Ardent FX - User Manual

FX
DETAILED MANUAL

Summary

Quick Start Guide

Cycle Mode Selection

Select desired heat level by cycling through A1, A2, Infuse, or Bake modes.

Loading Material into FX

Properly load flower or oil into the FX unit, avoiding overfilling or jamming.

Starting and Running Cycles

Initiate cycles via the power button, then proceed with infusion or baking steps.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Hand wash the unit or use a dishwasher; ensure the power base remains dry.

More on FX Cycle Settings

Infusion Cycle Details

Bake Cycle Operation

Best Practices

FAQ and Troubleshooting

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Best Practices and Troubleshooting

The Ardent FX is a precision heater designed for activating, infusing, and baking various materials, particularly cannabis. It offers a versatile range of uses, from preparing raw flower for consumption to creating baked goods and cooked snacks.

Function Description:

The Ardent FX serves multiple functions:

• Decarboxylation (Activation): It features two primary activation cycles:
  • A1 (Activate THC): Optimized for activating THC from THCA, and also activates CBGA to CBG.
  • A2 (Activate CBD): Optimized for activating CBD from CBDA. These proprietary cycles ensure full THC/CBG and CBD activation from plant material, converting acidic forms (THCA, CBGA, CBDA) into their activated counterparts.
• Infusion: This setting is designed for infusing activated material into oils, butter, and other mediums. It operates at a lower temperature than the activation cycles. The infusion cycle runs for close to three hours, peaking at 176°F (80°C). Ardent's tests indicate that potency remains consistent whether the infusion runs for one or two hours, with a minimum recommended time of 45 minutes. For concentrates or kief, the THC activation cycle can also be used for infusion, as these materials primarily require heating and mixing without straining.
• Baking: The highest temperature setting, peaking at over 300°F, allows users to bake treats, sous vide meat, cook pasta, and more directly within the device. This cycle runs for a little over two hours if uninterrupted.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Temperature Control: The device offers precise temperature control for each cycle:
  • A1/A2 (Activation): Optimized for decarboxylation.
  • Infuse: Peaks at 176°F (80°C).
  • Bake: Peaks at over 300°F.
• Capacity:
  • Flower: Roughly four ounces (depending on density).
  • Oil/Liquids: 28 fluid ounces, always ensuring the material is below the FILL line.
• Components: The unit consists of three main parts: the power base, the main unit, and the black lid (with an attached purple silicon lid-bottom). All components must be used together for proper operation.

Usage Features:

• Quick Start:
  1. Remove the FX unit and power base from the carrying case.
  2. Plug the power base into a dry outlet.
  3. Place the FX unit onto the base charger. The power light will turn green, and one of the four setting options (A1, A2, Infuse, Bake) will light up yellow, indicating it's ON.
• Mode Selection: Use the "M" Mode Button to cycle through the four settings (A1, A2, Infuse, Bake) to choose the desired heat level.
• Operation:
  1. Open the top of the FX and place the material inside, reattaching the top completely.
  2. For decarbing flower, insert only as much product as fits comfortably without jamming, as overfilling can negatively impact trichomes and potentially cause unit failure.
  3. Oil for infusion can be placed directly into the stainless steel inner cavity.
  4. Click the Power button to start the cycle. The button color changes from green to red, indicating the cycle is in progress.
  5. At the end of A1 and A2 cycles, the Power button flashes red, signaling the start of the cool-down phase. It's crucial to wait until the cool-down stops completely before opening the FX.
• Infusion Process: After activation (A1 or A2), add oil or butter to the activated material (up to the Max Fill symbol). Toggle to Infuse mode using the "M" button and click the Power button to start the low-temp infusion.
• Baking Process: After infusion, store the infused oil or use it in a baking recipe. Repeat steps for mode selection and starting the Bake cycle.
• Manual Cycle End: To manually stop a cycle, hold down the Power button for 10 seconds until the light turns green. If this doesn't work, unplug the unit.
• Dosing Guidance: The manual encourages users to learn about dosing to achieve desired effects.
• Experimentation: Users are encouraged to experiment with small amounts when trying new materials, oils, or recipes, as there is no minimum fill requirement.
• Odor Control: The unit is designed to be odorless during operation. To minimize any potential smell, allow the unit to cool fully before removing the decarbed product, as hotter air releases more odor.

Maintenance Features:

• Cleaning: After use, the FX unit should be hand-washed or placed in the dishwasher. It is critical to ensure the detachable power base does not get wet.
• Drying: The device must be completely dry before being placed back on the base for use.
• Cool-down: The unit must cool down between cycles. It needs to be left to cool until the light turns green, and then for an additional 20-30 minutes. The unit should always be cool to the touch when starting a new cycle to prevent misbehavior or stopping.
• Indoor Use: The FX is designed for indoor use only and must be operated at room temperature. Using it in a garage or basement can cause it to run outside its normal cycle, potentially leading to damage not covered under warranty.

Best Practices and Troubleshooting:

• Always use all components (power base, main unit, black lid).
• When loading herbs or plant material, ensure they are loose and there is room at the top. The fill line is only for wet materials (oil, milk, etc.).
• Cycles typically run for less than three hours for all settings. If a cycle runs longer or needs to be stopped early, manually end it or contact support.
• Do not open the unit while a cycle is running.
• Some condensation is normal during decarbing due to the water content in plants.
• Do not use alcohol in the device, as mixing heat and alcohol is dangerous. Alcohol is also a strong enough solvent for infusion without heat.
• If a decarb cycle is accidentally ended early (e.g., power outage), estimate the running time, subtract it from two hours, and re-run the cycle for the remaining duration, then manually end it.
• The device should not be used outside or in a garage, as it needs to be at room temperature for optimal performance.

Ardent FX Specifications

General

Brand	Ardent
Model	FX
Category	Blender
Language	English