testo 560i Smart Refrigerant Charging Scale with Integrated Bluetooth and Dedicated Solenoid Valve

Overview

The testo 560i Smart Refrigerant Charging Scale is an engineered solution for precision refrigerant management in HVAC/R service, commissioning, and maintenance workflows. Unlike conventional scales or manual charging methods, the testo 560i operates as a closed-loop, sensor-integrated weighing platform—designed specifically for controlled refrigerant transfer under thermodynamic parameters. Its core functionality relies on real-time mass measurement combined with Bluetooth-synchronized logic from compatible testo digital manifolds (e.g., testo 550i, 557s) or the testo Smart App. By integrating direct weight feedback with system-side thermal parameters—namely superheat, subcooling, and target mass—the device enables automated, condition-based refrigerant dosing. This eliminates reliance on static time-based or pressure-only charging protocols, significantly reducing overcharging risk, refrigerant waste, and non-compliance with F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014) and EPA Section 608 requirements.

Key Features

• Precision weighing platform with 10 g readability and 100 kg maximum capacity—calibrated for all common refrigerants (R-134a, R-410A, R-404A, R-32, R-290, etc.) across vapor and liquid phases.
• Integrated Bluetooth 5.0 module enabling secure, low-latency communication with testo digital manifolds and the testo Smart App—supporting bidirectional data exchange and remote command execution.
• Rugged industrial design: textured rubberized top surface for grip and spill resistance; IP44-rated enclosure for dust and splash protection; operating range of −10 °C to +50 °C ensures field reliability in diverse ambient conditions.
• Long-duration power management: 70-hour runtime on four standard AA alkaline cells; automatic sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity; user-replaceable batteries without tools.
• Dedicated solenoid valve (order no. 0560 5600) with IP54 ingress protection, stainless-steel mounting hook, and 60-hour operation on a single 9 V battery—engineered for repeated high-cycle actuation in refrigerant lines up to 25 mm OD.
• Compact, portable form factor (320 × 240 × 85 mm) with integrated carrying handle and included durable shoulder bag—optimized for technician mobility and job-site organization.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The testo 560i is validated for use with standard refrigerant cylinders (up to 100 kg gross weight), including disposable and refillable steel/aluminum containers. It supports full compatibility with testo’s digital manifold ecosystem—including testo 557, 550, 557s, 550s, and 550i—enabling synchronized acquisition of pressure, temperature, superheat, subcooling, and mass flow derivatives. All firmware and app logic adhere to EN 378-1:2016 (revised) safety requirements for refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Data logging within the testo Smart App complies with traceability expectations under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for calibration laboratories and supports audit-ready export (CSV/PDF) for service documentation. While not a certified metrological instrument per OIML R 76, its 10 g resolution meets typical HVAC/R field verification tolerances specified in AHRI Standard 750 and ASHRAE Guideline 3-2022.

Software & Data Management

Control and configuration are executed exclusively via the testo Smart App (iOS and Android), which provides three distinct charging modes: Target Mass, Target Superheat, and Target Subcooling. Each mode triggers adaptive valve control logic based on live manifold data and scale feedback. All measurements—including timestamped weight change rate, cumulative mass dispensed, valve open/close events, and environmental temperature—are stored locally on the mobile device and optionally synced to cloud-based project folders. The app enforces GLP-aligned data integrity: entries are immutable once saved, include operator ID, device serial numbers, and geotagging metadata. Export functions support CSV for spreadsheet analysis and PDF reports compliant with contractor documentation standards. Firmware updates are delivered OTA and logged with version history and installation timestamps.

Applications

• Field commissioning of residential and commercial air-conditioning systems, chillers, and heat pumps—ensuring optimal refrigerant charge per manufacturer specifications.
• Leak repair verification: precise post-repair recharging with documented mass balance to confirm system integrity and prevent repeat failures.
• Energy efficiency audits: correlating refrigerant mass with evaporator/condenser performance metrics to identify undercharge/overcharge anomalies.
• VRF and multi-split system balancing: sequential charging across multiple indoor units using mass-based allocation rather than pressure convergence alone.
• Training and certification labs: demonstrable repeatability for refrigerant handling assessments aligned with EPA 608 Type II/III and City & Guilds 6187 syllabi.

FAQ

Does the testo 560i require calibration before first use?
No—factory calibration is performed prior to shipment and remains valid for 12 months under normal operating conditions. Field recalibration is not user-accessible; periodic verification against NIST-traceable weights is recommended annually.
Can the testo 560i operate independently without a testo manifold or smartphone?
Yes—it displays real-time weight and net mass change in standalone mode, but automated charging logic (superheat/subcooling control) requires Bluetooth pairing with a compatible manifold or the testo Smart App.
Is the solenoid valve rated for use with flammable refrigerants such as R-290 or R-1234yf?
Yes—the valve housing and internal components meet ATEX Category 3G (Zone 2) mechanical safety requirements for Group II equipment; however, electrical connection must comply with local hazardous area classification rules.
How is data security handled in the testo Smart App?
All Bluetooth communications use AES-128 encryption; locally stored data is protected by device-level OS permissions; cloud sync (optional) uses TLS 1.3 and OAuth 2.0 authentication—no data is shared with third parties without explicit user consent.
What is the warranty coverage for the testo 560i and its solenoid valve?
Both components carry a 24-month limited warranty covering material and workmanship defects under normal use, excluding consumables, physical damage, or misuse inconsistent with the operating manual.