Question on Pressure Transducers

I am in the market for a decent pressure transducer setup so I can read compression pressures, fuel pressures, trans, etc.. I am looking at the Fluke PV350 and notice that they sell a 100psi and 500psi model...

My question is, wouldn't it be more economical to just buy the 500psi unit and if so, will I be ok testing for smaller pressures in the realm of the 100psi transducer without having to buy a 2nd transducer? Basically, will a 500psi unit read lower pressures that the 100psi transducer is designed for? Trying to buy once, cry once here...

Thanks

Steven

I would recommend the 500psi version because most compression and some fuel pressures can go over 100psi. Not sure what scope you intend on connecting to but pico also makes a nice transducer kit

Thanks for responding. It's to be used with my Vantage Pro or Modis.

I wanted to buy the larger transducer so I could do more with it.. But will a low pressure item still show up as accurately on a 500psi transducer like it would on a 100psi unit?

I can only assume that the 100psi version would have a better resolution in the lower scales. I currently own the pv350 and have had good luck with it but I have not done any in cylinder running compression tests. I have heard that it does not do to well with that. But as far as ignition/compression comparisons, fuel pressure and vacuum measurements it works for me.

That's what I was thinking about the lower scales too. Do I have to buy an entirely new PV350 in the 100psi type, or can I just purchase the 100psi adapter?

I am not familiar with the 100psi version. However the 500psi version I own has the transducer hardwired to the internal circuit board of the unit. If the potential one you are looking to acquire is setup like that, it just would not be practical to switch from one to the other

I have seen a handful of posts around the net complaining of signal noise with Fluke transducer.

Andy.MacFadyen wrote: I have seen a handful posts around the net complaining of signal noise with Fluke transducer.

Hi Andy, do you recommend a different transducer that's compatible with Modis/Vantage Pro scopes?

FastEddieOBD wrote: I am not familiar with the 100psi version. However the 500psi version I own has the transducer hardwired to the internal circuit board of the unit. If the potential one you are looking to acquire is setup like that, it just would not be practical to switch from one to the other

Good to know.. that tells me that they are 2 different models all together. I definitely do NOT want to buy 2 of those things like that. Thanks for your responses.

I've had the PV350 500 PSI model for a few years, and it's done well for in-cylinder testing. Running compression waveforms at less than 100 PSI look good enough.

If you're looking at doing crankcase/intake/exhaust pressure pulse testing, however, you'll need another tool IMO. The PV350 is not sensitive enough to do that kind of thing.

Not trying to tell you how to spend your money, BUT if I could go back in time, I'd just get a Pico WPS500. More capable overall, more adapters, better waveforms. Just an idea!

My post from a while back might be of use to you:

www.scannerdanner.com/forum/diagnostic-t...ransducer.html#11460

I've progressed a bit more on this project, and have an inexpensive (ebay) 100psi transducer working with it.

I've just bought a 5000psi transducer (50 euros) and plan to make up the adaptors to monitor brake fluid pressures and ABS modulator pressure waveforms. This is a longer-term project but is underway.