BixCheck is the interface to the Bixby stove that allows you to monitor operation, adjust calibration, and test

functions of the stove.

Parameters can be changed while the stove is running, and because they take effect immediately, stoves can be tuned in for best
performance to compensate for changes in fuel, venting, altitude, or other parameters that will naturally be different from those in
which the stove was developed and tested.

This help file is for use with version 4 BixCheck. Most of the information is applicable to version 3, however the format of the
graphics have changed.

BixCheck Requirements

Starting BixCheck

Monitor
Calibration
Utility windows
Flue Monitor
Fuel A Data, Fuel B Data
Telemetry
Help – find out what a button does
Readback - read data from a stove
Individualization data
Fan speed adjustments
Feed rate adjustments
Ash content adjustments
Startup / Ash dump adjustments
Individualize / Calculate - configure initialization data
Initialize - send initialization data
Sending individual data items
Sound – I’m in tune
Load File – load calibration data
Data protection error messages
Runtime operation
Telemetry – stove operating state
Flue Monitor – temperature history
Normal operation
Blocked flue shutdown

Checkout
Interactive tests
Automatic tests
Checkout report

Downloader
Instructions

Shutdown modes and LED codes

Troubleshooting
Burn pot filling up with fuel
All the fuel burning up
Gassification with floating ignition
Deposition of fly ash when burning wood pellets
Loss of fire when the ash dump is done when burning wood pellets
It doesn’t run as well as it used to

Cleaning instructions
Daily
Monthly
Thorough
Complete cleaning and storage preparation at the end of the burn season
Technical reference
Fan speed tables
Feed rate tables
Flue monitor operation and tables
Convection fan operation
Igniter operation
Timeouts
Messages

BixCheck Requirements
Operating system:
BixCheck runs on Microsoft Windows operating systems.
At this time, Windows 98 and Windows ME systems do not display the colors properly, although the program will still be functional.
Windows NT has not been tested, although it may work.
Windows 2000 and Windows XP seem to work properly.

Memory:
BixCheck is a single program of less than 400K at this time. Its runtime memory requirements are minimal, so it should work on most
computers.

Interface:
BixCheck requires an RS-232 serial port. Built-in serial ports, USB to RS-232 converters, and expansion card serial ports have been
tested and found to work.
Note that in some cases USB to RS-232 converters are difficult to install or don’t work properly. The newer devices generally seem to
work better.

Display:
BixCheck uses a number of small windows to implement the interface. This allows for extensive flexibility to work with displays of
any size.

Starting BixCheck
When you run the BixCheck program, you get the following screen:

Select the serial port the stove is connected to. The selection range is from COM1 to COM12.

Very important notice #1: Don’t start the Monitor until the plates stopped moving.
Very important notice #2: If no communication occurs, reset the stove by leaving it unplugged for 20 seconds.

Monitor
Select the “Monitor” button on the startup window. You will typically see the following window:
Calibration
Stove operation is controlled by calibration parameters that characterize the fuel. These parameters are set in the Fuel A Data and Fuel
B Data windows. Additional stove individualization parameters are set in the Monitor window.

Utility windows
Open up the utility windows by selecting the “Flue Monitor”, “Fuel A Data”, “Fuel B Data”, and “Telemetry” buttons. Arrange the
windows so you can see the information easily.

Flue Monitor
Fuel A Data, Fuel B Data

Telemetry

Help
You can get a help message for most buttons that are displayed on these windows. Start by selecting the “Help” button, then select the
button you want help on. Here is a selection of various help buttons.
Readback
If the stove was previously initialized, read the data back by selecting the “Readback” button. The “Telemetry” and “Flue Monitor”
windows don’t do much in this situation, so they will not be included here. Any of the utility windows can be opened or closed at any
time with no loss of data. The windows will now have data that looks something like this:
Individualization data
These parameters contain information that characterize software, database, serial number, and other settings that do not modify how
the stove operates when burning. It is very important to note that the operational parameters are not utilized by the stove if the
checksums and data formats do not match.
Parameter Data Meaning
Software version xxxx Software version; 4 hex characters
Internal checksum xxxx Configuration memory checksum calculated by the stove; press the button to force an internal
recalculation
Calculated xxxx Configuration memory checksum calculated by the monitor; press the button to force a local
checksum recalculation
Internal data format xx The database version used by the stove software
Calculated data xx The database version used by the monitor; must match the stove database version
format
Serial number Text An 8 text character serial number; press the button to send the data
Production date mmddyyyy The production date in the format of mmddyyyy; automatically set by the Calculate button; press
the button to send the data
Model name Text A 16 text character machine description; automatically set by the Calculate button; press the
button to send the data

Fan speed adjustments

These are user adjustments to the fan speeds for each of the 8 heat levels.
Selection Range Meaning
Level 1 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 2 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 3 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 4 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 5 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 6 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 7 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 8 Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting

Feed rate adjustments

These are user adjustments to the feed rates for each of the 8 heat levels.
Selection Range Meaning
Level 1 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 2 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 3 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 4 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 5 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 6 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 7 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Level 8 Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting

Ash content adjustments

These are user adjustments to the ash content of the fuel for each of the 8 heat levels.
Selection Range Meaning
Level 1 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Level 2 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Level 3 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Level 4 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Level 5 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Level 6 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Level 7 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Level 8 Ash 0 ~ 255 The count added to the ash level counter for each fuel feed
Startup / Ash dump adjustments
These are user adjustment to the fan speeds and feed rates for the startup and ash dump processes to compensate for different fuels or
other operating conditions.
Selection Range Meaning
Startup Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Startup Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Ash dump Fan 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Ash dump Feed 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting
Igniter on time 0 ~ 255 Percentage of default setting

Individualize / Calculate
Starting with a stove that is either initialized or not initialized, new configuration data can be generated and sent at any time. Start by
selecting the “Individualize”, “Calculate Fuel A”, and “Calculate Fuel B” buttons.

Notice that, compared to the “Readback” version, the main monitor screen now has a number of radio buttons checked. Enter the
serial number of the stove in the “Serial number” box. At this point, you can adjust the fuel settings. For instance, if you wanted wood
pellets as fuel A and grass pellets as fuel B, select “Wood” in the A column and select “5% ash Biomass” in the B column. Calculate
the new values with the “Calculate Fuel A” and “Calculate Fuel B” buttons. You should see something like:
 After calculating "FUEL A', the value in the "ASH DUMP FEED"
box MUST be changed to the value "85" BEFORE Initializing the
stove. Do this by highlighting the value 100, entering 85 on your
keyboard and then depressing the "Ash dump Feed" button - the
highlighted value will turn "yellow" in color. NOW the stove may
be "Initialized."

BixCheck Monitor 4.2 Parameter Change 11.17.2006 TSB

Friday, Nov 17, 2006 11:42 AM

Initialize
Up to this point no data was sent to the stove. To send the data down, select the “Initialize” button. You will get the following message:

Select “Yes” and the process will start. As the data is sent down, the boxes will turn yellow, and when the data is read back from the
stove to verify it the box will turn white. For example, a window might look like this during the process:
Sending individual data items
Most data items can be sent down individually. There is usually no need to go through the rather extensive initialization process. For
instance, if you find that perhaps the stove is not running well at the preset settings and you would like to add some amount of
combustion air, you could type in new values like this:

As the data is sent down it goes through the same process that was used for initialization. For instance, as the data is sent down with
the above box you will see something like:
Sound
The sound selection button switches between quiet mode and sound mode. When enabled, operations that transmit and receive data
will make assorted sounds. If one uses this, over time the patterns help to determine if the data link is operating properly.

Load File
Note: Operation of this feature is not currently guaranteed.
If a number of stoves are being calibrated to a custom calibration the same way, or if a number of calibrations are made, a previously
generated Checkout report can be loaded in. The data from the Checkout report will fill in most of the calibration parameters available
in the Monitor mode.

Data protection error messages

The valid range for data in the calibration fields is 0 to 255. If data is out of that range or contains letters, then the data is not sent. If
this occurs as part of initialization, no subsequent calibration data is sent to the stove. Enter a value in the proper range and try again.

Operations such as Readback, Initialize, Calculate, and individual data item sending are interlocked to make sure that only one
operation can happen at a time. This prevents unexpected operation. If you get messages such as these, then wait until the operation
has completed.
Runtime operation

Telemetry
This is a typical level 1 telemetry display. The telemetry section receives a number of current operating parameters from the stove. It
can be turned on or off using the Telemetry Mode button. Telemetry may also come through whenever other data transfers are
initiated in the other sections of the monitor screen.
Parameter Range Meaning
Telemetry Mode On / Off Turn on or off the automatic telemetry data
Temperature Degrees C, F Air temperature in the cold part of the machine; from the igniter board thermometer
Thermocouple 0 ~ 255 Unprocessed reading from the exhaust thermocouple
Fan potentiometer 0 ~ 255; +/- 30% Unprocessed reading / percentage from the fan potentiometer
Feed potentiometer 0 ~ 255; +/- 30% Unprocessed reading / percentage from the feed potentiometer
Exhaust fan speed 0 ~ 255; RPM Speed as monitored internally. Actual speed is 24 times this speed
Circulator fan level 0 ~ 4 Circulator fan level; 0 is off
Display LED state 12345678 Current LEDs on or off
Igniter state 0 ~ 255 An internal variable that tracks the igniters
Current heat level 1~8 Current operational heat level
Target heat level 1~8 Heat level setting from front panel
State control 00 ~ FF An internal variable representing the operating state
1x Shutdown, cooling down
2x Shutdown, off
30 Starting up; temperature rise not detected
31 Starting up; temperature rise detected
4x Operating at heat level x+1
5x Ramping to level x+1
6x Ramping to level x+1 in ash dump mode. Ash dump will happen.
Ash level 0 ~ 65535 Current ash level; ash dump process starts at 60000
Feed on time 0 ~ 65535 Current feed on time in units of 1/120 second
Feed off time 0 ~ 65535 Current feed off time in units of 1/120 second
IIC Status 0 ~ 255 Status of serial memory

Flue monitor
The main purpose of the flue monitor is to detect when a blocked flue happens. This is characterized by a sudden blockage in the
exhaust flue. Because the exhaust is drawn out by a fan, and not a pump, a change in the area of the venting will result in a change in
air flow. A reduction in air flow will result in the air that does flow to be cooled down by the heat exchanger more than usual, which
along with the reduced flame, results in a quick drop in exhaust temperature where the thermocouple is located.If the temperature
drops by more than some amount in the history table, then it goes into blocked flue warning mode. In this case, it watches the
temperature for a while. If the temperature rises by more than some amount, then it comes out of blocked flue mode, otherwise it does
a blocked flue shutdown.

In a blocked flue shutdown, the burn pot is emptied, the plates move to the dump position, and the exhaust fan turns off. It does not
attempt a restart automatically. The convection fan will continue to run while the stove is warm. The warning lights at this time are #2
and #3. Should this occur, the stove, venting, and end cap must be thoroughly inspected and cleaned.
Parameter Range Meaning
Blocked flue
Warning 0~1 1 if a potential blocked flue was detected
Detected 0~1 1 if the blocked flue was detected
Shutdown 0~1 1 when the shutdown process is complete
Warning count 0~ 1 is added for each blocked flue warning
255
Overtemp pullback
History index 0~7
History maximum 0~ The maximum temperature in the history table
255
Sample timer 0~
255
Status
Adjustment start 0~ When ramping through heat levels, this is the thermocouple value at the beginning of the ramp
255
Adjustment end 0~ When ramping through heat levels, this is the thermocouple value at the end of the ramp
255
Adjustment 0~ This is the difference between the adjustment end and the adjustment start that is added to all
255 elements in the history table to compensate for the heat output change that occurs.
Ramp start
Unused 0~ This will display occasional test information
 255
Current level 0~7
Target level 0~7
Lowtemp timer A timer that keeps track of how long the stove has run too cool

History – no 0~ The temperature history table when in normal running mode. One sample is added for each fuel feed
warning 255 –
or two feed wheel advances on the 4 slot Model 115 wheel.
History – warning 0~ The temperature history table when in blocked flue test mode.
255

Checkout
The checkout process lets you check each device, switch, motor, and operation of the stove without actually running it. This is useful
to help find problems with the stove. Select the “Checkout” button on the startup window. You will typically see the following
window:
By this time the first three tests were already done; they test the data and communications link. This is a good time to enter the
operator ID – this can be whatever you like. It will make its way in the the checkout report, which is covered later. There are two
kinds of tests, “Interactive” tests and “Automatic” tests. The interactive tests require the operator to do something, such as open and
close doors, or to observe that something is happening. Simply follow the instructions. If the process worked or the test is good, select
the “Yes/OK” button. If the process failed or the test is not good, select the “No/NG” button. After the interactive tests are completed
the automatic tests will proceed on their own. They need about 10 minutes to complete.

Interactive tests
Test Item Description
01 Data communications link Communication between the PC and the stove is operational
02 Checksum verified The data uploaded to the PC matches the checksum
03 Data format matched The data format matches for the software version
04 Front panel buttons off No buttons are pressed
05 Front panel ON button The ON button was exclusively pressed
06 Front panel OFF button The OFF button was exclusively pressed
07 Front panel UP button The UP button was exclusively pressed
08 Front panel DOWN button The DOWN button was exclusively pressed
09 Front panel LEDs on All LEDs were observed to be on
10 Front panel LEDs off All LEDs were observed to be off
11 Door switch open The door switch was detected open
12 Door switch closed The door switch was detected closed
13 Ash drawer switch open The ash drawer switch was detected open
14 Ash drawer switch closed The ash drawer switch was detected closed
15 Plate motor on The plate motor was observed to be on
16 Plate motor off The plate motor was observed to be off
17 Plates in burn position The plates were observed to be in the burn position
18 Air pump on The air pump was observed to be on
19 Air pump off The air pump was observed to be off
20 Circulator fan level 1 The circulator fan was observed to be on level 1 – 25% for the Model 115
21 Circulator fan level 2 The circulator fan was observed to be on level 2 – 50% for the Model 115
22 Circulator fan level 3 The circulator fan was observed to be on level 3 – 75% for the Model 115
23 Circulator fan level 4 The circulator fan was observed to be on level 4 – 100% for the Model 115
24 Circulator fan off The circulator fan was observed to be off
25 Thermometer The temperature reported generally matched the observed temperature
26 Fan potentiometer low The potentiometer was detected to be turned all the way to the left
27 Fan potentiometer high The potentiometer was detected to be turned all the way to the right
28 Fan potentiometer detent The potentiometer was detected to be near the middle of the range
29 Feed potentiometer low The potentiometer was detected to be turned all the way to the left
30 Feed potentiometer high The potentiometer was detected to be turned all the way to the right
31 Feed potentiometer detent The potentiometer was detected to be near the middle of the range
32 Thermocouple The thermocouple was observed to be plugged in
33 Thermostat open The thermostat was detected to be open; stove in level 1 standby mode
34 Thermostat closed The thermostat was detected to be closed; stove in regular operation mode
35 Feed tube seal The feed tube seal was observed to be installed correctly
36 Power plug wiring The wire order on the power inlet socket was observed to be correct
37 Door switch adjustment The fire door switch was checked and adjusted if needed
38 Fuel select switch wood / B The fuel select switch was detected in the fuel B selection position
39 Fuel select switch corn / A The fuel select switch was detected in the fuel A selection position

Automatic tests
Test Item Description
40 Exhaust fan full power The fan was turned on to full power and its speed was detected as such
41 Exhaust fan ½ power The fan was turned on to half power and its speed was detected as such
42 Exhaust fan off The fan was turned off and its speed was detected as such
43 ‘1’ side igniter check The ‘1’ or left igniter was checked and detected to work
44 ‘2’ side igniter check The ‘2’ or right igniter was checked and detected to work
45 ‘1’ side igniter test The ‘1’ or left igniter was tested for 4 ½ minutes and detected to work
46 ‘2’ side igniter test The ‘2’ or right igniter was tested for 4 ½ minutes and detected to work
47 Feed motor / sensor The feed motor and sensor were detected to work

Checkout report
Here is a typical test report generated by Checkout. This contains most of the information that is available from the Monitor window.
This can be used to restore the stove back to the original factory calibration in case something happens to it. See the “Load File”
section. It also contains the results and descriptions of all the tests that were performed. An important detail about the report is that if a
test fails, a few hints about what to look for are provided.

Bixby Energy Systems Model 110 Checkout Interface 4.1

Test Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:47:46
Tested By: PND
Version: fa01
Checksum: 7d86
Data Format: 04
Serial Number: Service1
Production Date: 11162005
Model: Bixby Model 115
Fan Levels A: 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70
Feed Levels A: 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100
Ash Levels A: 32, 32, 32, 32, 32, 32, 32, 32
Startup Adjustments A: 70, 100
Ash Dump Adjustments A: 70, 100
Other Adjustments A: 75
Fan Levels B: 80, 80, 80, 80, 80, 80, 80, 80
Feed Levels B: 85, 85, 85, 85, 85, 85, 85, 85
Ash Levels B: 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17
Startup Adjustments B: 80, 85
Ash Dump Adjustments B: 80, 85
Other Adjustments B: 75

Status Description Items to check

OK 01 Data communication link
OK 02 Checksum verified
OK 03 Data format matched
OK 04 Front panel buttons off
OK 05 Front panel ON button
OK 06 Front panel OFF button
OK 07 Front panel UP button
OK 08 Front panel DOWN button
OK 09 Front panel LEDs on
OK 10 Front panel LEDs off
OK 11 Door switch open
OK 12 Door switch closed
OK 13 Ash drawer switch open
OK 14 Ash drawer switch closed
OK 15 Plate motor on
OK 16 Plate motor off
OK 17 Plates in burn position
OK 18 Air pump on
OK 19 Air pump off
OK 20 Circulator fan level 1
OK 21 Circulator fan level 2
OK 22 Circulator fan level 3
OK 23 Circulator fan level 4
OK 24 Circulator fan off
OK 25 Thermometer
OK 26 Fan potentiometer low
OK 27 Fan potentiometer high
OK 28 Fan potentiometer detent
OK 29 Feed potentiometer low
OK 30 Feed potentiometer high
OK 31 Feed potentiometer detent
OK 32 Thermocouple
OK 33 Thermostat open
OK 34 Thermostat closed
OK 35 Feed tube seal
OK 36 Power plug wiring
OK 37 Door switch adjustment
OK 38 Fuel select switch wood / B
OK 39 Fuel select switch corn / A
OK 40 Exhaust fan full power
OK 41 Exhaust fan 1/2 power
OK 42 Exhaust fan off
OK 43 '1' side igniter test
OK 44 '2' side igniter test
OK 45 '1' side igniter check
OK 46 '2' side igniter check
OK 47 Feed motor / sensor

47 Tests OK, 0 Tests failed, 0 Tests not performed

Downloader
In addition to the calibration data the stove operational software can be updated. While this process is fairly easy, it is not without
risks. If the data transfer link is interrupted while the software is being updated, then the stove will become non-functional. However,
in this situation, is is possible to attempt the update process again because the update software cannot be damaged. Select the
“Downloader” button on the startup window. You will typically see the following window:

Just follow the instructions in the “Status” box. Start by unplugging the stove and select the “Load” button.
You will get a file requester. Find the “.hex” file for the new stove software.

After the file is loaded select the “Send” button.

Now plug in the stove. The downloader is waiting for the bootloader. If the bootloader finds the signal that the downloader is sending
out, then the stove will start the reprogramming sequence. If for some reason they cannot communicate, the stove will start up as
normal. You can unplug the stove, wait 20 seconds, and plug it in again to attempt the download process again.
*** There should be a view here of the download process in action, however the screen capture does not work due to Windows
messaging issues. ***

Now the update process is complete. Select the “Quit” button to go back to the main window.

Shutdown modes and LED codes

These combinations will blink to indicate the situation or cause of shutdown.
LED LED sequence Diagnosis
1 Power applied while stove is hot
2 Temperature too low
2, 3 Blocked flue detected
3 Temperature too high: Open circuit with feed wheel motor or hopper snap switch
4 Fire door open or timeout shutdown: 1 minute
5 Ash drawer open or timeout shutdown: 20 minutes
6 Exhaust fan error: Could not reach expected RPM
7 Plate drive motor error: 15 second timeout to limit switch
7, 1 Left igniter not working: Current not detected
7, 2 Right igniter not working: Current not detected
7, 1, 2 Left and right igniters not working: Current not detected
7, 1, 2, 3 Spurious igniter current detected: Current detected when the igniters are supposed to be off
8 Feed wheel error: Could not find the magnet after 7 or 8 feed wheel advances

Troubleshooting
Burn pot filling up with fuel – too much fuel
Explanation: If the stove starts up well and runs with a nice bright flame, but then it starts to fill up the pot, it is probably getting too
much fuel.
Remedy: Turn down fuel trim control.

Burn pot filling up with fuel – not enough air

It doesn’t run as well as it used to
Explanation: If the stove seems to not be able to get a nice flame, and the burn pot fills up, then it is probably not getting enough air.
Check to make sure that the air trim control is not set all the way down or something. This problem is more complex and deserves
closer attention than the problem of filling up simply because too much fuel is being loaded in. This problem can slowly get worse as
the stove is used, which means that the only sure way to fix it is to thorougly check and clean the stove.
Remedy: Turn up the air trim pot. Inspect and clean the stove. See the cleaning section.

Gassification with floating flames during ignition, dark cloudy purple flame, minor explosions, major explosions, etc.
Explanation: If the stove cannot produce anything that looks like a proper flame, then it is very likely that some part of the exhaust
venting path is filled to the extent that exhaust flow is vastly reduced. If this happens during startup, then it is possible that the igniters
are gassifying fuel. If there is no self-sustaining flame, the igniters can ignite the gassified fuel, leading to very noticable explosions.
These are characterized by a loud bang followed by puffs of smoke that leak past the door gasket and the ash drawer gasket, but which
is primarily vented through the intake and exhaust venting. Don’t allow the stove to run in this condition.
Remedy: Thoroughly inspect and clean the stove. See the cleaning section.

All the fuel burning up

Explanation: Different fuels require different ranges of fuel to air ratios through which they burn well. If too much air is flowing
through the system, it is possible to burn up all the fuel before the next fuel feed comes along.
Remedy: Turn down the air trim pot.

Deposition of fly ash when burning wood pellets

Loss of fire when the ash dump is done when burning wood pellets
Explanation: Wood ash accumulates as a powder, whereas corn ash accumulates into a clinker by melting together. This binds the corn
ash into one unit. If the exhaust fan is running too high, the airflow will blow the ash out of the pot, where much of it will settle on to
the burn cover. A small amount is expected. If the ash is blown out of the pot, then the burning fuel will not be elevated high enough
for the ash dump, and it will be dumped out.
Remedy: Reduce the exhaust fan speed until most of the ash stays in the burn pot.

Accumulation of soot when burning wood pellets

Explanation: If wood smoulders or is not burning at a high enough temperature it does not burn completely. This leaves soot to
condense around the stove.
Remedy: Turn up the combustion fan speed. Be careful not to turn it up so much that it makes a lot fly ash accumulate on the burn
cover.

The burn paddles get stuck and a #7 error is produced – clinker looks normal except for perhaps being too tall
Explanation: The ash content adjustment of the fuel parameters determines how often the ash dump is performed. With corn, the
default factory setting is 32. If this were changed to 16, the stove would run for twice as long before performing the ash dump. This
would allow the clinker to become too big, and it would jam the burn paddle mechanism.
Remedy: Reduce the ash content of the selected fuel. By judging the size of the clinker that jammed the mechanism, adjust the ash
content proportionally.

The burn paddles get stuck and a #7 error is produced – clinker is warped, folded, has marbled appearance
Explanation: The material in the clinker is soft and somewhat sticky above some temperature. If the stove is operating such that the
clinker is too hot when the ash dump process occurs, then as the paddles move in the clinker material, which initially is sticking to the
paddles, gets moved and folded over while at the same time the relatively cool paddle freezes the clinker into a shape that may
interfere with the paddle being able to fully extend and retract.
Remedy: At this time, run the stove cooler by reducing the exhaust fan speed or by increasing the fuel amount. Reduce the Ash dump
Fan setting for that fuel by perhaps 20% to 30%.

Unexplained operation
Explanation: This stove is rather more complex than what would normally be expected for something that just burns stuff. However,
when you look at it, if you are used to burning wood, a typical wood fire in a fireplace insert requires interaction every hour to keep
things working well. There is a fair amount of software and calibration information that need to be correct to have the stove run well.
With most stove operational issues, the first thing is to connect up the monitor and see what the calibration information is at. Improper
calibration would primarily cause combustion problems. It is also going to be the case that as time goes by, new software will become
available for the stove that may solve software problems as they are found.
Remedy: Connect to the stove using BixCheck. Verify the calibration. Consider updating the stove to newer software.

Cleaning instructions
Tools:
Small bristle brush
6 to 12 inch hose clamp (uncoiled)
Shop vacuum – 3 inch large hose with thin adapter
Drop cloth or newspapers

Daily
Depending on the heat level the stove runs at the ash drawer will need to be emptied up to a few times per week. In place of emptying
the ash drawer it is acceptable to arrange the ash clinkers to make space for more to drop out. Be careful as they may be hot. Perhaps
check the ash drawer whenever fuel is added to the hopper.

Monthly
Regardless of how much the stove is used a good monthly cleaning will keep it running well. Turn the stove off and allow it to cool
for about an hour. Arrange newspaper or a drop cloth around the stove to collect any ash that may come from the stove during the
cleaning process. A shop vacuum or other utility type vacuum is very useful.
Perform the daily cleaning operation. Remove the heat exchanger covers. Articulate the heat exchanger scrapers. Sweep into the fire
pot whatever ash you can. Vacuum out the ash from the heat exchanger. Remove the burn cover and fuel deflector. Vacuum out any
ash or fuel that accumulated around the mechanisms.

Thorough
Perform the monthly cleaning operation. Remove the burn pots and paddles. Inspect the lower burn paddle to make sure all the holes
are clear. Use a small screwdriver, nail, or other instrument to clean them out. Vacuum out all the debris that may be down there.

The best way to do this next part is to connect up the shop vacuum to the end of the venting. This is likely very difficult, however you
should keep it in mind. Use the hose clamp to work loose any ash, soot, or material in the heat exchanger area.

Complete cleaning and storage preparation at the end of the burn season
Baking soda

Technical reference
Base heat level settings as developed for Model 110. The same tables are used in the Model 115. The exhaust fan differences are
compensated for in the calibration table.
Level 110 Fan 115 Fan Feed period Feed rate Ratio Ash dump Corn use Heat output
Units RPM RPM Seconds lbs/hour Rev/lb Hours/AD lbs/day BTU @ 7000/lb
1 1512 1058 29.1 1.8 834 15.2 44 12,600
2 1776 1243 24.7 2.1 831 12.9 51 14,700
3 2016 1411 21.7 2.4 828 11.3 58 16,800
4 2280 1596 19.1 2.8 825 10.0 66 19,600
5 2544 1780 17.1 3.1 822 8.9 74 21,700
6 2784 1948 15.6 3.4 820 8.1 82 23,800
7 3048 2133 12.8 4.1 737 6.6 99 28,700
8 3168 2217 10.9 4.9 651 5.7 117 34,300

Convection fan operation

The Model 110 has a convection fan that has 4 taps from the main coil. Individual taps are energized to produce the 4 speeds.

The Model 115 can use the same fan, however it only operates the top speed coil. Speed control is achieved by controlling the amount
of power delivered to the fan. This provides a continuous range of operation. The speed is set based on the temperature of the exhaust,
not the heat level setting.

Igniter operation
When the ignition process starts, the left igniter is turned on first, and then a current measurement is made. Then it is turned off and
the right igniter is turned on and tested. After this the left igniter is turned back on. If an igniter does not operate then the appropriate
blinking code is set.

The igniter operates until a temperature rise is detected, and then they run for time after that. This allows the stove automatically
adjust the ignition time for fuel type, temperature, or other conditions to make sure that the fire is ignited properly without being
overburned.