Post by DCish on Jan 24, 2019 7:50:28 GMT -8
Lots of us have design ideas we'd like to test, but no budget for expensive test equipment. Would anybody like to chip in for a shared flue gas analyzer? I figure there are two types of folks who might want to contribute -- those who want to test their own designs, and those who don't have time to do testing, but who would be excited to see test results from a greater variety of designs being shared on this forum.
I've done some shopping around, and the best price I can find on an instrument that will log data comes from PA-based company E Instruments. I had an extensive phone call with a representative there today, and here is what I learned:
- Cheapest instrument they sell that logs data over time is the BTU1500NP (roughly similar to the Testo 320)
- Cost: $1200 (includes current $150 discount)
- Logging function:
* Current values are shown in real time on instrument (and on phone or other bluetooth-enabled device if connected)
* Data is logged at user-selected interval and can be exported to Excel for graphing after. Real-time graphing is only available on units that cost an additional $1000 or more
- O2 sensor
* Good for about 2 years (degradation is not correlated to frequency of usage)
* User-replaceable (instrument indicates when replacement is needed)
* $150 for replacement sensor
- CO sensor
* Good for 3-4 years of daily use (degradation *is* correlated to frequency of usage)
* User-replaceable (instrument indicates when replacement is needed)
* $300 for replacement sensor
- Calibration: Rep stated that on-board diagnostics for the sensors are quite good, there is no need to send the unit in for calibration unless you need regular, factory-sourced documentation of accuracy in order to comply with government regulations
Any interest? I figure the biggest contributors could be in line to use it first, and each user would pay postage to get it to them. I could be the official owner of record and point of contact with the company, which is based a couple of hours from where I live, so postage for parts should be reasonable when that time comes.
I've done some shopping around, and the best price I can find on an instrument that will log data comes from PA-based company E Instruments. I had an extensive phone call with a representative there today, and here is what I learned:
- Cheapest instrument they sell that logs data over time is the BTU1500NP (roughly similar to the Testo 320)
- Cost: $1200 (includes current $150 discount)
- Logging function:
* Current values are shown in real time on instrument (and on phone or other bluetooth-enabled device if connected)
* Data is logged at user-selected interval and can be exported to Excel for graphing after. Real-time graphing is only available on units that cost an additional $1000 or more
- O2 sensor
* Good for about 2 years (degradation is not correlated to frequency of usage)
* User-replaceable (instrument indicates when replacement is needed)
* $150 for replacement sensor
- CO sensor
* Good for 3-4 years of daily use (degradation *is* correlated to frequency of usage)
* User-replaceable (instrument indicates when replacement is needed)
* $300 for replacement sensor
- Calibration: Rep stated that on-board diagnostics for the sensors are quite good, there is no need to send the unit in for calibration unless you need regular, factory-sourced documentation of accuracy in order to comply with government regulations
Any interest? I figure the biggest contributors could be in line to use it first, and each user would pay postage to get it to them. I could be the official owner of record and point of contact with the company, which is based a couple of hours from where I live, so postage for parts should be reasonable when that time comes.