What You'll Learn

• How to connect Accutools BluVac vacuum gauges to measureQuick using the App-to-App integration
• What the BluVac measures and how mQ displays evacuation progress
• How to run and monitor a decay test through the BluVac integration
• Pass/fail criteria for evacuation as displayed in measureQuick
• Differences between the BluVac+ Professional and BluVac+ Micro Wireless models

What You'll Need

• Device: iPhone (iOS 15+) or Android phone/tablet (Android 10+) with measureQuick installed
• BluVac app: The AccuTools BluVac app installed on the same device as measureQuick
• BluVac gauge: AccuTools BluVac+ Professional (A10702) or BluVac+ Micro Wireless (A10730)
• Bluetooth: Enabled on your device
• Active test: A project or quick test open in measureQuick
• Time: 5 minutes to set up the integration; evacuation duration depends on system volume and moisture content

BluVac Model Comparison

Accutools offers two BluVac models compatible with measureQuick:

Both models share: 5% of reading +/- 5 microns accuracy, 0.2F (0.1C) temperature accuracy, Bluetooth Smart connectivity, operating temperature range of 10F to 122F.

Key features: Evacuation Progress Indicator, Saturation Temperature Display, Leak Rate Indicator, field-calibratable design (no special equipment required), patented Couchette sensor technology.

The BluVac+ Professional is the recommended model for full-time service technicians. The 300-hour battery life, higher resolution at low micron levels, and 500 PSI overpressure protection justify the price difference. The Micro Wireless is a solid budget option for occasional evacuation work.

[Visual Reference] The BluVac+ Professional is noticeably larger than the BluVac Micro Wireless. The BluVac+ (6 oz, powered by a 9V battery) is roughly the size of a small handheld radio, with a wider body and a prominent sensor port. The Micro Wireless (2.7 oz, powered by 2x AAA batteries) is compact enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Both have a digital display showing micron level and a Bluetooth indicator LED.

How the Integration Works: App-to-App

The BluVac does not connect to measureQuick directly. Instead, it uses an App-to-App integration. The BluVac gauge pairs with the BluVac app via Bluetooth. The BluVac app then shares evacuation data with measureQuick through inter-app communication.

This means:

1. The BluVac gauge connects to the BluVac app (Bluetooth).
2. The BluVac app communicates with measureQuick (App-to-App data sharing).
3. You need both apps installed on the same device.

This architecture avoids redundancy between the two apps and allows Accutools to maintain full control of the gauge's firmware and calibration through their own app.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install and Set Up the BluVac App

If you have not already, install the AccuTools BluVac app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Open the app and follow the initial setup. Pair your BluVac gauge with the BluVac app by powering on the gauge and scanning for it in the app.

Confirm the gauge is connected and reading in the BluVac app before proceeding to measureQuick.

Step 2: Enable BluVac Integration in measureQuick

1. Open measureQuick and start a project or quick test.
2. Navigate to the Toolbox by tapping the menu or toolbar icon.
3. Go to Data Sharing Tools > BluVac System Evacuation App.
4. Tap Activate to enable the BluVac integration.

This tells measureQuick to listen for incoming evacuation data from the BluVac app. The activation persists across sessions; you do not need to re-enable it each time.

measureQuick Toolbox showing Data Sharing Tools with BluVac System Evacuation App and the Activate button

Step 3: Start an Evacuation in the BluVac App

With the integration active:

1. Connect your vacuum pump to the system and your BluVac gauge to the system's service port or a tee fitting on the manifold.
2. Open the BluVac app.
3. Start a new evacuation session in the BluVac app. The gauge begins reading vacuum level in microns.
4. Start your vacuum pump.

The BluVac app displays real-time vacuum level, evacuation progress, and estimated time to target. This data flows to measureQuick in the background.

[Visual Reference] The BluVac app displays the current vacuum level in microns (large number in the center), an evacuation progress bar showing how close you are to your target micron level, elapsed time since the pump started, and the saturation temperature at the current vacuum level. As the vacuum pump runs, the micron reading drops steadily from atmospheric toward the target (typically 500 microns or lower).

Step 4: Monitor Evacuation Progress in measureQuick

Switch to measureQuick. The evacuation data from the BluVac app appears in your active test. You can see:

• Current vacuum level in microns
• Evacuation progress indicator (how close to your target)
• Time elapsed since evacuation started
• Saturation temperature at the current vacuum level (important for understanding whether moisture is present)

measureQuick displays the data as it arrives from the BluVac app. The update rate depends on the BluVac gauge's reporting interval.

Step 5: Run a Decay Test

A decay test verifies that the system holds vacuum after the pump is isolated. This is the critical pass/fail test for evacuation quality.

1. When the system reaches your target vacuum level (typically 500 microns or below), close the valve between the vacuum pump and the system to isolate the pump.
2. In the BluVac app, start the decay test timer.
3. Monitor the vacuum level. After isolation, the system's vacuum level will rise slightly as residual moisture evaporates and temperature equalizes. This initial rise is normal.
4. After the initial rise stabilizes (typically 1-5 minutes), the vacuum level should hold steady or continue dropping very slowly.

Pass criteria: The system holds below 500 microns after the initial stabilization period. The vacuum level does not continue rising after 10 minutes of isolation.

Fail criteria: The vacuum level rises steadily above 500 microns and does not stabilize. This indicates either a leak in the system or remaining moisture.

The BluVac app displays a Leak Rate Indicator that calculates the rate of vacuum rise. measureQuick receives this data and can include it in the test report.

Step 6: Save Evacuation Results to the Project

When the evacuation and decay test are complete:

1. Stop the evacuation session in the BluVac app.
2. The BluVac app sends the final evacuation report data to measureQuick.
3. In measureQuick, the evacuation results attach to your active project. They are stored with the rest of the test data (refrigerant measurements, static pressure, temperatures).
4. The evacuation results appear in the project's report, providing a complete record of the installation or service.

Quick Tests and BluVac

You can also use the BluVac integration from a Quick Test in measureQuick, not just from a full project. From the Quick Test screen, the BluVac integration works the same way: Toolbox > Data Sharing Tools > BluVac > Activate. The evacuation data attaches to the quick test results.

This is useful for standalone evacuation jobs where you do not need a full commissioning workflow.

Understanding Vacuum Levels

Why 500 microns? At 500 microns of vacuum, the boiling point of water drops to approximately 33F. This ensures that any residual moisture in the system evaporates and is pulled out by the vacuum pump. Most manufacturer specifications and industry standards (ASHRAE, ACCA) require evacuation to 500 microns or below before charging.

Saturation temperature display: The BluVac gauge and app show the saturation temperature at the current vacuum level. This helps you understand whether the system temperature is high enough for moisture to evaporate at the current vacuum. If the ambient temperature is below the saturation temperature at your vacuum level, the moisture will not evaporate efficiently, and the evacuation will stall.

Video Walkthrough

• BluVac 3.0 features: (12:26, 1.3K views, 51 likes) - Overview of BluVac 3.0 features including multi-gauge support and measureQuick integration

• Mastering Decay Testing: (14:32, 4.5K views, 151 likes) - Detailed walkthrough of decay test procedures using BluVac 3.0

• Best Practices for System Evacuation: (16:07, 13.1K views, 338 likes) - Comprehensive evacuation best practices including vacuum gauge usage

• Importance of Decay Testing: (12:26) - Why decay tests matter and how to interpret results

• Why Proper Evacuation is Critical: (16:44) - Technical deep dive into why evacuation quality directly affects system longevity, especially for heat pumps

• Proper Evacuation Can Be Quick: (3:24) - Case study demonstrating that proper technique reduces evacuation time

Tips & Common Issues

BluVac data does not appear in measureQuick

Confirm that: (1) the BluVac integration is activated in measureQuick (Toolbox > Data Sharing Tools > BluVac > Activate), (2) both apps are installed on the same device, (3) the BluVac gauge is connected and reading in the BluVac app, and (4) an active project or quick test is open in measureQuick. If data still does not transfer, force-close both apps and reopen them.

Vacuum level is rising after isolating the pump

This is normal in the first few minutes. Residual moisture evaporates and system temperature equalizes, causing a temporary vacuum rise. Wait 5-10 minutes. If the vacuum level stabilizes below 500 microns, the system passes. If it continues rising above 500 microns after 10 minutes, you have a leak or significant moisture remaining.

Gauge reads 0 microns but the system has not been evacuated long enough

The BluVac sensor has a lower resolution limit. At very low micron readings, check that the gauge is zeroed correctly and the sensor is not saturated. If the reading seems implausible (0 microns after only a few minutes of pumping on a large system), recalibrate the gauge per the manufacturer's instructions. The BluVac is field-calibratable without special equipment.

Can I use a different vacuum gauge with measureQuick?

Currently, only BluVac gauges are supported in the measureQuick App-to-App integration for evacuation data. Other vacuum gauges (NAVAC, Yellow Jacket YJACK VAC) may connect via BLE for vacuum readings but do not provide the same integrated evacuation workflow with progress tracking, decay test monitoring, and automatic report attachment. The Yellow Jacket YJACK VAC is not compatible with measureQuick.

Battery life considerations

The BluVac+ Professional at 300 hours (9V battery) will last through many evacuation sessions. The Micro Wireless at 100 hours (2x AAA) is still generous for the typical 30-60 minute evacuation. Carry spare batteries. A dead gauge mid-evacuation means you lose your vacuum verification record.

Overpressure protection

The BluVac+ Professional has 500 PSI overpressure protection. This means you can leave it connected to the system when you transition from evacuation to charging without damaging the sensor. The Micro Wireless does not have this rating; disconnect it before pressurizing the system.

Related Articles

Prerequisites (complete these first):

• Bluetooth Pairing Basics

Follow-up articles (next steps after this one):

• Evacuation Workflow
• Bluetooth Troubleshooting

Related in the same domain:

• Smart Tool Overview
• Fieldpiece Probe Pairing
• Testo Manifold Pairing

Related in other domains:

• Refrigeration Cycle Basics (why evacuation matters)
• Test Reports (evacuation data in project reports)

Need Help?

If you get stuck or this article does not answer your question:

• Check the Related Articles section above
• Review existing Zoho help desk articles: "How to Connect a BluVac Gauge to measureQuick," "Using BluVac with mQ in Quick Tests," and "BluVac Integration with measureQuick"
• Contact measureQuick support: support@measurequick.com