I received my dryer today. It didn't take long to assemble it. Harvest right sent me the manual a few days ago and I had plenty of time to read it. I tried to attach photos from my ipad after I typed a long description but lost everything I wrote so.. I will type this, post, then try to add photo's. Anyway, I spoke to Harvest Right before starting the unit just to make sure I did it right. They are very friendly and willing to help you get your product right. They did recommend me to try less sugary food first so I can get use to the unit. Fruits take longer to dry. I went to walmart and ashamed to say I purchased the following. Frozen (large) assortment of fruit, frozen beans, ice cream sandwiches, jello (had to try it), precooked ham and beef, and a last minute snickers bar at checkout. Surprisingly it all fit on the small trays except the whole pack of ham steaks.
The machine works like this. The digital display on the front of the machine provides the time left. It starts by cooling to -50 degrees for 9 hours. It then starts the external vacuum pump which is plugged into the unit. Once the vacuum reaches 500 mtarr, the tray heaters turn on. As the food warms, the evaporated liquid increases the air pressure which is constantly monitored. Once it reaches 600 mtarr, the heaters turn off. The moisture condenses reducing the air pressure back to 500 mtarr and the cycle starts over with the tray heaters. Once the air pressure stabilizes, the vacuum pump turns off and the unit remains at -50 until you turn it off. Once the food is removed, you can flip the switch to defrost and drain off the water. (This is how I understand it).
The unit comes with a vacuum pump manufactured by JB Industries. It is the platinum model which is their best model they make. The downside is the pump is kinda loud. The unit is not. I figured I'd load it at night and let the pump run while I'm not home.
Anyway, I will try to attach pics and update you tomorrow on the finished product.
