Can someone explain Staging Timer = OFF?

[jbeir]

I have a dual-stage heat pump system and do not have an OAS. I am using two ecobee3 heat pump thermostats (with two dampers) wired for dual-stage heat. I am assuming the thermostats should call for emergency heat and the EWC should actually tell the air handler to turn on emergency heat.

Without an OAS, what does setting the Staging Timer = OFF actually do? Does it let the thermostat determine when to call for emergency heat, or does it turn on both heat pump and emergency heat?

[Steven W.]

If your OAS timer is off now you are giving complete control to your Stat.