Texol MidgeaterPlus User manual

MidgeaterPlus™ Product Manual

- 2 -
List of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Safety Precautions
3 Operating Instructions
4 Machine Placement
5 Troubleshooting Guide
6 Cleaning Instructions
7 Maintenance and Service Chart
8 Winter Storage Instructions
9 Frequently Asked Questions
10 Warranty Information
11 Spare Parts List & Prices
12 Technical Data
13 Contact Details

- 3 -
1. Introduction
Dear customer,
You have purchased a new MidgeaterPlus™ insect catching device.
We want to thank you for the trust that you have put in our quality
products and hope that you gain much benefit from its operation. The
materials and workmanship have been used to ensure that no functional
defects occur provided the MidgeaterPlus™ is used for its designed
purpose only.
Before putting the MidgeaterPlus™ into use for the first time, please
familiarise yourself with the contents of this instruction booklet.
Due to ongoing improvements of the product the information contained in
this booklet is subject to alterations without the manufacturer being
obliged to notify or update under the provision that the essential
properties for safety and operation do not change. In cases of doubt
please do not hesitate to contact your retailer.
Please visit the Texol website for the latest information on our products.
www.texol.co.uk

- 4 -
2. Safety Precautions
•The MidgeaterPlus™ is designed for outdoor use only.
•The MidgeaterPlus™ should only be used for insect capture.
•Carefully supervise children and animals when the
MidgeaterPlus™ is in use.
•Please remember there are no “safe slopes”. Position the
MidgeaterPlus™ on level ground.
•In an emergency or if there is a smell of gas present always turn
off the gas supply at the regulator. Do not use until the source of
gas escape has been repaired by a competent person.
•Attention should be made to ensure the gas hose is not bent or
buckled. The hose should be checked every time the cylinder is
changed for cracking and damage. If hose needs changing use
an approved hose BS3212 Type 2.
•Repairs and maintenance on the gas components should only be
carried out by a qualified specialist.
•Use only the specified gas type.
•For cylinder gas delivery call Calor Gas Direct on 0800 662 663

- 5 -
We would point out that we are not liable according to the product
liability act for damage caused by our machine as a result of: -
a) improper repairs not carried out by authorised service engineers.
b) or if ORIGINAL SPARE PARTS are not used as replacement
parts.
c) this product has been safety tested as is, any alterations to the
MidgeaterPlus™ will nullify your warranty.
Precautions for Handling Bait Sachet
The bait is harmful if swallowed, absorbed through skin or inhaled.
Avoid skin, mouth and eye contact with the tablet. Wash thoroughly
with soap and water after handling. Avoid inhalation.
Statement of Practical Treatment
If inhaled – move to fresh air.
If on skin – wash affected area with soap and water.
If in eyes – flush with plenty of water. Call a physician if irritation
develops.
Disposal of Used Bait
Wrap used tablet in plastic bag and discard into rubbish bin.

- 6 -
3. Operating Instructions
1. Place MidgeaterPlus™ in desired position on level ground.
2. The bait/attractant should then be placed in the bait holder, ensuring
that the bait holder cap is replaced.
3. Connect the click/on regulator to patio gas bottle.
4. Place gas bottle inside the MidgeaterPlus™.
5. Fit midge capture bag in vacuum chamber.
6. Ensure vacuum chamber door is closed.
7. Ensure that the grey lever on the click/on regulator is in the
vertical position (on) and gas bottle chamber door is closed.
8. When starting from cold the system will have to be primed i.e. hold
black button in for approx. 15 seconds. This lets the gas flow through
the hose.
Remove Cap
Place Bait
Replace Cap

- 7 -
9. Press black button and hold in position.
10. After 5 seconds press red igniter button (keeping the black button held
down) until a pop is heard, the gas has now ignited.
11. Keep the black button held down until the power indicator needle has
moved between the red and the green section. This should take
approximately 90 seconds (please note that if the black button is
released at any time during the above operation, you must repeat the
process from step 7).
12. After releasing the black button the needle on the power indicator
should continue to rise into the green section.
13. Your MidgeaterPlus™ should now be operational.
A 13kg patio gas bottle should last 24 to 28 days. This only applies
if the MidgeaterPlus™ is left to run continuously, for which purpose it
has been designed and tested. Continuous use is recommended for best
results.
Safety
Button
(black)
Igniter
Button
(red)
Power
Indicator

- 8 -
4. Machine Placement
As midges are attracted to any warm CO2 producing source
(including people and animals) the machine should be sited away from
where people congregate. Ideally the midges should reach the
MidgeaterPlus™ before they reach the people.
It may be worth trying several locations to identify which is the
most effective for your MidgeaterPlus™. Furthermore, changes in wind
direction could alter the midges’ behaviour so it may be necessary to
move the trap from one location to another throughout the season.

- 9 -
5. Trouble-Shooting Guide
Below is a list of problems that we believe that our customers may be
able to solve themselves when the unit fails to operate correctly. If you are
unsure about carrying out any of these tasks, please call our technical help
line (01382 618444) for assistance.
GAS CONNECTION: Ensure that the Quick-On gas regulator is fitted to
the gas bottle correctly. The regulator is pushed on in position which
allows the grey switch to turn.
IGNITION PROBLEMS: Firstly check the igniter button. You should
hear a clicking noise when the red button is depressed. If the clicking
noise cannot be heard, unscrew the red button Cap and replace the AA
battery. Screw the cap back on and retry. If there is still no clicking,
remove the service panel as shown in figures 1, 2 & 3.
Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3

- 10 -
STEP 1 Remove the four screws as shown in fig 1 using a Phillips head
screwdriver.
STEP 2 Let the service panel hang down as shown in fig 2.
STEP 3 You can now check the wire connection from the igniter to the
spark tip.
STEP 4 Replace the service panel as shown in fig 3 and retry.
** NEVER TRY TO IGNITE THE MIDGEATER WHEN THE
SERVICE PANEL ** IS REMOVED AS IN FIG 2.
STEP 5 If the problem persists a Texol engineer should be called to
rectify the fault.
NOZZLE HOUSING BLOCKAGE: Assuming that the regulator is fitted
properly and the igniter is sparking, the next check is the Nozzle
Housing. This can become blocked due to spiders casting a web inside
the housing, this restricts the gas flow which does not allow the
combustion process to occur. See figure 4 below.
The nozzle housing can be cleared with the use of an air duster aerosol
dispenser (see spare parts list for aerosol). Firstly remove service panel
as before, then using the tube attachment on the air duster, insert the tube
into the nozzle housing through the air vents. Try to get the tube pointing

- 11 -
up towards the combustion chamber area and disperse the air duster to
clear any blockages. See fig 5 below. It is important to ensure that the
nozzle housing and the chimney area are kept clear. Replace the service
panel and repeat the ignition process
Fig 4 CHIMNEY AREA Fig 5 AEROSOL TUBE
NOZZLE HOUSING AIR DUSTER AEROSOL
POWER INDICATOR: If your MidgeaterPlus™ has ignited but the
power indicator needle does not move from the red area, check that the
fan in the midge capture chamber is working. If the fan is working, the
MidgeaterPlus™ can still be used even though the power gauge is not
operational. A new gauge can be ordered by calling the helpline.

- 12 -
FAN FAILURE: If your MidgeaterPlus™ starts up but the fan fails to
operate, turn the gas off. A new fan can be ordered by calling the
helpline.
MIDGEATER CUTTING OUT: Your MidgeaterPlus™ is operational
but after a short period of time the MidgeaterPlus™ cuts out. This fault
may be caused by a problem with the bi-metallic switch which is located
on the engine. A new switch can be ordered by calling the helpline.
If you have problems with any of the trouble-shooting guides, please do
not hesitate to call the Midgeater Helpline 01382 618444. When no one
is available to take your call please leave a message with your name and
contact Number where you can be reached. We will make every effort to
reply to your call within the working day.

- 13 -
6. Cleaning Instructions
Tools required for cleaning are, a Philips screwdriver and a vacuum
cleaner with crevice attachment.
1. Remove midge capture bag
2. Clean midge capture chamber with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner
3. Remove service panel by removing 4 screws as per Fig 6.
4. Carefully allow service panel to hang down, the service panel being
held by the connecting wires as in Fig 7.
5. Clean out the chimney/ flue area using a vacuum crevice tool or
similar as per Fig 8.
6. Vacuum out the nozzle housing ensuring that the air holes are clear,
again using crevice tool or similar (Fig 9).
7. Remove gas bottle and thoroughly clean gas bottle chamber with
damp cloth.

- 14 -
Fig 6 Fig 7
Fig 8 Fig 9

- 15 -
7. Maintenance and Service Chart

- 16 -
8. Winter Storage Instructions
We strongly recommend that your MidgeaterPlus™ is thoroughly cleaned
as per the cleaning instructions previous and also by using the supplied
winter kit (contact helpline if winter kit is required) before winter storage.
By following the instructions below, this should help to prevent any
future problems arising on start-up next season.
Insert cork supplied
5 Apply Velcro supplied
1. After removal of service panel, insert the cork into the exhaust
chimney and apply the Velcro strip to cover the combustion unit air
holes.
2. Remove any remaining blue bait tablet boxes from bait holder.
3. Cover MidgeaterPlus™, preferably with a MidgeaterPlus™ storage
cover (see
www.midgeater.co.uk or call calor at 01698 745532 for details)
and store in a dry place, i.e. garage or garden shed.
NOTE: *WINTER KIT TO BE REMOVED PROIR TO SPRING START-UP*

- 17 -
9. Frequently Asked Questions.
Q. How does the MidgeaterPlus™ work?
A. The MidgeaterPlus™ draws insects towards it by emitting a plume of
harmless carbon dioxide. This is produced as a by-product of burning
propane through catalytic conversion, which also produces warmth and
moisture. These attractants combined with a bait tablet provide the
formulae to which insects are attracted. When they fly towards the
machine they are expecting a tasty blood meal. The MidgeaterPlus™ then
sucks them into a disposable bag. No insecticides are used.
Q. How long should my gas bottle last?
A. Approx 24 – 28 days (when the MidgeaterPlus™ is running 24/7).
Q. When should I replace the bait tablet?
A. The bait tablet should be replaced at same time as a gas bottle change
over.
Q. Should I switch my MidgeaterPlus™ off during the day?
A. No. MidgeaterPlus™ has been designed to be kept running 24/7, it
should be noted that if the MidgeaterPlus™ is switched off any captured
midge will escape from the capture bag.
Q. Where can I buy MidgeaterPlus™ spares bags & bait tablets?
A. You should be able to purchase these from the retailer that you
purchased your MidgeaterPlus™ from.

- 18 -
Q. How do I dispose of the midge in the capture bag?
A. Remove capture bag and pull draw strings. Place capture bag inside a
sealed plastic bag and leave for several days. The dead midge can then be
disposed of at your discretion.
Q. My MidgeaterPlus™ has caught plenty of midge but there are still
plenty in other parts of the garden.
A. The MidgeaterPlus™ is designed to be moved around. You may have
to try several locations before you identify the best position for your
MidgeaterPlus™.
Q. I am having difficulty sourcing patio gas locally.
A. Contact Calor Belshill for information on suppliers. Ph – 01698
745532.
SHOULD THERE BE ANY PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS IN
RELATION TO THIS PRODUCT THAT YOU STILL REQUIRE
ANSWERS TO PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE
MIDGEATER HELPLINE AT TEXOL
ON 01382 618444 OR EMAIL US AT ([email protected])

- 19 -
10. Warranty Information
The MidgeaterPlus™ device is guaranteed for a period of 1 year
from date of purchase, provided that the equipment is handled in
accordance with the instructions.
As a valued customer and someone who we hope is benefiting
from the use of our Midgeater product, Texol services has put together an
offer of extended warranty which we are sure will be of interest to you.
This extended warranty offer has been put in place to back up the
excellent service already provided to our customers. If you wish to take
up this offer it is available at a cost of £75.00 plus VAT at 17.5% total
cost being £88.12. This extended warranty cover will last for a period of
12 months. The period of cover will commence as soon as your initial
warranty expires.
The purchase of the 1 year extended warranty must be made at
least 1 full calendar month prior to the initial warranty ending, Warranty
cover otherwise shall then cease and service charges shall apply if call-
outs are required.

- 20 -
WHAT IS COVERED WHAT IS NOT COVERED
1. All defective parts 1. Accidental damage.
2. Manufacturing defects 2. Acts of God – weather damage
3. Call out charges 3. Vandalism.
4. Labour charges 4. Theft.
5. Site / Catch issues.
6. Self repair attempts
Should you wish to proceed with this offer of extended warranty please
contact a member of staff at Texol. Ph – 01382 618444. Please have
proof of MidgeaterPlus purchase at hand when you call as this is a
necessary requirement to enable purchase of extended warranty.