EchoTherm Model HS40 is programmed through a front panel membrane switch and LCD. The unit can store 10 programs in memory of as many as 10 steps each where each step is a temperature, temperature ramp rate, stirring speed and time. Each program can be made to repeat itself automatically from 1 to 98 times, or infinitely. The 8× 8 white, solid ceramic glass plates resist chemical degradation. Plate surface heats from ambient to 450 C in less than 3 minutes. Plate surface temperature or solution temperature can be controlled directly using the appropriate PID control loop to 1 C of the target. Stirring speed is 100 to 1500 rpm and controlled by optical coupler to 10 rpm.