jumpers amzn.to/2gS4h6z
2 pairs of alligator clips- amzn.to/2CtIL5z
JB Vacuum Pump Oil amzn.to/2mGrlXy
General Tools digital Psychrometer amzn.to/2cSHsi1
Fieldpiece SDP2 Digital Psychrometer amzn.to/2nniMVR
Ratcheting Service Wrench amzn.to/2dGV4Nh
Appion G5 Twin Recovery Pump amzn.to/2dGSEyr
Irwin Wire Stripper/Cutter/Crimper amzn.to/2dGTj2V
Other tool links can be found in the video description section.
Shop through Amazon! Your Purchases through Amazon provide a means for channels such as mine to earn advertising fees from all purchases after clicking through. Prices are the same as normal- www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech
Caramucci you are the best HVAC teacher!
What do you think about the Digital manifold Testo 549 and 550?
Instablaster...
it would be nice if you didn't promote companies that use their profits to undermine worker rights and human rights. The money you make from your referral links is blood money.
Just use a pt chart for the conversion
I graduated from trade school last month and I start my first HVAC job on the 28th of this month. Your videos have been very useful to me. As I enter the field, with my education and training and supplementing that with great videos from channels like yours on RUclips, I feel that I'm ready. Thanks for doing what you do.
Thank you very much Game Wizard! Glad to Help!
How is the HVAC career going?
Good luck, bud.
I haven’t been in a truck since 1998 ... I feel so old. Wish they had these type of videos when I was just starting out . Trade school was nothing like real life.
Ha ha, I wish I had something like this myself when I started. The only thing I had was a phone number of someone I had to wake up and ask questions too if it was in the middle of the night if had a difficult time figuring out a problem!
AC Service Tech LLC and those stupid books never helped 😂
I just put a book out that took 3 years to put together that has all the methods we use related to refrigerants step by step. I also discuss the false methods and rules of thumb that some techs use and why not to use them. As a teacher, I found many books just talked theory and not practice with the tools we use, thanks!
Good video. An additional point to consider is when you’re working on a RTU in pouring rain, I leave my digitals in the truck and use my analogs, nothing to short circuit...
I either build a little shelter in light rain for the gauge ports and gauges or just don't work in the rain. We don't want to introduce water into the system. Yeah we wouldn't bring our digitals out in a situation like that, thanks!
I like analog gauges vs digital gauges because analog gauges give a true reading better than digital gauges , I learn a lot from your videos
Agreed 👍
I just moved up to an automatic and as you say the pressure decay test facility is much more accurate to use. Thanks for the comparison 👍
Good video on the difference of gauges. I agree new techs should use anolog 1st then move up to digital over many years of working. Thank you.
Yeah that is why I put most of the videos together with the compound manifold gauge sets, thanks!
Thanks a lot for all the information, I’m currently going to a Hvac school that’s why I like to learn from your videos too.
Thats great! Thank you for your support!
I think everyone should start out with the old school setup. Just my opinion after 20 yrs experience and using all types.
Fieldpiece SMAN digital gauges all day long!! I also use the Fieldpiece JL3 Probe kit. I got rid of my analog gauges years ago, but I do agree on new techs for learning the 5W’s and an H. I also do Not vacuum through the gauges, it’s to slow. Appoin hoses and Appion Schrader tools with either a JB or even better the new Fieldpiece pump for vacuum.
Thx for all the info you put out there for us. Received your charging book recently. Well done. Good reading during the off season.
Awesome, thank you!
I like your refrigerant hoses with the low loss shut off ball valves on them they seem very easy to control refrigerant loss
Good vid Craig ... The young'ens learn a lot from you ...
Thanks Eddy!
I would go with the Digital set. Why because by the time your done with trade school your more than comfortable with the analog yellow jackets gauges. Furthermore when your out in the field time is crucial for the next call. time is money!
It would really be nice to have the digital gauge set back lit while showing things on it. And very often you speak of things and your hand ends up being in the way of what you are speaking of. I really appreciate your videos, just giving some ideas to help your channel be a bit more useful. Thanks for all you do.
I originally bought the SMAN because of the built in vacuum gauge but no longer rely on its accuracy due to refrigerant contamination of the micron sensor.
When compared side by side on the same vacuum, a stand alone micron gauge seems more accurate.
Also, it is easier to keep contaminants away from the sensor.
I do like your method of pulling a vacuum without the manifold though.
You are 100 percent right, and when you do a standing vacuum test, no hoses are included to see if the micron level rises, thanks Tomon8tor!
What you said is one of many reasons why I have no interest in digital guages.
Thanks for making this video, maybe next time you can make a video for those techs (like me) still using analog gauges, in addition to this, can you share how to compute SSH/SSC in “old fashion way” 🙏
Hey Edgar, look up "acservicetech subcooling" and "acservicetech subcooling" I put many videos together with the compound manifold gauge set, thanks!
Hi Edgar (and Craig), Just a note to clean up a slight typo below, Craig accidentally repeated himself and said to look up "acservicetech subcooling" TWICE when he actually meant to type in "acservicetech superheat" as one of the 2 search query's you should look for to get you info requested; he has explained that very well in his past videos.
Another GREAT teaching video Craig!
Ha ha, I was in a hurry with that, yeah there is a whole superheat playlist with many refrigerant charge checks with the superheat method as well as another playlist with the subcooling method, thanks Bobrub and Edgar!
thanks, partner for sharing!!!! you are an excellent teacher...
Thanks Jimbola77!
My right ear enjoyed this video
Great video thank you
Thanks ejohnfall!
Refco wireless is great. I wish testo uei and fieldpiece would put displays on there wireless probs. It’s nice when you don’t have a phone handy, hands are oily or your mobile device battery is low or dead.
Do you recommend a different gauge set when working with different refrigerants? In other words having a set of gauges for each refrigerant you use.
In the past I would say yes so that you don't mix different types of oils entrained with different refrigerants but with the cost of the newer high end gauge sets, I don't see techs having more than one of the $500 dollar manifolds plus $100 valved hoses. I do however see techs having the digital and then multiple compounds though. Also I am seeing people dumping poe on top of mineral oil for r-22 conversions so all I can say is do your best to keep your hoses clean and try to drain the oil out instead of having them hanging with the u at the bottom all the time where the oil collects when both ends of the hoses are connected to the manifold gauge set. Just do the best you can do with blowing the hoses out with nitrogen every once in a while and whenever possible keep sets for different refrigerants to avoid cross contamination, thanks Danny!
Question, most companies want the technicians to be quick on a service or repair. Wouldn’t the digital gauges be faster for a new tech? It would also remove a lot of the nerves in the beginning. Thoughts?
With so many different refrigerant coming out, as a new tech, I would go with the digital. If I were to go with analog I would need at least three different gauges. Is my thinking correct?
thank you ...
Thanks Pei!
Digital all the way.
Thanks for u video 🙌
Thanks Julio!
Learn to drive a stick shift, and you can drive an automatic. That was epic. 👍👍
Ha ha, thanks a lot Nor Cal!!!
But most of the people drive automatic and they don’t even know stick shift and they’re doing just fine, i do respect this channel tho I learned a few things💪
Those digital gauges have to be dedicated to one type of refrigerant to prevent contamination correct? Thats a big investment if thats the case
I'm old school with analog manifold. My uneducated digital manifold question is: Do I still need to measure the temperature with my digital thermometer entering the condenser, and than use my slide rule to see what SB target is necessary, or does the digital manifold also measure outside temperatures too? For instance, I have a R-22 system with TXV and my charge slide chart said I needed to shoot for about 16 to 18 degrees of subcooling which I achieved.
These guages will figure out the subcooling and superheated for you.
But I am old school like you.
I use the old analog guages and have no intention of ever buying digital guages. It takes only a few seconds to read your Guage and then subtract the liquid line temp to figure out the subcooling. Same for superheat.
Not to mention digital guages are absurdly expensive.
If I were still n the field I stay with my regular gauges I don't want spend the $1,000 price tag. I do miss the HVAC work.
I've used them all. I prefer the Titan.
Titan is great!
Still love this channel.. I just bought some digital guages and god do I feel like I got to get used to them. I'm so used to analogs. I feel like it harder for me to troubleshoot with digital. Did it take u long to adjust to the digitals?
Analogs is the way to go.
Thanks for the video =)
What about 1234yf gauge reading
Im looking for yellow jacket manifold 410a 134 and r22 in one. Can anyone know the model or serial number ?
Why Fieldpiece? Everything else is YJ. Just curious because I’m purchasing a set of digitals.
So what gauge do you read for 1234yf please
Dude, I literally say it as fluent as u did, a lot... But since it's a decent technical video, u gotta edit ur voice over when u said u measure SH on systems with pistons. They all have pistons. U meant ones that function with an orifice tube, or SC for expansion valve systems
Can I used the 3port gauge to add freon the AC in my car.. can I use it to add freon to my mini split.. ir do I need to get a different one for the mini split
If you're just topping up, there really is no need, but if you are troubleshooting or doing diagnostics e.g. checking system pressures, checking for leaks and obstructions in the system, you will want to hook up a manifold gauge anyway to do just that.
As for using the same manifold with different systems, it is important to check what refrigerant they use; if they are the same it shouldn't be a problem, but if they are different e.g. car auto typical R134a versus typical split R22 or R410a, you will want to clean out the gauge and hoses before using it on the other system, or use a dedicated gauge assembly for the purpose.
Hello Craig,what is the difference between sman380,sman460,sman480 digitals manifold?
should I get the Yellow Jacket manifold or the harbor and freight?
I would certainly get the yellow jacket. They are not that much anyway. I have that and other tools linked at amazon.com/shop/acservicetech thanks!
I’m just ready to buy the YJ 3-port, through your link of course, and wondered if they come with various different refrigerant scales. I, for instance, primarily require 22 and 134a. Would those be available on the same gauge?
Just found it on YJ’s website: they have three combinations, one has 22, 134a, and 404a. Old houses, cars, and new houses, right?
Yes that is correct. You could use a p/t chart or the danfoss refrigerant slider for R410A house air conditioners. I try not to mix refrigerant oil in the hoses between each manifold set but if this is your first one then maybe blow the hoses out with compressed air or nitrogen after use if you are going from r-22 to 134a and thanks for using our links or clicking through them to purchase tools!
I recently purchased a set of digital gauges and I have to admit, through all of the videos I’ve watched pertaining to digitals sets, I’ve yet to hear anyone explain what’s proper to do between uses if you’re switching between for example 22 and 410a. I was figuring on just bleeding some nitrogen through to “clean” everything out. Sound reasonable?
Yeah there is not much else you can do except try to blow the nitrogen through to get some oil out other than having another set. That is why you don't really hear anything about it, thanks!
AC Service Tech LLC I think based upon that I may just use them exclusively for 410a and only use the analog gauge set for 22 since around where I live companies are really pushing for modernizing the old systems
Sounds like a plan, thanks!
I bought digital gauge’s and kinda not worth it I’ve been doing hvac for 12 years and yeah I was excited to buy the digital gauges and just feel forced to use them because it was almost $700
Whats ur thoughts on short throw press tools as opposed to brazing
They are expensive tools with expensive fittings but are certainly useful in certain situations. Thanks olinzuzu!
Would the digital gauges work with automotive refrigerants, R 134A?
Yes
F that, i'd get the digital right off rip. Get stuff done faster and more accurate. I'm not a tech though, just a home owner that does his own repairs because the florida ac techs are shysters. They gonna make me get my epa license too and completely cut them out. That digital set will pay for itself on your first repair.
i have never in my life driven an automatic car
field piece is not recommended at all after sales service is very poor, they are trying to sell other piece.
I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with them!
This think-more statement bullshit. Looking up a table and subtract two number is not really thinking.