Mettler Electronics Auto-Therm 390 User manual

Auto<Therm®390
Instruction Manual
®
1333 South Claudina Street
Anaheim, CA 92805, U. S. A.
Toll free: (800) 854–9305 • Telephone: [phone] • FAX: [phone]
Web Site: http://www.mettlerelectronics.com • Email: [email protected]
IR9–36 September, 2006
Copyright © 2005 by Mettler Electronics Corp.—Anaheim, CA

Mettler Electronics Corp.
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FCC Frequency Interference Statement
Warning:
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy, and if not installed and operated in strict
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause radio frequency interference.
Notice 1:
This equipment has been verified to comply with the specifications in Part 18 of FCC Rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection against radio frequency interference. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Notice 2:
If this equipment is found to be the source of radio frequency interference, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user should try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
•Reorient the receiving antenna (as applicable).
•Relocate the Auto*Therm with respect to the receiver.
•Move the Auto*Therm away from the receiver.
•Plug the Auto*Therm into a different outlet than the receiver.
•If necessary, the user should consult with the dealer or manufacturer for additional suggestions.
(The user may find FCC’s “Interference Handbook” helpful. It is available from the U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Stock No. 004–000–00450–7.)
Notice 3:
The manufacturer is not responsible for any interference caused by unauthorized modification to this
equipment.
MettlerElectronicsCorp.
1333 S. Claudina St.
Anaheim, CA 92805
Toll Free: (800) 854–9305
Or (714) 533–2221

Auto*Therm 390, Shortwave Diathermy
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FCC Frequency Interference Statement (Domestic Only) 2
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Introduction to the Auto*Therm®390 5
1.2 Introduction to this manual 6
1.3 Safety precautions 6
1.4 Caution 6
1.5 Shipping damage 6
1.6 Package contents 6
1.7 Limited Warranty 7
2 Symbol Glossary and List of Abbreviations 9
2.1 Operational controls, displays, receptacles and symbols 9
2.2 Abbreviations 10
3 Installation 11
3.1 Installation Instructions 11
3.2 Attaching the Auto*Therm 390 to the Optional Cart 11
3.3 Attaching the Arm to the Cart 12
3.4 Flexible condenser applicators 13
3.5 Inductive drum applicator 13
4 Operating Instructions 15
4.1 Shortwave diathermy applications 15
4.2 Preparing the patient 15
4.3 Heat effect of the applicators 15
4.4 Capacitive method of application with the soft rubber applicator 15
4.5 Inductive method of application 16
4.6 Choosing the applicator 16
4.7 General instructions 16
4.8 Instructions for operation 17
5 Indications, Contraindications and Precautions for Shortwave
Diathermy 21
5.1 Indications 21
5.2 Contraindications 21
5.3 Precautions 22
6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 23
6.1 Cleaning and disinfecting 23
6.2 Protecting other electronic devices from the output of the Auto*Therm 390 23
6.3 Routine Maintenance 23
6.4 Troubleshooting 23

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7 Specifications 25
8 Accessories 27
8.1 Ordering Information 27
8.2 Auto*Therm 390 Accessories 27
LIST OF FIGURES
1.1 The Auto*Therm 390 5
3.1 Auto*Therm 390, Controls and Receptacles Located on the Back of the Unit 11
3.2 Optional Auto*Therm 390 Cart with unit, arm and drum applicator attached 12
3.3 Mounting the Arm to the Cart 13
3.4 Auto*Therm 390, Optional Applicator Arm Assembly 13
4.1 Auto*Therm 390 Membrane Control Panel and LED Indicators 16

Auto*Therm 390, Shortwave Diathermy
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1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction to the Auto*Therm®390
Thank you for purchasing the Auto*Therm 390 shortwave diathermy. This unit features soft rubber
electrodes for the application of shortwave diathermy energy. The unit may be used for continuous or
pulsed shortwave diathermy with a variety of frequencies and pulse widths to choose from. An easy-
to-use membrane panel guides the user through setup. A patient pullcord allows the patient to stop all
output if the treatment becomes uncomfortable. There is a handle molded into the case to allow the
clinician to carry this shortwave diathermy around the clinic.
Figure 1.1— The Auto*Therm 390
An optional accessory package upgrades your Auto*Therm 390 to do inductive coil diathermy using
the same device. This package includes a multi-jointed arm, a 14 cm diameter drum applicator,
special coaxial cable and a cart with large locking wheels that allows the Auto*Therm 390 to be
moved easily around the clinic and supports the arm and drum applicator during treatment.
The Auto*Therm 390 has been certified by Intertek Testing Services to meet the requirements for ETL
Listing per the following standards:
•UL 60601-1 UL Standard for Safety Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements
for Safety Second Edition.
•CSA C22.2 NO 601.1-M90 – Medical Electrical Equipment – Part 1: General Requirements for
Safety General Instruction No 1; Supplement 1; 1994 R(1997)
•IEC60601-2-3 – Safety of Shortwave Therapy Equipment
In addition, the Auto*Therm 390 meets the following standards for radio frequency emissions:
•FCC Part 15–A
•IEC/EN 60601-1-2
Mettler Electronics Corp. has been certified by TÜV Rheinland to be compliant with EN ISO 13485,
ISO 13485 (CMDCAS) and MDD 93/42/EEC Annex II.

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1.2 Introduction to This Manual
Read the contents of this manual before treating patients with the Auto*Therm 390.
This manual has been written to assist you with the safe operation of the Auto*Therm 390. It is
intended for use by the owners and operators of the Auto*Therm 390. The goal of this manual is to
direct the correct operation and maintenance of this unit.
The specifications and instructions presented in this manual are in effect at the time of its publication.
These instructions may be updated at any time at the discretion of the manufacturer.
1.3 Safety Precautions
The Auto*Therm 390 operates with high voltages. Qualified biomedical technicians with training in
service of shortwave diathermy equipment should perform servicing of the Auto*Therm 390 or it
should be returned directly to the factory. To maximize safety during use, the unit should be plugged
into a grounded wall outlet. General safety guidelines for medical electronic equipment should be
followed.
Service may be obtained from the manufacturer by sending the Auto*Therm 390 in its original
shipping container to Mettler Electronics Corp., 1333 South Claudina Street, Anaheim, CA 92805,
ATTN: Service Department. (Telephone toll free: (800) 854–9305, Alternate telephone number: 1
(714) 533–2221) NOTE: All warranty repairs must be performed by Mettler Electronics Corp. or by a
service facility authorized by Mettler Electronics to perform warranty repair work.
A service manual for the Auto*Therm 390 is available from Mettler Electronics Corp. for a nominal charge.
1.4 Caution
Federal law restricts the sale of this device to, or on the order of a physician, dentist, veterinarian or
any other practitioner licensed by law of the state in which he practices.
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous exposure to radio frequency energy. Treatment should be administered only under
the direct supervision of a health care professional.
1.5 Shipping Damage
Your new Auto*Therm 390 is shipped complete in one or more cartons. Upon receipt, please inspect
the cartons and the unit and its accessories for visible and hidden damage. If you discover any
damage, hold all shipping materials, including the carton, and call the shipping agent who delivered
the unit. They are responsible for all damage in transit; therefore, all claims should be filed directly
with them. The factory will not be responsible for any damage in shipment, nor allow any adjustments
unless proper formal claim has been filed by the receiver against the carrier.
The carton in which your new Auto*Therm 390 was received is specially designed to protect the unit
during shipping. Please retain all shipping materials in the event that you will need to return your unit
for servicing. NOTE: All warranty repairs are to be performed by Mettler Electronics Corp. or an
authorized Mettler Electronics warranty repair center.
1.6 Package Contents
Your new Auto*Therm 390 comes complete with all the necessary components to perform shortwave
diathermy. Below is a list of items that are included in the shipping carton. There are also other
optional accessories available for this unit. They are listed at the back of this book.
1. Auto*Therm 390
2. Two each, 12 x 18 cm soft-rubber plate applicator complete with flexible cable (3963)
3. Six each, 14 x 20 cm felt spacer for soft-rubber plate applicators (3965)
4. Two each, 18 x 26 cm cloth cover for soft-rubber plate applicators (3967)
5. Two each, 48 inch Velcro receptive elastic straps (2009)

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6. One detachable hospital grade line cord (7293)
7. Instruction manual and warranty card
1.7 Limited Warranty
The Auto*Therm 390 shortwave diathermy unit is warranted against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase, one year on applicators and
accessories. During the applicable warranty period Mettler Electronics Corp. will, at its discretion,
either repair or replace the Product without charge for these types of defects.
For service under this warranty, the Product must be returned by the buyer within the applicable
warranty period to Mettler Electronics Corp. Shipping charges to Mettler Electronics Corp. under
this warranty must be paid by the buyer. The buyer must also include a copy of the sales
receipt or other proof of the date of purchase. If the Product is returned without proof of the
date of purchase, it will be serviced as an out–of–warranty product at Mettler Electronics
Corp.'s prevailing service rates.
Alteration, misuse, or neglect of the Product voids this warranty. Except as specifically set
forth above, Mettler Electronics Corp. makes no warranties, express or implied, including
without limitation any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose,
with respect to the Product. If any implied warranties apply as a matter of law, they are limited
in duration to one year.
Mettler Electronics Corp. shall not be liable for any indirect, special, consequential or
incidental damages resulting from any defect in or use of the Product.
Any legal action brought by the buyer relating to this warranty must be commenced within one year
from the date any claim arises and must be brought only in the state or federal courts located in
Orange County, California.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not
apply to the buyer. This warranty gives the buyer specific legal rights, and the buyer may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.

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Auto*Therm 390, Shortwave Diathermy
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2 Symbol Glossary and List of Abbreviations
2.1 Symbol Glossary
Time display symbol
Output display symbol
Treatment frequency selection indicators
Treatment pulse width selection indicators
Drum applicator selection indicator
Soft rubber plate applicators selection indicator
Go back one step in the setup procedure.
Go forward one step in the setup procedure.
Increase value for time, watts and beeper. Go up for selection of Frequency,
Pulse Width and applicators.
Decrease value for time, watts and beeper. Go down for selection of
Frequency, Pulse Width and applicators.
Press “Enter” to select a value or selection.
Press “Start” to begin a treatment.

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Press “Hold” to stop a treatment. Parameters that have been chosen will be
retained.
Press this selector to change the volume of the beeper.
IMain Power On.
OMain Power Off.
IPX0 Not suitable for use in the presence of a flammable anesthetic mixture with air
or with oxygen or nitrous oxide.
Attention, consult instruction manual.
Non–ionizing radiation
Type BF Equipment—Class I
Year of manufacture
ETL and C–ETL Listed
2.2 Abbreviations
CW — Continuous wave (100 % duty cycle)
Hz — Hertz (pulses per second)
LED — Light Emitting Diode
µs — Microsecond (1 x 10-6 second)
MHz — Megahertz (1 x 106pulses per second)
min — Minutes
POUT — Output power
s — Seconds
Ser. No. — Serial Number
W — Watts
V — Volts

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3 Installation
3.1 Installation Instructions
1. Connect the line cord to the back of the Auto*Therm 390 shortwave diathermy. (See Figure 3.1)
2. Plug the line cord (ME 7293) into a grounded wall outlet that is rated at 100 to 240 Volt AC 50/60
Hz. Your power supply must match the voltage requirements listed on the serial number label of
your device. Do not connect the Auto*Therm 390 to a power supply rated differently than that
described above.
3. The line cord comes equipped with a standard 3–prong plug. This plug provides grounding for
the Auto*Therm 390. Do not defeat its purpose by using 3–to–2 prong adapters or any other
means of attaching to a wall outlet.
4. Plug the soft rubber electrode cables into the appropriate receptacles as seen in Figure 3.1 or
plug the optional coaxial drum applicator cable into its receptacle. Do not plug both applicators in
simultaneously as this may damage the Auto*Therm 390.
5. The Patient Safety Pull-Cord is permanently attached to the back of the unit as seen in Figure
3.1.
6. The Auto*Therm 390 may emit radio interference. Avoid operating other electrical devices
adjacent to and simultaneously with the Auto*Therm 390 shortwave diathermy unit.
7. Once you have verified proper functioning of your Auto*Therm 390, using the instructions in
Section 4, please fill in the enclosed self–addressed Warranty Registration Card and mail it to
Mettler Electronics.
Figure 3.1— Auto*Therm 390, Controls and Receptacles Located on the Back of the Unit
3.2 Attaching the Auto*Therm 390 to the Optional Cart
1. Remove the model 96 cart from the packing material. (See Figure 3.2)
2. Remove the five rubber feet from the bottom of the unit.
3. Place the Auto*Therm 390 on top of the cart. Attach it to the top of the cart by screwing four of
the rubber feet to the bottom of the unit from the inside of the cart. If necessary, use a Phillips-
head screwdriver to tighten the screws in the feet. Save the fifth rubber foot for use without the
cart.

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Figure 3.2— Optional Auto*Therm 390 Cart with unit, arm and drum applicator attached.
3.3 Attaching the Arm to the Cart
1. The optional arm is mounted on the side of the cart by means of keyhole type connectors. See
Figure 3.3 for positioning. After slideing the arm into position, tighten the nuts using the wrench
provided with the cart to secure the arm to the cart. The inductive drum applicator requires the
arm to be installed. The clinician can safely position the applicator in many differing treatment
positions because the arm has five locking joints.
2. Refer to the illustration of the arm assembly (Figure 3.4) for all the following instructions. With the
exception of the horizontal swing of arm and hinge (20) of the applicator hoIder (19), all hinges
can be adjusted by the user as the treatment demands.
3. The lock knob (26) on the lower rotating hinge (25) locks the whole arm in position, even when
the arm is maximally extended. The other main hinges (21; 23) that control the length and height
of the arm can be adjusted after the appropriate knobs have been loosened. To do this, it is
practical to support the arm above the hinge that has been loosened (20) or (21).
4. The shaft of the inductive coil drum applicator is inserted into the aperture of applicator holder
(19) until the slide (18) snaps shut.
5. Remove the drum applicator by pushing back the slide (18) and pulling the applicator out of the
holder. The central joint of the arm (23) is factory-adjusted to a basic braking force. After long-
term application, it may be necessary to readjust the basic braking force due to wearing of plastic
parts and brake disks. To adjust this joint, remove the blue cover using a screwdriver and tighten
the hexagonal bolt located below the cover by about a half turn.
6. Adjust the breaking of the horizontal motion of the arm at the joint (25) by tightening the lower
slotted nut.

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Figure 3.3—Mounting The Arm To The Cart
Figure 3.4—Auto*Therm 390, optional applicator arm assembly
3.4 Flexible condenser applicators
These applicators are available as one pair. The permanently attached, highly flexible cables ensure
maximum flexibility at the point of applicator connection and high adaptability to bent or curved parts
of the patient‘s body. The optimum distance between the applicator and the skin is achieved by using
thick felt spacers that have to be placed in a cloth bag together with the applicator.
One to three of the 5 mm thick felt spacers are used for tuning between electrode and skin. The
number of spacers depends on the application and characteristics of the tissue. Velcro straps are
used for fastening these applicators.
3.5 Inductive drum applicator
An optional inductive drum applicator is available. This drum applicator uses the high frequency
magnetic field generated by the inductive coil of an electrical resonant circuit for therapy. The
Auto*Therm 390 inductive drum applicator is electrically shielded and connected to the unit via a
removable, shielded coaxial cable. Use only the cable (ME 1881), designed for this application.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the unit or abnormal output.

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Auto*Therm 390, Shortwave Diathermy
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4 Operating Instructions
4.1 Shortwave diathermy applications
The Auto*Therm 390 is a shortwave diathermy device that operates at 27.12 MHz. It provides
traditional shortwave diathermy therapy using condenser and electromagnetic inductive coil fields in
both continuous and pulsed modes of operation. Therefore, it is suited for all diathermy treatments in
both the clinic and the medical practice.
The use of shortwave diathermy for heat therapy has the advantage of penetrating deeper than other
conventional methods, such as hot packs, infrared lights and heating pads, and even microwave
diathermy.
The heat generated by shortwave diathermy induces a whole range of physiological effects. It relaxes
muscles, tendons and other connective tissues, and increases blood circulation in the treatment area.
When shortwave diathermy is applied in short, high-energy pulses the depth of penetration is
increased, having a particularly positive effect on the blood circulation, while the temperature sensitive
skin hardly feels the heat.
Shortwave diathermy can be applied over a large area of the skin’s surface.
Avoid allowing the flexible cables or soft-rubber applicators to touch each other during treatment.
4.2 Preparing the patient
For optimum therapy, ensure that the patient is in a comfortable and relaxed position. To accomplish
this either have the patient in a seated or supine position.
Patients shall never be treated on metal chairs, tables or beds.
For safety reasons, remove all hearing aids, watches, rings, chains, bracelets and other metal objects
before starting the treatment. The clinician should also take care to remove metallic objects while
operating the Auto*Therm shortwave diathermy.
Do not treat patients through their clothing. Remove clothing from the treatment area. Clothes made
of synthetic materials should especially be removed because they insufficiently absorb moisture,
allowing moisture to pool on the skin causing local overheating.
Use a single layer of absorbent toweling between the patient and the applicator to absorb any
perspiration produced during the treatment and to prevent the development of hot spots due to
pooling of perspiration on the skin’s surface.
Hand the Patient Safety Pull-Cord to the patient before starting the treatment so that the patient can
shut off the Auto*Therm 390 if any discomfort is felt such as overheating or nausea.
Do not leave children or patients who cannot pull the cord, unattended while operating this device.
4.3 Heat effect of the applicators
Evaluating the heat effect of various applicators is based on the heat felt by the patient. This is
strongly influenced by a number of factors, e.g. the thickness of fat Iayers, treatment through clothes
or bandages, blood circulation, temperature of the skin, etc. Therefore, the following sections
generally explain the operation of the applicators used with the Auto*Therm 390. The heat effect of
the electrodes differs fundamentally between the inductive and capacitive method of application.
4.4 Capacitive method of application with the soft rubber applicators
The capacitive method of application transforms the shortwave energy into heat in tissues of low
blood circulation (e.g. fat, connective tissues). Thus, tissues near the skin’s surface are heated so that

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not only the transformed energy but also the distance between applicator and skin is important for the
subjective sensation of heat.
For best results place soft-rubber electrodes parallel to the skin’s surface. This will spread out the
energy over the entire treatment area and prevent hot spots. Do not allow the soft-rubber applicator
cables to come into contact with the patient. If necessary, insulate the patient from the cables using
several layers of toweling.
4.5 Inductive method of application
The shortwave magnetic field of an inductive drum coil applicator generates eddy currents that are
transformed to heat in the tissues. These currents increase with increasing electric conductivity of the
corresponding tissue region (tissues with good blood circulation, e.g. muscle tissue and inner organs).
To reach these deeper tissues, the inductive coil applicators of the Auto*Therm 390 are provided with
an electrostatic shielding that prevents the electric field of the inductive coil applicator from heating the
upper-skin fat tissue. Therefore, heat sensation by the patient is basically delayed when using the
inductive coil applicators. It is recommended to start the treatment with an intensity level below the
desired one and increase it later, rather than be guided by the patient’s heat sensation in the treated
area. For maximum deep effects apply the inductive coil applicator directly to the body through a
single layer of toweling.
Note: To avoid damaging the inductive drum, always keep the surface of the drum in contact
with the patient during treatment.
If the patient responds to excessive output power (intensity) by moving away from the drum applicator
rather than pulling the ripcord, insufficient coupling to the body may occur. If this is allowed to happen
over a period of time, the adjusted electric output power will be converted into heat not only in the
patient but also in the drum applicator. This overheating may cause damage to the drum applicator. It
is imperative for this reason, to frequently check the patient when using the drum applicator.
4.6 Choosing the applicator
Choose the appropriate applicator dependent upon the area and volume of the body parts to be
treated and whether inductive coil or condenser field application is preferred. Press the buttons on the
membrane panel to indicate the applicator that you intend to use for this treatment.
The following selectors are assigned to the corresponding applicators:
P/N Applicator Description Applicator Illustration Symbol
3980 14 cm diameter inductive coil applicator
3963 Soft rubber 12 x 18 cm condenser
applicators
4.7 General Instructions
Before you start…
a) Review precautions, contraindications and side effects/adverse reactions listed in Section 5.
b) Ask patient about possible implants before deciding to administer shortwave diathermy. If
patient has an implant, do not use this device.
c) Verify connection of the line cord to a grounded wall receptacle and the Auto*Therm 390.
d) Do not plug in more than one applicator type at a time.

Auto*Therm 390, Shortwave Diathermy
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e) Plug in either both soft-rubber plate applicators or the inductive drum before starting treatment.
f) Couple the soft-rubber plate applicators or the inductive drum to the patient before starting a
treatment.
g) Hand the Patient Safety Pull-Cord to the patient.
h) Note: Descriptions of the symbols used on controls are in Section 2.
Figure 4.1— Auto*Therm 390 Membrane Control Panel and LED Indicators
4.8 Instructions for operation
1. Turn on the main power switch located on the back of the unit by
pressing “I” icon on switch. The timer will display “0000”, the
intensity will display “0” and the LED indicators to the left of “CW”
and will be blinking.
2. Plug in the applicator(s) that you will be using for the treatment.
Apply them to the treatment area on the patient taking care to
securely couple the applicator to the patient.
3. Hand the Patient Safety Pull-Cord to the patient. Instruct the patient
to pull on the cord if the diathermy treatment becomes
uncomfortable. If the patient pulls the cord, all output will
immediately stop. “E232“ will be displayed in the output window
and there will be an audible alarm.
4. The LED to the left of CW will be blinking. Select either CW or one
of the pulse frequencies by pressing the up and down arrows.

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5. Once the LED of the desired frequency is lit, press the next arrow
to go to the Pulse Width selection.
6. Press the up and down arrows to select the Pulse Width that you
would like. Please note: if “CW“ is selected, then the unit will
automatically skip this selection.
7. Once the LED of the desired pulse width is lit, press the next arrow
to go to the Applicator selection.
8. Press the up and down arrows to select the applicator that is
plugged into the Auto*Therm 390 for use during this treatment
session.
9. Once the LED of the installed applicator is lit, press the next arrow
to set the Timer.
10. Press the up and down arrows to select the treatment time that you
would like. Please note: time can be set in whole minutes only.
11. Press the Volume button to increase or decrease the loudness of
the beeper. Press the up and down arrows to adjust the volume to
your surroundings. This is an optional step during the operation of
this device.
12. Make sure that the applicator(s) is(are) plugged in and coupled to
the patient. Press start to begin treatment.
13. The Auto*Therm 390 will first tune to the patient. During this time
little dashes will move around the perimeter of the output display.
At the end of tuning a “5” will be displayed in the output window if
tuning is successful. If any problems are encountered during this
time an error code will be displayed in this window.

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14. Use the “Up“ arrow to adjust the output in Watts. In the “CW” mode
the maximum is 100 Watts. In any of the pulsed modes the
maximum is 200 Watts. Press “Enter” to stop blinking the intensity
display.
15. Press the “Hold“ button to momentarily stop a treatment. The
Auto*Therm 390 will remember all the treatment parameter
settings. However, the output display will reset to 0 watts. You will
need to repeat steps 12 through 14 to resume the session. While
you are in the hold mode, you can also adjust any of the other
parameters before restarting the treatment session.
16. At the end of treatment an alarm will sound and the time and output
displays will return to zero.

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