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Which Combustion Analyzer?

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JohnNY
JohnNY Member Posts: 3,230
edited January 2021 in THE MAIN WALL
So, after agonizing over my last combustion analyzer purchase, you may remember, I purchased the Testo 320 which was stolen some time in the past couple weeks from my shop. My issue at the time was the inclusion of Bluetooth reporting, which I really wanted. Have we come any farther with this or are we still dealing with printers?
Please recommend your favorite combustion analyzer regardless of whether or not it uses Bluetooth or other wireless technology.

Many thanks!
Contact John "JohnNY" Cataneo, NYC Master Plumber, Lic 1784
Consulting & Troubleshooting
Heating in NYC or NJ.
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Comments

  • BillyO
    BillyO Member Posts: 277
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    bought a TPI, loved it, until I had to send entire unit to Oregon to have it calibrated
    JohnNYRobert O'Brien
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,432
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    Testo 320
    JohnNYZmanTinman
  • SlamDunk
    SlamDunk Member Posts: 1,580
    edited January 2021
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    Look at e-instruments 1500 or 4500. I have seen the 4500. The tech had nothing but good things to say about it. I have a testo 330. I would trade it for a 4500.
  • SuperTech
    SuperTech Member Posts: 2,160
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    I have the 320 and after several issues with getting it back not working I broke down and brought a new Testo 300LL. Its so much better than the 320. Ability to save customer info and test results,  as well as email them. WiFi, bluetooth and 5 year sensor lifespan and warranty.  Just make sure to get the printer,  its a bluetooth one and not the same as the one the 320 uses.  But it looks exactly the same way. 
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,376
    edited January 2021
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    E Instruments. I’ve had mine for about 12 years and the only thing I’ve had to do is replace the O2 sensor like on any other.

    They’re located near Philly.
    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • Mike_Sheppard
    Mike_Sheppard Member Posts: 696
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    Testo 300 Pro.

    Touchscreen. Easy to use. It’s an android phone.

    Can connect to wifi/personal hotspot from your phone. Can email directly from the analyzer. Can Bluetooth combustion reports to your phone or computer right from the analyzer.

    I buy them for my techs from Roger Downey at Highmark Analytics in Hardwick, NJ. When it’s time to calibrate them Highmark will send you a free spare to use while you send yours to them for calibration. 
    Never stop learning.
    JohnNYTinman
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,159
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    What’s the difference between the Testo LL Residential and Commercial packages? Software package upgrades I assume.  
    JohnNY
  • offdutytech
    offdutytech Member Posts: 133
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    I have a Bacharach Fyrerite which is ok with the QR scanner to get the report into a PDF using my phone or tablet. I often find if I need to add more notes in the comment section I need to use my laptop with PDF editor. I started to use the Quick Measure app with my wireless refrigerant gauges and noticed that the app is more user friendly with Testo, Fieldpiece, and other manufactures vs my Bacharach. I have been checking out Wohler combustion testers as well to maybe ditch the Bacharach, but a pro press seems to be next on my tool list. 
    JohnNY
  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,506
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    I like the Bacharach Insight Plus. With the QR code, you can email the combustion report. But what I did was make my own app with FileMaker. I can scan the QR code and put the results right into my database too.
    Plus it has a feature (Tune Right?) that can help with diagnosing combustion issues.
    And it has a printer.
    steve
    JohnNY
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,834
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    We're using Wöhler (which, according to my German-speaking customers, is pronounced "Voo-lar") A400 units. These pre-date Bluetooth connectivity though, but have been very reliable. Wöhler's current lineup is here:

    https://www.wohlerusa.com/shop/products/measuring-instruments/combustion-analyzers/

    I don't mind sending these units out for maintenance. The service people send a calibration certificate back with the unit, which we keep on file in case there is an issue down the road and some lawyer tries to shake us down. We have one for each truck, and a spare for when one goes in for service.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    JohnNY
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,702
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    I'm sorry about your loss, @JohnNY but on the bright side you don't have to have it recalibrated :grimace:
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
    HomerJSmithJohnNY
  • HomerJSmith
    HomerJSmith Member Posts: 2,441
    edited February 2021
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    ethicalpaul, there's a benefit to everything.

    I have a UEI 157 which costs me an arm and a leg, which is why it takes me so long to do a combustion analysis, I only have one arm and one leg.

    Calibration cost should be figured into your decision.
    JohnNY
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,541
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    BillyO said:

    bought a TPI, loved it, until I had to send entire unit to Oregon to have it calibrated

    I hear you, but given the price, you could buy two and still be ahead of the game. I do love it other than that.
    To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.
  • JohnNY
    JohnNY Member Posts: 3,230
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    I'm looking at the Testo website. Why isn't the Testo 310, at half the price of the others, more popular?
    Contact John "JohnNY" Cataneo, NYC Master Plumber, Lic 1784
    Consulting & Troubleshooting
    Heating in NYC or NJ.
    Classes
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,159
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    From from what I’ve read, sensor lifetime of 310 is rather limited and expensive to replace.  Have to send in for replacement I believe at $400-500. 

    The 320 module is about $150 and can be replaced by tech.  Of course calibration check would be required. 
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,159
    edited February 2021
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    Robert O'Brien said:
    bought a TPI, loved it, until I had to send entire unit to Oregon to have it calibrated
    I hear you, but given the price, you could buy two and still be ahead of the game. I do love it other than that.
    That’s good point, take a look at the cost on the site below. What’s the life of the sensor before OEM replacement required?

  • danitheplumber
    danitheplumber Member Posts: 85
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    Anyone have experience with Fieldpiece SOX3? They do call them combustion check meter and not combustion analyzer. Some comments about them not being able to check co parts per million. It does measure co2  o2 etc so you would be able to adjust boiler to make it efficient which is the whole point of a combustion analyzer. They also seem to not need to be calibrated and have replaceable o2 sensor. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,520
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    @danitheplumber

    There was another thread on this a while back. If you can't measure Co it doesn't do much good. That's the consensus
    Zmandanitheplumberrick in AlaskaSuperTech
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,159
    edited November 2021
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    I purchased the TPI 610 Combustion Gas Analyzer this week and have found it very easy to use. The unit does not have a display but connects to your smart phone via Bluetooth. I attached a screen capture below of screen during start of low fire test. Very easy to generate and email reports

    I bought from TruTech tool (link above), the price was $405 before tax. The unit arrived in a couple days with a calibration cert from mid October of this year, nice!

    The TPI 610 has user replaceable CO2 and CO sensors; the sensor are warrantied for two year.

    I talked with a TPI tech re calibration and sensor replacement; calibration alone is around $60; calibration with new sensors is approx. $200. He said the sensors are user replaceable but typically people send the entire unit back so it can be recalibrated at same time.



  • jad3675
    jad3675 Member Posts: 127
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    PC7060 said:


    The TPI 610 has user replaceable CO2 and CO sensors; the sensor are warrantied for two year.

    I talked with a TPI tech re calibration and sensor replacement; calibration alone is around $60; calibration with new sensors is approx. $200. He said the sensors are user replaceable but typically people send the entire unit back so it can be recalibrated at same time.

    I think you mean the 710. The 610 is a manometer. I have the same analyzer too - I've been happy with it - I like the idea if it being BT and using your phone as the screen.

    Global Test Supply has it for the same price, and you can usually a 5 or 10% off coupon which makes it pretty reasonable.

    PC7060
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,159
    edited November 2021
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    @jad3675 - yes your are correct, DC710 is the analyzer model number.  At least I was consistent in my error!  :D
  • tim smith
    tim smith Member Posts: 2,752
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    John, I think my least hated analyzer has been the UEI. Testo, too many repairs to count. Have not had the latest Bacharach but not sure I want to go there. Uei can come with long life cells. We use the C165 kits.
    Good Luck
    Tim
  • tim smith
    tim smith Member Posts: 2,752
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    John, the UEI C165BTKIT has blue tooth. Decent analyzers.
  • Tinman
    Tinman Member Posts: 2,808
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    My last 5 years in the field I used a Testo 320 and really liked it. Sensor is easy to change and I still use it on the equipment in our home. 
    Steve Minnich
    Zman

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