CTR ASTRA User manual

Instruction Booklet
ENGLISH
ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
PLUS
Carefully read this use and maintenance manual before using the unit.
CTR S.R.L. Via T. ed E. Manzini n° 9, 43126 Parma (Italy)
Tel. [phone] - Fax. [phone]
Internet:www.ctr-srl.com E-mail: [email protected]
Revision number 1Code Date 02/03/2016

Instruction Booklet ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
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ENGLISH

Instruction Booklet
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ENGLISH
ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
CTR S.R.L. would like to thank you for buying a product from its range and invites you to read this manual. Inside this manual you
will find all the information you need for correctly using the unit; please follow the instructions contained in this manual carefully and
read through every section. You should also store the manual carefully to keep it in good readable condition. The content of this
manual may be modified without prior notice, nor further obligations, in order to include changes and improvements to the
instructions already provided. No part of this manual may be reproduced or translated without prior written consent of the owner.
CTR S.R.L. shall be responsible for any manufacturing defect that may arise during the entire warranty period and undertakes to
correct any defect as promptly as possible.
WARRANTY
The warranty is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The warranty covers only the replacement of faulty parts. The
warranty shall be invalidated if the equipment is found to have been improperly used or tampered with by people not authorized
by us or if nonconforming components or techniques have been used.
LABELLING
Model Astra
CTR S.R.L.
via T. ed E. Manzini,9
43126 - PARMA ITALY MADE IN ITALY
Model
ASTRA Voltage
Serial N°: Adsorption A Absorbed power W
Max pressure. Min Temperature. Max temperature.
Refrigerant
R134a
Year of manufacture Risk category under
97/23/CE I
This label is merely indicative. The complete data label is afxed onto the unit.

DICHIARAZIONE DI CONFORMITA’
FARE RIFERIMENTO AL DOCUMENTO A CORREDO DEL MANUALE D’USO
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
REFER TO THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT OF THE USER MANUAL
DÉCLARATION DE CONFORMITÉ
CONSULTEZ LE DOCUMENT ATTACHÉ AU MANUEL D’UTILISATION
DECLARACION DE CONFORMIDAD
CONSULTE EL DOCUMENTO ADJUNTO AL MANUAL DEL USUARIO
KONFORMITÄTSERKLÄRUNG
VERWEIS AUF DAS DOKUMENT, DAS DEM HANDBUCH ANGEBOTEN IST

Instruction Booklet
5
ENGLISH
ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
CTR S.R.L. would like to thank you for buying a product from its range and invites you to read this manual. Inside this manual you
will find all the information you need for correctly using the unit; please follow the instructions contained in this manual carefully and
read through every section. You should also store the manual carefully to keep it in good readable condition. The content of this
manual may be modified without prior notice, nor further obligations, in order to include changes and improvements to the
instructions already provided. No part of this manual may be reproduced or translated without prior written consent of the owner.
CTR S.R.L. shall be responsible for any manufacturing defect that may arise during the entire warranty period and undertakes to
correct any defect as promptly as possible.
WARRANTY
The warranty is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The warranty covers only the replacement of faulty parts. The
warranty shall be invalidated if the equipment is found to have been improperly used or tampered with by people not authorized
by us or if nonconforming components or techniques have been used.
LABELLING
Model Astra Plus
CTR S.R.L.
via T. ed E. Manzini,9
43126 - PARMA ITALY MADE IN ITALY
Model
ASTRA PLUS Voltage
Serial N°: Adsorption A Absorbed power W
Max pressure. Min Temperature. Max temperature.
Refrigerant
R134a
Year of manufacture Risk category under
97/23/CE II
This label is merely indicative. The complete data label is afxed onto the unit.

DICHIARAZIONE DI CONFORMITA’
FARE RIFERIMENTO AL DOCUMENTO A CORREDO DEL MANUALE D’USO
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
REFER TO THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT OF THE USER MANUAL
DÉCLARATION DE CONFORMITÉ
CONSULTEZ LE DOCUMENT ATTACHÉ AU MANUEL D’UTILISATION
DECLARACION DE CONFORMIDAD
CONSULTE EL DOCUMENTO ADJUNTO AL MANUAL DEL USUARIO
KONFORMITÄTSERKLÄRUNG
VERWEIS AUF DAS DOKUMENT, DAS DEM HANDBUCH ANGEBOTEN IST

Instruction Booklet
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ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
CAP CONTENTS PAG
Declaration of conformity 3
Symbols 8
1. Introduction 8
2. Technical features 9
3. Safety warnings 10
3.1 Working environment 10
3.2 Preliminary checks 11
3.3 Use 11
3.4 Maintenance 12
3.5 Electrical power supply 12
4. Handling and transport 13
5. General operating rules 14
5.1 Main panel 14
5.2 Operating phases 15
5.3 Use 15
5.4 “Automatic” operation 16-17
5.5 “Recovery” operation 18
5.6 “Vacuum” operation 19
5.7 “CHARGE TO VEHICLE” operation 19-20
5.8 Pipe drainage procedura 21
5.9 Refrigerant topping-up 21
5.10 “Recharge cylinder” operation 22
6. “Service” Menu 22
6.1 Service menu for the operator 22-23
6.2 Service menu for technical staff 23-24
7. Refrigerant transfer from the unit to an external container 24
8. Routine maintenance 24
8.1 Refrigerant lter replacement 24-25
8.2 Vacuum pump replacement 25
9. Oil/UV tracer containers 26
9.1 Service pipes 26
9.2 spare parts 26
9.3 Adhesive labels 26
10. SD Card database update 27
11. Printer 27-28
12. Troubleshooting 29
13. Error messages 30

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ENGLISH
SYMBOLS
Below is a brief legend explaining the symbols used.
DANGER: draws your attention to situations or problems that may cause injury or a risk of death.
WARNING: draws your attention to situations or problems connected with the efficiency of the unit, which do
not pose a risk to the safety of persons.
PROHIBITION: do not perform the operations indicated as they may compromise the efficiency of the unit.
IMPORTANT: draws your attention to important information of a general nature, which does not compromise
personal safety or proper functioning of the unit.
1. Introduction
The unit described in this use and maintenance manual is a fully automatic multifunctional system with digital setting, with a
database for first-installation automotive air conditioning systems and performs the following operations: gas recovery, used oil
discharge, vacuum phase, leak test, new oil refilling, UV tracer recharge, gas recharge. All these operations are controlled by a
microprocessor and electronic precision scales.
Listed below are the main components and their functions :
• Electronic control: controls the entire process by means of a microprocessor.
•
Electronic gas weighing scale: can weigh a maximum of 30 kg of refrigerant with a resolution of 5 g and interrupt the RECOVERY
and CHARGE functions if programming or reaching uncontrollable quantities during the operation.
• 12 cc refrigerant gas recovery compressor.
• Two anti-acid recovery filters and a new-concept dehydrator with reduced environmental impact, low cost and fast to replace.
• Input gas distiller with automatic flow regulator for the separated refrigerant and oil coming from the A/C system
with oil dis charge.
• Oil separator positioned directly behind the compressor with automatic return during the recovery cycle.
•
12-litre cylinder (model Astra) and 19-litre cylinder (model AstraPlus) for refrigerant gas recovery, equipped with an electronically
controlled resistor, safety valve, safety pressure switch and electronic control of non-condensable gas discharge.
• Vacuum pump with high vacuum degree.
• Digital control panel.
• High-contrast multi-language display for environments with poor or excessive lighting.
80 mm analogue pressure gauges (Class 1.0) with pulse-free movement for A/C system diagnosis.
• Two 2.5 m highly reliable flexible hoses with quick-coupling valves and manual opening (screw fitting) for R134a.
• Two 250 cc embossed graduated feeders for new oil, used oil and UV tracer.
LIST OF FUNCTIONS
• Recovery: allows the unit to recover both the refrigerant and part of the oil mixed in it, automatically separating and storing
them. The polluted oil is recovered in an external graduated container. The refrigerant, after regeneration through the filters, is
stored in a dedicated cylinder. The system automatically quantifies by means of the scale.
• Vacuum: the A/C system can be brought to the maximum possible vacuum in the programmed time and kept in
this condition. This way, the moisture present can be completely evacuated and the vacuum seal checked for possible leaks.

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ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
• Recharge to vehicle: the regenerated refrigerant can be recycled (after adding virgin oil) according to the methods provided
for by the operator. You can also fill the system with new refrigerant fluid, new oil and UV tracer in the desired quantity.
• Recharge cylinder: this function is used to fill the internal cylinder controlled by an electronic process.
• Automatic cycle: performs the sequence of all the operations to restore the system with the correct levels of refrigerant and
oil without the help of an operator.
Do not use the unit for purposes different from those for which it was designed. In the event of scrapping, comply
with the regulations in force in the country where this operation is carried out (bear in mind that the unit contains
refrigerant fluids; contact specialised companies for scrapping/demolition).
The unit must be used with the type of refrigerant indicated on the CE label. Do not use it with refrigerants other
than the indicated type.
2. Technical features
In order to better represent the technical specifications, they have been broken down by model.
Description Unit of
Measure
Astra AstraPlus
Maximum power absorbed W 900 900
Net weight Kg 68 74
Overall dimensions (HxWXD) cm 104x48x58 104X48X58
Weight with full charge kg 78 92
Vacuum pump flow rate l/min 72 142
Final vacuum mbar 0.1 0.01
System recovery capacity gr/min 400 400
Refrigerant cylinder capacity l 12 19
Power supply voltage V 220/240 220/240
Power supply frequency Hz 50 50
Maximum current absorbed A 4 4
Coupling diameter on vehicle (Low Pressure - LP) mm 11 11
Coupling diameter on vehicle (High Pressure - HP) mm 16 16
Maximum operating temperature °C 50 50
Minimum operating temperature °C 5 5
Maximum pneumatic circuit pressure bar 16 16
For the connection voltage value, follow the instructions found on the label on the unit.
The acoustic pressure value measured is less than 70dBA and therefore the operator does not need to take any particular protection
measures even if continually using the unit (ISO 3746). Nonetheless, the employer is responsible for assessing the level of noise the
workers are exposed to in accordance with the regulations in force regarding hygiene and safety in the workplace.

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3. Safety warnings
It is recommended to read through this use and maintenance manual before starting to use the unit and to
become knowledgeable with the controls.
In case of need, contact only our Technical Service Department (in particular for component repair and
replacement).
Do not perform any repair operations. If repair operations are performed by unexperienced staff, the safety levels
of the unit may be altered.
Do not place anything on the unit; the unit is neither a support surface nor a means of transport.
Never arrange the connection pipes (A/C system) and feed pipes in such a position that they may interfere or
can be damaged.
For refrigerant recovery do not use containers (pressurised) unsuited to the purpose, both in terms of material
and pressure level.
Always comply with the regulations in force regarding hygiene and safety in the workplace. Always follow the
instructions given on the safety sheet. Never leave the unit unattended in the workplace, even if it is set to
automatic mode.
3.1 Working environment
The unit should only be used by adults and responsible persons. Do not allow children to activate the control
device.
Do not approach the unit with open flames or anything else that may cause overheating (with consequent risk of
fire) of the refilling circuit. Do not use the unit in places where there is a risk of explosion or fire.
Do not smoke in the place where the unit operates.
Operate the unit in well lit places.
Always work in a well-ventilated environment. Operate and store the unit in a dry place protected from atmos-
pheric agents (generally not in rough environmental conditions).
This manual contains essential safety rules for proper use of the unit: Wear safety goggles and gloves. Do not
expose to rain and direct sunlight. Read the owner’s manual of the vehicle to identify the type of refrigerant used
before using the unit.

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ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
3.2 Preliminary checks
If the unit is turned off because of a power failure, wait about 10 seconds before restarting it, so that the elec-
tronic part can reset correctly.
The electrical/electronic parts must be collected separately and disposed of in accordance with applicable legisla-
tion.
3.3 USE
Pay particular attention to possible ejection of refrigerant, since:
- contact with the eyes may cause serious injury;
- contact with the skin (given the extremely low boiling temperature) may cause burns.
If refrigerant is ejected into your eyes or onto your skin, rinse with abundant water and immediately seek for
medical assistance.
The unit has been designed for use specifically with R134a refrigerant. The type of refrigerant (R134a) to be
used is specified on the specific label.
After turning on the unit, wait at least five minutes before performing any operation. If the processing cycle is
interrupted for any reason whatsoever (e.g. power failure) the operation must be resumed from scratch.
The external container used for refilling must be homologated for pressures of at least 35 bar and be
equipped with a safety valve (the valve must conform to the regulations for pressurised containers).
The refrigerant storage container must NEVER be filled to over 80% its total capacity to prevent drops in effi-
ciency. Check filling of the oil containers during operation and make sure that they are not overfilled in order to
prevent sudden drops in efficiency. Do not use these containers with different types of substances.
Live parts
MAIN/EMERGENCY SWITCH PLUG
The unit is to be used by one operator only. Any other persons must keep a safety distance both during operation
and during adjustment and maintenance.
Always connect the high and low pressure ducts (red and blue) with the parts provided and do not use them for
purposes different from those specified.
During operation, check the level in the oil tanks to prevent them from overflowing.
Never detach the HP and LP pipes if not specifically indicated in this manual. Do not activate the manual valves
during normal operation if not specifically indicated in the instructions.

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3.4 Maintenance
Do not use, under any circumstances, flammable liquids or detergents to clean the unit.
Always wait a few minutes after turning off to allow the system to go into rest condition (temperature and pres-
sure).
During maintenance operations, do not dispose of any residues in the environment, but comply with the regula-
tions in force.
NEVER remove the cylinder unless specifically indicated.
Do not perform any repair or maintenance operations when the unit is running or connected to the mains.
Perform exclusively the maintenance and repair operations indicated in this manual. Operations performed by
unexperience persons will affect the overall safety level of the unit and expose the operator to serious risks.
3.5 Electrical power supply
The power supply of the unit must be connected according to the instructions of CTR S.R.L. , the company however, is not respon-
sible for the connection. The safety of the unit is effective only when it is properly connected to an electric energy source that has
all the protections as required by the current applicable legislation (differential safety switch and earthing).
• The connection to the mains must be made using the plug provided with the unit, and a reduction used if necessary,
checking beforehand that the line voltage corresponds to that indicated on the label on the rear of the unit.
• In the event of damage, contact only our Technical Service Dept..
If the power plug needs to be replaced, contact our Technical Service Dept. and do not replace it unless written
permission has been given by our competent department. Failure to follow this instruction, will relieve CTR S.R.L.
of any responsibility for personal injuries or property damages caused by the power supply.
If using extensions, check that the cross-section of the cable is appropriate for its length and that it is positioned
in such a way that it cannot be damaged in any way (avoid walkable and wet areas).
Check that the point of connection to the electric energy source has all the protections as required
by the applicable legislation (earthing and differential switch).

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ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
4. Handling and Transport
Before moving the unit, check that it is stable (check that the support surface is horizontal).
Before moving the unit, it is advisable to remove the parts installed after delivery in order to prevent damage
(see the Chapter Installation).
During this phase, it is recommended to:
- Correctly position all the accessories provided to prevent them from falling or being damaged during transport
- Move slowly and carefully to prevent possible instability
- Keep an adequate distance.
Be particularly careful when handling the unit in the workplace. In particular, avoid dips, steps or similar. If you
are not careful during transport, the adjustments made may not be correctly calibrated.
To transport the unit, use the wheels on the base
and push the unit by hand. Move only on at
surfaces.
To handle the unit, all the wheels must
touch the ground to prevent sideways lifting. To lift the unit, use a lift truck of adequate capacity for the weight of the unit (indicated in the technical
specications) using the pallet as support base.

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5. General operating rules
5.1 Main panel
Described below is the control panel of the unit:
Description
1Main/emergency switch 10 HP (high pressure) valve
2Control panel 11 Used oil discharge tank
3ON/OFF-ESC button 12 Oil filling tank
4OK/Enter button 13 UV tracer charge tank
5Forward/back/plus/minus buttons 14 High pressure connection
6Cycle function LEDs: R=recovery V=vacuum C=charge 15 Low pressure connection
7High pressure gauge (30 bar) 16 Refrigerant filters
8Low pressure gauge (15 bar) 17 Printer
9LP (low pressure) valve
1
2
345
6
87
9 10
11 12 13
14
15 17
16

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ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
5.2 Operating phases
Described below are all the steps that the operator must follow to obtain an optimal result in absolute safety conditions, distinguish-
ing between manual and automatic operation. To check proper functioning of the unit, there is an intelligent device which signals
any faults and warns the operator by means of error messages. An acoustic warning at the beginning of an operation indicates
that the set function has started in the correct condition, and a second acoustic warning indicates when the operation has been
completed.
Before performing the operations described below, to improve system efficiency (both in terms of energy and time) start the vehicle
engine and let the cooling system run for a few minutes so that the A/C system can reach full power, i.e. normal operating condi-
tions.
If you have any doubts or other questions on use of the unit, please do not hesitate to contact our Technical
Service Dept. or an authorised Dealer.
During the refilling operations, there will be a certain quantity of refrigerant in the connection pipes. To drain the
pipes, follow the instructions given in the chapter Pipe draining procedure (pg. 5.8)..
At the end of the various phases there will be different residues in the containers. Adhere to the regulations in
force to dispose of them.
The recovery, vacuum and charging operations must be carried out with the vehicle and the system off (with the
power to the compressor cut).
5.3 Use
We advise you to carefully read through this manual for proper use of the unit.
Activation/deactivation:
- Connect the cable to the mains as described in the chapter “Electric power supply”.
- Enable the red mushroom button positioned on the control panel by turning it slightly to the right.
-
Hold the red ESC button pressed down for 2 seconds to turn the unit on and off. To cut the power to the unit, press the mushroom
button and cut the power to the disconnection switch (electrical socket of the unit).
- If the printer light is on and the rear electric fan is working, it means that the unit is powered.
Indications on the display:
At power on the display appears for a few seconds as shown in Figure 1.
FW indicates the software version of the unit.
DB indicates the database version. Each time the SD card is updated, the version number automatically changes.
Fig. 2 shows the main menu listing the functions and the total quantity of gas in the cylinder.
Fig. 3, below the broken line, shows the data of the unit sensors during any function, while above the broken line, the data, times
and messages relating to the operation in progress (e.g. recovery).

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1FW : 0.0.01
DB : 0.0.01 2
GAS: 00,000 KG
> AUTOMATIC
RECOVERY
VACUUM 3
GASR: T:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
G: 0.0.01 P: 0.0.01
T: 0.0.01 O: 00000
5.4 “AUTOMATIC” operation
This function allows the system to perform the complete cycle, which is comprised of: recovery, recovered oil discharge, vacuum
phase, leak test, oil lling, UV tracer charge and refrigerant charge to restore the A/C system of the vehicle with the necessary
quantities of uids, using the SD card database of the unit, or by the operator entering the values.
The automatic cycle can be performed in two ways:
1- Automatic cycle through the database.
2- Automatic cycle by the operator.
The automatic cycle through the database allows the unit to perform all the operations using the rst-installation information
contained in the memory card.
The automatic cycle by the operator allows executing all the operations with the operator selecting the values of the uids to be
recharged.
AUTOMATIC CYCLE EXECUTION THROUGH THE DATABASE
- Connect the high and low pressure pipes to the A/C system
- Open the HP and LP valves, or if there is only one service point, open the corresponding valve.
- Select “AUTOMATIC” with the “+ ↑” e “- ↓” buttons. Press OK to start the cycle.
Move in the database using the up “+ ↑” e down “- ↓” arrows to select the model involved and press the OK button. To go back,
press the ESC button for 2 sec.
Select the brand (Fig.1), select the model (Fig.2), select the equipment (Fig.3), view the quantity of fluids and oil viscosity (Fig.4),
then press OK to confirm. Move the cursor “>” (Fig.5) to UV if you want to add the tracer or to “Start cycle” to start the operation.
1
MANUAL
>ALFA
AUDI
BMW 2
>147
156
159
GT 3
>2.0 JTS
1.9 JTD
1.8 JTD 16V
3.2 GTA
4
GAS : 500 g
OIL : 21 g
ISO 46 5
GAS : 500 g
OIL : 21 g
UV : NO
> Start Cycle

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ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
- Once the cycle has been started and conditions permitting, the system performs the cycle, showing all the current
phases on the
display with values and text messages. The vacuum time is automatically calculated.
-
In the event of an error, the display shows the relative message and activates an acoustic signal. To exit press the
ESC button for
2 sec.
- Press the ESC button for 2 seconds during the operation to return to the main menu.
- in the event of an emergency, press the red mushroom button on the control panel to completely turn off the unit; in this case,
the function that was in progress will not be stored.
- When the cycle has been completed, press the ESC button for 2 sec. to exit
- When you exit the operation you will be prompted to print the report. Press OK to print or ESC to return to the main menu.
-
After charging with refrigerant , the unit checks for any air in the cylinder. If air is detected, the system activates
discharge for a few seconds showing the message “Discharging non-condensable gases”. The discharge pressure may vary
between 5 and 16 bar. There are 3 LEDs (light emitting diodes) that indicate the cycle in progress. At the end of the cycle,
the LED will remain lit to indicate the completion of the cycle.
! Warning: the quantity of UV tracer required for the correct contrast depends on the nature of the product. The value indicated
under UV refers to contrast products sold by CTR
S.R.L.
AUTOMATIC CYCLE BY THE OPERATOR
- Connect the high and low pressure pipes to the A/C system
- Open the HP and LP valves, or if there is only one service point, open the corresponding valve.
- Select “AUTOMATIC” with the “+ ↑” e “- ↓” buttons. Press OK to start the cycle (Fig.1)
1
>MANUAL
ALFA
AUDI
BMW 5
GAS : 500 g
OIL : 30 g
UV : NO
> Start Cycle
- When the “Manual” option is selected, the fluids being charged are directly shown: GAS-OIL-UV with fixed values of 500 g,
30 g, and 7 g. You can also change the suggested values (Fig. 5) as desired in the “Customisation” option in the
SERVICE menu.
- Move the cursor “>” to “Start cycle” and press OK to start the operation. If conditions permit, the system executes
the cycle, showing all the current phases on the display with values and text messages. The vacuum time is automatically
calculated.
Changing the fluid quantities
To change a quantity, move the cursor “>” to the item involved (Fig.5), press OK to select it and use the “+ ↑” and “- ↓ ” buttons
to change the value. Changes are made in quantities of 5 g for gas and 1 g for oil. To disable an item, set the value to zero.
The item “UV” is activated with “YES” and deactivated with “NO” pressing the OK button to confirm. If you select “YES”, the quantity
of tracer is fixed at 7 g, sufficient for up to 1.3 kg of refrigerant; if you select “NO”, no tracer will be charged.

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After charging with refrigerant , the unit checks for any air in the cylinder. If air is detected, the system activates discharge for a
few seconds showing the message “Discharging non-condensable gases”. The discharge pressure may vary between 5 and 16 bar.
There are 3 LEDs (light emitting diodes) that indicate the cycle in progress. At the end of the cycle, the LED will remain lit to indicate
the completion of the cycle.
! Warning: the quantity of UV tracer required for the correct contrast depends on the nature of the product. The value indicated
under UV refers to contrast products sold by CTR
S.R.L.
Procedure to empty pipes
- (View paragraph 5.8).
5.5 “RECOVERY” operation
This function allows drawing all the refrigerant from the system and making it reusable by means of a complete ltering and
distillation process.
- Connect the high and low pressure pipes to the A/C system
- Open the HP and LP valves, or if there is only one service point, open the corresponding valve.
- Select RECOVERY with the “+ ↑” and “- ↓” buttons.
Press OK to start the recovery cycle of the refrigerant in the circuit. During this operation, the display shows the general parameters,
and “GasR:” indicates the gas recovered and the time it took. There is a pause in the recovery phase when the pressure reaches
- 0.10 bar. (value controlled by the pressure sensor). The LED R (recovery) stays on for the entire duration of the cycle.
- This period lasts about 4 min , including old oil discharge, in order to allow any refrigerant that has remained blocked in the low
pressure and temperature A/C system to change into the gaseous state to be recovered. This phase is signalled by an increase
in the pressure indicated on the display under the item “P:” (pressure read by the sensor). After the pause, if the pressure has
increased, repeat the function a maximum of three times, while when there is no pressure end the cycle.
-
Pess the ESC button for 2 seconds during the operation to exit the phase and return to the main menu. In this case, you will not
be prompted to print the report.
- In the event of an emergency, press the red mushroom button on the control panel to completely turn off the unit; in this case,
the function that was in progress will not be stored.
- When the cycle has been completed, press the ESC button for 2 sec. to exit
- When you exit the operation you will be prompted to print the report. Press OK to print or ESC to return to the main menu.
-
All the refrigerant recovered in this operation increments a recovery counter to monitor the life of the filters; when a total of 150 kg
has been reached, a message will appear on the display warning you that the filters need to be replaced. The counter increments
by grams with resolution of 3g.
- In the event of an error, the display shows the relative message and activates an acoustic signal. To exit press the ESC button
- The time available for the operation is 30 min.
The old oil container must always be empty to prevent leaks.

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5.6 VACUUM” operation
This function allows the moisture in the system to evaporate by means of a pump that generates a high degree of vacuum.
- Connect the high and low pressure pipes to the A/C system.
- Open the HP and LP valves, or if there is only one service point, open the corresponding valve.
- Select VACUUM with the “+ ↑” and “- ↓” buttons.
- Press OK to start the cycle. The display shows the vacuum time, currently set to 30 min. Use the “+ ñ ” and “- ò“
buttons to change the value between 05 and 95 min. You can also change the vacuum time value as desired
in the “Customisation” option in the SERVICE menu.
- Press OK to continue with this function. Before starting the vacuum, the unit runs a check of the starting conditions with the
“vacuum preparation” phase, the microprocessor briefly opens the solenoid valves, and based on the conditions acquired, inde
pendently decides how to proceed. There may be various combinations, among which activation of recovery and
oil discharge, also simultaneously with the vacuum.
-
When the vacuum pump has started, the message changes to “Waiting for pressure level” waiting to reach the vacuum
pressure
(-0.75 bar) counting down the time set. When the level has been reached, the “Vacuum cycle” starts followed by the
remaining time. The LED V (vacuum) stays on for the entire duration of the cycle.
- Press the ESC button for 2 seconds during the operation to return to the main menu.
-
In the event of an emergency, press the red mushroom button on the control panel to completely turn off the unit;
in this case,
the function that was in progress will not be stored.
- When the set time has run out, a leak test is run for 5 min., and the progress bar shows the remaining time
at the end of the phase. If a leak is detected (-0.75 bar) the error message is shown on the display followed by an acoustic
signal.
- When the cycle has been completed, press the ESC button for 2 sec. to exit
- When you exit the operation you will be prompted to print the report. Press OK to print or ESC to return to the main menu.
- The vacuum pump operating time increments a vacuum hour counter to monitor when oil change is due.
When 200 hours of operation have been reached, you will be warned to change the oil. The counter increments in seconds.
- In the event of an error, the display shows the relative message and activates an acoustic signal. To exit, press the ESC button
for 2 seconds.
5.7 “CHARGE TO VEHICLE” operation
This function allows you to charge the system with refrigerant, oil and UV tracer in the correct quantities.
Absolutely do not mix different types of lubricants. Always check the types of oil to be used in the different A/C
systems (according to the type of compressor used), which can be found on the technical specification sheets.
- Connect the high and low pressure pipes to the A/C system
- Open the HP and LP valves, or if there is only one service point, open the corresponding valve.
- Select “CHARGE TO VEHICLE” with the “+ ↑” and “- ↓” buttons. Press OK to start the cycle (Fig.1)

Instruction Booklet ASTRA • ASTRA PLUS
20
ENGLISH
1
GAS: 00,000 KG
VACUUM
> CHARGE TO VEHICLE
RECHARGE CYLINDER
SERVICE
2
> MANUAL
ALFA
AUDI
BMW 5
GAS : 500 g
OIL : 30 g
UV : NO
> Start Cycle
- Once you have selected “CHARGE TO VEHICLE”, you can select to continue in two ways (Fig.2):
1- Charge through the database
2- Manual charge
- Charging through the database allows you to use the rst-installation oil and gas values on the memory card, selecting the
vehicle.
-
Manual filling allows the fluid values selected by the operator to be set. The GAS-OIL-UV values are fixed at 500 g, 30 g and 7 g.
You can also change the suggested values (Fig. 5) as desired in the “Customisation” option in the SERVICE menu.
- To disable an option, set the value to zero, or select “NO” for the UV tracers.
Caution: to fill the system with oil and UV tracer, it must be in vacuum mode, otherwise an error will be signalled
and the cycle locked. When the vacuum is low, the cycle may activate but then lock when the pressure difference
levels out.
- Move the cursor “>” to “Start cycle” and press OK to start the operation. If conditions permit, the system executes
the cycle, showing all the current phases on the display with values and text messages.
-
“GasC:” indicates the quantity of gas remaining to be charged and the time it takes. The LED C (charge) remains lit for the entire
duration of the cycle.
- In the event of an error, the display shows the relative message and activates an acoustic signal. To exit press the ESC button.
- Press the ESC button for 2 seconds during the operation to return to the main menu.
-
In the event of an emergency, press the red mushroom button on the control panel to completely turn off the unit;
in this case,
the function that was in progress will not be stored.
- When the cycle has been completed, press the ESC button for 2 sec. to exit
- When you exit the operation you will be prompted to print the report. Press OK to print or ESC to return to the main menu.
-
The unit controls the quantity charged so that it does not go below the minimum level of 1 kg, thus allowing you
to fill the system
with any quantity higher than 1 kg (e.g. the display indicates 1300 g, so you can charge 300 g).
After charging with refrigerant , the unit checks for any air in the cylinder. If air is detected, the system activates discharge for a
few seconds showing the message “Discharging non-condensable gases”. The discharge pressure may vary between 5 and 16 bar.
! Warning: the quantity of UV tracer required for the correct contrast depends on the nature of the product. The value indicated
under UV refers to contrast products sold by CTR
S.R.L.
Changing the fluid quantities
To change a quantity, move the cursor “>” to the item involved (Fig.5), press OK and use the “+ ↑” and “- ↓ ” buttons to change
the value. Changes are made in quantities of 5 g for gas and 1 g for oil. To disable an item, set the value to zero.
The item “UV” is activated with “YES” and deactivated with “NO” pressing the OK button to confirm. If you select “YES”, the quantity
of tracer is fixed at 7 g, sufficient for up to 1.3 kg of refrigerant; if you select “NO”, no tracer will be charged.