Training Center


Smart Tools

Browse through the CPS Products Training Center, where you’ll have access to valuable training videos and information on our HVAC/R Smart Tools!

Troubleshooting the ABM-100

IMPORTANT: The most common issue we are seeing with meters not working correctly (phone recognizes meter, but doesn’t take a reading) is caused from dirt and debris in the headphone jack opening. Please have your phone serviced professionally or search online instructional videos on how to clean the headphone jack.

Our meters rely on headphone power to power the internal circuit boards. So if it is not working, the volume is too low or another app or iOS has grabbed the audio channel (i.e. receiving a phone call while taking a reading).

Trouble Shooting Steps
(try each individual step until resolved)
1. Turn up headset volume
2. Close the app completely (not just minimize) and reopen
3. Disable volume limiter (find in Settings>Music on all iOS devices)
4. Restart phone
5. Re-install the app

If these steps are not successful, please try the meter in another smartphone or tablet/iPad device if possible. If the meter works in another phone there is an issue with your phone. If the meter does not work in another phone please take the meter to back to the distributor where it was purchased to get a replacement.

Taking Traverse Readings with the ABM-100 
To increase the accuracy of reading and obtain an average of the overall airflow through a grille or register, please follow the following steps:

1. Place the meter in the center of the grille and hit start
2. Slowly move the meter from side to side (to within 1.5″ of each side) for the full 30 seconds

The ABM-100 and ABM-200 have a sampling rate of 44,100 times per second, it then sends air speed readings to the smartphone every 0.25 seconds, the ABM app automatically calculates in real time the average of all 120 readings transmitted to the smartphone.

Troubleshooting the ABM-200 & SPM-100

There is not an owners manual for these devices. The products use onscreen guidance and help screens throughout the apps to assist the user in the operation of our meters.

1. If you are having an issue making the wireless connection, make certain your Bluetooth is turned on and that your phone or tablet is Bluetooth Smart compatible. An up to date list of Bluetooth Smart compatible devices can be found HERE.
2. The training video for the ABM-100 is applicable to taking airflow readings on the ABM-200, the test screens are identical.
3. If the app crashes, it did not install on your device correctly. To fix, delete the app from the device and then reinstall.
4. If the LED gets dim or stops working, the device needs a new battery. The CR 2450 coin cell battery can be purchased at most drug stores.

LED Function

  1. The LED will flash for 20 seconds or until it pairs with your phone or tablet once you hit the power button
  2. The LED remains off while connected to your device
  3. Once you minimize or close the app, the LED will flash for 20 seconds and then turn off automatically, or you can force the unit to turn off by holding down the power button for 3 seconds (the LED will flash quickly 3 times and the meter will shut off)

Determining AK Factor ABM-100 & aBM-200

Each grille type has a different amount of free space that the air may travel through, this is known as the “AK factor”. The smaller the free space, the greater the velocity of the airflow (much like putting your finger over a water hose to shoot it faster).

The ABM-100 app has a manual adjustment on the settings screen that enables you to manually adjust the amount of area that is blocked by things such as grilles, registers, dampers, fire dampers. The most accurate way to calculate the volume is to find the AK factor from the manufacturer’s data sheet. If this is not available please use the following list to determine the approximate percentage to reduce the free space by:

-Straight Blade Grille or Register 5-10%
-20-40 degree Angled Blade Grille or Register 20-30%
-Curved Blade Grille or Register 30-35%
-Double Deflection Grille or Register 35-50%
-Fire Damper, add 15-20% to the Grille or Register reduction

If there is a round duct feeding a rectangular/square box enter the diameter of the round duct on the dimension screen in the app.

Again, these are rough approximations, the AK factor on the manufacturer’s data sheet is always best to use when available. We will be adding more tools to make this process easier, more accurate, and native inside the app in the near future.