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Push the illuminated power button. Rotate the thermostat knob clockwise to approximately the number
6 on the dial. The heat cycle light will illuminate to indicate that the heating element is energized.
Observe the thermometer. When the desired temperature is reached, slowly turn the thermostat knob
counter clockwise until the heat cycle indicator turns off. The temperature will continue to rise slightly
due to latent heat from the heating element.
Allow unit to cycle empty for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the interior chamber to reach a thermal
equilibrium. Check the thermometer to see if any minor adjustments to the thermostat should be made.
With any subsequent adjustment allow time for chamber to achieve a steady state before determining if
the desired set temperature has been reached. To keep from resetting a frequently used set
temperature with each use, leave the thermostat knob at its set point and use the power button to turn
the unit on or off.
Setting the unit's temperature with an empty chamber helps to establish a useful correlation between
the unit's performance (heating capacity) and proper processing of various chamber loads and
densities (load-effect). See Performance and Chamber Loading & Important Operational Notes.
FIG. 7
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
(cont.)
Understanding the unit's light pressure thermal convection and "load-effect" are necessary to
optimizing unit performance. Article or media processing times and/or uniformity are largely dependent
on load density and positioning. When processing various loads it's important to remember that the
thermostat senses the temperature at the lower part of the chamber where the heat is generated and
the corresponding reading of a temperature setting is taken from the top of the chamber with the
installed thermometer. Since loads sit between these two points, load variations such as quantity,
arrangement, density and their relative thermal properties can temporarily or permanently affect
temperature readings. Here are important guidelines to chamber loading and processing:
Load the incubator so that air circulation within the chamber is not impaired. Leave a space between
articles on a shelf. Stagger articles from those on lower shelves in a "V" formation.
(FIG 5).
Use of large solid trays or foil on lower shelves severely limits heat to shelves and articles placed
above.
(FIG 6)
Since not enough heat rises within the chamber, thermometer readings give false
indication that the temperature setting is too low. Higher temperature adjustments made as a result
of these readings could overheat lower placed articles or media.
General Operation
Performance and Chamber Loading