Installation Manual: Mobile Comfort System 7
Welcome to the digital installation portal for the Rixen's Mobile Comfort System 7 (MCS7). Version 1.
1. The Mobile Comfort System 7
1.1 Please read first
- Before you start with the setting up and/or operation of the system please read these operating instructions through carefully.
- The operating instructions contain important information you require for the setting and safe operation of the heating system.
- Please keep the operating instructions in a safe place for future reference.
- Reference documents for individual components can be obtained from Rixen's website or Rixen's trained Service and Installation center.
1.2 Safety Instructions for operation
- Water temperatures over 52°C (125°F) can cause severe burns from scalding.
- Water temperature at the heat exchanger can be up to 85°C (185°F) during operation and possibly higher in the event of a malfunction.
- Use a temperature mixing valve to limit the hot water temperature at the faucet or shower.
- Feel water before bathing / showering. Exercise additional care when bathing children.
- Only potable water is to be heated.
- The user is responsible for the quality of water used and the sanitization of the water delivery system used with this heater.
- Take precautions to keep the water system free of debris and sanitized to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Being aware of the location of the emergency shut-off is vital to safe operation of the furnace.
- Emergency shut-off location is vehicle and installation specific.
- Consult with the vehicle's instructions / manual for details.
1.3 Disclaimer
- Only use and operate the furnace within the scope of the intended use stated by the manufacturer and in compliance with all documentation.
- Any installation or service tasks must be performed according to local codes.
- The manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by improper use or incorrect operation. Failure to comply with the safety instructions make the warranty null and void and this leads to the exclusion of any liability of Rixen's Enterprises Inc.
2. System Introduction
2.1 Hydronic air and water heating system
- The heating system is designed to heat the air in the living area and provide hot water for your sink and shower. It works on the principal of heating and circulating a heated coolant and utilizing heat exchangers to heat the air and/or water.
- Air is heated by means of a heat exchanger with an integrated fan which will circulate the air within the RV. Additional heat exchangers can be added to the system depending on the vehicle configuration. The fan speed can be manually or automatically controlled by the Rixen's touchscreen controller. It is recommended to have a return air inlet/routing for optimal air circulation. The further away from the air handler output the better heat circulation you will have.
- Water heating is accomplished via a thin plate double wall heat exchanger. Cold water is pumped into the plate heat exchanger when needed. There it absorbs heat from the system coolant. The resultant heated water is passed through a thermostatic mixing valve, to regulate the temperature, before going on to the fixtures. As water is heated only when needed there is no hot water storage tank.
- The primary heat source for the system is a diesel or gasoline burning coolant furnace (Eberspaecher Hydronic S3). If installed, an auxiliary electric heating element (1500W) can provide additional heat when connected to shore power. In addition to those two, there is a third option of capturing engine waste heat with optional kits available.
- When in operation the coolant furnace (Hydronic S3) works to maintain a constant coolant temperature by adjusting its output as needed. If there is little or no heat being extracted from the system the coolant furnace will automatically switch off, turning back on again when needed.
- The coolant furnace's combustion process is adjusted based on atmospheric pressure measured by the control board. Compensation will take place up to altitudes of at least 11,000ft.
- The main components of the system include: a touchscreen controller, Hydronic S3 coolant furnace, glycol circulating pump, air heat exchanger / blower, a water heat exchanger (plate type), thermostatic mixing valve, control board with altitude adjustment module, and coolant reservoir with integrated heating element.
- Optional components include engine waste heat, engine pre-heat and floor heat.
2.2 Heating with the Eberspaecher Diesel or Gasoline Furnace
- When the fuel operating coolant furnace (Hydronic S3) is selected as the heat source it will be activated whenever a heating function (air or water) is activated. The furnace will go through an ignition cycle and then work to maintain the system coolant at an operating temperature of 163F (73C).
- If the coolant furnace experiences a fault a notification will be displayed on the touchscreen controller.
- If the furnace fails to ignite or loses its flame while running it will attempt to restart three times before generating a fault.
3. Installation
3.1 Assembly and Mounting of the Furnace
- The furnace will be delivered with straight barbs pre-assembled, also 90 Degree barbs are available upon request from Rixen's.
- There is also a fuel line adaptor pre-assembled for 1/8" rubber fuel hose.
- Where many orientations are allowed, we strongly recommend mounting the furnace vertically as shown below in Figure 3. This will allow for the cleanest burn possible and longest service cycle.
- One bolt holds the furnace to its mounting bracket. The holes in the furnace are not threaded. The bolt will cut the threads. There is no need for special tools.
- We recommend to pre-fit the bracket to the furnace on the bench. Install the bolt, thereby cutting the threads. Use that assembly to mark your holes for the bracket at the mounting location. Separate the bracket from the furnace and install.
3.2 Mounting of the furnace fuel pump
- Mount the fuel pump on the exterior of the vehicle with the inlet (big nut) facing downward and the output facing upward. There is a fuel filter inside the big nut so we do not recommend adding any further filters to the inlet between the tank and pump.
- Preferred installation position within the range 15°-35° as shown below in Figure 4. 0°-15° is not allowed as it creates air bubbles in the line.
3.3 Mounting the Rixen's Glycol Pump
- The furnace has been programmed to run without the factory glycol pump. The pump connector on the furnace is covered by a rubber cap. The Rixen's pump is controlled via the MCS7 control board.
- The preferred position for the pump is 'hanging' under the tank (aka Comfort Hot). This insures that gravity feeds only fluid (no air bubbles) to the pump. The pump can push but it cannot pull the fluid to the pump.
- This is the 3rd generation of the pump and can now be installed on the exterior or the interior of the vehicle.
4. Optional Add-ons
4.1 Heating with Electricity
- The coolant expansion tank of the system can be equipped with a 1,500 W (5,100 BTU/h) electric element wired in series with a cycling thermostat and hi-limit/breaker switch.
- The system also provides an output for switching the electric element through shore power. This output (12 VDC) is activated when the electric heat source is selected and there is a heat demand on the system. The 120VAC side should have a 15A fuse inline to the RV panel.
- When in operation the cycling thermostat in the coolant reservoir will regulate the coolant temperature at a level higher than the start temperature of the furnace. As such, when both the electric element and furnace are activated together the electric element will hold a higher start temperature than the furnace.
- The intended usage of the electric element are situations where the heating requirements are low and when access to shore power is available. It may not have sufficient capacity to maintain a comfortable room temperature in colder ambient temperatures. In such scenarios the higher capacity fuel burning furnace should be utilized.
- When in operation the in-series thermostat installed in the coolant reservoir will regulate the coolant temperature at a level higher than the start temperature of the fuel burning coolant furnace. As such when both the electric element and fuel burning coolant furnace are activated together the electric element will not hold a higher start temperature than the furnace.
4.2 Capture Heat from Running Engine (Option)
- Utilize engine waste heat from vehicle to heat your interior air and water system.
- Installation of a series loop from the dash exchanger coolant outlet to a plate exchanger to add up to 30Kw of heat to the MCS7.
- Coolant loops between the vehicle and MCS7 still remain separated.
- Optional kit includes plate exchanger, brass fittings and clamps.
4.3 Preheat the Engine (Option)
- The engine preheat option warms up an engine when it is not running for a preset time of 45 minutes. This ensures easier and faster engine starts and reduce wear and tear from cold starts/idling.
- Coolant loops between the vehicle and MCS7 still remain separated.
- Requires Glycol pump, plate exchanger, brass fittings and clamps.
4.4 Heating with the Floor Option
- Circulate coolant throughout the floor for even heat distribution and eliminate cold spots.
- Rixen's offers a kit (Glycol Pump/Mixing Valve/Fittings) which can be combined with pex tubing and floor fabrication for your own unique design or look into our precut fabricated kits.
- Vehicle model specific kits available, no cutting or drilling involved.
- The floor consists of CNC routed fiberglass-reinforced closed cell foam substructure with CNC mapped wood overlay with slight engravings that show where the PEX and heat transfer plates lie beneath.
5. System Schematics
5.1 Component Layout
5.2 Control Board Wiring
5.3 Component Wiring
5.4 Furnace Harness Wiring
5.5 Mixing Valves
- Rixen's offers two different mixing valves depending on customer preference as shown below.
- Mix temperature range recommended is between 110-120F.
5.6 Touchscreen Controller Dimensions
5.7 Optional Controller Mounting Plate Dimensions
For applications where no hard mount is available inside the van (sold separately).
5.8 Air Temp Sensor Mounting
- When installing the air temp sensor make sure it is fully connected to the control board. If not, an ERROR will appear on the touchscreen controller.
- Make sure to mount the temperature sensor approximately mid-height on an interior van wall. Do not install the sensor inside a cabinet or next to a heat source i.e. An outlet vent, microwave, coffee pot etc.
6. Commissioning the System
6.1 System Coolant
- Be sure to fill the coolant system with a high-quality automotive antifreeze (50/50) premixed. Examples: Dexcool, Prestone (all makes, all models).
- Do not use propylene glycol or other boiler antifreeze unless it is automotive grade.
- Leave a one-inch (25.4mm) air space at the top of the tank for thermal expansion.
- Domestic freshwater is not needed to operate the system. It is not necessary for space heating.
6.2 Commissioning Checklist
Intake and exhaust – check routing to ensure they have adequate clearance from moving parts and heat sensitive items.
- Check fuel level - minimum quarter tank.
- Check FMP (fuel metering pump) for correct angle. (15° to 35° upward).
- Check fuel line route for adequate clearances from moving parts and heat sources.
- Ensure the proper coolant was used and the system is filled to the proper level.
- The power wires should be 10 awg. and protected with a 20 amp fuse.
6.3 Filling the system
- Begin adding glycol. It is recommended to visually check for leaks before completely filling the system.
- Remove the pressure cap from the expansion tank during the bleeding process to allow for air to escape.
- Apply 12v DC power to the system.
- Go to Hardware Setup in the menu and set the system pump speed to High for bleeding the system.
- Select Electric as a heat source on the touchscreen.
- Create a call for heat by activating the Hot Water function. This will activate the system pump.
- Monitor the coolant level in the expansion tank and check the system for leaks.
- Once the system has been purged of air you can turn off the Hot Water demand, this will turn the pump off.
- The pump setting should be set to Low after purging.
6.4 Remote Controller Settings
- Go to the hardware setup menu and make the appropriate selections for your installed equipment.
- Select the options for your system. The icons will appear on the main screen.
6.5 Electric Operation Test
- Activate the electric element and check amperage and monitor the coolant temp. AC amperage: 1500W – 12.5A and 2000W – 16.5A.
6.6 Furnace Startup Test
- When the fuel line is initially installed, leave the hose off the furnace and put it into a suitable container. Use the Fuel Prime function (located in the Menu > About section) until fuel comes out of the hose. Then install the primed hose on the furnace.
- Go to the main controller menu, select the Furnace as a heat source and choose a temperature above ambient or hot water. This should activate the furnace to start. If it does not start during this cycle (typically due to fuel supply), retry after the furnace has completed the shutdown cycle.
- Go to the diagnostics menu screen and monitor the Fan-glow-fuel.
FAN - rpm of the combustion fan motor (higher RPM indicates higher heat output).
GLOW - power consumption in watts (active during start up and shut down cycles).
FUEL - pulse rate in hertz (higher rate indicates more fuel and increased heat output). - Monitor the temperature Inlet and Outlet. A 10° to 30°F (5° to 17°C) difference is normal.
Below 10°F (5°C) – Check the pump setting. It should be Low.
Above 30°F (17°C) – Check coolant lines for restrictions. - Run furnace 15 to 20 minutes, change temperature set point and monitor Fan, Glow, Fuel to see if furnace is reacting accordingly.
- Fan operation - Change fan speed percentage and verify the fan(s) correspond.
- Floor heating (if equipped) - Activate floor heating and touch the pump to verify the floor pump is running.
- Engine D+ (if equipped) - Start the engine and verify the furnace is shutting down.
6.7 System Check
- Check the entire coolant circuit for leaks when hot.
- Check the coolant level when cool.
Part 2: Operations Manual
Operations Manual: MCS7 Touchscreen Controller
Welcome to the digital operations guide for the Rixen's MCS7 Touchscreen Controller.
1. General Information
- All functions for daily use are available through the remote's 5.5" touchscreen display.
- The remote is permanently installed on an easy to access wall using the included mounting bracket.
- The remote uses WiFi to connect to the Rixen's PowerBox which controls the furnace ECU, and other system components to provide heated air and water.
- Rixen's PowerBox and any additional controlling elements communicate with each other using a CANBus protocol.
- If the power supply in the vehicle is interrupted (e.g., the battery is disconnected), the system's controller retains all the basic settings.
- The MCS7 works independently from any cellular or satellite signal by creating its own Wi-Fi hotspot which then communicates directly with a mounted remote, smart phone, laptop, or tablet.
- The device offers a range of 10-30 meters.
2. Quick Start Guide
If you just need to get the heat running immediately, follow these three simple steps:
- Wake the Screen: If the screen is dark (rest mode), tap it once to wake it up.
- Select a Heat Source: Tap the Furnace icon on the left side of the screen. It will turn orange when the furnace is engaged and ready.
- Set the Temperature: Tap the center temperature numbers. Use the Plus and Minus symbols under "Set Temp" to dial in your desired interior air temperature.
- Fans will blow hot air when the system's glycol loop comes up to heat.
3. Main Interface & Icons
The touchscreen controller icons can be configured depending on your system setup. If any of the icons do not appear on your screen, they may have been removed by the builder as that option is not currently available on your installation. The screen will dim to rest mode after one minute of inactivity; it will reactivate by tapping the screen.
- Furnace operation and fault code indicator: Displays the current status of the system and any fault codes that may appear on the furnace.
- Menu Options: View system operations, furnace diagnostics, Wi-Fi set up, fuel priming, and access the technical manual.
- Fan Speed: Fully automatic or manual from 10-100% in 5% increments.
- Furnace: Eberspaecher 5Kw (17,000btu's) Hydronic Fuel Operated Heater.
- Electric Element: 1500W electric element to be used when plugged into shore power.
- Engine: Capture engine waste heat and add up to 30Kw of heat to the system.
- Set Temperature: Choose your desired interior temperature.
- Domestic Hot Water: On demand continuous hot water for shower and sink.
- Radiant Floor Heat: Circulate coolant throughout the floor for even heat distribution.
- Engine Pre-Heat: Use the Eberspaecher furnace to preheat the engine for cold starts.
- Auxiliary Zone Control: Provides an additional analog input/output control.
- System Fluid Temperature: Displays the current coolant temperature of the MCS7.
Icon Status Colors
- White Icon: System Off / Temp Cold.
- Blue Icon: Standby / Fan Activation / Temp 122F.
- Orange/Yellow Icon: Active / Hot Water Ready / Temp 158F+.
4. Climate Control
The fan speed, interior temp, humidity and set point temperature are displayed in the middle of the screen. Tapping anywhere in the middle of the screen will prompt a new screen to appear to set the Fan speed and thermostat.
Temperatures
- The temperature in the middle of the screen is the reading from the external air sensor attached to the controller, displaying the current interior temperature of the RV.
- Touching the set temperature allows you to adjust the desired interior temperature with the negative and plus symbols.
- When the system is set to heat the RV's interior, choose your heat source, select your fan speed, and the system will run until the interior air temperature starts to reach the setpoint temperature.
Fan Speed
- On the top of the screen is the interior fan speed. This can be controlled automatically by the MCS7 system or manually by the operator.
- To choose the manual or automatic fan speed, tap the fan speed % number or the auto icon to toggle between the two.
- The fan speed, when in manual mode, will range from 10% to 99% in 5% increments.
- In auto mode, the fan will run on high until the interior air temperature starts to reach the setpoint temperature. At this point, the fan will automatically slow down and remain on low levels to maintain the set point temperature.
- Note: The fan will only engage if there is a heat source selected and the fluid temp system icon is yellow.
5. Selecting a Heat Source
The heat source options are located on the left side of the screen. One of these options must be selected in order to produce hot air and water for the RV.
Furnace
- Predominantly the operator will be using the furnace as the main heat source for the system.
- The furnace icon is located on the top left of the screen. When pressed, the icon will turn blue indicating that it is ready. When there is a call for heat it will turn orange, meaning the furnace is now engaged.
- The furnace will now run and keep the coolant hot and ready for hot water and interior air heat. The furnace will cycle from 5Kw down to 1.3Kw (1.8Kw for gasoline) to maintain the temperature of the coolant in the system.
Electric
- The electric element is a 120-volt, 1500-watt (5000 btu) element that sits inside the expansion tank of the MCS7 system.
- The electric element will supply comfortable interior heat to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The electric element should not be run off the inverter system as it will quickly run your batteries down. It is highly recommended the RV is plugged into a 120V power source to utilize this option.
- With most manufacturers the electric element will not work unless plugged into shore power.
- The electric icon is located on the middle left of the screen. When engaged, the element will turn blue. When there is a call for heat it will turn yellow and the element will start to generate heat for the RV.
Engine
- The engine heat option is located on the lower left of the screen and will capture engine waste heat. This is possible by using a plate exchanger between the engine coolant loop and the MCS7 coolant loop. Up to 30Kw of heat can be added to the system with this available option.
- Engine On: When the engine is running, there will be heat transfer between the engine loop and MCS7 loop as soon as there is a demand for heat. The engine icon is a status display icon and not selectable by touching. If the engine icon is blue there is no call for heat; if the icon turns orange there is a call for heat.
- Engine Off: If the engine is not running, the user can still capture waste heat by selecting the engine icon. The icon will turn orange and the system will run for a preset time of 20 minutes utilizing the waste heat from a hot engine.
6. Specialized Features
Continuous Hot Water
- To generate continuous hot water, you will need to select the furnace icon on the top left of the screen. This is because the furnace can create 17,000btu's of heat while the electric element is capable of 5,000btu's of heat. The element alone is not enough to create continuous hot water.
- For most applications, the operator will use the furnace option as 17,000btu's is sufficient to keep up with the call for continuous hot water. The desired water flow rate is 0.8gpm for peak system performance.
- If you're plugged into shore power and you want the best performance, you can select both furnace and electric icons for 22,000btu's.
- If you do have the engine heat option available, that can be used instead of the furnace as it can supply up to 30,000btu's to the system (the engine must be hot for this option to work).
- When you select the hot water icon, located on the top right of the screen, the furnace will run continuously to generate heat.
Floor Radiant Heat
- Selecting the Floor icon on the right side of the screen will enable the radiant floor heat option (if installed).
- Whenever the thermostat calls for heat, a glycol pump will circulate heated coolant through the floor loop.
- The controller will automatically monitor temperatures between the air and floor to maintain the most comfortable interior. Like the Fan, the Floor is controlled by the thermostat. Active status is indicated by an icon showing in green.
Engine Preheat
- Selecting the Pre-Heat icon located on the lower right of the screen will start the furnace and the engine pump for a set time of 40 minutes.
- The furnace will begin to circulate hot coolant via a plate exchanger to your engine core. This ensures easier and faster engine starts during cold periods and reduces engine wear from idling. Check with your installer for this available option.
Auxiliary Control Option
This function provides an additional analog input/output control, refer to the builder's manual to see if and how this option is utilized.
7. System Menu
Diagnostics
- Displays Active Status, Operational Hours, RPM-Watts-Hertz, Coolant Inlet Temp, Coolant Oulet Temp, Flame Sensor, Voltage Input, Altitude, Auto Furnace Restart Indicator, and Engine Signal.
- The furnace can store up to 5 Fault Codes. "AF" indicates the actual live fault.
- Please refer to the Eberspaecher furnace manual at Rixens.com/learningcenter for fault code descriptions and repair instructions.
Settings
- Hardware Setup: Based on what is installed on the RV, you can choose which icons to display on the main screen for the operator.
- Floor/Fan Offset: Allow a temperature offset between the floor and fan to minimize fan use and maintain a quiet environment inside the RV.
- Glycol Pump Speed: Only use High speed when purging the air out of the glycol system, otherwise keep the setting at Low for regular operation.
- Engine Heat/Furnace: In auto mode, if the engine is On the furnace will be Off. In manual mode both will operate run at the same time.
- User Preferences: Display the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
- System Presets: This option will allow the user to preconfigure the heat options and temperature for ease of use.
About & Priming
- Displays the Firmware Version.
- Prime Fuel Pump: Prime the furnace fuel lines during the initial install or if the system has lost its prime due to low fuel in the RV.
8. Wi-Fi Configuration
- The touchscreen of the MCS7 is connected via Wi-Fi to the control board.
- When changing the name and/or password, which is recommended, you must reconnect the controller to the control board.
- Double tap the screen on the top left and bottom right to prompt a new screen to appear. It does not matter which screen you are currently on to prompt for this.
- Enter Pin 3333 and select "OK". This will prompt an Android page to appear.
- To log onto your Wi-Fi from your phone, tablet or computer look for the network (SSID Name) beginning with RIXEN followed by the serial number of the control board as displayed. Once you have joined the network log into http://10.10.10.10.
- Select the Wi-Fi name of your control board and enter the password you created (default password is 12341234).
- When done the network should say "Connected". Tap the "Back Arrow" in the top left corner to leave the Wi-Fi set up.
9. Glossary & FAQ
Troubleshooting FAQ
- What if my touchscreen is frozen or completely blank?
Ensure that you are supplying 12vDC power to the touchscreen and verify that the inline 3-AMP fuse has not blown. - Why isn't my electric heat giving me continuous hot water?
The electric element is a 1,500-watt (5,000 BTU) element. It is not powerful enough on its own to produce continuous hot water. You must select the Furnace option (which produces 17,000 BTUs) to keep up with hot water demands. - How do I change the Wi-Fi password if I forgot it?
You can access the Android settings page to update the Wi-Fi by double tapping the screen on the top left and bottom right, then entering PIN 3333.
Glossary of Terms
- AF: This stands for "Actual live fault" and will appear in the diagnostics menu if your system is throwing a fault code.
- BTU: British Thermal Unit. This measures the heat output of your system. For example, the electric element produces 5,000 BTUs, while the main furnace produces 17,000 BTUs.
- D+: Engine Signal. This refers to the alternator signal that tells the MCS7 system your vehicle's engine is currently running.
- SSID Name: Network Name. This is the name of the Wi-Fi network broadcasted by your control board (e.g., RIXEN92E45E).
For further assistance, please reach out to our team:
- 📞 Give us a call at (503) 668-6090
- 📱 After hours tech support (Call or Text): (503) 744-2408
- ✉️ Email us at contact@rixens.com