[RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

[Keith Cronin]

My sense is this tool, at this price point of $4k is a good investment for various reasons.

1. Analytics- know right away what is right and what needs remedy.
2. Old systems- maintenance program- I always ponder how many circa late 1990's to today systems that are operating at or below their originally projected performance. Its akin to fixing a leaky pipe.
3. Real world- objective data- you or the tech grabbing the data- it can be brought back to the shop and verified- as opposed to taking some measurements and writing them down on a piece of paper on the clipboard.

On the tech side- perhaps an iPad with the virtualization software could remedy the tablet issue? Might need a unique connector or maybe go wireless?
 

Keith


________________________________
From: Glenn Burt <glenn.burt at glbcc.com>
To: gary at icarussolarservices.com; 'RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 8:07 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600


Thanks Gary,
That is a bummer knowing the dearth of Windows tablets available. Seems like it would be a match made in heaven for real-time feedback.
 
I am having the same disappointment looking for a tablet (small & portable) to use when troubleshooting DAS systems. Hard to believe I am now complaining about having to carry my laptop everywhere to do so, but I want lighter & smaller! Not so easy to balance and work on your knee where inverters are typically installed.
 
*sigh*
 
-Glenn
 
From:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Gary Willett
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:32 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600
 
GLENN:  The PVA600 uses a Windows based application.

I have a MacBookPro that runs Windows 7 natively using the "Bootcamp" software that is bundled in with the Mac OS.

So unless your tablet can run Windows in either native of emulation mode, you're ( currently ) out of luck.

As with most manufacturers, customer demand probably drives Solmetric and the OS platforms on which the PVA600 software will run. Make your wishes for an Android version known to them.
Regards,


Gary Willett, PE
Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com

On 7/30/2011 9:47 AM, Glenn Burt wrote: 
So the PVA-600 doesn’t require a Windows specific program to access the logging device?
This has been a question for me as most tablets now run Android OS and not a Microsoft product.
Is it just browser based perhaps?
 
Thanks!
Glenn Burt
 
From:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 2:51 PM
To: Keith Cronin; RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600
 
I am using it right now.  I really like it. It's great for storing records of array/module parameters. Helps with pinpointing trouble modules or strings. I have also used it to show customers what snow/dirt can do to a string. The same can be done with a meter of course.   Only works up to 20A so limited off-grid use.  
 
I started out using a laptop with it but have since switched to a tablet computer, it fits right in the front pocket and makes a nice little package. 
 
Jesse

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 29, 2011, at 12:56 PM, Keith Cronin <electrichi01 at yahoo.com> wrote:
Any wrenches using this tool?
> 
>If so, feedback?
> 
>http://www.solmetric.com/pva600.html
> 
>Bill- what is your take on its IV Curve measurement data?
> 
>Perhaps its been a while, but I recall your tested was in the $20k cost zone?
> 
>This seems like a reasonable tool to have and all of the benefits of commissioning plus being able to quickly identify challenges.
> 
>It also seems to provide a glimpse into the future of mod manu's products and their efficacy over time.
> 
>Aloha,
>Keith
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