HVAC service tool with internet capability

A portable service tool comprising:

• a body;
• first, second and third communication systems within the body, each communication system having a respective first, second and third external port;
• diagnostics function, operably connected to the first, second, and third communications systems, located within the body operable to receive data from the first system, to analyze said data, and to forward the analyzed results to the second and third communications systems;
• wherein the third communication system includes a remote communications facility, the second communication system is connected by the second port to a service technician, and the first communication system receives analog and/or digital data.

A method of servicing an automated system comprising the steps of:

• dispatching a service technician to the automated system;
• connecting a portable service tool to the automated system;
• connecting the service tool via a remote link to a remote location;
• performing diagnostics on the automated system;
• forwarding the results of the diagnostics to the remote location;
• analyzing the diagnostic results at the remote location;
• and
• providing advice and direction to the service technician from the remote location.

A method of improving diagnostics of an HVAC system comprising the steps of:

• providing a field service technician at the location of the HVAC system;
• linking an expert observer at a remote site to the field service technician;
• analyzing the HVAC system on location;
• substantially simultaneously providing the analysis to both the service technician and the expert observer;
• analyzing the results at the remote site using the expert observer;
• and
• providing the analysis from the expert observer to the service technician at the HVAC system location.

A system for servicing a computer controlled machine comprising:

• a computer controlled machine including a device operable to perform a function, a controller controlling the operation of that device, and a data access port for transferring data and commands from the controller;
• and
• a service tool operably connected to the data access port, the service tool including a remote communications capability, a computer, and diagnostics and graphing software;
• and
• an expert observer system operably linked to the remote communications capability of the service tool and including historical machine data, machine sales information, software revisions for the controller, additional diagnostics software, and an expert observer capable of providing a mentor capability to the operator of a service tool.

A service arrangement comprising:

• a computer or control system;
• a local observer in proximity to the system and operatively capable of accessing, maintaining, repairing, modifying, servicing, or upgrading the system;
• a remote observer located elsewhere;
• a service tool operatively capable of providing data and/or information to the local and remote observers, receiving data and information from the local observer and modifying the system accordingly.

A method of servicing, upgrading or maintaining a computer or control system comprising the steps of:

• monitoring, analyzing, servicing or diagnosing a computer or control system to obtain specific information about the status, condition and operational capabilities of the system;
• providing, substantially at the same time, the information to a local observer in the area of the system and to a remote observer located out of the proximity of the system;
• and
• communicating advice or commentary from the remote observer to the local observer.