Dale Cochoy on mon 3 sep 01
----- Original Message -----
From: David Coggins
Subject: Re: Evenheat kiln fault, help - LONG REPLY
Hi,
A possible solution to problems with Perfect Fire controllers follows ,
lifted from one of my newsletters. This can be accessed from my website i=
n
Word format if desired. Don't know if it helps, but sometimes by resettin=
g
the parameters shown, mysterious faults seem to vanish. Even if the setti=
ngs
show the correct numbers, it may help to change them to another value, th=
en
back to the correct value, in case the memory is corrupted. Otherwise it
means a manufacturers repair. Hope it helps
Dave
Dave,
THANK YOU,
This sounds very much like the way the manufacturer got me going once bef=
ore
during a different coded "lockup". She did it over the cell phone with me
standing right in front of it. I thought that was great of them. I'll tr=
y
this out momentarily and get back to you. Thanks,
Dale
"PERFECT FIRE" KILN CONTROLLERS
These controllers are manufactured by CIC in Canada, and have been used o=
n
kilns such as Gare, Evenheat, JCI and Freeman (both in Australia), and no
doubt, many others.
They are a simple and reliable controller, but there is a problem where s=
ome
of the programming parameters need to be reset from time to time.
This is the way around the problem.
Hold down the "SELECT" key, while turning the power switch on. The
controller enters the programming mode, indicated by the top lamp flashin=
g.
The reading on the display is the maximum setting temperature in deg F -
usually this is set to 2500degF (equivalent to 1370degC). To change any
settings, use the up or down keys to get the desired value, then press an=
d
hold the "ENTER" key until the display flashes.
Press the "SELECT" key to move to the next parameter, the second lamp wil=
l
flash. This is a combined parameter, which controls whether the display
shows degC or degF and whether the timer is enabled or disabled.
The timer shuts the kiln down if it remains on full power for more than t=
wo
hours, i.e. the thermocouple is shorted out or removed from the kiln, or =
if
an element has failed. The meanings of the settings are as follows:
101 =3D degF and timer enabled
102 =3D degC and timer enabled
103 =3D degF and timer disabled
104 =3D degC and timer disabled
Note that the above settings depend on the version of the controller, and
may vary in actions slightly between v2.0 and v2.2.
Once again, change the value using the up or down keys, then press and ho=
ld
"ENTER" until the display flashes.
Press the "SELECT" button to move onto the next parameter. The third lamp
will flash. This is the COOLING temperature, and causes the controller to
sound 4 beeps when the temperature falls to the setting. Usually set to
200degF (always set in degF), change setting as above.
Press "SELECT" for the next parameter (4th lamp flashes) which is the SOF=
T
FIRE deltaT.
This is the number of degF below the final temperature when the SOFT FIRE
function begins. The SOFT FIRE function acts to slow down the temperature
rise of the kiln during the last stages of the firing, to make sure that =
the
entire load has matured. It takes the place of a soak period, and can be
negated by setting the SOAK function in the controller to more than "0". =
The
usual setting is 54degF (always set in degF), change the setting using th=
e
method described above.
Another press of the "SELECT" button brings up the final parameter. The t=
op
and bottom lamps will flash - this setting is the SOFT FIRE RAMP RATE.
This is the rate of temperature increase per hour during the SOFT FIRE
period, and is usually set to 108degF (always set in degF). Once again,
change using the up or down keys, then hold "ENTER" until the display
flashes once.
To exit the programming mode, switch the power off and then back on again.
The SOFT FIRE function is activated if the SOAK TIME is set to 0, or if a
CONE setting is selected.
If the factory settings as above are used, the final 54degF temperature r=
ise
will occur in 30 minutes (108degF/hour or 60degC/hour). This is a slow ri=
se,
and could result in the kiln slowing down too much at a critical time. Th=
is
could create problems if the kiln was very heavily loaded, or if the
elements were OK but slightly down on power, and the supply voltage was l=
ow
(maybe peak hour).
The solution is to adjust the settings so that SOFT FIRE deltaT =3D 0, or=
just
program a SOAK time of 5 minutes if not using a cone setting.
Now you understand (hopefully) what the settings do, you will be able to
play around with them to get the best results.
FACTORY SETTINGS AS FOLLOWS
Max limit for setting 2500degF
F/C and timer 102 (degF) 103 (degC)
Cold Temp 200
Soft Fire =EF=81=84T 54
Soft Fire Rate 108
Note that all settings are in degF, no matter whether the display is set =
to
degF or degC.
MEANINGS OF DISPLAY
1. When power is switched on to the unit, it will momentarily display the
thermocouple type, and whether the controller is set to degF or degC as
follows:
CA F =3D Type K - degF (standard)
CA C =3D Type K - degC
PR F =3D Type R - degF (etc)
2. A display of EEEE indicates a burned out thermocouple.
ACTION - Replace thermocouple.
3. A display of Err1 indicates that the kiln was shut down by the interna=
l
timer. Usually indicates a faulty element or relay, or incorrect setting.
(see above). ACTION - repair fault or reset parameters.
4. A display of Err2 indicates that there is a faulty memory location,
usually shown as "----" on the display when accessed. ACTION - reprogram =
the
controller.
David & Elaine Coggins
dcoggins@bigpond.com
http://www.users.bigpond.com/dcoggins
-----Original Message-----
From: Dale Cochoy
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Date: Monday, 3 September 2001 5:06
Subject: Evenheat kiln fault, help
>Ho Group.
>I went to fire this morning and my Evenheat Perfect-fire Kiln gave me
>( -20) number in the temperture space. I couldn't select firing temp.
>Everything else sets ok, hold ( or cone) but when I select a cone # it
won't
>display the temp, only -20. I can read temp in kiln ( room temp), I can
set
>delay, rate, etc but no temp up or doemn adjustment.
>I tried unpluging and restarting, a few other things. This is not the co=
de
>you get for bad thermocouple. I haven't seen this one before. OF COURSE=
,
>since it's a holiday and Sunday no one at manufacturer and no help on w=
eb
>site troubleshooting.
>Any one familiar with this prob. Give me a clue. I really need to get th=
ese
>fired and out by Wed. PM.
>Thanks,
>Dale Cochoy
>
>________________________________________________________________________=
___
___
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
_________________________________________________________________________=
___
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
David Coggins on mon 3 sep 01
Hi,
A possible solution to problems with Perfect Fire controllers follows ,
lifted from one of my newsletters. This can be accessed from my website in
Word format if desired. Don't know if it helps, but sometimes by resetting
the parameters shown, mysterious faults seem to vanish. Even if the settings
show the correct numbers, it may help to change them to another value, then
back to the correct value, in case the memory is corrupted. Otherwise it
means a manufacturers repair. Hope it helps
Dave
"PERFECT FIRE" KILN CONTROLLERS
These controllers are manufactured by CIC in Canada, and have been used on
kilns such as Gare, Evenheat, JCI and Freeman (both in Australia), and no
doubt, many others.
They are a simple and reliable controller, but there is a problem where some
of the programming parameters need to be reset from time to time.
This is the way around the problem.
Hold down the "SELECT" key, while turning the power switch on. The
controller enters the programming mode, indicated by the top lamp flashing.
The reading on the display is the maximum setting temperature in deg F -
usually this is set to 2500degF (equivalent to 1370degC). To change any
settings, use the up or down keys to get the desired value, then press and
hold the "ENTER" key until the display flashes.
Press the "SELECT" key to move to the next parameter, the second lamp will
flash. This is a combined parameter, which controls whether the display
shows degC or degF and whether the timer is enabled or disabled.
The timer shuts the kiln down if it remains on full power for more than two
hours, i.e. the thermocouple is shorted out or removed from the kiln, or if
an element has failed. The meanings of the settings are as follows:
101 = degF and timer enabled
102 = degC and timer enabled
103 = degF and timer disabled
104 = degC and timer disabled
Note that the above settings depend on the version of the controller, and
may vary in actions slightly between v2.0 and v2.2.
Once again, change the value using the up or down keys, then press and hold
"ENTER" until the display flashes.
Press the "SELECT" button to move onto the next parameter. The third lamp
will flash. This is the COOLING temperature, and causes the controller to
sound 4 beeps when the temperature falls to the setting. Usually set to
200degF (always set in degF), change setting as above.
Press "SELECT" for the next parameter (4th lamp flashes) which is the SOFT
FIRE deltaT.
This is the number of degF below the final temperature when the SOFT FIRE
function begins. The SOFT FIRE function acts to slow down the temperature
rise of the kiln during the last stages of the firing, to make sure that the
entire load has matured. It takes the place of a soak period, and can be
negated by setting the SOAK function in the controller to more than "0". The
usual setting is 54degF (always set in degF), change the setting using the
method described above.
Another press of the "SELECT" button brings up the final parameter. The top
and bottom lamps will flash - this setting is the SOFT FIRE RAMP RATE.
This is the rate of temperature increase per hour during the SOFT FIRE
period, and is usually set to 108degF (always set in degF). Once again,
change using the up or down keys, then hold "ENTER" until the display
flashes once.
To exit the programming mode, switch the power off and then back on again.
The SOFT FIRE function is activated if the SOAK TIME is set to 0, or if a
CONE setting is selected.
If the factory settings as above are used, the final 54degF temperature rise
will occur in 30 minutes (108degF/hour or 60degC/hour). This is a slow rise,
and could result in the kiln slowing down too much at a critical time. This
could create problems if the kiln was very heavily loaded, or if the
elements were OK but slightly down on power, and the supply voltage was low
(maybe peak hour).
The solution is to adjust the settings so that SOFT FIRE deltaT = 0, or just
program a SOAK time of 5 minutes if not using a cone setting.
Now you understand (hopefully) what the settings do, you will be able to
play around with them to get the best results.
FACTORY SETTINGS AS FOLLOWS
Max limit for setting 2500degF
F/C and timer 102 (degF) 103 (degC)
Cold Temp 200
Soft Fire T 54
Soft Fire Rate 108
Note that all settings are in degF, no matter whether the display is set to
degF or degC.
MEANINGS OF DISPLAY
1. When power is switched on to the unit, it will momentarily display the
thermocouple type, and whether the controller is set to degF or degC as
follows:
CA F = Type K - degF (standard)
CA C = Type K - degC
PR F = Type R - degF (etc)
2. A display of EEEE indicates a burned out thermocouple.
ACTION - Replace thermocouple.
3. A display of Err1 indicates that the kiln was shut down by the internal
timer. Usually indicates a faulty element or relay, or incorrect setting.
(see above). ACTION - repair fault or reset parameters.
4. A display of Err2 indicates that there is a faulty memory location,
usually shown as "----" on the display when accessed. ACTION - reprogram the
controller.
David & Elaine Coggins
dcoggins@bigpond.com
http://www.users.bigpond.com/dcoggins
-----Original Message-----
From: Dale Cochoy
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Date: Monday, 3 September 2001 5:06
Subject: Evenheat kiln fault, help
>Ho Group.
>I went to fire this morning and my Evenheat Perfect-fire Kiln gave me
>( -20) number in the temperture space. I couldn't select firing temp.
>Everything else sets ok, hold ( or cone) but when I select a cone # it
won't
>display the temp, only -20. I can read temp in kiln ( room temp), I can
set
>delay, rate, etc but no temp up or doemn adjustment.
>I tried unpluging and restarting, a few other things. This is not the code
>you get for bad thermocouple. I haven't seen this one before. OF COURSE,
>since it's a holiday and Sunday no one at manufacturer and no help on web
>site troubleshooting.
>Any one familiar with this prob. Give me a clue. I really need to get these
>fired and out by Wed. PM.
>Thanks,
>Dale Cochoy
>
>___________________________________________________________________________
___
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
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