15
Programming
View
The View key allows you to determine what segment of a Ramp/Hold or Cone Fire program the
controller is currently running. While a program is firing press VIEW. The display will show the
current segment, the traveling set point, and the circuit board temperature. The segment number is
prefixed by either “RA” (Rate) or “HLd” to indicate whether the kiln is heating (or cooling) or holding
temperature. The traveling set-point indicates the target temperature of that segment.
Cone Table
The Cone Table key allows the user to look up the temperature equivalent of Cone values. To use
simply press Cone Table from Idle Mode, enter a cone value and press ENTER. This key may also be
used to insert a Cone Value for the peak temperature of a Ramp and Hold program. This Cone Value
will be automatically adjusted (Cone Correlation) based on the performance of the kiln. To use this
feature press Cone Table when prompted to enter the peak temperature of your program, enter a
Cone value and press ENTER.
During the Firing
You will see the internal temperature of the kiln displayed as the temperature increases. The options
available during the firing are:
●
Review program at any time.
●
View Current Segment of Program.
●
Press STOP to interrupt a firing for any reason.
Note: It is common to see smoke come out of your kiln on the first firing. This is normal; the elements
are burning off lubricant used in the manufacturing process.
After the Firing
●
When completed, the display will show “CPLt” alternately with the firing time in hours and minutes, and
the current temperature of the kiln. Press REVIEW to see the program ran, along with the Cost of the fir-
ing in US dollars and the total number of firings on your kiln. Press ENTER to return to Idle Mode.
●
When a Cone Fire Mode program (or a Ramp and Hold program which uses the Cone Correlation feature)
is run, the controller may alter the peak temperature of the program based on the kilns ability to achieve
the final temperature rate. This is done to insure the heatwork remains constant. If you are interested in
knowing if that temperature changed, press REVIEW
after the program is complete. This temperature
value will only appear in a review once after the firing so be sure to pay attention.
●
Allow the kiln to cool naturally. Never unplug additional peepholes or post the lid until the ware is cool
enough for barehanded unloading, about 125˚F (52˚C).
●
When unloading, be sure to examine the Self-Supporting Cones on the shelf to determine if the kiln is
firing correctly.
●
It is not necessary to unplug the kiln when not in use (unless severe storms are expected). Continuous
plugging and unplugging may cause components in the plug and receptacle to loosen up over time.
Loose components in electrical connections create heat and can pose a fire hazard. If needed, the circuit
breaker could be used to turn off power to the kiln.
Fine Tuning Your Kiln
If after inspecting your witness cones you find that the kiln fired a little hot, a little cold, or a little
uneven, there are certain things you can do to fine tune the kiln before your next firing. Always be
sure you use Self Supporting 108˚F (42˚C) Witness Cones. Cones should be placed about 2 inches
(4.8 cm) from the kiln wall and or thermocouple, and pointed toward the center of the kiln chamber.
Never place cones directly on the bottom slab.