Marvair Marine Introduces the o-Touch HVAC Display

Intuitive icons on a touch screen display simplify operation of the HVAC system

Published: Sunday, January 30, 2011 7:00 am
By: Marvair Marine

Marvair Marine announces the introduction of its o-Touch display for its line of self-contained units, split systems, chillers and chilled water air handlers. Immediately recognizable by users of smart phones and tablet computers, the touch screen display and intuitive icons simplify control of the HVAC system. The o-Touch display automatically controls temperature, humidity and even shows system problems on a compact, yet easily readable screen.

Mr. Paul Mechler, President of Marvair, explained the design parameters of the o-Touch display. “We wanted the owner to look at the display and, at a glance, see the operating status of their HVAC system and to be able to easily change the set points without referring to a manual or instructions. We challenged the engineers to eliminate the buttons and switches that can detract from the appearance of the display. And we wanted all this in an affordable package that could be used by all of Marvair Marine HVAC systems. The result today is the o-Touch display.”

The o-Touch screen shows the HVAC unit’s operating mode – Cooling, Heating, Automatic, Dehumidification and Fan Only- using easily recognizable icons. A snowflake of Cooling, a sun for Heating, half sun/half snowflake for Automatic, a water drop for Dehumidification and a fan for Fan Only are shown in the upper left hand corner. (The operating mode is also in English along the top of the display). The cabin temperature is prominent in the middle of the screen while the set point temperature is in the upper right hand corner. A horizontal bar indicates fan speed is at the center bottom and a rotating fan icon in the lower right corner shows if the fan is currently operating.

To change a set point, simply tap on the icon or temperature and use the up or down arrows to change as desired. For example, to lower the temperature in the cabin, tap the set point temperature on the screen. A second screen appears with the current set point temperature, UP and DOWN arrows and a large “X”. Tap the DOWN arrow until the desired temperature has been selected and then tap the “X” on the screen to accept the temperature. The same procedure is used to select the operating mode and fan speed. If the display is not touched for 3 minutes, it dims. A tap on the screen immediately brings the screen to bright!

The o-Touch display uses an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen. The OLED display is brighter, thinner, lighter, and uses less power than older LCD’s. In addition, the OLED display offers wider viewing angles and higher contrast than LCD’s.

The display mounts on the wall, like a conventional thermostat, and fits in a standard Vimar or Gewiss bezel. The temperature can be displayed in either °F or °C. Non-volatile memory stores set points and selections indefinitely in the event of a loss of power. Both the board in the HVAC unit and the o-Touch display are shielded for protection against static interference and RF noise.

The control board for the o-Touch is corrosion protected for use in tropical and marine environments and built using the latest, state of the art technology. Flash programming allows for future software updates without replacing the board.

Marvair, a division of Airxcel^™, Inc., is an ISO 9001 2008 certified company and a diversified manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning products for marine applications, telecommunication enclosures, school classrooms and commercial modular structures. Airxcel^®, Inc., is the parent-holding company formed in 1997 for Marvair, Cordele, GA; Suburban Manufacturing^®, Dayton, TN; and RV Products^®, Wichita, KS. Brands of Airxcel, Inc., including the Coleman^®-Mach^® air conditioner, are recognized in the recreation vehicle, telecommunications, school and modular construction industries for their high quality, value added products. Airxcel, Inc., is committed to growth, leadership and success in servicing these industries. Airxcel, Inc., designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of products that include cooling, heating, water heating and cooking appliances for specialty markets.

Marvair Marine UK is located at Unit 6, Benridge Park, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BD. For more informations,please visit www.marvair.co.uk.