Espar Heater Systems has introduced two new controllers, the Multi-Max F1000 for the Hydronic line of engine coolant heaters and the Digi-Max D1000 (pictured here) to manage Airtronic D2/D4 bunk heaters. As the company describes it, the Multi-Max F1000 offers maximum sequence control while the Digi-Max D1000 provides maximum user control. Espar says customers had been asking for a wider variety of control options.

The Multi-Max F1000 gives fleets complete control over their pre-heat coolant heaters, taking the driver out of the mix. With a desktop programmer and a Micro SD card slot, the Multi-Max gives tamper-proof control of every aspect of every heater's operating parameters based on each vehicle’s individual work schedule.

Programming, said to take less than 5 minutes, delivers as many as four distinct events per day, each with a different start and finish time, triggered on whatever day of the week that vehicle is in use. There's also a high-temperature disable set point, a maximum manual run time, a low-voltage disable set point, preferred PM Interval, and an 'exercise' scheduler.

Through the Micro SD card slot, those same settings can then be used to program one, or multiple vehicles heaters.

As soon as workers arrive on site, they’re guaranteed to climb into a warm, de-iced and work-ready vehicle, says Espar. And by taking the driver out of the programming process, the company says running coolant heaters means no more unnecessary idling, no more needless engine wear and tear, no more wasted time, and no more wasted fuel.

Maintenance technicians should like the controller’s diagnostic indicator, a tri-colored LED light with a simple flash code that notifies drivers when the heater needs either routine or unscheduled attention. Settings aren't lost if the controller is disconnected from its power source.

The Digi-Max D1000 controller gives drivers maximum control and a larger display screen to accommodate things like constant heater status display, a temperature set point with Celsius or Fahrenheit options, and a run-time countdown clock. Problem shut-offs are isolated from routine shut-offs through a 'check heater' indicator and simplified diagnostic service messages

Drivers will find the controls easier to operate, says Espar, reducing the potential for error, with descriptive fault-code messages added. There's also a programmable low-voltage shut-off to prevent early morning calls from drivers in need of a boost, a maximum run-time limiter, and customized PM schedule alerts.

Espar heaters use 12- or 24-volt systems and gasoline or diesel as an on-board fuel. They operate as diesel or gasoline furnaces with sealed combustion chambers. Espar air heaters use forced air as a heating medium while coolant heaters circulate the engine coolant to transfer heat.