RampMaster II Operating Manual
RMII – Aug. 2015
Page
7
of
26
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Cone Fire Mode Programming
The Cone Fire Mode is used exclusively for ceramic firing. The Cone Fire method of programming uses pre-loaded firing data developed specifically for
ceramic firing. The RampMaster II simply asks for the desired firing time and cone number. Once this information is keyed in, the control automatically
fires your ware accordingly.
The Cone Fire Mode offers the artist a very simple and straight forward approach to programming. It performs remarkably well in most situations. For the
dedicated artist, however, it can be somewhat limiting. For these artists, the RampMaster II does contain a programming method called Ramp Mode
Programming. The Ramp Mode method allows for the creation of custom firing programs.
Cone Fire Mode Programming
Beginning the Cone Fire Mode programming process is simple: select one of the four, pre-set Cone Fire Mode keys located on the right side of the
RampMaster II.
4 Hr. — Fast Glaze Firing
— The 4 hour, Fast Glaze firing is a very simple, 2 segment program. It’s relatively quick at 570°/hr. We recommend
using this program for glaze firings only. You may view a copy of this program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.
7 Hr. — Slow Glaze Firing
— The 7 hour, Slow Glaze firing slows down the glaze firing to a rate of 400°/hr. Many artists also use this program
for their bisque firings. It’s relatively fast compared to the other bisque programs and provides excellent results, particularly on slip cast. You
may view a copy of this program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.
10 Hr. — Fast Bisque Firing
— The 10 hour, fast bisque firing is a fairly standard and traditional bisque firing program. You may view a copy of
this program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.
13 Hr. — Slow Bisque Firing
— The 13 hour, slow bisque firing is a very conservative bisque firing program. You may view a copy of this
program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.
1. With the display reading
IdLE
(Idle) simply press one of the four Cone Fire Mode keys one time. The approximate firing time will be displayed.
2. Press the Enter key.
CONE
is displayed along with the previously selected cone number.
3. Use the Numerical keys to choose the cone number you desire, being careful to properly enter the correct cone number. If your cone number begins
with a 0 then you must use the 0 when programming.
Be careful here, cone numbers use an interesting numbering method which can cause confusion when programming. As an example compare
cone 06 with cone 6. Cone 06 uses an equivalent temperature of 1828°F while a cone 6 uses an equivalent temperature of 2232°F. If you want a
cone 06 but program in a cone 6 you’ll get a severe overfire. This is important as Evenheat does not cover damage caused by overfire regardless
of the reason.
4. Press the Enter key.
HOLd
is displayed along with the previously used hold time.
The RampMaster II is asking if you would like to hold the final temperature for any period of time. Do you have to? No. Most artists leave it set
to 0.00. However, if you find that your ware is slightly underfiring adding a small amount of hold time will extend the firing and bring your
underfiring ware to perfect maturity. If you do add a hold time, start small with 1 or 2 minutes and follow your results from there.
5. Use the numerical keys to select your hold and press the Enter key.
RA 8
is displayed along with the previously used rate value for segment 8.
The RampMaster II is asking you if you would like to control the cooling process. The preset programs control the temperature up to cone
number. After that the kiln is allowed to cool naturally. For most artists the natural cooling is slow enough. For others they like to slow it down.
6. Use the Numerical keys to choose your cooling rate. For natural cooling use 0. The display will read
IdLE
. Programming is complete.
7. To run the Cone Fire Mode program press the Start/Stop key one time. The display shows 4 lines. Press the Enter key. The display will read
–ON–
followed by the current chamber temperature.
You may
STOP
the firing at any time by pressing the Start/Stop key.
When the firing is complete the display alternates between
CPLT
, current chamber temperature and total firing time. Pressing the Start/Stop key at this
point will return the display to the
IdLE
(Idle) position.
