Will this work for the top insulator? I'm thinking no? That's the one that came off completely on mine. Looks like some type of adhesive or glue was used. Afraid to use the wrong glue.
Talk about a coincidence...our top insulation just popped off the same day you asked the question. You're suspicion is correct, the same thing won't work for the top. It's a different set-up for the top, and you don't want screws poking out or sure enough they will poke someone. When I repaired the bottom, like you was afraid of using the wrong adhesive since its around food. I contacted Harvest Right and they told me to use 3M double sided tape (as noted in the video that didn't work for us; hence the approach in the video). Once we are done using our FD (I'm making some candy for Easter right now), I will clean both the metal and the insulating surface with rubbing alcohol, and attach it using 3M double sided tape (the Harvest Right recommendation) and see if it will hold. You might try the same and see if it works for you. What If it doesn't hold? Because it will bother me, I will come up with some solution and either post a video on it or reply here to your post in hopes it will help you. If you have an idea, I appreciate you sharing it. Thanks for watching and for your comment! - and appreciate it if you have or will subscribe!
@@foxcanfarms Oh wow. what a coincidence. I'm having to delay any usage, because just as this happened, I also have a "Mid-Batch Heater Failure" and can't even use the freeze dryer, until I figure out what's going on. So disappointed, only had it 2 years.
@MGillDesign Now that is really frustrating! I suppose you may have already done some or all of these, but in case it's helpful (no insult intended), here's some things that come to mind: - Try the heater test mode to see if perhaps it was a glitch. It should shut off when it hits the max temp, I believe 150. If it works, I'd still do the following as these may have caused the issue. - Check the harness connections to make sure the wires are not loose in the harness and maybe just need to push them back in (or contact Harvest Right to have them send a new harness) - Check wires going to each harness for any worn insulation - Remove the silicone seal on the wiring harness (it's on the end that goes into the other side of the harness), and then spray the harness contacts with electrical cleaner, after cleaner dries re-add seal, connect harnesses and run heat test. Really important you remove that seal as I'd be concerned it might be damaged. If you don't have electrical cleaner handy, you could use WD-40. Spray both sides, connect and disconnect harnesses a few times, spray again, repeat. downside of WD40 is maybe not great to have inside there (could spray in a little container and apply with a brush). Could also use Maxpro electronics lubricant (cleans, lubricates, and protects) - again careful not to get it all over everything. - Maybe look at the wires that go to the heating pads to make sure they are not damaged, and take the back cover off to make sure none of the wires are damaged and that none of the connections are loose on the other hand, I have had good luck calling Harvest Right or opening a ticket. Hopefully it's something you can fix at home with a new part they send you vs. something in the board and you have to send it back (we had a refrigeration issue and had to send it back...took around 2 mos.). Hoping you're back up and running ASAP!!
@@foxcanfarms thanks for the thorough list of tips/suggestions. Wow. I will say a couple things: I did the heater test, and the temperatures rose. I didn't let it get up to 150, though. The freeze dryer has been working flawlessly for 1 year/half... and i ran out of things to freeze dry, so took 3-4 months off. I have it indoors, covered with a A/C protective black cover. I finally decided to start using it again, just a few days ago, but, wanted to clean it out. So did something that i hate doing (disconnect the tray holder (from the wire harness) to clean the tray holder/inside chamber. I hate removing the wire harness connector, and try to do it as little as possible. Because me and electrical harnesses have a bad past. I had a car that randomly cut off on highways, and it took 1-2 years to find out it was a loose pin on engine wire harness. So, i have PTSD when it comes to any type of electrical harnesses. I did open a ticket, and sent USB files to Customer Service. We'll see what they say. But i will try those suggestions you gave. I have a feeling something got dirty/corroded when i took the harness aloose, and the tray holder sat out in the open air for 3-4 days. Also, the silicone seal had popped off unknowingly. I put it back on, but didn't make a difference. We'll see.
O that's interesting. I have left the door and drain open and then hang a lightweight dish drying towel (I'm sure it has proper a name 😀) over the opening to keep dust out, but leave it open so any moisture in the line can evaporate over time (it doesn't totally drain out). If I do close it, I don't do it for a couple weeks bc moisture gets under the insulation, and I also leave the drain open. Huh, maybe the cleaner will work for you. Clean, connect and disconnect a few times (and I don't have to tell you, but in case others read this only pull on the harness and never the wires). That should clean up any potential corrosion. I should correct my statement about the temp bc I don't know if the test shuts off before 150, however it can go as high as 150 for candy mode (mine even went a little higher just a while ago).
@catherinek7210 that's a good question, and unfortunately I don't know the answer. I think those may come with an adhesive on the pads, sort of like a sticker if you will. Personally I have found the Harvest Right customer service to be very helpful and responsive. I would go to the customer service page on their website and submit a ticket or call call them. If it's under warranty my experience is they will quickly resolve the issue. If it's not under warranty I believe they will advise you as to how you can re-attach it. If you are so inclined, it would be great if you could post the direction provided so others can benefit from it. Thank you for watching and for the question! If you're not a subscriber, I hope you're willing to subscribe.
My top insulation pad came off this morning so I found your video here and after further research, I'm going to just get the 3M tape to reattach. I was going to have my husband do your fix for the bottom pad because mine is bowed as well but after he looked at it, he's thinking it is bowed on purpose because the heating element is there on the underside and thinks the bowing is intentional because of the heating element and actually lays pretty flat when right-side up in the drum. Have you found that your fix was helpful in some way for the bottom pad?
hmm, well I sure don’t want to be responsible for any issues between you and your husband!! 😀 But perhaps I could provide some information and thoughts in hopes that you and/or others find it helpful. I should also mention that I had similar concerns as your husband, but I will address those in the points below 1) It is subtle, but at the beginning of the video I mentioned that I contacted Harvest Right about this issue and they directed me to re-attach it with 3M double sided tape. So Harvest Right did not tell me it should be bowed, they didn’t say it’s not supposed to touch the heating pad in the middle but it’s ok if it touches on the ends, etc. As noted therein, this did not work for us. By the way I even cleaned both the shelf and the insulation it with 99% isopropyl alcohol (i.e. rubbing alcohol) in hopes that it would remove any oils or residue on the surfaces, and I tried the tape repair twice. 2) Since the tape repair failed twice, what you see in the video was my solution to help ensure the heat is not lost from the cold. Recall cold air is more dense than warmer air and it ‘sinks’ if you will. Also, it is well commented on that the lower shelves freeze dry the food slower than the upper shelves. While I haven’t done any scientific measurements/analysis, in theory a bowed insulation panel would allow cold air in between the panel and the heat pad and thus reduce the heat produced by the lower shelf since there is only one heat sensor in the middle for all shelves (vs. a sensor for each shelf) 3) Also, one might consider that the top insulating panel is taped to the top shelf, and there is a heating pad on the top shelf, albeit on the underside of the shelf. It would seem the Aluminum shelf would come close to, if not the same temperature, as the heating pad, and I think all would agree the panel is directly on said shelf. In addition, when the temp is manually adjusted to say 145F surely the temp of the top of the shelf that touches the insulation panel is in excess of the standard 125F temp and thus perhaps we could conclude having it directly on the lower heating pad would not be a problem. 4) My freezer dryer was sent to Harvest Right for Warranty work about 9 months after I had made this change. When a FD has been sent back to them, they informed me they don't simply resolve the issue for which it’s being returned, they check and test everything to ensure any other issues the customer may not have noticed are addressed. They did not say anything nor reject my warranty claim because I made this modification (I should also note I had also replaced the ‘stock’ drain valve with a better quality valve) 5) Lastly, I made this change so long ago and I have not done any scientific measurements that I don't think I’m in any position to say things are so much better now. As such, I am left with presuming it is better for the reasons I noted in 2) above. Well, although that got a little detailed and long, I hope that wasn’t too much, that it help a little (and perhaps your husband has some comfort in that I had similar concerns😀). I appreciate you making your comment/question and am hopeful that you Like and Subscribe! We need about 200 more Subscribers to before the end of December in order apply to monetize the channel. Thanks again!!
Hi! We're in Minnesota, close to the Twin Cities. Generally our Temps range 90F to say -20F. Could be a little hotter or a little lower, but that's a normal range for us.
My insulation came off. It’s only one layer of corrugation thick. I have a small. Did you add on a layer or replace yours? Does the tape on the end hold it on?
Hi! No, we didn't add a layer, ours came with two layers under the bottom shelf (top shelf only has one layer). Nope, the silver foil tape on the end doesn't hold it on. That is only taped to the ends the corrugated insulation panels, not to the shelf. The panels are held to the shelf by 3M double sided tape. When ours came off, I called Harvest Right and asked what kind of tape would be safe to use to re-attach it to the shelf and they told me to use 3M double sided tape. I cleaned the shelf and the panel with 99% isopropyl alcohol, applied tape in the same locations the factory had put it, and it came off (maybe there are different quality 3M tapes), so I ended up fixing it as noted in the video. Our foil tape started to come off, and I did add a new piece of foil tape. btw, I don't know the purpose of the foil tape. It could be to seal off the end and create a layer of air for insulation, but then again the other end is not taped, so perhaps it's just for looks.
Will this work for the top insulator? I'm thinking no?
That's the one that came off completely on mine. Looks like some type of adhesive or glue was used.
Afraid to use the wrong glue.
Talk about a coincidence...our top insulation just popped off the same day you asked the question. You're suspicion is correct, the same thing won't work for the top. It's a different set-up for the top, and you don't want screws poking out or sure enough they will poke someone.
When I repaired the bottom, like you was afraid of using the wrong adhesive since its around food. I contacted Harvest Right and they told me to use 3M double sided tape (as noted in the video that didn't work for us; hence the approach in the video).
Once we are done using our FD (I'm making some candy for Easter right now), I will clean both the metal and the insulating surface with rubbing alcohol, and attach it using 3M double sided tape (the Harvest Right recommendation) and see if it will hold. You might try the same and see if it works for you.
What If it doesn't hold?
Because it will bother me, I will come up with some solution and either post a video on it or reply here to your post in hopes it will help you.
If you have an idea, I appreciate you sharing it.
Thanks for watching and for your comment!
- and appreciate it if you have or will subscribe!
@@foxcanfarms Oh wow. what a coincidence. I'm having to delay any usage, because just as this happened, I also have a "Mid-Batch Heater Failure" and can't even use the freeze dryer, until I figure out what's going on. So disappointed, only had it 2 years.
@MGillDesign Now that is really frustrating! I suppose you may have already done some or all of these, but in case it's helpful (no insult intended), here's some things that come to mind:
- Try the heater test mode to see if perhaps it was a glitch. It should shut off when it hits the max temp, I believe 150. If it works, I'd still do the following as these may have caused the issue.
- Check the harness connections to make sure the wires are not loose in the harness and maybe just need to push them back in (or contact Harvest Right to have them send a new harness)
- Check wires going to each harness for any worn insulation
- Remove the silicone seal on the wiring harness (it's on the end that goes into the other side of the harness), and then spray the harness contacts with electrical cleaner, after cleaner dries re-add seal, connect harnesses and run heat test. Really important you remove that seal as I'd be concerned it might be damaged. If you don't have electrical cleaner handy, you could use WD-40. Spray both sides, connect and disconnect harnesses a few times, spray again, repeat. downside of WD40 is maybe not great to have inside there (could spray in a little container and apply with a brush). Could also use Maxpro electronics lubricant (cleans, lubricates, and protects) - again careful not to get it all over everything.
- Maybe look at the wires that go to the heating pads to make sure they are not damaged, and take the back cover off to make sure none of the wires are damaged and that none of the connections are loose
on the other hand, I have had good luck calling Harvest Right or opening a ticket. Hopefully it's something you can fix at home with a new part they send you vs. something in the board and you have to send it back (we had a refrigeration issue and had to send it back...took around 2 mos.).
Hoping you're back up and running ASAP!!
@@foxcanfarms thanks for the thorough list of tips/suggestions. Wow.
I will say a couple things: I did the heater test, and the temperatures rose. I didn't let it get up to 150, though.
The freeze dryer has been working flawlessly for 1 year/half... and i ran out of things to freeze dry, so took 3-4 months off. I have it indoors, covered with a A/C protective black cover.
I finally decided to start using it again, just a few days ago, but, wanted to clean it out. So did something that i hate doing (disconnect the tray holder (from the wire harness) to clean the tray holder/inside chamber.
I hate removing the wire harness connector, and try to do it as little as possible. Because me and electrical harnesses have a bad past. I had a car that randomly cut off on highways, and it took 1-2 years to find out it was a loose pin on engine wire harness. So, i have PTSD when it comes to any type of electrical harnesses.
I did open a ticket, and sent USB files to Customer Service. We'll see what they say. But i will try those suggestions you gave. I have a feeling something got dirty/corroded when i took the harness aloose, and the tray holder sat out in the open air for 3-4 days. Also, the silicone seal had popped off unknowingly. I put it back on, but didn't make a difference. We'll see.
O that's interesting. I have left the door and drain open and then hang a lightweight dish drying towel (I'm sure it has proper a name 😀) over the opening to keep dust out, but leave it open so any moisture in the line can evaporate over time (it doesn't totally drain out). If I do close it, I don't do it for a couple weeks bc moisture gets under the insulation, and I also leave the drain open.
Huh, maybe the cleaner will work for you. Clean, connect and disconnect a few times (and I don't have to tell you, but in case others read this only pull on the harness and never the wires). That should clean up any potential corrosion.
I should correct my statement about the temp bc I don't know if the test shuts off before 150, however it can go as high as 150 for candy mode (mine even went a little higher just a while ago).
One of my trays had the heating film come off. What glue do I use to reattach it?
@catherinek7210 that's a good question, and unfortunately I don't know the answer. I think those may come with an adhesive on the pads, sort of like a sticker if you will.
Personally I have found the Harvest Right customer service to be very helpful and responsive.
I would go to the customer service page on their website and submit a ticket or call call them.
If it's under warranty my experience is they will quickly resolve the issue.
If it's not under warranty I believe they will advise you as to how you can re-attach it.
If you are so inclined, it would be great if you could post the direction provided so others can benefit from it.
Thank you for watching and for the question! If you're not a subscriber, I hope you're willing to subscribe.
My top insulation pad came off this morning so I found your video here and after further research, I'm going to just get the 3M tape to reattach. I was going to have my husband do your fix for the bottom pad because mine is bowed as well but after he looked at it, he's thinking it is bowed on purpose because the heating element is there on the underside and thinks the bowing is intentional because of the heating element and actually lays pretty flat when right-side up in the drum. Have you found that your fix was helpful in some way for the bottom pad?
hmm, well I sure don’t want to be responsible for any issues between you and your husband!! 😀 But perhaps I could provide some information and thoughts in hopes that you and/or others find it helpful. I should also mention that I had similar concerns as your husband, but I will address those in the points below
1) It is subtle, but at the beginning of the video I mentioned that I contacted Harvest Right about this issue and they directed me to re-attach it with 3M double sided tape. So Harvest Right did not tell me it should be bowed, they didn’t say it’s not supposed to touch the heating pad in the middle but it’s ok if it touches on the ends, etc. As noted therein, this did not work for us. By the way I even cleaned both the shelf and the insulation it with 99% isopropyl alcohol (i.e. rubbing alcohol) in hopes that it would remove any oils or residue on the surfaces, and I tried the tape repair twice.
2) Since the tape repair failed twice, what you see in the video was my solution to help ensure the heat is not lost from the cold. Recall cold air is more dense than warmer air and it ‘sinks’ if you will. Also, it is well commented on that the lower shelves freeze dry the food slower than the upper shelves. While I haven’t done any scientific measurements/analysis, in theory a bowed insulation panel would allow cold air in between the panel and the heat pad and thus reduce the heat produced by the lower shelf since there is only one heat sensor in the middle for all shelves (vs. a sensor for each shelf)
3) Also, one might consider that the top insulating panel is taped to the top shelf, and there is a heating pad on the top shelf, albeit on the underside of the shelf. It would seem the Aluminum shelf would come close to, if not the same temperature, as the heating pad, and I think all would agree the panel is directly on said shelf. In addition, when the temp is manually adjusted to say 145F surely the temp of the top of the shelf that touches the insulation panel is in excess of the standard 125F temp and thus perhaps we could conclude having it directly on the lower heating pad would not be a problem.
4) My freezer dryer was sent to Harvest Right for Warranty work about 9 months after I had made this change. When a FD has been sent back to them, they informed me they don't simply resolve the issue for which it’s being returned, they check and test everything to ensure any other issues the customer may not have noticed are addressed. They did not say anything nor reject my warranty claim because I made this modification (I should also note I had also replaced the ‘stock’ drain valve with a better quality valve)
5) Lastly, I made this change so long ago and I have not done any scientific measurements that I don't think I’m in any position to say things are so much better now. As such, I am left with presuming it is better for the reasons I noted in 2) above.
Well, although that got a little detailed and long, I hope that wasn’t too much, that it help a little (and perhaps your husband has some comfort in that I had similar concerns😀).
I appreciate you making your comment/question and am hopeful that you Like and Subscribe! We need about 200 more Subscribers to before the end of December in order apply to monetize the channel. Thanks again!!
Where are you folks located?
Just wondering as to weather and temperatures.. thanks
Hi! We're in Minnesota, close to the Twin Cities. Generally our Temps range 90F to say -20F. Could be a little hotter or a little lower, but that's a normal range for us.
My insulation came off. It’s only one layer of corrugation thick. I have a small. Did you add on a layer or replace yours? Does the tape on the end hold it on?
Hi! No, we didn't add a layer, ours came with two layers under the bottom shelf (top shelf only has one layer).
Nope, the silver foil tape on the end doesn't hold it on. That is only taped to the ends the corrugated insulation panels, not to the shelf. The panels are held to the shelf by 3M double sided tape. When ours came off, I called Harvest Right and asked what kind of tape would be safe to use to re-attach it to the shelf and they told me to use 3M double sided tape. I cleaned the shelf and the panel with 99% isopropyl alcohol, applied tape in the same locations the factory had put it, and it came off (maybe there are different quality 3M tapes), so I ended up fixing it as noted in the video.
Our foil tape started to come off, and I did add a new piece of foil tape. btw, I don't know the purpose of the foil tape. It could be to seal off the end and create a layer of air for insulation, but then again the other end is not taped, so perhaps it's just for looks.