Fieldpiece SM480V SMAN Refrigerant Manifold + Micron Gauge

Important Notice

This is not a consumer product. Only qualified personnel trained in service and installation of A/C and/or refrigeration equipment shall use this product. Read and understand this operator's manual in its entirety before using your SMAN Refrigerant Manifold to prevent injury or damage to you or equipment.

Class A2L/A2/A3 Refrigerant Safety Notice

Systems using class A2L (mildly flammable), class A2 (flammable), or class A3 (highly flammable) refrigerants can be tested safely ONLY by qualified personnel explicitly trained in the use and handling of those refrigerants. This manual is in no way a replacement for proper training.

Warnings

• Do not apply more than 800 psig to any port of the manifold.
• Ground properly when testing A2L/A2/A3 (hydrocarbon) refrigerants.
• Do not use in the vicinity of explosive substances.
• Inhalation of high concentrations of refrigerant vapor can block oxygen to the brain causing injury or death.
• Refrigerant liquid can cause frostbite.
• Follow all equipment manufacturer's testing procedures above those in this manual in regards to properly servicing their equipment.

Quick Start

1. Install the included six AA batteries into the rear battery compartment.
2. Press the center blue button for 2 seconds to turn on your SMAN manifold.
3. Connect your hoses and pipe clamps to the SMAN manifold and to the system.
4. View live pressures and temperatures.
5. Use arrow buttons to select a refrigerant and view calculations in real-time!

What's Included

• SM480V SMAN Refrigerant Manifold (4 Port)
• (2) TC24 Type K Pipe Clamp Thermocouples
• (1) ATA1 Type K Bead Thermocouple w/Clip
• (1) Year Warranty
• Operator's Manual

Description

Fieldpiece SMAN™ Refrigerant Manifolds provide the trust needed for doing the job right the first time. Your new Fieldpiece manifold has been upgraded for ultimate field protection and long-range wireless communication. The fully rubberized case seals and protects from dust, bumps, and light rain. Use the heavy-duty hook to hang it in your work vehicle while protected by its large padded soft case.

Model SM480V serves as your testing hub at the job site. In addition to the included thermocouples, you can connect wirelessly to psychrometers, pipe clamps, and even a refrigerant scale. For example, assign one psychrometer (model JL3RH) to return air and another to supply air to view live temperature split across the evaporator directly.

View all your measurements and live calculations on the extra-large LCD or from a distance on your mobile device. A rolling list of your 10 most recently used refrigerants is stored at the top of the main refrigerant list for quick selection.

Verify proper charge by comparing actual superheat (SH) with target superheat (TSH). Use the outdoor dry bulb thermocouple and an optional indoor psychrometer for live TSH calculations.

Pressure sensors automatically compensate for altitude and weather changes. Use the internal vacuum gauge for fast and convenient monitoring of your evacuations through the full bore 3/8" VAC port.

Features

• Job Link® System Ready - Long Wireless Range (350 feet/106 meters)
• Connect to Your Mobile Device Directly
• Connect Job Link Tools Directly
• Real-time Calculations: Superheat and Subcooling, Vapor Saturation and Liquid Saturation, Target Superheat (requires model JL3RH for real-time), T1-T2
• (3) Type K Thermocouple Jacks: Suction Line, Liquid Line, Outdoor Ambient
• (4) Ports: (1) 3/8", (3) 1/4"
• Built-in Micron Gauge
• Tightness Test
• Recent Refrigerant List
• Sealed Sight Glass
• Heavy Duty Rubberized Construction
• Rugged Hanging Hook
• Operation in the Rain (IP54)
• Data Logging with USB Export

Display

The display shows various units and indicators:

• Temperature Units: °F, °C
• Pressure Units: Psig, Bar, MPa, kPa
• Negative Pressure Units: inHg, cmHg
• Vacuum Units: Microns, Pascals, mBar, mTorr, Torr
• Vacuum Rate: /min (differential per minute)
• Time Format: h:m:s (Hours:Minutes or Minutes:Seconds)
• Calculations: SH (Superheat), SC (Subcooling), VSAT (Vapor Saturation Temp), LSAT (Liquid Saturation Temp), TSH (Target Superheat), T1-T2 (Measurement Differential)
• Temperatures: SLT (Suction Line Temp), LLT (Liquid Line Temp), ODDB (Outdoor Dry Bulb Temp), IDWB (Indoor Wet Bulb Temp)
• Data Logging: LOG (in progress), Job (1-9), Span (Hours), Interval (Seconds)
• Psychrometer Data: R (Return), S (Supply), DB (Dry Bulb), WB (Wet Bulb), DP (Dew Point), %RH (Relative Humidity), BTU/LBM (Enthalpy), KJ/KG (Enthalpy)
• Target Splits: TT (Target Dry Bulb Split), T (Actual Dry Bulb Split)
• Wireless Scale Data: Lb, Oz, Kg, g
• Indicators:
• APO: Auto Power Off Enabled
• : Top 10 Refrigerant Selected
• ?: Speaker Turned Off
• ?: Battery Life Remaining
• ?: Wireless Signal Strength

Buttons

A beep sounds when a button is pressed. A double beep indicates an unavailable function. The speaker can be muted (page 22).

• Power: Press 2 sec to toggle power.
• Backlight: Press to toggle backlight.
• ARROWS: Scroll through refrigerants or change values.
• ENTER: Confirm a changed value or activate an ALARM.
• MENU: Enter the menu or exit a mode.
• VIEW: Display ODDB, TSH, or T1-T2.
• AIR: Display SLT/LLT or various return and supply air measurements from optional psychrometers. Press AIR for >1 second to view SLT/LLT.
• WIRELESS ON/OFF: Toggle wireless communication ON/OFF to save battery.
• ZERO WEIGHT: Press 2 sec to zero (tare) weight from a wireless scale.
• TEST TIGHTNESS: Enter tightness test setup.
• ZERO PRESSURE: Press 2 sec to zero the displayed pressures.

Views

Front View

Diagram Description: The front of the manifold features a large LCD display, a sight glass for viewing refrigerant flow, a Micro USB port (covered by a removable rubber seal), a steel hanging hook, and clearly labeled ports with valves: Suction Line Port (LOW), Liquid Line Port (HIGH), Vacuum Port (VAC), and Refrigerant Port (REF). Pipe clamp storage arms are also present.

Rear View

Diagram Description: The rear of the unit houses the battery compartment, accessed via a battery door with a finger pull and secured by cover screws. It also includes three Type K thermocouple jacks (SLT, LLT, ODDB) designed with bumpers for secure plug insertion, and a 4-digit Job Link System ID for wireless connectivity.

Operation

Recent Refrigerants

A rolling list of your 10 most recent refrigerants is stored above the main list. When you power off your manifold, the current refrigerant is added automatically to this dynamic list.

VIEW Select

Press VIEW to cycle through ODDB (outdoor dry bulb), TSH (target superheat), and T1-T2 (temperature difference). ODDB shows the live reading from the rear ODDB thermocouple jack. TSH shows live target superheat calculated from ODDB and IDWB. T1-T2 shows the live subtraction of the bottom display (T2) from the middle display (T1).

AIR Select

Press AIR to display various calculations and measurements from Job Link system psychrometers you've assigned. The parameter is briefly shown when pressed, then displayed at the top of the LCD. Press AIR for >1 second to view SLT/LLT. R and S display readings from return and supply air psychrometers, respectively. TT and T show target and actual dry bulb splits.

Superheat (SH) and Subcooling (SC)

Superheat is the heat added to refrigerant after changing to vapor in the evaporator. Subcooling is heat removed after changing to liquid in the condenser. View both live simultaneously.

1. Use ARROWS to select the system refrigerant.
2. Close all manifold valves.
3. Connect EPA-approved refrigerant hoses to LOW and HIGH side ports.
4. Fully plug pipe clamp thermocouples into SLT and LLT rear jacks.
5. Hand-tighten the LOW side hose to the suction line service port and the HIGH side hose to the liquid line service port.
6. Clamp the SLT thermocouple to the suction line between the evaporator and compressor, at least 6 inches from the compressor.
7. Clamp the LLT thermocouple to the liquid line between the condenser and metering device, as close to the service port as possible.
8. Purge hoses as you open HIGH and LOW manifold valves.
9. View superheat and subcooling in real-time.

Ensure the system has stabilized before using superheat or subcooling to adjust charge. Connect tanks/cylinders/machines to the REF port to add or remove refrigerant. Follow manufacturer's recommended practices. If superheat/subcooling cannot be calculated, "- - - -" will be displayed. Negative values may indicate a thermocouple issue or incorrect refrigerant selection.

Target Superheat (TSH)

Compare target superheat (TSH) to actual superheat (SH) when charging fixed orifice air conditioning systems. TSH is continually calculated from indoor wet bulb (IDWB) and outdoor dry bulb (ODDB) temperatures.

IDWB: Defaults to a manual value of 60.0°F. For live measurement, assign the optional model JL3RH wireless psychrometer. ODDB: Defaults to the live measurement of the ODDB thermocouple jack. If preferred, assign a manual value.

1. Connect the included type K bead thermocouple to the ODDB jack. Use the alligator clip to locate the bead in a shaded area of the condenser to measure air entering the condenser.
2. Press VIEW until ODDB is displayed to verify the measurement.
3. Measure IDWB after the filter, just in front of the indoor coil. If a psychrometer is assigned, press AIR until wet bulb is displayed to verify.
4. Press VIEW until TSH is displayed.

Deep Vacuum

Follow recommended evacuation practices from equipment manufacturers and training. Alarms can be adjusted in the MENU (page 28).

1. Close all manifold valves.
2. Setup tools: Connect HIGH port to liquid line service port, LOW port to suction line service port, VAC port to vacuum pump.
3. Turn on your vacuum pump.
4. Open VAC valve. The vacuum sensor is exposed to the pump; measurement displays only when HIGH/LOW valves are opened.
5. Open HIGH and LOW manifold valves.
6. Press ALARM (ENTER) to activate the low alarm and start the stopwatch. The rate of change is displayed.
7. Once the low alarm level is reached, the backlight blinks and alarm sounds. Press any button (except ENTER) to silence.
8. Close VAC valve to block the pump. Do not close HIGH and LOW valves.
9. Turn off your vacuum pump.
10. Press ALARM (ENTER) to activate the high alarm and start the stopwatch.
11. Once the high alarm level is reached, the backlight blinks, alarm sounds, and the stopwatch stops. Press any button (except ENTER) to silence.
12. Close HIGH and LOW manifold valves. The vacuum sensor is now blocked from the system.

Tips for Better Evacuations

• Remove schrader cores and depressors with a core removal tool.
• Use shortest vacuum-rated hoses with the largest diameter available.
• Do not evacuate through hoses with low-loss fittings.
• Inspect rubber seals at both ends of hoses for damage.
• Change pump oil before and during the job.
• When the vacuum pump is blocked, a slow rise that stabilizes may signify moisture. A continuous rise to atmosphere indicates a leak. Check hoses, tools, or the system.
• Measurements are less representative when the vacuum pump is on due to pressure gradients. Block the pump and allow the system to stabilize.

Test Tightness (Pressure Test)

After working on a refrigerant-side component of an emptied system, pressurize with dry nitrogen and check for pressure drops before evacuation. Always check manufacturer recommendations for pressure levels.

1. Pressurize the system with dry nitrogen.
2. Connect the low side (suction line) port to the system and wait for pressure to stabilize. The high side can also be connected for stability monitoring, but the pressure differential (P.diF) calculation uses only the low side sensor.
3. Attach SLT clamp to the pipe being pressurized. This temperature compensates for temperature changes during the test. To deactivate compensation, unplug or unassign SLT before starting.
4. Press TEST TIGHTNESS to prepare the test.
5. Press ENTER to start the test. The stopwatch starts, showing real-time compensated pressure change (P.diF), temperature (SLT), and temperature change (T).
6. Press ENTER to stop the test. P.diF, and T freeze. A negative P.diF may indicate a leak. A positive P.diF may mean SLT or nitrogen temperature is unstable. High/low side pressures and SLT continue to display but are no longer used in the test.
7. Press ENTER to exit the test.

To save battery, the screen turns off after 3 hours of testing but continues to test. Press any button to turn the screen back on.

Test for Noncondensables

If head pressure seems high even after routine maintenance, noncondensables may be trapped in the system, reducing efficiency and stressing components. Noncondensables can enter the system through various means, often from years of poor service.

1. Use ARROWS to select the system refrigerant.
2. Unpower the compressor, but allow the condenser fan to run.
3. Connect the high side port to the system to view system pressure.
4. Clamp one thermocouple to the discharge line.
5. Clamp the other thermocouple to the liquid line.
6. Clip the ODDB thermocouple to measure the air entering the condenser.
7. Monitor all three temperatures until they stabilize and show the same value.
8. View the subcooling (SC) calculation on the display. The closer SC is to 0.0°, the fewer noncondensables are trapped. A negative SC may suggest recovering, evacuating, and charging with virgin refrigerant.

Menu

Press MENU (☰) to enter the menu. Use ARROWS to scroll and ENTER (✔️) to select.

• LogData: Enter data logging setup mode (page 23).
• AutoOff: Enter auto power off timer setup mode (page 24).
• CalTemp: Enter calibration mode for Type K jacks (page 25).
• Wireless Sources: Enter wireless source setup mode (page 26).
• TSH Sources: Enter target superheat source setup mode (page 27).
• Units: Enter units setup mode (page 28).
• Vac Alarms: Enter vacuum alarm setup mode (page 28).
• Mute/Unmute: Control the device's speaker.
• Backlight Timer: Enter backlight timer setup mode (page 29).
• Adv Pressure Cal: Enter advanced calibration mode for pressure sensors (page 30).
• F Ware: Enter firmware view and update mode (page 32).
• Restore Settings: Enter restore factory settings mode (page 33).
• Delete Log File: Enter delete log file mode to manage stored logs (page 34).
• Format Drive: Enter format drive mode to reformat the internal flash drive (page 34).

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth to clean the exterior. Do not use solvents.
• Battery Replacement: Replace the 6 AA batteries when the ? indicator is empty. Unscrew the 4 cover screws and pull out the rear battery cover. Properly dispose of old batteries.
• Using Different Refrigerants: Purge your manifold with nitrogen before connecting to a system with a different refrigerant to prevent contamination and damage.
• Temperature Calibration: See page 25.
• Advanced Pressure Calibration: See page 30.

Specifications

General

• Display: LCD (5 inches diagonal)
• Backlight: Blue (adjustable duration)
• Low Battery Indication: ? displayed when battery voltage drops below operating level.
• Auto Power Off: 30 minutes of inactivity (adjustable). Disabled during data logging.
• Maximum Manifold Pressure: 800 Psig (5500 kPa)
• Battery Type: 6 x AA alkaline
• Battery Life: 350 hours typical (without vacuum, backlight, and wireless)
• Radio Frequency: 2.4 GHz
• Wireless Range: 350 feet (106 meters) line of sight. Distance decreases through obstructions.
• Data Port: Micro USB (for extracting data logs or updating firmware)
• Operating Environment: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at <75% RH
• Storage Environment: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) at <80% RH (with battery removed)
• Temperature Coefficient: 0.1 x (specified accuracy) per °C or 1.8°F for specific ranges.
• Weight: 4.03 lbs (1.83 kg)
• Water Resistant: Designed to IP54
• US Patent: www.fieldpiece.com/patents
• Refrigerants: A comprehensive list is provided, with updates available at www.fieldpiece.com. Includes R11, R22, R32, R134A, R410A, R404A, R407C, R448A, R449A, R452A, R507A, R600A, R1234YF, R1234ZE, R744 (CO2, max pressure 580 Psig), and many others.

Temperature

• Sensor Type: Type K thermocouple (nickel chromium/nickel aluminum)
• Jack Type: (3) Type K thermocouple jacks
• Range: -50°F to 257°F (-46°C to 125°C), limited by thermocouple specification. Display range is -95°F to 999.9°F (-70°C to 537.0°C).
• Resolution: 0.1°F (0.1°C)
• Accuracy: Shown accuracies are after field calibration. Example: ±(1.0°F) -95°F to 200°F; ±(0.5°C) -70°C to 93°C.

Pressure

• Sensor Type: Absolute pressure sensors
• Port Type: (1) 3/8" and (3) 1/4" standard NPT male flare fittings
• Pressure Range and Units: 580 Psig (English), 40.00 Bar (Metric), 4.000 MPa (Metric), and 4000 kPa (Metric)
• Negative Pressure Range and Units: 29 inHg (English), 74 cmHg (Metric)
• Resolution: 0.1 Psig; 0.01 Bar; 0.001 MPa; 1 kPa; 0.1 inHg; 1 cmHg
• Negative Pressure Accuracy: ±0.2 inHg (29 inHg to 0 inHg); ±1 cmHg (74 cmHg to 0 cmHg)
• Pressure Accuracy: ±1 Psig (0 Psig to 200 Psig); ±(0.3% of reading + 1 Psig) (200 Psig to 580 Psig); similar accuracies for Bar, MPa, kPa.

Deep Vacuum

• Sensor Type: Thermistor
• Range and Units: 50 to 9999 microns of mercury (English), 6 to 1330 Pascals (Metric), 0.06 to 13.3 mBar (Metric), 50 to 9999 mTorr (Metric), 0.05 to 10 Torr (Metric, equivalent to mmHg)
• Best Resolution: 1 micron of mercury (below 2000 microns), 1 Pascal (below 250 Pascals), etc.
• Accuracy @ 77°F (25°C): ±(5% of reading + 5 microns of mercury) (50 to 1000 microns), etc.

Wireless Compatibility

• Job Link System Minimum Device Requirement: BLE 4.0 devices running iOS 7.1 or Android™ Kitkat 4.4.
• Wireless Measurement Source Assignments: Details models JL3PC (for pipe temps, set to blue/red) and JL3RH (for psychrometers, set to blue/red), SRS3/SRS3P (for refrigerant weight scales).
• Compatibility Updates: Latest compatibility at www.fieldpiece.com.

Manifold Diagram

Diagram Description: The manifold features a Low Pressure Sensor, Deep Vacuum Sensor, and High Pressure Sensor. It includes four ports: LOW, HIGH, VAC, and REF, each with corresponding valves. The LOW and HIGH ports are typically used for system connections, the VAC port for vacuum pumps, and the REF port for refrigerant cylinders or recovery machines.

Compliance

• EN 300 328
• 2ALHR005
• IC: Industry Canada 22518-BT005
• Regulatory Compliance Mark
• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
• Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Compliant

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

IC Statement

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This equipment complies with IC RSS-102 radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Limited Warranty

Fieldpiece warrants this product against defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase from an authorized Fieldpiece dealer. Fieldpiece will replace or repair the defective unit, at its option, subject to verification of the defect. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable use of the machine. Any implied warranties arising from the sale of a Fieldpiece product, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the above. Fieldpiece shall not be liable for loss of use of the machine or other incidental or consequential damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any claim of such damage, expenses, or economic loss. State laws vary; limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

Obtaining Service

Visit www.fieldpiece.com/rma for the latest information on how to obtain service. Warranty for products purchased outside of the U.S. should be handled through local distributors. Visit the Fieldpiece website to find your local distributor.