Brinsea TLC-40 User manual

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TLC-40 Zoologica Series II / TLC-50 Zoologica Series II
Thermal
Life-support
Cabinet
User instructions
Contents
Section Subject Page
1 Introduction 2
2 QUICK REFERENCE 2
3 Unpacking 4
4 Location and Assembly 5
5 Digital Control System 8
6 Temperature 10
7 Humidity and Ventilation 11
8 Fan Speed Control 12
9 Introducing Young Birds 12
10 Small Animal Care 13
11 Internal Lighting 14
12 Cleaning up 15
13 Servicing and Calibration 15
14 Specification 17
Danger. Not intended for use with oxygen gas. Use of oxygen creates a fire
hazard.
Damaged appliances shall not be used.
The appliance and its supply cord must be placed in an indoor area not subject
to splashes of water or wet conditions and protected from or out of reach of
animals.
Repairs shall be carried out only by a suitably qualified person.
This appliance shall not be used, cleaned or maintained by children or persons
with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and
knowledge without supervision. Children shall not play with the appliance.
Disconnect the brooder/ICU from the mains power supply during cleaning.
Ensure that all electrical parts are kept dry. Avoid alcohol-based solutions and
make sure that all disinfectant is thoroughly rinsed off plastic parts with clean
water. Disinfectant solutions may cause severe cracking of plastic if not
correctly rinsed off.
Record your appliance serial number here: __________________
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Brinsea Products Ltd and its agents or distributors will not be responsible for loss of animals in the event of
failure however caused and the user is advised to arrange his own insurance cover where loss of power or
mechanical or electrical failure might result in unacceptable losses.
Read instructions
before use.

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1Introduction
These instructions detail the operation of your new TLC-40 Zoologica Series II or TLC-50 Zoologica Series II digital
brooder/ICU. Please read these instructions carefully before setting up your machine to achieve best results and
keep these instructions safe for future reference. Your TLC Zoologica Series II brooder/ICU is designed to allow
the user to vary the environmental conditions to suit a wide range of species and the specific set-up for every
species is beyond the scope of these instructions. There are a range of books and veterinarian texts available
covering animal and avian hand rearing and recovery techniques.
To register your new Brinsea product please visit www.brinsea.com and follow the link under Customer
Service on the top navigation of the home page to qualify for your free 3 year warranty. If you do not have
access to the internet please call 1-888-667-7009.
Go to www.Brinsea.com and register as a free member of the Brinsea Email Group to receive the latest news
and information such as advance notice about new products, special offers, exclusive competitions and much
more.
Fig. 1 Functional features of the TLC-40 Zoologica Series II and TLC-50 Zoologica Series II
(40 model shown)
2Quick Reference (please read relevant section for detail)
This quick reference is intended to allow users familiar with Brinsea TLC brooder/ICUs to quickly set up the
brooder/ICU and learn the key features of the control system. Please read the rest of the instructions to obtain
a full understanding of each feature. DO NOT COVER THE BROODER/ICU. FOR INDOOR USE ONLY.
1) Carefully unpack the brooder/ICU parts (section 3)
2) Assemble the cabinet (section 4)
3) Fit the power lead
Digital Display
Power Inlet (at rear)
Temperature Control
Housing
Adjustable Vent
Water pump
Door Latch
Control Buttons
Inlet Air Filter
(circulation filters
are inside)
Door Hinges
(Reversible)

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MAIN MENU – QUICK REFERENCE
TEMP
OK 
FANSPEED
OK 
ALARM HI
OK 
ALARM LO
OK 
C/F
OK 
SAVE
OK 
CANCEL
OK 
30.0C
OK -+
FAN 4
OK -+
HI 2.0C
OK -+
LOW 3.0C
OK -+
DISP C
OK C F
TEMPERATURE.
RANGE 20.0 – 40.0°C (68.0 – 104.0°F).
DEFAULT 30.0°C (86.0°F).
FAN SPEED.
RANGE 1 – 4.
DEFAULT 4.
HIGH TEMPERATURE ALARM. RANGE 1.0
– 5.0°C (1.8 – 9.0°F) ABOVE SET
BROODER/ICU TEMPERATURE.
DEFAULT 2.0°C (3.6°F).
LOW TEMPERATURE ALARM. RANGE 1.0
– 5.0°C (1.8 – 9.0°F) BELOW SET
BROODER/ICU TEMPERATURE.
DEFAULT 3.0°C (5.4°F).
CELSIUS / FAHRENHEIT DISPLAY.
SWITCHES ALL TEMPERATURE FIGURES
BETWEEN °C AND °F.
DEFAULT °C.
SAVE.
ALL CHANGES ARE SAVED. RETURN TO
NORMAL OPERATION SCREEN.
CANCEL.
ALL CHANGES ARE IGNORED. RETURN TO
NORMAL OPERATION SCREEN.
PRESS BOTH BUTTONS TO UNLOCK THE MAIN MENU
SELECT THE OPTION / RETURN TO THE MENU.
GO FORWARD ONE SCREEN / INCREASE THE VALUE / DISPLAY IN CELSIUS.
GO BACK ONE SCREEN / DECREASE THE VALUE / DISPLAY IN FAHRENHEIT.
RH%
OK 
RH 20%
OK -+
RELATIVE HUMIDITY.
RANGE 20 – 80 (DEPENDANT ON ROOM
CONDITIONS – SEE SECTION 7).
DEFAULT 20.

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3Unpacking
Your brooder/ICU has been supplied in protective packaging. Please remove all tape, strapping and packing from the
brooder/ICU and parts. Retain the carton and packing materials to enable the unit to be repacked.
Your brooder/ICU will include as standard:
Quantity Item
1 Brooder/ICU top assembly (with 3 air filters fitted)
1 Cabinet base
1 Door
1 Hinge socket
1 Fastener and tool kit
1 Mains cable
1 Water pan
1 Evaporating block
1 Pump tube assembly (2x elbows, pump tube and short rigid tube)
20” (0.5m) Spare pump tube 1/5” (5.0mm) internal diameter
10’ (3.0m) Spare silicone water tubing 1/8” (3.0mm) internal diameter
Fastener and Tool Kit Contents:
Quantity TLC-40 Quantity TLC-50 Item
2 2 M5 x 16mm countersunk screws
2 2 M5 flat washers
2 2 M5 domed nuts
12 16 M4 x 30mm cap-headed screws
12 16 M4 star washers
12 16 M4 nuts
1 1 Door edge strip
1 1 3mm hex key
1 1 4mm hex key
1 1 7mm / 8mm wrench
3.1 Please identify each part and check that they are all present and undamaged. If there are any parts
damaged or missing please contact your retailer or Brinsea Products (at the address at the end of the
document).
3.2 Check also that the electrical supply matches the machine’s requirements (marked on the technical label
next to the power inlet socket).

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4Location and Assembly
4.1 Your brooder/ICU will give best results in a room free from wide temperature variations and with
generous ventilation – particularly if several incubators / brooders are running at the same time. Ensure
that the room temperature cannot drop on a cold night. Ideally thermostatically control the room at
between 68 and 77°F (20 and 25°C). Never allow the room temperature to drop below 59°F (15°C) and
ensure that the brooder/ICU cannot be exposed to direct sunlight.
4.2 Assemble the cabinet using the tools and fasteners provided. Follow the diagrams. Do not over-tighten
fasteners.
4.3 The door is hinged at the left as supplied but may be reversed to provide better access if required. Fit the
top hinge socket to the cabinet using the M5 x 16mm countersunk screws, M5 flat washers and M5 dome
nuts.
4.4 Place the door in the lower hinge and close the latch. Lower the top cabinet down onto the other
parts.
4.5 Fit the M4 x 30mm cap-headed screws, star washers and nuts into each set of holes around the edge of
the cabinet. Tighten enough to prevent them spinning. This creates an air tight seal around the cabinet.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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4.6 If caring for small animals with long claws such as hedgehogs, the door edge strip may be fitted as shown
to ensure claws cannot pass through any door gap:
4.7 Place the white evaporating block in the clear water pan. Open the door and lift the pan into position, it
pushes up and across into two slots on the heater enclosure. The pad may need to be softened with a
little water to help it flatten while the pan is fitted. The pan is located in this manner to help prevent
accidental removal by animals.
8
9
Air Filter
Loosen the bottom
hinge/cabinet fixings by half a
turn so that the hinge
becomes free to move.
Slide the door as far as it will
go in the direction of the
door latch. Tighten the fixings
while holding the door.
Loosen the top hinge/cabinet
fixing. Move it so that the
door becomes level in the
frame and opens/closes
freely. Tighten the fixings.
Observe the length of any ‘V’ shape
gap that a claw could fit through. Cut
the door edge strip to fill the length of
the gap.
Open the door wide and press the door edge strip into
place on the door. Close the door and check the strip
does not force the door outward. Trim the length of
the edge strip if necessary.

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4.8 Your brooder/ICU is supplied with air filter media fitted at the air inlet (see fig 1) and at each end of the
heater enclosure (see picture 9 above). For details of filter replacement see the Servicing section.
4.9 Place the brooder/ICU on a scratch and moisture resistant surface. Worktop height is ideal.
4.10 Find a suitable water container (1 to 2 pints). Place next to the brooder/ICU.
The brooder/ICU is supplied with a pre-assembled water pump tube. Cut a length of the 3mm silicone
tubing to reach from the water container to the water pump. Fit the end of this tube to the elbow on
the water pump tube.
Fit the pump tube to the water pump in three steps. For clarity, only the pump tube is shown here.
Push the rigid water pipe down through the hole in the top of the cabinet into the centre of the
evaporating block mesh in the water pan so that it holds the water pipe in position:
IMPORTANT
Do not place the water container on top of the
brooder/ICU or higher than the brooder/ICU.
This is to prevent water siphoning through and
flooding the brooder/ICU. The water container
is best placed next to the brooder/ICU on the
same surface.
The TLC Zoologica Series II brooder/ICUs use a
peristaltic water metering pump to
automatically control the relative humidity of
the air in the animal chamber. Pumped water is
fed to an expanded paper evaporation block
where warm air is drawn over the large surface
to effectively evaporate all the water (none
should collect under normal conditions).
Fit the elbow (fitted with the
tube for the water container)
into the left slot ‘A’.
Wrap the pump tube anti-
clockwise around the pump
capstan.
Fit the elbow (with the short
tube and rigid pipe) into the
right slot ‘B’.
A
B

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4.11 The pump is supplied with a length of the thick silicone tube to be fitted around the pump capstan. This
length will wear and need periodic replacement. It can also become flattened if left unused for some time
because the inside walls of the tube will stick to each other around the capstan and prevent water passing
through. Either replace this length of tube with a new 3.9” (100mm) length or remove it and roll it
between finger and thumb to ‘un-stick’ it.
Please note: The inner ends of the hose elbows must have a short (8mm / 1/3”) piece of the thin
silicone tube fitted first and the thicker silicone tube fits over the top:
4.12 Connect the mains cable to the inlet. Ensure the connector is pushed fully home in its socket.
4.13 The fan will start and the display will show the current temperature and humidity in the cabinet plus a
"P" symbol to show power was interrupted.
4.14 Allow the brooder/ICU to run for at least an hour to stabilise the temperature before introducing animals.
5Digital Control System
The TLC Zoologica Series II control system utilises highly accurate, individually calibrated sensors for
temperature and humidity. Be cautious of low-cost analogue or digital thermometers and hygrometers when
comparing them with the brooder/ICU display readings.
5.1 NORMAL OPERATION – Temperature and relative humidity are continuously displayed.
The asterisk “*” adjacent to the temperature reading shows when the heater power is on. When warming
the asterisk will be continuously on, once warmed up the asterisk will slowly flash as the heater is pulsed
to maintain the correct temperature.
The asterisk "*" adjacent to the humidity reading shows when the pump is active (see section 7). The
pump will not come on until the brooder/ICU is up to operating temperature and the set humidity level
is greater than the measured humidity level in the brooder/ICU.
T*30.0C
H*50%
Fit thin
tube first
Fit thick tube
over thin tube

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5.2 POWER LOSS DISPLAY – If power has been interrupted due to a power cut (or when first switching on) a
“P” is shown flashing in the corner of the display. Press the - or + button for 2 or more seconds to clear
the indicator. If the reason for the power loss is not known check the power cable connections are secure.
5.3 HIGH INCUBATION TEMPERATURE ALARM DISPLAY – If the measured temperature goes up by more than
the figure in the ALARM HI screen, the alarm will sound immediately and “H” will be displayed. Press OK
to silence the alarm for 30 minutes.
If the high temperature problem rectifies itself the “H” remains on the display to show this has happened.
Press OK to clear the indicator. Check the brooder/ICU is not (and has not been) in direct sunlight or too
near a heat source such as a room heater.
5.4 LOW INCUBATION TEMPERATURE ALARM DISPLAY – If the measured temperature goes down by more
than the figure in the ALARM LO screen, after 1 hour “L” will be displayed and the alarm will sound. Press
OK to silence the alarm for 30 minutes.
If the low temperature problem rectifies itself the “L” remains on the display to show this has happened.
Press OK to clear the indicator. Check the brooder/ICU is not (and has not been) in a cold draught or that
the room temperature has dropped significantly.
5.5 HIGH ROOM TEMPERATURE ALARM DISPLAY – If the calculated room temperature remains too high for
stable temperature control for more than 1 hour a warning is displayed “+RM” and an alarm will sound.
Press OK to silence the alarm for 30 minutes.
If the high temperature problem rectifies itself the “+RM” remains on the display to show this has
happened. Press OK to clear the indicator.
Check the brooder/ICU is not (and has not been) in direct sunlight or too near a heat source such as a
room heater. The animals themselves create significant metabolic heating and may contribute to this if
room temperature is high.
T*30.0C
H 40% P
T 39.8C
H 23% H
T*32.1C
H 45% L
T 36.0C
+RM

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5.6 LOW ROOM TEMPERATURE ALARM DISPLAY – If the calculated room temperature remains too low for
stable temperature control for more than 1 hour a warning is displayed “-RM” and an alarm will sound.
Press OK to silence the alarm for 30 minutes.
If the low temperature problem rectifies itself the “-RM” remains on the display to show this has
happened. Press OK to clear the indicator.
Check the brooder/ICU is not (and has not been) in a cold draught and that the room temperature has not
dropped significantly.
5.7 CHANGING SETTINGS – The Main Menu allows the various settings to be modified and saved. All changes
are retained in the event of a power cut.
To access the Main Menu press the +and –buttons simultaneously to unlock the display. For full details
of menu settings please refer to the guide on page 3.
6Temperature
Stable and correct temperature is essential for good results. Adjust with care.
WARNING:- THE CIRCULATING FAN AND THE METABOLIC HEAT FROM PATIENTS CONTRIBUTE HEAT TO
THE BROODER/ICU. THE BROODER/ICU MAY NOT CONTROL PROPERLY IF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE IS
LESS THAN 10°F (3°C) LOWER THAN THE TEMPERATURE REQUIRED INSIDE.
AVOID LEAVING THE DOOR OPEN AS THIS WILL CREATE SIGNIFICANT DISTURBANCE OF THE
TEMPERATURE IN THE BROODER/ICU AND TAKE TIME TO STABILISE.
6.1 Note: your brooder/ICU may not be set to the correct temperature from the factory and the following
procedure must be followed before introducing animals.
6.2 Press the - and + buttons simultaneously to unlock the main menu. Press OK to select the temperature
screen and adjust as necessary using the + and – buttons. Press OK to return to the Main Menu and then
scroll down to Save. Press OK to save the changes.
6.3 As the brooder/ICU warms up and approaches its control setting the heater on asterisk “*” will change
from continuously on to flashing. When reducing temperature, the asterisk may still flash as the
brooder/ICU gently cools – this is normal.
6.4 Refer to the digital temperature display to check temperature. The display shows the air temperature in
increments of 0.1°.
6.5 The Display can be switched to show all temperature settings in degrees Fahrenheit. Press the - and +
buttons simultaneously to unlock the main menu. Scroll to the C/F option and press OK to select the C/F
display screen. Press the + button to select °F or the – button to select °C. Press OK to return to the Main
Menu and then scroll down to Save. Press OK to save the changes.
6.6 TEMPERATURE GUIDELINES FOR BROODING HATCHLING CHICKS. As a general rule a newly hatched chick
will need a brooder/ICU temperature a little lower than incubation temperature, about 95-97°F (35-36°C)
and the temperature can be reduced progressively at about 1°F (0.5°C) per day until it is fully feathered
or no longer requires supplementary heat. In warm ambient conditions this will be sooner than in cold
climates. When brooding temperatures are just above room temperature the asterisk heater indicator
may go out (indicating that no heat is being applied). This indicates that the birds are ready to be moved
T*36.0C
-RM