PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE
ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION OR OPERATION! Attempting to
operate this tool without fully understanding its features and
functions may result in unsafe conditions.
Refrigerant Analyzer Warnings
• Refrigerant Blend Warning: Operate this unit with vehicles or
cylinders marked to contain R-1234yf, R-134a or R-12 refrigerant.
Cross-contamination with other refrigerant types causes severe
damage to the A/C system, to service tools, and to equipment.
DO NOT mix refrigerant types in a system or in the same container.
• Sample Hose Warning: Replace the sample hose as soon as liquid,
oil, or red spots (discoloration) begin to appear on the inside
diameter of the sample hose or white lter element. FAILURE TO
PROPERLY MAINTAIN AND REPLACE THE SAMPLE HOSE WILL
RESULT IN SEVERE DAMAGE OR INACCURATE RESULTS.
• Flammability Warning: Some vehicles may contain flammable
refrigerants such as hydrocarbons. R-1234yf is considered a
flammable substance. Failure to follow the manual can result in
serious injury or death. Less than 2 grams of refrigerant are vented
with each sample. This refrigerant analyzer is designed with
sealed heat sources and without sparking components.
• Sample Input Warning: DO NOT attempt to introduce liquid or
samples heavily laden with oil into the low side sampling hose
conguration. Damage caused to the refrigerant analyzer due to
the use of the wrong hose conguration on the wrong port will void
the warranty.
• Battery Charging Warning: When charging the internal battery with
the supplied power supply, the power supply may become warm.
If the power supply becomes warm, unplug the cord to avoid
overheating. When charging multiple analyzers, allow the charger
to cool before charging the next battery.
• Air Sensor Warning: The air detection sensor is a chemical fuel cell
sensor that will eventually expire. The user must return the unit
to an approved vendor in order to replace the air detection sensor
whenever the refrigerant analyzer indicates as such. Failure to
replace the air detection sensor will result in non-functionality of
the refrigerant analyzer.
• Power Source Warning: Connection to power sources greater than
13 VDC could cause damage not covered under the warranty.
• Operational Warning: Personal injury and/or equipment damage
may occur if the equipment is used in a manner not specied by
the manufacturer.
R-ID AND R-ID PLUS OPERATIONS MANUAL
General Cautions
• Always wear eye and skin protection when working with
refrigerants. Escaping refrigerant vapors will present a
freezing danger. DO NOT direct refrigerant escaping from
the sample hose toward exposed skin or toward the face.
• Always turn the compressor or automobile engine OFF
before connecting the refrigerant analyzer to an air
conditioning system.
• Always inspect the sample hose before each use. Replace
the hose if it appears cracked, frayed, obstructed, or
coated with oil.
• Do Not direct refrigerant vapors venting from hoses
towards the skin.
• Do Not disassemble the refrigerant analyzer. There are no
serviceable internal components, and disassembly will
void the warranty.
• Always place the unit on a flat and sturdy surface.
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, DO NOT
disassemble the refrigerant analyzer or use the unit in wet
or damp areas.
• Some systems may contain hydrocarbons or flammable
refrigerants. This refrigerant analyzer is designed with
sealed heat sources and without sparking components.
Ensure adequate ventilation and always take proper
precautions when working with refrigerants.
• Do Not breathe refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist.
Exposure may irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Use
recycling equipment certied to meet the requirements of
SAE J2788, J2843, J3030, or J2851 to remove refrigerant
from the A/C system. If accidental system discharge
occurs, immediately ventilate the work area. There must
be adequate ventilation in the vehicle servicing area.
• Do Not use any hose(s) other than those supplied with
the refrigerant analyzer. The use of other hose types
will introduce errors into the refrigerant analysis and
refrigerant analyzer calibration.
• Always verify that the refrigerant, tested from the low
side, does not contain or will not emit heavy loads of oil or
liquid.
PAG E 5
• Never admit any sample into the refrigerant analyzer at
pressures in excess of 500 PSIG.
• Never obstruct the air intake, sample exhaust, or case
vent ports of the refrigerant analyzer during use.
• Do Not use the coupler supplied on the service end of
the R-134a or R-1234yf sample hoses for any application
other than with the refrigerant analyzer. The coupler
supplied is a modied version that does not contain a
check valve and is not suitable for any other refrigerant
application.
The R-ID and R-ID Plus R-1234yf / R-134a Refrigerant Analyzers are
designed for use independently or in conjunction with an SAE J2843 or
J3030 approved A/C service machine to determine the purity of R-134a
or R-1234yf refrigerant. The refrigerant analyzers use non-dispersive
infrared (NDIR) technology to determine the weight concentration
of R-1234yf or R-134a refrigerant. Acceptable refrigerant purity as it
relates to these refrigerant analyzers have been dened by the SAE as a
refrigerant mixture that contains 98.0% or greater of R-1234yf or R-134a
by weight.
The refrigerant analyzers are supplied complete with an R-1234yf
sample hose, an R-134a sample hose (R-12 coupler sold separately),
a 100–240 VAC power transformer, built in lithium-ion battery, thermal
printer (R-ID Plus model only), and all required plumbing housed within
a hard-shell portable storage case.
Sample gas is admitted into the refrigerant analyzers through
the supplied sample hose and presented to the sensing device.
The refrigerant analyzers provide the user with a digital display of
refrigerant purity. The refrigerant analyzers only consider the weights
of the refrigerant and contaminates in the total mixture. Air is
measured and displayed separately. Other contents such as refrigerant
oil and dye are not considered contaminants.
Required SAE Statement (SAE J2912): “If the refrigerant being tested
is identied as contaminated (i.e., less than 98% pure R-1234yf or
HFC-134A), any visual percentages displayed of HFC-134a (R-134a)
and/or HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf), outside the design certied value, is
The R-ID and R-ID Plus Refrigerant Analyzer base unit houses the LCD,
electrical connections, and rechargeable battery. These components
require no maintenance; therefore, there are no serviceable internal
components, and disassembly will void the warranty.
R-1234yf Sample Hose
The 6.5 ft (2m) R-1234yf sample hose is constructed of polyurethane
ether. The hose is provided with a refrigerant analyzer inlet port mating
connector on one end and a brass flow restrictor on the other end. The
brass flow restrictor screws into the R-1234yf low side coupler. The
sample hose is considered a consumable maintenance part. A spare
R-1234yf sample hose is also provided.
The 6.5 ft (2m) R-134a sample hose is constructed of polyurethane
ether. The hose is provided with a refrigerant analyzer inlet port mating
connector on one end and a brass flow restrictor on the other end.
The brass flow restrictor screws into the R-134a low side coupler. The
sample hose is considered a consumable maintenance part. A spare
R-134a sample hose is also provided.
Analyzer EndService End
R-134a Low Side Coupler
Sample Hose Extensions
The sample hose extensions allow the user to easily connect and
disconnect the hose assembly to the refrigerant analyzer. The
extension is connected directly to the refrigerant analyzer and the
sample hose connects to the male tting on the opposite end.
R-1234yf Low Side Coupler
The R-1234yf low side coupler is designed with a quick connect
adapter to quickly connect the hose assembly to the low side Schrader
valve on a R-1234yf vehicle.
R-1234yf (engraved in ne text)
R-134a Low Side Coupler
The R-134a low side coupler is designed with a quick connect adapter
to quickly connect the hose assembly to the low side Schrader valve
on a R-134a vehicle.
The USB cord is provided to connect the refrigerant analyzer with an
SAE J2843 or J3030 approved A/C service machine. If connecting
to an approved A/C service machine, follow the instructions on this
machine to operate the refrigerant analyzer.
R-1234yf Tank Adapter Fitting
The R-123yf tank adapter tting will provide the user with an adapter
to allow connection of the R-1234yf sample hose to the 1/2” LH Acme
threads on the R-1234yf cylinder.
R-134a Tank Adapter Fitting
The R-134a tank adapter tting will provide the user with an adapter to
allow connection of the R-134a sample hose and low side coupler to a
R-134a cylinder Acme port.
R-134a Low Side Stub
(Fits into R-134a Low Side Coupler)
The R-ID and R-ID Plus Refrigerant Analyzers are powered via a lithiumion battery. You can also power the unit with the A/C power adapter
which converts a standard 100–240 VAC 50/60 Hz wall outlet to 12
VDC, 1.6A. This A/C power adapter will also charge the battery when
connected to the refrigerant analyzer.
NOTE: Use of any other power source may cause damage to the unit
and void the warranty.
Control Panel
The control panel serves as the main user interface and features three
soft key buttons. The current function for each button is displayed
above the soft key buttons on the full color LCD. A Home button and a
Power button are also found at the top of the control panel.
The connections located on the back panel are illustrated below.
CAUTION: The sample outlet port should never be obstructed.
Keep the sample outlet port free and clear at all times.
DO NOT operate near open flame.
Factory
Power Port
Sample Inlet
USB Port
Sample Outlet
Hard Shell Portable Storage Case
The hard shell portable storage case is custom t to the R-ID and R-ID
Plus Refrigerant Analyzers. It provides rugged protection for the tool,
as well as storage for all components. The storage case is general
purpose and is not waterproof.
The R-ID and R-ID Plus Refrigerant Analyzer have a built in lithium-ion
battery. Prior to rst use, charge the battery for a minimum of two
hours with the included A/C power adapter. The refrigerant analyzer
will both function and charge the battery when the A/C power supply is
connected.
Power on the Refrigerant Analyzer
For use with an SAE J2843 or J3030 certied A/C service machine,
connect one end of the provided USB cable to the USB port on the
back of the refrigerant analyzer and connect the other end of the USB
cable to the A/C service machine.
NOTE: If the unit is used as an independent device, the USB cable
should not be connected.
Press the upper right Power button and the splash screen shown
in (Figure 1) will appear. Press Next and the device will warm up as
shown in (Figure 2). Warm up will take approximately 30 seconds.
Once the refrigerant analyzer warms up, the screen in (Figure 3) will
appear offering the option to change settings or start an analysis. If
you wish to adjust factory settings, select the left soft key and refer to
the Settings section (page 19). To begin an analysis, select the right
soft key. Next select the type of refrigerant you wish to test (Figure 4).
NOTE: If you are analyzing an R-12 vehicle or cylinder, you must select
the R-134a mode.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Calibration
Each time the refrigerant analyzer begins a new test cycle it must
complete an air calibration. The calibration takes 30 seconds and pulls
fresh air into the unit via an internal pump. This fresh air purges any
excess refrigerant from the unit and ensures accurate test results.
Calibration requires that a sample hose be connected to the device
and disconnected from the vehicle or refrigerant source.
Once the sample hose is connected to the refrigerant analyzer, press
Start to begin the air calibration as shown in (Figure 5). This will begin
the calibration process and display the screen shown in (Figure 6).
After the air calibration is complete, the refrigerant analyzer is ready
for testing and will direct you to connect the hose to a refrigerant
source as shown in (Figure 7). Connect the hose to the vehicle’s low
side Schrader valve. Allow the refrigerant to flow for a few seconds
and then press the Test button to begin the test. The testing screen
shown in (Figure 8) will display.
Figure 7
Figure 8
Viewing the Test Results
Upon completion of testing, the refrigerant analyzer will display the
screen shown in (Figure 9). Disconnect the coupler from the refrigerant
source and select Results to display the test results (Figure 10).
The percentage displayed for each refrigerant indicates the total
purity weight of that refrigerant, equaling 100%, with air and noncondensible gases measured independently. Pressing Print will print
the test results. Pressing Print Prior 5 Results will print the last 5 tests
completed.
If the refrigerant analyzed is 98.0% pure or greater, the refrigerant
is deemed suitable for standard recovery and reuse. Should the
refrigerant be less than 98.0% pure, the refrigerant is not suitable for
standard recovery and should not be reused. In either case, verify that
the hose is disconnected from the refrigerant source and press Exit to
return to the main screen (Figure 11).
Figure 11
NOTE: In R-134a mode, R-12 and R-1234yf are combined into one
reading referred to as R-12 / R-1234yf.
Understanding Test Results
The refrigerant analyzer is designed to analyze the base gas it is
calibrated for. When testing a R-134a vehicle, R-134a should be
selected as shown in (Figure 12). Conversely, when testing a R-1234yf
vehicle, R-1234yf should be selected as shown in (Figure 13). If the
wrong base refrigerant is selected, the refrigerant analyzer will fail the
test and produce inaccurate results.
The refrigerant analyzer is designed to provide visual cues after
analysis is complete. When the sample refrigerant is found to be 98.0%
pure or greater, the refrigerant analyzer will display a green background
indicator (Figure 14).
Figure 14Figure 15
When the sample refrigerant is found to be between 95.0%–98.0%
pure, a yellow background indicator will appear (Figure 15).
When the sampled refrigerant is found to be less than 95.0%, tests
positive for hydrocarbons, or has a large contamination, the screen
will illuminate red and CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING
THIS VEHICLE OR CYLINDER (Figure 16).
Figure 16
Please note that air is measured independently of the refrigerant.
Therefore it is possible to have a percentage of air present in a sample
of refrigerant that totals 100% refrigerant. An example of this is shown
in (Figure 17).
Figure 17
If an error message appears at all during or after analysis, refer to the
Error Messages section (page 20).
In the event the refrigerant analyzer displays an Error #3 or Error #5,
this may indicate the sample hose needs replacing. This will occur
when the integrated flow restrictor becomes clogged with oil, debris,
or sealant. It can also occur if there is inadequate flow, or less than
30 PSIG of refrigerant in the vehicle or cylinder. Replacement hoses
for both the R-134a and R-1234yf couplers are provided in the kit.
Additional replacements are listed in the Spare Parts List on page 21.
To replace the sample hose assembly, follow the instructions below:
1. Disconnect the sample hose from the refrigerant source and R-ID
or R-ID Plus Refrigerant Analyzer.
2. Remove the brass restrictor end (with hose attached) from the
coupler and discard. Be sure to use a backup wrench as not to
damage the coupler.
3. Check for signs of oil and debris in the coupler.
4. Use a cleaner which ONLY contains Tetrachloroethylene and
carbon dioxide. Follow safety instructions on the can and spray
all parts of the coupler with the cleaner to remove any oil. DO NOT
soak the part for more than 60 seconds.
5. Allow coupler to dry. Check coupler for oil once again. Failure to
clean the oil out of the coupler will result in premature obstruction
of the new sample hose.
6. Install the brass end of the new sample hose assembly into the
coupler and tighten nger tight.
Information Screens
An information icon or Help indication will appear at various
points throughout the testing process. This button will provide
additional information or tips about the command screens to help
complete the refrigerant analysis.
Software updates may be made available to improve operating
performance or to add additional features. Some updates will be
provided at no charge to improve operating efciencies; others will be
optional, paid upgrades, to add new refrigerants or functions.
The R-ID and R-ID Plus Refrigerant Analyzers have a USB update
port located on the back panel connections. This port should not
be used for any other purpose other than to install factory updates
or connecting to an A/C service machine. If you do not register the
refrigerant analyzer, Robinair will not be able to inform you of any
software updates.
Settings
Pressing the Settings button as shown in (Figure 18) will provide
access to various device settings as shown in (Figure 19).
Figure 18Figure 19
Using the Next button, scroll to the desired setting you wish to change.
Use the Check button to select the setting and the Exit button to
return to the previous screen.
• Brightness: Enhances or dims the brightness of the LCD screen.
• Language: Changes the language to one of 10 available languages.
• Sound: Turns sound ON or OFF.
• Printer: Provides information on how to load the printer paper.
When nished adjusting the settings, press Exit to return to the home
In the event an Error message is displayed, follow the on-screen
prompt associated with the Error. Error messages that may appear
include:
Error #1: The air or gas readings were unstable.
• Solution: Move the unit away from sources of electromotive
force (EMF) or radio-frequency interference (RFI) such as radio
transmitters and arc welders.
Error #2: The air or gas readings were excessively high.
• Solution: Move the unit away from sources of EMF or RFI such as
radio transmitter and arc welders.
Error #3: The air calibration resulted in a low output.
• Solution: Prevent refrigerant from flowing into the unit through the
sample inlet during air calibration.
• Solution: Allow any refrigerant in the atmosphere to dissipate
before performing air calibration.
• Solution: Verify that the air intake and the exhaust are not
obstructed.
• Solution: Verify that the white lter is correctly plugged into the
rubber grommets.
Error #4: The unit is beyond the operating temperature range.
• Solution: Move the unit to an area where the ambient temperature
is within the specied operating range.
Error #5: The refrigerant sampled has an excessively large amount
of air or there was little or no sample flow due to a closed valve or
plugged sample lter. This is the code to prompt the user to charge
the brass lter. This should be considered more as a prompt than an
actual error.
• Solution: Verify the coupler valve is open.
• Solution: Verify the sample lter is not plugged with debris or oil.