Magnum Feed Question

ginski · Post by **ginski** » Tue. Nov. 18, 2008 5:46 pm

the past couple of years that I've been using the magnum stoker, I would normally adjust the feed rate (1 to 3.5 dots) as the weather dictated. it would keep the house comfortable & generally just run in maintenance mode with the thermostat hardly ever engaging.

this season, so far, I've kept the feed rate at 1.5 and adjusted the thermostat (digital) as needed & I seem to be using less coal.

has anyone else had any experience with this...i'm only on my third season with this stoker, and this method appears to save on coal.

thanks for any feedback!

tom

stefan73111 · Post by **stefan73111** » Tue. Nov. 18, 2008 6:48 pm

I haven't been using my magnum for more than a month but I set the feed rate when I first fired it up as the manual said and left it there. I have mine tied into a digital thermostat. The only thing I have adjusted is the maintenance timers. As it has gotten colder I have decreased the off time to keep more heat in the stove.

s7mar7in · Post by **s7mar7in** » Wed. Dec. 31, 2008 12:03 am

Holiday Greetings,
My wife and I are using coal heat for the first time this year. We purchased our Harman Magnum Stoker and are still tweaking and learning as we go.
Stove settings are as follows: Coal Stoker Stroke (2 Dots) / Run Timer (2 minutes) / Dwell Timer (10 minutes) / FD Restrictor Plate ( Open 33%).
Here in The Great North Woods of New Hampshire, using these settings, the stove is seldom engaging the thermostat.
The combustion is steady, low firing-rate, but never fails. (Though it is a LOLO burn-rate on warmer days).
I would welcome any advice regarding the operation of this stove.
Q1: Optimal settings for low-fire.
Q2: Minimum "reliable feed setting" for coal stoker.
Q3: Optimal fuel /ash thickness on grates.
Warm Regards,
John

stefan73111 · Post by **stefan73111** » Wed. Dec. 31, 2008 8:18 am

The only thing I would ask is whether or not your running the combustion fan full time, meaning is it plugged into the control box or an outlet. From reading this site most people disregard the restrictor plate on the combustion blower opting for some type of speed control and keep it running all the time. Even when the stove is in maintenance mode with the combustion fan running constantly you will probably notice a much more complete burn of the coal and never have to worry about the fire going out. In theory you also may extend the life of the combustion fan because without the restrictor plate the fan gets the maximum amount of air to it. Granted you have to set the speed lower and check with a manometer so you don't force fumes from the stove into the room. You could leave the plate on and just plug the combustion fan into an outlet so it runs full time to test.

s7mar7in · Post by **s7mar7in** » Wed. Dec. 31, 2008 12:54 pm

Many thanks for responding,
The stove is setup in the basic configuration recommended in the owners manual, so the combustion fan is in-service only while the stove is firing.
...I wish the combustion fan had an option to set the fan to start on a timer in advance of the coal stoker and then run on a timer after the coal stoker...
I am just the type to purchase and use a 'coal trol' but we are using this year to learn the basics.
Warm Regards,
John