Now to the machine itself. It is the lower end compressor and lacks a metal cover, hour meter and auto bleed, but it does have an auto pressure shut-off. I'm not into a lot of extras (just more to go wrong) so no problem.
There are 3 buttons on the front control panel. The small button on the right labeled OFF-RESET which is actually the main switch, when that is switched on the pump and radiator fan start running and the lower red button labeled OFF will light. Pressing the red OFF button at this point does nothing, it only functions to turn off the compressor after you have pressed the GREEN ON button. The manual doesn't tell you this, it is somewhat vague IMO, but that seems to have become the pattern now days.
The included maintenance kit contains extra O-rings, burst discs, wrenches, gaskets, etc. But other than including an exploded view of the compressor, the manual doesn't detail any installation procedures for the parts or give a suggested replacement schedule other than for the grease cup on top that should be turned one click every 6 hours of running time. It also includes two small bottles, Purple Ice additive and anti-freeze, both of which are added to the water tank and then topped off with non-distilled purified water. The manual says to fill to 1/2" below the flume. (What's a flume?) Again a bit vague but I assume that means where the return line meets the water tank allowing you to visually verify water flow before you start the compreesor.
The pressure gage on top of the unit has a small knob in the center, press and rotate it to set the shut-off pressure, in my case 220 bar for the FX-T12. Once the gun or air tank is connected via the hose, press the Green button and the compressor starts and the button will light. Once the compressor is running, the large RED button, directly below the Green, will stop the compressor manually if pressed.
Sound? It's nothing like a shop compressor, rather it reminds me of an old agitator style washing machine but not nearly as loud. You could stand right beside it while it's running and easily hold a conversation with someone. My shop compressor is far noisier.
While the compressor is running the manual recommends bleeding every 15-20 minutes to drain condensation. The same bleed is used to release pressure when the tank or gun is filled. The auto shut-off stops the comressor only; the pump and fan continue to run. (The manual says to run the pump for an additional 5 minutes to cool the cylinder.)
Sorry to say I don't have a tank yet to give you fill times (AOA is out of stock). When I do I'll update.