Form3 worked with Retrotec to develop Solo, a high-precision single-channel manometer designed for fast, reliable pressure evaluation within the building envelope. Conceived as a streamlined companion to Retrotec’s advanced multi-channel systems, Solo delivers accurate readings in a compact, field-ready format built for immediacy.
Desktop Section
Solo - Single Channel Digital Manometer
Retrotec
Overview
The Challenge
Building airtightness testing plays a critical role in energy efficiency and regulatory compliance. Identifying leakage points and pressure imbalances requires reliable instrumentation that performs consistently in demanding field conditions.
Larger multi-channel devices offer deep functionality but can introduce setup time and operational overhead when only a single measurement is required. Professionals often need to take quick, localized readings, checking pressure near a window, verifying a duct condition, or performing spot tests during installation or maintenance.
There was an opportunity to create a precision instrument that could live in a technician’s pocket; ready instantly, durable enough for rough environments, and simple to operate without navigating layered menus.
Larger multi-channel devices offer deep functionality but can introduce setup time and operational overhead when only a single measurement is required. Professionals often need to take quick, localized readings, checking pressure near a window, verifying a duct condition, or performing spot tests during installation or maintenance.
There was an opportunity to create a precision instrument that could live in a technician’s pocket; ready instantly, durable enough for rough environments, and simple to operate without navigating layered menus.
Retrotec Family Integration
Form3 designed a compact handheld enclosure that integrates seamlessly within the Retrotec product family while establishing its own identity as an agile, purpose-driven tool.
Tailoring Form to Suit Application
The housing integrates the display, USB-C connectivity, bulkhead fittings, and internal electronics into a streamlined, durable form optimized for portability and field resilience.
User-Driven
An auto-rotating display allows the interface to adapt whether mounted horizontally, laid flat, or clipped vertically — supporting flexible workflows without manual adjustment.
Modular Scalability
A magnetized clip enables secure attachment to HVAC ducts, equipment, or clothing, freeing the user’s hands during testing. These features reduce friction in fast-paced environments while maintaining clarity and ease of use.
Performance & Impact
Solo delivers measurements accurate to 1/100th of a Pascal with auto-zeroing technology for efficient setup and dependable results. While compact, it maintains professional-grade precision and integrates with a range of Retrotec accessories, extending its utility across multiple testing scenarios.
By prioritizing speed, durability, and situational efficiency, Solo complements Retrotec’s advanced systems, addressing scenarios where single-channel measurement is sufficient. Its compact form and immediate usability support routine verification, spot checks, and fast-paced fieldwork without introducing unnecessary operational complexity.
By prioritizing speed, durability, and situational efficiency, Solo complements Retrotec’s advanced systems, addressing scenarios where single-channel measurement is sufficient. Its compact form and immediate usability support routine verification, spot checks, and fast-paced fieldwork without introducing unnecessary operational complexity.
Mobile Section
Solo - Single Channel Digital Manometer
Retrotec
Overview
Form3 worked with Retrotec to develop Solo, a high-precision single-channel manometer designed for fast, reliable pressure evaluation within the building envelope. Conceived as a streamlined companion to Retrotec’s advanced multi-channel systems, Solo delivers accurate readings in a compact, field-ready format built for immediacy.
The Challenge
Building airtightness testing plays a critical role in energy efficiency and regulatory compliance. Identifying leakage points and pressure imbalances requires reliable instrumentation that performs consistently in demanding field conditions.
Larger multi-channel devices offer deep functionality but can introduce setup time and operational overhead when only a single measurement is required. Professionals often need to take quick, localized readings, checking pressure near a window, verifying a duct condition, or performing spot tests during installation or maintenance.
There was an opportunity to create a precision instrument that could live in a technician’s pocket; ready instantly, durable enough for rough environments, and simple to operate without navigating layered menus.
Larger multi-channel devices offer deep functionality but can introduce setup time and operational overhead when only a single measurement is required. Professionals often need to take quick, localized readings, checking pressure near a window, verifying a duct condition, or performing spot tests during installation or maintenance.
There was an opportunity to create a precision instrument that could live in a technician’s pocket; ready instantly, durable enough for rough environments, and simple to operate without navigating layered menus.
Retrotec Family Integration
Form3 designed a compact handheld enclosure that integrates seamlessly within the Retrotec product family while establishing its own identity as an agile, purpose-driven tool.
Tailoring Form to Suit Application
The housing integrates the display, USB-C connectivity, bulkhead fittings, and internal electronics into a streamlined, durable form optimized for portability and field resilience.
User-Driven
An auto-rotating display allows the interface to adapt whether mounted horizontally, laid flat, or clipped vertically — supporting flexible workflows without manual adjustment.
Modular Scalability
A magnetized clip enables secure attachment to HVAC ducts, equipment, or clothing, freeing the user’s hands during testing. These features reduce friction in fast-paced environments while maintaining clarity and ease of use.
Performance & Impact
Solo delivers measurements accurate to 1/100th of a Pascal with auto-zeroing technology for efficient setup and dependable results. While compact, it maintains professional-grade precision and integrates with a range of Retrotec accessories, extending its utility across multiple testing scenarios.
By prioritizing speed, durability, and situational efficiency, Solo complements Retrotec’s advanced systems, addressing scenarios where single-channel measurement is sufficient. Its compact form and immediate usability support routine verification, spot checks, and fast-paced fieldwork without introducing unnecessary operational complexity.
By prioritizing speed, durability, and situational efficiency, Solo complements Retrotec’s advanced systems, addressing scenarios where single-channel measurement is sufficient. Its compact form and immediate usability support routine verification, spot checks, and fast-paced fieldwork without introducing unnecessary operational complexity.