FanTestic

If you have a DM-2 and want to connect to it using software such as FanTestic or the Retrotec Data Logger, you need to install a USB Driver. 

Check your Windows operating system version to determine if you need a 32 bit installer or a 64 bit installer, and download and install from the website.

If you have a DM32, you should use the WiFi or Wired Ethernet connection to the computer for controlling the gauge.  The only time you need to connect the DM32 to the computer using the USB is when updating the gauge firmware using the DM32Configurator software .  You can use the USB for gauge control but it is not recommended.  In any case, the DM32 USB driver is automatically installed by FanTestic.

If you look in your Control Panel - Programs and Features section, you will see the USB drivers that are installed on your computer, listed under Retrotec as the publisher.

For reference to equations for calculating results from a Blower Door test, you can refer to the ASTM E-779-10 standard.

In engineering (fluid dynamics) terms, Bernoulli's equation is an energy balance equation that assumes incompressible fluid (e.g. air) at steady state through two points (e.g. through a building); The equation can be simplified to an orifice plate equation and applied to a Blower Door test.  We can calculate point #1 - the total leakage (EqLA or ELA) of a building, and point #2 - a known area (size of fan hole: Range configuration) by measuring via Blower Door system the airflow rate through these points at a specific induced building pressure (the reference pressure). 

Induced building pressure is directly proportional to airflow rate through a building, and EqLA is directly proportional to airflow rate; so that a higher induced

When I try to start an Auto Test or click Find Gauges button, I get a message saying no gauges were found.  Part of the error message says "Error 5: Access denied".

Your computer is limiting access to the USB ports by programs.  In order for FanTestic to access the USB ports on your computer, you may have to "Run as Administrator".  You will need to follow the procedure outlined in the attached document, regardless of whether you have Administrator privileges on your computer. 

This problem can be avoided if you have a DM32 by connecting the DM32 gauge using an Ethernet cable to connect the computer to the Network port on the gauge instead of using the USB cable.

How does FanTestic calculate the pressures and flows that appear in the FanTestic UI and in the generated Word reports?

The table in the report (and the onscreen data entry fields) containing data for each Set shows:

• the “Induced pressure” and this is the pressure measured by the gauge (read automatically or entered by user) without correction for bias pressure.
• the “Fan Pressure” for each Fan, and this is the pressure measured by the gauge. (read automatically or entered by user)
• the “Flow” for each Fan, which is calculated using the Fan Pressure 
• the “Total Flow” which is all the Flows added up, for all the Fans used, at that target point (will be the same as Flow if only one fan is used)
• the “Corrected Flow” which is the Total Flow adjusted as required in the chosen Standard to account for air density 
  (air density corrections generally