These are my notes while I play around with the Pax 2 documenting the hidden features. Big thank you to everybody in the comments for helping me figure out and document all these features and differences.

Since some of the modes modify the Pax 2 standby timer Iā€™d like to note that the default standby timer is 30 seconds from last sensed movement or lip sense. Auto-shutoff on all modes is three minutes from the last sensed movement.

There are two different versions of the Pax 2 that Iā€™ve discovered so far. The obvious difference between the two is the Simon mode. Units that didnā€™t have the Simon mode will play the Funky Town tune when shaken vertically. They also have some light patterns between modes that my Pax 2 doesnā€™t have. One looks like the color green swiping across the LED x. Another one is similar, but with the color red. The non-Simon units also do not have the fifth ā€œoven offā€ setting in modes that allow it.

All of the instructions below refer to a Pax 2 unit that has Simon, and does not play Funky Town when shaken.

  • Spin Technique: Holding the Pax 2 horizontally in front of you spin it smoothly three times towards or away from you to change modes. Be careful not to shake the Pax 2, this will not register as a spin and throw your count off. The below modes are listed in the order they show up. Itā€™s easier to count spins in successful cycles of 3 than in total. Therefore Simon is five cycles of three spins, instead of 15 spins in total. If you try to keep count youā€™ll constantly find that youā€™ll need to add a few extra spins because itā€™s difficult to make every spin count.

Note: Iā€™m seeing some confusion online, specifically pertaining to getting to Simon mode. If youā€™re having trouble getting to Simon mode by counting, stop counting and watch the lights. Youā€™re waiting for the X to flash white three times. If youā€™re paying attention to the X, you shouldnā€™t miss it. No counting involved. Check the video below for a demo. It is possible that your Pax 2 does not have a Simon mode.

  • Party Mode: All four lights are different and cycle through different colors. There appears to be a rhythm/pattern to the color cycle. Lip sensor activation increases speed of color change. Oven is on. Standby timer extended to one minute between sensing movement or lip.
  • Party Timer: All four lights are stationary. When the Pax 2 is moved the lights jump into a random light configuration, occasionally one or more of the lights are very dim or off. If the Pax 2 is held face down the lights flicker and change rapidly. Lip sensor activation makes the lights flicker and change rapidly for up to 10 seconds. At 10 consecutive seconds of lip sensor activation the lights freeze. Removing your lips and replacing them starts another 10 second flicker display. Oven is on. Standby disabled. 
  • Light Painting : In this mode all four lights show the same color and cycle through colors while the Pax 2 is being moved, when still, the lights are off. Waving the Pax 2 through the air yields a color changing stream of light. The heater can be turned off in this mode by selecting a fifth available temperature, all four lights blue.
  • Color Carousel: The lights react to movement and position of the Pax 2. When laid flat the Pax 2 shows blue. When facedown, an orangish-yellow. When I hold the Pax 2 upright and give it a little circular flick, the colors begin to cycle with a noticeable pattern. The colors can be seen transitioning from one light to the next, as if there is a big globe of colors inside and the lights reflect whichever colors face forward. The heater can be turned off in this mode by selecting a fifth available temperature, all four lights blue.
  • Simon: Spin the Pax 2 until all four lights flash white three times. The simon game will begin. Hold the Pax 2 face up, horizontally in front of you. Observe the pattern displayed on the lights, then repeat the sequence by leaning the Pax 2 towards the appropriate light. The heater can be turned off in this mode by selecting a fifth available temperature, all four lights blue.
  • Funky Town Tone ā€“ Pax 2 faintly plays the tune to Funky Town when it turns on. You can hear it if youā€™re within a few inches of the Pax 2 when it plays. Difficult to hear unless youā€™re listening for it. To unlock this feature beat a 20 step sequence in the Simon game. The Pax 2 will confirm unlock by flashing the four lights red, blue, green, and yellow and playing the Funky Town tune. To disable the tone simply go into the temperature settings and press the button five times quickly. The Pax 2 will confirm by flashing the four lights red, blue, green, and yellow

Thatā€™s all Iā€™ve found for now. Feel free to chime in with any ideas to test in the comments below.

Video: Starting Simon Mode

Video: Unlocking Funky Town

Video: Funky Town Tune (turn volume up)