Analog devices have stood the test of time and have been used for generations by industry professionals. They are reasonably priced, sturdy, and long-time HVACR technicians feel comfortable with them because they have worked with them for their entire careers.

With many baby-boomers now retiring worldwide, many countries have projected workforce shortages for skilled HVACR technicians. For example, in the United States, the HVACR Workforce Development Foundation notes that by the year 2022, the United States will need 115,000 new HVACR workers.

These projected shortages provide an excellent opportunity for newcomers into the industry to adopt digital manifolds into their tool portfolios.

Digital manifolds have a number of advantages, including excellent accuracy. Precise, accurate measurements are necessary if technicians are going to ensure equipment is performing at optimal levels. Furthermore, the price for digital manifolds has lowered considerably since the first generation of digital manifolds were released over a decade ago. At that time, digital manifolds were often double or triple the price of analog manifolds.

Digital manifolds do a lot more than just read pressure. For example, Sauermann`s Si-RM3 Smart Wireless Manifold Probe has application software that instantly displays condensation/evaporation temperatures for up to 126 refrigerants, including new low global warming potential (GWP) and natural refrigerants. Two temperature probes are used to accurately and simultaneously provide real-time superheat/subcooling calculations during the refrigeration process. A second connection allows charging of the system, and the built-in Schrader® core prevents leaks during connection/disconnects.

Sauermann`s Si-RV3 Smart Wireless Vacuum Probe supports the quick, safe evacuation of refrigeration systems and heat pumps with highly accurate measurements.

Both instruments come with Bluetooth technology and Si-Manifold software for iOS and Android that provides data logging, tightness testing, pressure target settings, water evaporation temperature, and a vacuum function. They also provide report exportation in PDF, CSV and XML formats and have gauge, table or graphic visualisations.

Today`s millennials (birth years ranging from the mid-1990s to early 2000s) do not know a world without technological connectivity and as they enter the workforce, including HVACR, in increasing numbers, they will increasingly adopt smart wireless manifold and vacuum probes that provide all-in-one solutions.