Chapter 5
Error Messages
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Error messages are accompanied by an alarm.
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[FTH]
,
[FTC]
, and
[LTDE]
error messages are based
upon the adjustable setting in the Temperature Devia-
tion
[TEDE]
option (page 20).
Non-Interrupting
Error Messages
Press
Down Arrow
to silence the alarm. The error mes-
sage will remain but the kiln will continue firing. Even
though the following error messages appear, the kiln will
continue its normal operation. The messages are only to
alert you that the kiln could not cool or heat as fast as you
had programmed. But they will not shut off the kiln or affect
the firing.
Definition of “Set Point”
The temperature that the controller is trying to reach, at
any given time, is called the set point. During heating or
cooling, the set point changes at the rate you programmed.
During a hold, the set point remains steady.
FTC / Failed to Cool
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During a cooling-down ramp, the programmed rate is
faster than the kiln can cool. The temperature is above
the set point temperature by more than the deviation
setting. (See Temperature Deviation, page 20.) Pro-
gram a slower cooling rate.
Note:
Use Present Status to compare the actual
rate of the current Ramp-Hold segment with the
rate you programmed. (See page 5.)
Note:
In Ramp-Hold, use a FULL rate to turn off
the FTC alarm for that particular segment.
FTH / Failed to Heat
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During a heating-up ramp, the programmed rate is
faster than the kiln can heat. The temperature is below
the set point temperature by more than the deviation
setting. (See Temperature Deviation, page 20.)
Program a slower rate. Or check for a bad relay, worn or
burned out elements, low voltage, or a defective thermo-
couple.
Note:
Use Present Status to compare the actual
rate of the current Ramp-Hold segment with the
rate you programmed. (See page 5.)
Note:
In Ramp-Hold, use a FULL rate to turn off
the FTH alarm for that particular segment.
LTDE / Low Temperature Deviation
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During a cooling-down ramp or a hold, the temperature
is below the set point temperature by more than the de-
viation setting. (See Temperature Deviation, page 20.)
Check for a bad relay, worn or burned out elements, low
voltage or a defective thermocouple.
Pointer:
During a firing, Present Status shows the
actual firing rate of the current Ramp-Hold seg-
ment instead of the rate you programmed. If you
think your kiln is heating or cooling too slowly,
compare the rate shown in Present Status with the
rate you programmed for that segment. This is an-
other reason you should always keep a written re-
cord of your firing programs.
Note:
Using a FULL rate will turn off the LTDE
alarm for that particular segment.
PF / Power Failure
[PF]
alternating with normal display means the power
failed during a firing. After power was restored, the firing
resumed.
Terminating Error
Messages
[HTDE] [ETH] [FAIL] [FTL]
and
[TCDE]
error mes-
sages turn off the kiln and flash the following:
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Total firing time in hours and minutes
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The kiln shutoff temperature
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The current kiln temperature
- - - - / No Thermocouple
After the controller was plugged in, it could not detect a
thermocouple.
BADP / Bad Programming
Causes:
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When you start a Ramp-Hold firing, all programmed
temperatures are below the current kiln temperature.
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A Ramp-Hold program has 0 rate in the first segment.
ETH / Electronics Too Hot
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The circuit board temperature is above 176°F / 80°C.
To lower board temperature, use a fan to blow air across
the kiln switch box into the ventilation slots. (But do not
blow air into the kiln’s peepholes.) If you have more than
one kiln in the room, place them farther apart. Never allow
the firing room temperature to exceed 110°F / 43°C. (Mea-
sure room temperature 3 feet away from the kiln.)
FAIL / Thermocouple Failure
The controller is no longer receiving voltage from the
thermocouple. Causes:
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Defective thermocouple
Keep the kiln lid or door closed when the kiln is not in use.
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