Maxim FireStar Operating Instructions Manual

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Operating Instructions and Controller Variables

UNDERSTANDING THE FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL

Before operating the FIRESTAR Control Panel, become familiar

with the information the control panel provides and the procedures

for making changes to settings. The control panel has been

programmed with factory default settings. If fine-tuning is desired,

refer to the appropriate section of these operating instructions for

more information.

100%

Feed Rate

65%

1. During normal operation, the LED display indicates the actual

temperature of the system water. Other information will also be

displayed on the LED display depending on settings, modes,

etc. The Water Temp

water temperature setting or, used in conjunction with the

and

buttons, to change the water temperature setting.

FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011

FireStar Control Panel

Software Version 1.0

60%

20%

button may be used to display the

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting

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Summary of Contents for Maxim FireStar

Page 1 Operating Instructions and Controller Variables Software Version 1.0 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL Before operating the FIRESTAR Control Panel, become familiar with the information the control panel provides and the procedures for making changes to settings. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings.
Page 2: Initial Start-Up
Clean Out mode. The Auger light is on any time the augers are running. 6. The Power button is used to turn the FIRESTAR control on and off. It does not disable all electrical power to the furnace. INITIAL START-UP NOTE: Before starting the furnace, make sure that (1) there is adequate clean, dry fuel in the hopper or supply bin;...
Page 3 When the water temperature reaches the water temperature setting, the controller will change to IDLE mode. The controller will again change to NORMAL mode when the water temperature drops. This cycle repeats as necessary to maintain the system water temperature. FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011...
Page 4 CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL SETTINGS NOTE: Until you become familiar with the operation of your FIRESTAR control panel, consult your Central Boiler dealer before making changes to the factory default settings. Water Temperature Normally the system water temperature will be displayed. To display the water temperature setting, press the Water Temp button.
Page 5 Auto Relight Enabled light will continue to flash until one of the following occurs: 1. Press and hold the Ignition button for 15 seconds. 2. Press the Power button to turn off the controller; then press again to turn on the controller. FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011...
Page 6 Self-Test. 2. During the Self-Test, the following will occur: a. The LED display will first indicate the burner temperature, then the water temperature and finally the center section of the display digits will flash. FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011...
Page 7 Everything but the burner auger will be disabled. The burner auger will run for two minutes, pause for 10 minutes, and continue as required. The Back Burn alarm will not stop until the controller detects that the temperature has dropped. FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011...
Page 8 If there appears to be a system error, attempt to restart the system. If a standard restart fails to correct an apparent error, shut off the main power at the source for one minute and then try again. FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011...
Page 9 FOR DEALER USE ONLY CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROLLER VARIABLES Software Version 1 The FIRESTAR control relies on several variables for operation. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings. If fine-tuning is desired, the variables can be changed. To enter Setup mode:...
Page 10 Maximum time that the controller will operate in Gas Ignition mode. 8. Fire Out Time: 5 (minutes) When the Auto Relight function is disabled, the time the controller will wait before checking the burner temperature and changing to Fire Out mode. 1-10 FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011...
Page 11 Burner Differential. The Burner Differential can only be set as high as the Gas Differential setting. To exit Setup mode: Wait 15 seconds (while not pressing any buttons) and the controller will automatically exit Setup mode. FIRESTAR VER. 1.0 – 3-May-2011...
Page 12 Operating Instructions and Controller Variables Software Version 1.2 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL Before operating the FIRESTAR Control Panel, become familiar with the information the control panel provides and the procedures for making changes to settings. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings.
Page 13 Clean Out Mode. The Auger light is on any time the augers are running. 6. The Power button is used to turn the FIRESTAR control on and off. It does not disable all electrical power to the furnace. INITIAL START-UP NOTE: Before starting the furnace, make sure that (1) there is adequate clean, dry fuel in the hopper or supply bin;...
Page 14 When the water temperature reaches the water temperature setting, the controller will change to IDLE mode. The controller will again change to NORMAL mode when the water temperature drops. This cycle repeats as necessary to maintain the system water temperature. FIRESTAR VER. 1.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 15 CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL SETTINGS NOTE: Until you become familiar with the operation of your FIRESTAR control panel, consult your Central Boiler dealer before making changes to the factory default settings. Water Temperature Normally the system water temperature will be displayed. To display the water temperature setting, press the Water Temp button.
Page 16 If after three Ignition mode cycles, the burner temperature does not rise above the burner temperature setting, all outputs will be disabled, the Auto Relight Enabled light will flash, and the LED display will indicate to notify that the burner fire has gone out. FIRESTAR VER. 1.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 17 Auger Jog button. To cancel Clean Out Mode: 1. Press the Auger Jog button four times within two seconds. The Clean Out Mode light will turn off and the burner and transfer augers will run as normal. FIRESTAR VER. 1.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 18 The ignition process will begin (see How the Gas Ignitor Starts). The system will operate in NORMAL mode for 1 minute. d. After a delay of 10 seconds, all outputs will be disabled and the controller will shut off. FIRESTAR VER. 1.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 19 Out alarm is corrected and the controller is reset. To clear the Fire Out alarm, turn the controller off and on again or press and hold the Ignition button. This will enable Auto Relight to attempt lighting the burner again. FIRESTAR VER. 1.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 20 If there appears to be a system error, attempt to restart the system. If a standard restart fails to correct an apparent error, shut off the main power at the source for one minute and then try again. FIRESTAR VER. 1.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 21 FOR DEALER USE ONLY CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROLLER VARIABLES Software Version 1.2 The FIRESTAR control relies on several variables for operation. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings. If fine-tuning is desired, the variables can be changed. To enter Setup mode:...
Page 22 Water Temperature Setpoint and at least 30 seconds have passed. 6. Gas Differential: 100 (˚F) The controller will operate in Ignition mode until the burner temperature reaches the Burner Temperature Setpoint plus the Gas Differential. FIRESTAR VER. 1.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 23 Maxim. If the bottom half of the light bar is lit, the controller is in the auger delay setting for the Bio- Advantage.
Page 24: Technical Specifications
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS These tables indicate the settings for the various modes and the corresponding values. Default values are shaded. For example, the value at setting 3 for Maxim IDLE mode fan voltage is 5.00 Volts. TROUBLESHOOTING Primary EEPROM Failure (System will attempt to auto- correct): If the system detects failed EEPROM hardware, it will halt operations and flash "EEE."...
Page 25 Operating Instructions and Controller Variables Software Version 1.3 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL Before operating the FireStar Control Panel, become familiar with the information the control panel provides and the procedures for making changes to settings. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings.
Page 26: Initial Start-Up
Clean Out Mode. The Auger light is on any time the augers are running. 6. The Power button is used to turn the FireStar control on and off. It does not disable all electrical power to the furnace. INITIAL START-UP NOTE: Before starting the furnace, make sure that (1) there is adequate clean, dry fuel in the hopper or supply bin;...
Page 27 When the water temperature reaches the water temperature setting, the controller will change to IDLE mode. The controller will again change to NORMAL mode when the water temperature drops. This cycle repeats as necessary to maintain the system water temperature. FIRESTAR VER. 1.3 – 3-May-2011...
Page 28 CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL SETTINGS NOTE: Until you become familiar with the operation of your FireStar control panel, consult your Central Boiler dealer before making changes to the factory default settings. Water Temperature Normally the system water temperature will be displayed. To display the water temperature setting, press the Water Temp button.
Page 29 The controller will maintain the system in a disabled condition and the Auto Relight Enabled light will continue to flash until one of the following occurs: 1. Press and hold the Ignition button for 15 seconds. FIRESTAR VER. 1.3 – 3-May-2011...
Page 30 To reset auger and fan settings to factory default settings: 1. Press the Power button to turn off the controller; then, while pressing and holding the IDLE mode buttons, press the Power button to turn on the controller. FIRESTAR VER. 1.3 – 3-May-2011...
Page 31 The ignition process will begin (see How the Gas Ignitor Starts). The system will operate in NORMAL mode for 1 minute. d. After a delay of 10 seconds, all outputs will be disabled and the controller will shut off. FIRESTAR VER. 1.3 – 3-May-2011...
Page 32 Out alarm is corrected and the controller is reset. To clear the Fire Out alarm, turn the controller off and on again or press and hold the Ignition button. This will enable Auto Relight to attempt lighting the burner again. FIRESTAR VER. 1.3 – 3-May-2011...
Page 33 If there appears to be a system error, attempt to restart the system. If a standard restart fails to correct an apparent error, shut off the main power at the source for one minute and then try again. FIRESTAR VER. 1.3 – 3-May-2011...
Page 34 FOR DEALER USE ONLY CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROLLER VARIABLES Software Version 1.3 The FIRESTAR control relies on several variables for operation. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings. If fine-tuning is desired, the variables can be changed. To enter Setup mode:...
Page 35 Water Temperature Setpoint and at least 30 seconds have passed. 6. Gas Differential: 100 (˚F) The controller will operate in Ignition mode until the burner temperature reaches the Burner Temperature Setpoint plus the Gas Differential. FIRESTAR VER. 1.3 – 3-May-2011...
Page 36 Maxim. If the bottom half of the light bar is lit, the controller is in the auger delay setting for the Bio- Advantage.
Page 37: Technical Specifications
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS These tables indicate the settings for the various modes and the corresponding values. Default values are shaded. For example, the value at setting 3 for Maxim IDLE mode fan voltage is 5.00 Volts. TROUBLESHOOTING Primary EEPROM Failure (System will attempt to auto- correct): If the system detects failed EEPROM hardware, it will halt operations and flash "EEE."...
Page 38 Operating Instructions and Controller Variables Software Version 1.4 and 1.5 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL Before operating the FireStar Control Panel, become familiar with the information the control panel provides and the procedures for making changes to settings. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings.
Page 39: Initial Start-Up
Clean Out Mode. The Auger light is on any time the burner auger is running. 6. The Power button is used to turn the FireStar controller on and off. To turn the controller on or off, press and hold the Power button for at least one second.
Page 40 5. The gas burner will continue to burn until the burn chamber reaches a high enough temperature to sustain burning the fuel, or for 10 minutes, at which time the controller will turn off the gas burner. FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 41 CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL SETTINGS NOTE: Until you become familiar with the operation of your FireStar control panel, consult your Central Boiler dealer before making changes to the factory default settings. Water Temperature Normally the system water temperature will be displayed. To display the water temperature setting, press the Water Temp button.
Page 42 The controller will maintain the system in a disabled condition and the Auto Relight Enabled light will continue to flash until one of the following occurs: FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 43 NOTE: If not cancelled, Clean Out Mode will run for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes the Clean Out Mode light will turn off and the burner and transfer augers will run as normal. FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 44 If this alarm occurs often, you will need to lower the water temperature setpoint and/or adjust the feed rate settings in one or all of the three modes (HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW). FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 45 Rapidly press the Water Temp button four times. The LED display will indicate for five seconds. To unlock the controller: Rapidly press the Water Temp button four times. The LED display will indicate for several seconds. FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 46 If there appears to be a controller error, attempt to restart the controller using the Power button. If a standard restart fails to correct an apparent error, shut off the main power at the source for one minute and then try again. FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 47 FOR MAXIM M175 ® Software Versions 1.4 and 1.5 The FireStar controller relies on several variables for operation. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings. If fine-tuning is desired, the variables can be changed. To Enter Setup Mode:...
Page 48 Maximum time that the controller will operate in Gas Ignition mode. 8. Fire Out Time: 5 (minutes) When the Auto Relight function is disabled, the time the controller will wait before checking the burner temperature and changing to Fire Out mode. 4-11 FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 49 "off" time. For example, if setting is 3 seconds on and 10 seconds off, changing the "on" time to 1 second will automatically change the "off" time to 3 seconds. 4-12 FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 50 Power button to turn on the controller. NOTE: To restore ALL settings to factory default, it is necessary to restore the controller settings and the auger and fan settings. 4-13 FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 51: Troubleshooting
If this occurs, restore all settings to factory default and restart the controller. If the problem persists, contact Central Boiler. NOTE: The processor in the FireStar controller is similar to the processors in computers. All processors are subject to requiring an occasional restart in order to reset information.
Page 52: Technical Specifications
5.25 4.50 5.00 1000 *The Auger Off Time values shown are for the default 3-second “on” time. These values will change automatically if the “on” time is changed. See Changing/Viewing Auger Settings. 4-15 FIRESTAR VER. 1.4 and 1.5 – 3-May-2011...
Page 53 Operating Instructions and Controller Variables Software Version 2.1 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL Before operating the FireStar Control Panel, become familiar with the information the control panel provides and the procedures for making changes to settings. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings.
Page 54: Initial Start-Up
Clean Out Mode. The Auger light is on any time the burner auger is running. 6. The Power button is used to turn the FireStar controller on and off. To turn the controller on or off, press and hold the Power button for at least one second.
Page 55: Ignition Sequence
5. The gas burner will continue to burn until the burn chamber reaches a high enough temperature to sustain burning the fuel, or for 10 minutes, at which time the controller will turn off the gas burner. FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 56 CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL SETTINGS NOTE: Until you become familiar with the operation of your FireStar control panel, consult your Central Boiler dealer before making changes to the factory default settings. Water Temperature Normally the system water temperature will be displayed. To display the water temperature setting, press the Water Temp button.
Page 57 (fewer lights on the light bar) lowers the fan speed and increasing the setting (more lights on the light bar) increases the fan speed. For LOW mode, increasing or decreasing the setting will increase or decrease the length of time the fan runs. FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 58 (e.g., wet or contaminated fuel, mechanical problem, etc.). To enable/disable the Auto Relight function: Press the Ignition button twice within one second. When enabled, the Auto Relight Enabled light will turn on. FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 59 To restore auger and air settings to factory default settings: Press the Power button to turn off the controller; then, while pressing and holding the LOW mode buttons, press the Power button to turn on the controller. FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 60 165˚F/74˚C. If this alarm occurs often, you will need to lower the water temperature setpoint and/or adjust the feed rate settings in one or all of the three modes (HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW). FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 61 LOW or MEDIUM mode. The controller will stop the fuel supply and turn off the fan until the water temperature drops low enough for the controller to change to HIGH mode. No action is required. EEPROM Failure: contact your dealer. FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 62 If there appears to be a controller error, attempt to restart the controller using the Power button. If a standard restart fails to correct an apparent error, shut off the main power at the source for one minute and then try again. 5-10 FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 63 FOR MAXIM M250 ® Software Version 2.1 The FireStar controller relies on several variables for operation. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings. If fine-tuning is desired, the variables can be changed. To Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold the Water Temp button for 7 seconds until the LED display changes from the water temperature to a "1."...
Page 64 If the burner temperature is below the Burner Temperature Setpoint, the controller will immediately change from HIGH mode to MEDIUM mode. If Auto Relight is enabled, Gas Ignition is started. 5-12 FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 65 The Burner Differential can only be set as high as the Gas Differential setting. To Exit Setup Mode: Wait 15 seconds (while not pressing any buttons) and the controller will automatically exit Setup Mode. 5-13 FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 66 The ignition process will begin and will operate for 1 minute (see How the Gas Ignitor Operates). d. After a delay of 10 seconds, all outputs will be disabled and the controller will shut off. 5-14 FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 67: Troubleshooting
If this occurs, restore all settings to factory default and restart the controller. If the problem persists, contact Central Boiler. NOTE: The processor in the FireStar controller is similar to the processors in computers. All processors are subject to requiring an occasional restart in order to reset information.
Page 68: Technical Specifications
*The Auger Off Time values shown are for the default 3-second “on” time in HIGH and MEDIUM modes, and for the default 1-second “on” time in LOW mode. These values will change automatically if the “on” time is changed. See Changing/Viewing Auger Settings. 5-16 FIRESTAR VER. 2.1 – 3-May-2011...
Page 69 Operating Instructions and Controller Variables Software Version 2.2 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL Before operating the FireStar Control Panel, become familiar with the information the control panel provides and the procedures for making changes to settings. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings.
Page 70 Clean Out Mode. The Auger light is on any time the burner auger is running. 6. The Power button is used to turn the FireStar controller on and off. To turn the controller on or off, press and hold the Power button for at least one second.
Page 71 5. The gas burner will continue to burn until the burn chamber reaches a high enough temperature to sustain burning the fuel, or for 10 minutes, at which time the controller will turn off the gas burner. FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 72 CHANGING FIRESTAR CONTROL PANEL SETTINGS NOTE: Until you become familiar with the operation of your FireStar control panel, consult your Central Boiler dealer before making changes to the factory default settings. Water Temperature Normally the system water temperature will be displayed. To display the water temperature setting, press the Water Temp button.
Page 73 (fewer lights on the light bar) lowers the fan speed and increasing the setting (more lights on the light bar) increases the fan speed. For LOW mode, increasing or decreasing the setting will increase or decrease the length of time the fan runs. FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 74 (e.g., wet or contaminated fuel, mechanical problem, etc.). To enable/disable the Auto Relight function: Press the Ignition button twice within one second. When enabled, the Auto Relight Enabled light will turn on. FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 75 To restore auger and air settings to factory default settings: Press the Power button to turn off the controller; then, while pressing and holding the LOW mode buttons, press the Power button to turn on the controller. FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 76 165˚F/74˚C. If this alarm occurs often, you will need to lower the water temperature setpoint and/or adjust the feed rate settings in one or all of the three modes (HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW). FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 77 LOW or MEDIUM mode. The controller will stop the fuel supply and turn off the fan until the water temperature drops low enough for the controller to change to HIGH mode. No action is required. EEPROM Failure: contact your dealer. FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 78 If there appears to be a controller error, attempt to restart the controller using the Power button. If a standard restart fails to correct an apparent error, shut off the main power at the source for one minute and then try again. 6-10 FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 79 FOR MAXIM M250 ® Software Version 2.2 The FireStar controller relies on several variables for operation. The control panel has been programmed with factory default settings. If fine-tuning is desired, the variables can be changed. To Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold the Water Temp button for 7 seconds until the LED display changes from the water temperature to a "1."...
Page 80 If the burner temperature is below the Burner Temperature Setpoint, the controller will immediately change from HIGH mode to MEDIUM mode. If Auto Relight is enabled, Gas Ignition is started. 6-12 FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 81 The Burner Differential can only be set as high as the Gas Differential setting. To Exit Setup Mode: Wait 15 seconds (while not pressing any buttons) and the controller will automatically exit Setup Mode. 6-13 FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 82 The ignition process will begin and will operate for 1 minute (see How the Gas Ignitor Operates). d. After a delay of 10 seconds, all outputs will be disabled and the controller will shut off. 6-14 FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...
Page 83 If this occurs, restore all settings to factory default and restart the controller. If the problem persists, contact Central Boiler. NOTE: The processor in the FireStar controller is similar to the processors in computers. All processors are subject to requiring an occasional restart in order to reset information.
Page 84 *The Auger Off Time values shown are for the default 3-second “on” time in HIGH and MEDIUM modes, and for the default 1-second “on” time in LOW mode. These values will change automatically if the “on” time is changed. See Changing/Viewing Auger Settings. 6-16 FIRESTAR VER. 2.2 – 3-May-2011...