Operating Procedures | Benchtop Incubators

 Start Up Procedure

• Before proceeding, ensure that all internal and external packaging has been removed from the appliance, including tape, plastic bags, and foam pieces.
• Take the supplied lead and plug it into the male IEC socket on the rear of the incubator. Next, plug the 3-pin plug into a 10A General Purpose Outlet.
• Turn the main switch, located adjacent to the temperature controller, to "ON" to start the incubator.
• The controller will go through a warm-up period, during which all segments of the display will illuminate before showing the set temperature (SV) on the lower display and the actual incubator temperature (PV) on the top display.
• The fan ON/OFF switch, located at the rear of the cabinet, allows you to switch between fan-forced and natural convection modes.

Incubator General Controls

Omron Display Guide

	Scroll Button: Used to view the set temperature target and start/reset the ramp/dwell function.
	Page Button: Used to view calibration offset parameter and the ramp/dwell control parameters.
	Increase/Decrease Button: Used to increase and decrease the parameter settings.
	Side Arrow: Used to move the cursor when changing temperature
	Process Value: Current temperature within the cabinet
	Set Value: Set temperature within the cabinet.

Temperature Control

Use the “UP” or “DOWN” arrows to change the temperature. Once the desired temperature is set, wait a few seconds. The digits will stop flashing, confirming the entry.

Sensor Calibration

Several factors can affect the accuracy of the displayed temperature compared to the actual temperature inside the incubator, including:

• Sample load distribution – The load should be evenly distributed inside the cabinet.
• Product temperature – At higher temperatures, heat loss from the product will be greater.
• Sensor placement – The temperature sensor cannot be positioned at the centre of the incubator, as it may be damaged.

The Omron temperature controller includes a sensor correction parameter, displayed as “iNS” (Input Shift). This parameter allows for a correction value to be added or subtracted, ensuring the displayed temperature matches the actual internal temperature.

• The calibration sensor can be attached to the centre of the middle shelf.
• Once the incubator has stabilised, any difference in the temperature reading can be corrected using the sensor correction parameter.
• The calibration parameter can be accessed as follows:
  • Press PAGE to display the sensor correction parameter.
  • Use the UP or DOWN button to adjust the sensor correction.
  • After adjusting, wait for the digits to stop flashing—the screen will then display the adjusted value.
  • Press PAGE to return to the main screen.

Fan Control

• Locate the Fan Switch:

  • The fan switch is positioned on the back of the incubator near the IEC power socket.
  • The fan switch is clearly indicated.

• Set the Desired Fan Mode:

  • Fan On: Move the switch to the "On" position to enable the internal fan.
    • Use this mode to ensure uniform temperature distribution inside the chamber.
    • Recommended for applications where temperature consistency is critical across the chamber.
  • Fan Off: Move the switch to the "Off" position to disable the internal fan.
    • Use this mode for sensitive applications where airflow may disturb samples, such as processes where powders or the like may be used.