Combustion Anylizers

Dan_40

In the process of buying my first combustion anylizers and was just wondering which brand and/or model the Wallies prefer. I've seen a few out there in the $800.00 range then I saw a couple around $2,800.00. Is the extra cost really necessary? Thanks in advance.
Just trying to do things right.
Dan

Steve Ebels_3

Ahh yes..........

You'll get as many opinions regarding brands as there are "Wallies". The most important thing with any analyzer is understanding how to use it and also understanding what all the numbers being spit out actually mean. Buying an analyzer is but the first step. You'll find lot's of good info on Bacharach's website. Testo also has an excellent essay on combustion available on their site. Combustion training such as the classes taught by Jim Davis or Tim McElwain should be high on your list of things to do also if you wish to achieve "stochiometric nirvana" for your customers. As with most things of a technical nature, it's the stuff that you don't know that will kill you or at least put you in a world of hurt.

As for my own personal preference in analyzers, I have found Testo products to be accurate, durable and suitable for nearly anything you'll run into for residential and light commercial service. The 325 (I have two) is an excellent piece of equipment which can be had for under $1,500 with a case, printer and smoke pump. It will handle light and heavy oil along with natural and Propane gas. It also measures CO and will read draft and temperature. The newer 330 has some added features and while a tad more expensive, is also an excellent value.

Rocky_3

I concur...

with Steve. I have three Bach's fyrite 125 pro's and one Testo 325. My next will be a Testo. they just seem more durable. have yet to send this one testo in for repair, whilst the bach's seem to be needing something all the time. the bach's do seem to be faster with their "real time" numbers, but for the reliability, I can wait a few more seconds for my results with the Testo. My .o2 cents worth,
Rocky

Steamhead (in transit)

We also use Testo

Gordon has two 330 units, and I have two 325-1 units (one of which I bought from you, Steve!). They have performed well. Testo does a decent job of turning them around quickly when we send them in for service, but we each bought two so we'd have a working unit at all times. That's how convinced we are that these units are indispensable.

"Steamhead"

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WaterHeaterGuy

Fyrite Tech 60

It's cheap, relatively reliable, and has an overized pump for when you WILL spike it. It clears itself out faster than many I've worked with, or seen others struggle with.

During the heating season I use my meter on average 2-3 times a day. I am a factory rep for HTP and every job I visit it's the first tool I bring into the jobsite. I would say that I get my unit re-calibrated every 4-6 months. I am very good to my meter however, I bring her indoors at night and she rides along up front in the cab with me to keep from having condensate issues.

For CO/CO²/O² it's not a bad little unit. Generally about $400 and if later you decide want a printer you can add a little IR one for about $300.

John Abbott

Combustion analizer

> It's cheap, relatively reliable, and has an

> overized pump for when you WILL spike it. It

> clears itself out faster than many I've worked

> with, or seen others struggle with.

>

> During the

> heating season I use my meter on average 2-3

> times a day. I am a factory rep for HTP and every

> job I visit it's the first tool I bring into the

> jobsite. I would say that I get my unit

> re-calibrated every 4-6 months. I am very good to

> my meter however, I bring her indoors at night

> and she rides along up front in the cab with me

> to keep from having condensate issues.

>

> For

> CO/CO²/O² it's not a bad little unit. Generally

> about $400 and if later you decide want a printer

> you can add a little IR one for about $300.



I have a 125pro that needs a sensor after less than 50 uses Also the draft gauge is all over the place.A friend also has had similar experinces.I would not reccomend this product.

John Abbott

Anylizer

I have a Fyrite 125 pro that needs a sensor after less than 50 uses also the draft readings are extremely unstable.A friend in the trade has had similar experiences.I would not reccomend this product.

Steve Ebels_3

I still sell them

Can't say that I've ever had a customer return one for poor performance. There are some that are cheaper, faster, more sophisticated, etc, but you'll have to spend a lot more dough to get an analyzer that performs much better than a 325 or 330 Testo.

PS Frank, if you ever get in the Northern Michigan area, give me a call. I promise you one of my brother's aged New York strip steaks on the grill, a brew or three and lot's of shop talk while we dine. He ages these babies in a vacuum held at 20" and 33* for 120 days. Cut it with a fork my man. Unbelievable!! Thanks again for the biz.

Tony_23

Mine

I've had a Bacharach Tech 60. You get what you pay for, or not..... At least not what I expected.

I now have a TSI. Built to order features for a fair price. Quick delivery from order time. Field replaceable sensors shipped overnight for less than the others' sensors, and they require being sent in.

'Nuff said.

Paul Fredricks_3

We have 50 of the 125 pro units. I agree about the draft, I have a very hard time trusting the readings. Some of them seem to work better than others.

We have been beating into our techs brains that they have to keep them dry. Before and after every test I have them hold the probe up in the air and tap down the length of the tubing, then clean out any moisture that shows up in the canister. If they are consistent with this, the o2 sensors hold up much better.

Nron_13

Testo 310

I have a testo 310 that I use and the sensors are replaceable but not cheap
Nron