Highlands Biological Station

Environmental Chambers Resources

Standard Operating Procedure and Quick Reference

This space is designed to help you get the most out of the Environmental Chambers at Highlands Biological Station. Here, you’ll find guidance on chamber operation, best practices for experimental setup, and key information on maintaining stable, reliable conditions for your work.

Whether you’re running your first trial or refining an established protocol, these resources are here to support you—so you can focus on your research with confidence and precision.

If you have questions or need additional support, we’re here to help.

For use by HBS staff, instructors, researchers, and approved chamber users during routine operations.

Before You Begin

Before programming the chamber, keep the following in mind:

  • Enter programming mode by pressing and holding SEL for 3–5 seconds
  • The chamber should be programmed through CH3
  • Each screen shows:
    • a white title across the top
    • a red line number in the lower left
    • green values or options in the lower right
  • The chamber does not run on a standard wall-clock schedule
  • When started, the program begins with SV1

Program Structure

Each program can include up to eight stages. For each stage:

  • SV = set value
  • LMR = ramp time to that value
  • tMS = amount of time the chamber remains at that stage

Standard Programming Procedure

1. Enter Programming Mode
  • Press and hold SEL for 3–5 seconds
  • Confirm the display shows CH3
  • If needed, use the up/down arrows to locate CH3
  • Press SEL
  • Press the down arrow to continue
2. Enter the Core Setup Values
  • Line 200: PTN = 0
  • Line 201: tEMU = HH:MM
3. Program Stage Values as Needed
  • Line 202: SV1 = first set point
  • Line 203: LM1R = time to reach SV1
  • Line 204: tM1S = time spent at SV1

Repeat the same sequence for additional stages as needed, up to SV8.

4. Complete the Final Settings
  • Line 394: Mod = 1
  • Line 395: GSoK = OFF
  • Line 396: GS-L = 50
  • Line 397: GS-H = 50
  • Line 398: PVST = OFF
  • Line 399: CON = Cont
  • Line 400: PHNM = 6
  • Line 401: PMCN = 0

After completing these settings, press the Home button to return to the main screen. HBS recommends CON = Cont to accommodate brief power interruptions.

5. Start the Program
  • Press SEL
  • Set Stby = OFF
  • Go to Line 004: PRG
  • Select RUN
  • Press SEL
  • Press Home

The program will begin automatically at SV1.

Troubleshooting

Cannot enter programming mode

Hold SEL for the full 3–5 seconds.

Cannot change a setting

Press the left arrow first to unlock the field, then use the up/down arrows to adjust the value.

Program will not start

Confirm:

  • Stby = OFF
  • Line 004: PRG = RUN

Program begins at the wrong time

The chamber does not follow a wall-clock schedule. It always begins at SV1 once PRG is set to RUN.

Concern after a power outage

Check Line 399: CON. HBS typically recommends Cont because Coker Laboratory backup power usually covers brief interruptions.

Quick Reference

Program Setup
  • Hold SEL for 3–5 seconds
  • Select CH3
  • Press the down arrow to continue
Core Settings
  • Line 200: PTN = 0
  • Line 201: tEMU = HH:MM
Program Stages

For each stage, enter:

  • SV
  • LMR
  • tMS

Example:

  • SV1
  • LM1R
  • tM1S

Repeat through SV8 as needed.

Final Settings

  • 394: Mod = 1
  • 395: GSoK = OFF
  • 396: GS-L = 50
  • 397: GS-H = 50
  • 398: PVST = OFF
  • 399: CON = Cont
  • 400: PHNM = 6
  • 401: PMCN = 0
Start Program
  • Set Stby = OFF
  • Go to Line 004: PRG
  • Select RUN
  • Press SEL
  • Press Home
Important Reminders
  • Press the left arrow to unlock editable settings
  • The chamber starts with SV1
  • Check the red line number to confirm where you are
If Something Is Not Working
  • Cannot edit? Press the left arrow first
  • Will not start? Check Stby = OFF and PRG = RUN

Quick Start

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Virtual (VTS) Owner’s Manual Chamber Operation

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