Gasmate DH203 User manual

PORTABLE
DIESEL HEATER
Model No. DH203
Important: Retain these instructions for future use.
Gasmate®is a registered trademark of:
Sitro Group Australia Pty Ltd www.gasmate.com.au
Aber Living Ltd, N.Z www.gasmate.co.nz 04436 08/22
• Powerful 2kW heating output
• Efficient diesel burner technology
• 4.25L diesel tank
• Up to 7 days of typical usage – based on
4hrs use per day, on power level 2-3
• Low 12V DC power usage
• Suitable for heating tents, camper trailers
and small caravans.

2
IMPORTANT NOTES
This appliance is not intended for use by persons
(including children) with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge, unless they have been given supervision
or instruction concerning the use of the appliance
by a person responsible for their safety.
Only use in well ventilated areas to avoid the dangerous
build-up of exhaust gases. This appliance is designed
for use outdoors away from any inflammable material.
The appliance must be used on a level, stable,
non-flammable surface. The appliance should be
protected from direct draughts.
Safety alerts labelled DANGER, WARNING and
CAUTION alert you to special instructions or precautions
concerning procedures that would be hazardous
if performed incorrectly or carelessly.
DANGER – Immediate hazards that will result
in severe injury or death.
WARNING – Hazards or unsafe practices that could
result in severe personal injury or death
CAUTION – Hazards or unsafe practices that
could result in minor injury, product
or property damage.
• DO NOT store or use petrol or other flammable
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
• DO NOT place items of clothing, textiles or other
flammable items over the heater or in front of the
air intake or hot air outlet.
• DO NOT block or restrict air flow in the ducting
with rags or other materials.
• If there is a fuel leak in your appliance
immediately stop the appliance, remove the
appliance to a well-ventilated location away from
any ignition source.
• If using the heater in grassy locations, it is best
to sit the appliance on a stable and level non-
combustible surface or platform and not directly
on the grass.
WARNING
HOT SURFACES
• The exhaust and exhaust outlet can become very
hot during operation. Keep objects well away
and DO NOT touch the case areas of the heater
until it has stopped and cooled down.
• The hot air ducting will heat up over time and can
become hot to touch.
• Never position the duct facing directly onto
children, animals or the elderly. Over time the air
temperature can become hot when directed on
bare skin.
CAUTION
DIESEL FUEL
• This appliance shall only be used with diesel fuel
that meets the requirements of the Fuel Standard
(Automotive Diesel) Determination 2019.
• Biodiesel fuel should NOT be used.
• Alpine Diesel or “Winter Diesel” is recommended
to be used in cold or alpine areas to prevent
waxing of the fuel and blockage of filters and the
fuel system.
CAUTION
HIGH ALTITUDE USE
• The appliance operates as standard at altitudes
up to 1500 m above sea level. Over this the
heater should be operated in high altitude mode
which can be activated via the controller.
DANGER
FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY
• This heater is designed for use in well-ventilated
areas.
• DO NOT use the heater in an enclosed space
as it may cause the build-up of hazardous levels
of carbon monoxide and result in death.
• DO NOT use with the heater unit located inside
tents, caravans, marine craft, vehicles, mobile
homes or similar locations.
• This heater is not designed for use in homes
or other fixed buildings or structures.
• Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause injury
or property damage.
WARNING
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARDS
• Ensure the heater is turned OFF during refuelling.
• Only fill the fuel tank in a well-ventilated location,
preferably outside, away from people and any
source of ignition, such as naked flames, pilot
flames, and electric heaters/equipment.
READ ME FIRST

3
CARRY HANDLE
AIR INTAKE (REAR OF UNIT)
FUEL FILLER CAP
CONTROLLER
VENTILATION GRILL
HOT AIR OUTLET
REMOTE CONTROL
EXHAUST OUTLET
HEATER UNIT AND SETUP
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
• Hot air ducting – 1m long (not shown)
• 12V DC connection cable – 1m long (not shown)
• Hose clamps (not shown)
• User manual (this book)

4
RECOMMENDED CLEARANCE
Minimum Clearances from combustible materials must be:
Front 200mm
Rear 200mm
Sides 200mm (see note below)
Above 200mm
The exhaust outlet and gasses can become very hot,
and it is recommended to direct it away from any objects
within 1000mm.
CLEARANCE & INSTALLATION
DANGER
DO NOT use the heater in an enclosed space such
as inside tents, caravans, marine craft, vehicles,
mobile homes or similar locations as it may
cause the build-up of hazardous levels of carbon
monoxide and result in death.
DANGER
DO NOT use the heater on a surface containing
combustible materials such as long grass, dry
leaves or paper. The exhaust pipe and muffler
under the unit will get very hot during operation
and could result in fire.
LOCATING THE HEATER FOR PORTABLE USE
As standard, the heater is designed for use as a portable
unit. In this configuration, the heater unit is located
in an outdoor area with the hot air duct attached to
the outlet and fed into the area to be heated. The heater
unit draws fresh air from outside to be heated.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
The heater MUST be plugged into a 12V DC supply with
AT LEAST 15A capacity to operate properly. It CANNOT
operate from a standard 10A car cigarette socket. When
choosing a location for the heater:
• The heater unit should be protected from direct exposure
to rain.
• Ensure it will not interfere the operation or storage
of other equipment nearby.
• Ensure it is on a smooth and level surface, away from
combustible materials such as grass, leaf matter, paper,
etc. Clear the area under and around the heater of any
such material before use, or place the unit on a non-
combustible surface.
• The exhaust outlet must point away from living spaces
and from any objects within 1m.
• Ensure it is within the needed distance to a 12V power
source.
• Ensure it is within the needed distance to the living space
to heated.

5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CONTROL PANEL
Heat level
control mode
Temperature
control mode
Heater operating Input power
connected
Stand by Fuel pump
Glow plug Temperature
sensor
Fan operating Timer
Error High altitude
mode
ICON DESCRIPTIONS
BUTTON FUNCTIONS
Power Turns the unit ON and OFF
Increase
value
Increases the selected value
(can be the heating level, set
temperature, or timer set point)
Decrease
value
Decreases the selected value
(can be the heating level, set
temperature, or timer set point)
Settings
Changes the operating mode
from heating level to temperature
set-point control
Fuel
pump
priming
Hold down to activate the fuel
pump to prime the fuel system
before first use or after fuel tank
has run dry when refilled
Select Confirm a selected setting
STANDBY
When the heater is OFF and connected to DC power,
the controller will show the input voltage detected
in the main part of the display. It also shows the current
ambient temperature detected by the controller.
- Controller in standby showing input voltage is 12V

6
PRIMING THE FUEL SYSTEM (first use only)
To enable the heater to start easier on the first
occasion after the fuel tank is filled, the fuel pump can
be activated without starting the heater to feed the fuel
into the fuel lines.
To do this hold the FUEL PUMP PRIMING ( ) button
down. It is important to monitor the fuel delivery along
the fuel line to ensure the combustion chamber does
not become flooded with fuel.
WARNING
If the combustion chamber becomes flooded, some
fuel may come out the exhaust pipe. During first
starting the heater it may create excessive amounts
of smoke for a few minutes or until the excess fuel
is burnt off.
CAUTION
The heater will go through its pre-set start-up
process when turned ON, which will take around
2 minutes and will operate at its maximum output.
After this time, it will operate in the mode
and conditions set on the control panel.
DO NOT interrupt the start-up process by cutting
power to the heater.
If the heater does have the power cut during
start-up it can result in excessive smoke from
the exhaust when it is restarted. This should
clear after a few minutes of operation.
CAUTION
The heater will go through its pre-set shut-down
process when turned OFF, where the fan will
continue to operate. After this time, it is safe
to disconnect the heater from power and remove
any ducts.
DO NOT interrupt the shut-down process by cutting
power to the heater before it is completed.
If power is cut to the heater during operation
or shut-down, you may see excessive smoke from
the exhaust when it is restarted. This should clear
after a few minutes of operation.
If it occurs regularly, it can cause carbon build-up
in the combustion chamber which may result
in poor combustion, inefficient operation and
trouble initiating combustion.
STARTING THE HEATER
To start the heater, press and hold the POWER ( )
button for 2 seconds.
The heater will enter its start-up process where
it will perform a system check, start pumping fuel into
the combustion chamber, then activate the glow plug
to initiate combustion. Once combustion is initiated,
the glow plug will turn off and the heater will control
as per the set mode and conditions on the control panel.
If it cannot initiate combustion, the heater will retry
several times. If it still cannot initiate combustion,
the heater will shut down and an error will show
on the control panel (refer to troubleshooting section
for details).
STOPPING THE HEATER
Once operating, the heater should be shut down
by pressing and holding the POWER ( ) button
for 2 seconds.
The heater will enter its pre-set shut-down process
where the pump will stop, and it will burn off the fuel
in the combustion chamber then the fan will continue
to run until the heater has cooled down, which can
last for around 5 minutes.

7
- Controller set to 21°C
- Room temperature detected at 19°C
- Heater working at power level 6 to reach
the set temperature
- Controller set to 21°C
- Room temperature detected at 20°C
- Heater working at power level 3 to as it is close
to the set temperature
OPERATING MODE – TEMPERATURE CONTROL
In this mode ( ) the heater is controlled based on
the difference between the set temperature and the
measured room temperature. The heater will automatically
adjust its heat level based on this difference.
Note: When using the heater in temperature control
mode, it is important that the controller is located within
the room or area being heated so the room temperature
is correctly monitored
The set temperature can be adjusted to a higher
temperature by pressing the UP ( ) button or to a lower
temperature by pressing the DOWN ( ) button.
When the temperature is lower than the set temperature,
the heater will operate at its maximum heat output.
As the room temperature gets closer to the set
temperature, the heater will adjust the heat output level
down. Once the room temperature reaches or exceeds
the set temperature, the heater will turn off.
OPERATING MODE – HEAT LEVEL
In this mode ( ) the heater is controlled at one
of 6 levels – 1 being the lowest fan speed and heat
output, 6 being the maximum fan speed and heat output.
The heat level can be adjusted to a higher setting
by pressing the UP ( ) button or to a lower setting
by pressing the DOWN ( ) button.
- Heater operating on heat level 1
- Heater operating on heat level 3
- Heater operating on heat level 6

8
- Controller showing high altitude mode activated
- Controller showing remote control pairing mode
- Selecting remote control 1 (OC1)
HIGH ALTITUDE MODE
When the heater is to be used in areas of high altitude
for prolonged periods of time (at over 1500m above sea
level), the high altitude mode ( ) should be activated
to ensure reliable operation. The heater will adjust
the amount of fuel supplied to the combustion chamber
to balance the thinner air at high altitudes and ensure
the optimal air/fuel mixture is used.
To activate the mode:
1. While the heater is in standby, press and hold
the SETTINGS ( ) and OK ( OK ) buttons together
for 2 seconds.
2. Once activated, you can operate the heater
in the normal way.
3. To deactivate, press and hold the same 2 buttons
for 2 seconds.
REMOTE CONTROL
The supplied remote control allows basic operations
within a short distance from the heater, such as inside
an RV or tent with the heater unit outside.
Before attempting to pair the remote control, ensure
it has a battery fitted and in good condition.
The remote control uses 12V alkaline battery of type A27
(also known as MN27, L828 & 27A). The battery can be
accessed by removing the 3 rear case screws and lifting
off the front of the remote case.
Before first use and each time the power is disconnected
and reconnected, the remote control must be paired with
the main controller by following the steps below
1. While the heater is in standby, press and hold the
POWER ( ) and DOWN ( ) buttons together
for 2 seconds.
2. Use the UP ( ) or DOWN ( ) buttons to select
the remote control being paired (up to 5 remote
controls can be paired to the one controller). If there
is only 1 remote control, select OC1 on the controller
as shown below.
REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control buttons and functions
are detailed below.
ON Turn on Turns the heater unit ON
OFF Turn off Turns the heater unit OFF
+Increase value
Increases the selected
value (heating level
or set temperature)
-Decrease value
Decreases the selected
value (heating level
or set temperature)
3. Press any button on the remote control to send
a signal to the controller to pair with it.
4. Press the SELECT ( OK ) button to confirm and exit
the pairing mode. The remote should now be paired.
5. To exit the pairing mode without saving the settings,
press the SETUP ( ) button.

9
TROUBLESHOOTING
ERROR CODE CAUSE ACTIONS
E-2
Over-voltage
or
Under-voltage
Supply voltage is detected outside range (9-16V).
• Check battery charge level and condition
• Check fuse condition and connection
• Check cable condition and for excessive voltage drop.
E-3 Glow plug failure • Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement
of the glow plug.
E-4 Fuel pump failure • Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement
of the fuel pump.
E-5 Overheating
Inlet air above 50°C or Internal heat exchanger above 230°C.
• Allow heater to cool down, then check intake and hot air ducts
for any blockage, crushing or restriction and clear and retry operation.
• Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement
of the fan or temperature sensor.
E-6 Fan failure
• With the heater off and power disconnected, check if the impellor
can rotate freely.
-Remove anything blocking or interfering with the rotation
of the fan impellor and retry operation.
• Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement of fan
E-8
Fail to start
• Check the current capacity of the power source is at least 15A (for
example the heater will not start when powered off a regular car cigarette
socket or an outlet rated under 15A)
• Check the fuel level in the tank and refill if needed
• Check the fuel condition, if it is old or degraded then drain the tank
and replace the fuel with fresh diesel
• If at low temperatures, check that correct winter or alpine diesel is used
otherwise the fuel may wax up and block the pump
• Check the combustion intake and exhaust openings are not blocked
or damaged
• Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement of fuel
system, combustion ducting and temperature sensors
Flameout
• If the heater had been recently used, the temperature of the heat
exchanger can be too high. Allow the heater to fully cool then retry
starting the heater
• If during attempted start, there is allot of white smoke:
-Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement
of the glow plug and screen and operation or the fuel pump
• If during attempted start, there is little or no white smoke:
-Check the combustion intake and exhaust openings
are not blocked or damaged
-Check the fuel level in the tank and refill if needed
-Check the fuel condition, if it is old or degraded then drain
the tank and replace the fuel with fresh diesel
-If at low temperatures, check that correct winter or alpine diesel
is used otherwise the fuel may wax up and block the pump
-Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement
of the glow plug and screen and operation or the fuel pump
• Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement
of temperature sensor
E-9 Temperature
sensor failure
• Contact service support to arrange inspection or replacement
of temperature sensor

10
TECHNICAL DATA
MODEL DH203
Maximum Heating Output 2 kW
Operating Temperature -40 to +50°C
Operating Altitude
Standard mode Up to 1500 m above sea level
Altitude mode Over 1500 m above sea level
Operating Voltage 12 V DC (9-16V)
Input Power
At start-up (with glow plug on) 144 W
Heating level 6 56 W
Standby 7 W
Diesel Fuel Consumption
Heating level 1 0.1 L/h
Heating level 6 0.3 L/h
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.25 L
Fuel Type Diesel fuel that meets the requirements of the Fuel
Standard (Automotive Diesel) Determination 2019
Airflow
Heating level 1 85 m³/h
Heating level 6 105 m³/h
Unit Weight (without fuel) 9 kg
Unit Dimensions
Length 400 mm (including mounting flanges)
Width 230 mm (including exhaust outlet)
Height 300 mm (including carry handle)

DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATIONS OF OUTDOOR AREAS
The following figures are diagrammatic representations of outdoor areas. Rectangular areas have been used in these
figures – the same principles apply to any other shaped area.
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Important: Retain these instructions for future use.

For any queries or assistance call
Customer Service
(Australia Only)
1300 174 876
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm EST
Do not return to place of purchase.
Keep your purchase receipt, this will be required to
make any claims under the 1 year warranty.