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AutoFire® Kiln Controller
User's Guide
AutoFire® ® Plus
AutoFire® ® Pro
AutoFire® ® UniTemp™
AutoFire® ® UniTemp™ - Solid State Relay Option
Orton Ceramic Foundation
Electronic Control & Monitoring Products
Orton Ceramic Foundation
6991 Old 3C Highway
Westerville, Ohio 43082-9026
Telephone: (614) 895-2663
Fax: (614) 895-5610
Revision 5.0 – September 1999
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Orton AutoFire Plus
Summary of Contents for Orton AutoFire Plus
- Page 1 User’s Guide AutoFire® ® Plus AutoFire® ® Pro AutoFire® ® UniTemp™ AutoFire® ® UniTemp™ - Solid State Relay Option Orton Ceramic Foundation Electronic Control & Monitoring Products Orton Ceramic Foundation 6991 Old 3C Highway Westerville, Ohio 43082-9026 Telephone: (614) 895-2663 Fax: (614) 895-5610 Revision 5.0 –...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction AutoFire® ® Kiln Controller Models Features and Benefits Firing Your Kiln Test Firing Quick Reference Section Cone Fire Program Cone Fire Example User Program Using A User Program Display Reference Alarm Reference Options Available Level 1 Level 2 Alarm Descriptions PLOG (Diagnostic) Error Codes... -
Page 3: Introduction
2100°F. Type S can be used when firings regularly exceed 2100°F. Pyrometric Cones Orton recommends using witness cones in each firing to help determine if the kiln and controller are firing properly. These also give a permanent record of your firing. Orton cones bend when a specific amount of heatwork has been received. -
Page 4: Autofire Kiln Controller Models
Pyrometric cones and their use is explained fully in Appendix B, while a Temperature Equivalent chart is included in Appendix C. AutoFire KILN CONTROLLER MODELS The Orton AutoFire® family of kiln controllers includes four models to meet most users’ needs. The features unique to each model is given below: AutoFire® Plus... -
Page 5: Features And Benefits
User’s Guide FEATURES AND BENEFITS Your new Orton AutoFire® Kiln Controller has an extensive list of standard features, a user-friendly operator interface, and a robust temperature control algorithm. These combine to provide what we believe to be the best temperature controller for electric kilns and furnaces on the market today. The following is a list of the features we believe you will find most useful as you begin using your new AutoFire®... -
Page 6: Firing Your Kiln
Experiment to determine the best firing conditions. It is also important that the kiln be vented properly - Orton recommends the use of a downdraft venting system, such as an Orton KilnVent®. When firing to a cone number, the AutoFire® kiln controller constantly monitors the actual heating rate of the kiln. -
Page 7: Test Firing
For an AutoFire® Plus or Pro model, place a set of Orton Self-Supporting Cones on the middle shelf in your kiln so that they can be seen through the kiln peephole. If you have the AutoFire® UniTemp™ model controller, also place cones on the top and bottom shelves of kiln to examine temperature uniformity within your kiln. -
Page 8: Quick Reference Section
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide QUICK REFERENCE SECTION This Quick Reference Section is to help familiarize you with the most often used features of your AutoFire® Kiln Controller. Guides to Cone Firing, User Programs, Display References, and Alarm References are included. -
Page 9: Cone Fire Program
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Cone Fire - using your controller for preset cone programs. • The Up Arrow increments the value 0 – 9, or scrolls through selections one at a time. • The Right Arrow shifts editing digit to the right, or scrolls through selections one at a time. The AutoFire®... -
Page 10: Cone Fire Example
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Cone Fire Example Fire to Cone 6, increase firing speed 20%, and add a 15-minute hold. (controller temperature is displayed in °F) Just follow these simple steps: Step Press Description Display CONE FIRE Enters the Cone Fire mode. 06, 1828 UP ARROW (Press UP ARROW 11 times) -
Page 11: User Program
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide USER Program - using your controller for custom firing programs. • The Up Arrow increments the value 0 – 9, or scrolls through selections one at a time. • The Right Arrow shifts editing digit to the right, or scrolls through selections one at a time. The AutoFire®... - Page 12 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Or acknowledges completion of the firing cycle IdLE and returns to the main display. Using a Pre-Programmed USER Program: After you have stored a custom user program, the controller retains the program in memory for easy recall later. You may select and run any of the pre-programmed user programs in 4 easy steps.
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Page 13: Display Reference
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Display Reference The following is a reference guide to the various messages that may be displayed while using your AutoFire® Kiln Controller: Display Meaning 0--1 Display Temperatures of both thermocouples (UniTemp™ Models Only) Abrt Active Firing Cycle Aborted AInG Factory Use Only ALAr... - Page 14 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide See next page for alarm messages and rest of manual for explanation.
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Page 15: Alarm Reference
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Alarm Reference The following is a reference guide to the alarm conditions that may be encountered while using your AutoFire® Kiln Controller (refer to page 20). [Audible Alarm Only] Display Meaning ALAr Kiln Threshold Temperature reached threshold temperature alarm set by user Fail to Heat - kiln unable to heat at program ramp - temperature is below set-point by deviation amount* Fail to Cool - kiln unable to cool at program ramp - temperature is above set-point by deviation... -
Page 16: Options Available
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide OPTIONS AVAILABLE There are two levels of options available through the OPTIONS key. These enable the user to access additional firing features. Level 1 contains more frequently used options. These can be entered during either the idle mode (indicated by display flashing ldLE) or during an active firing cycle. - Page 17 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide SPd - Firing Speed Default Setting: Std The SPd feature adjusts how fast the kiln fires to compensate for the load in the kiln. Adjustments are made to the normal firing programs (refer to pg. 25 - Preset Cone Firing Programs). Slow settings can be used for heavy loads and the fast settings for light loads.
- Page 18 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Default Setting: 0° ° C, 0° ° F oFSt - Cone Offset The oFSt feature enables the user to adjust or calibrate the preset cone programs, without changing to a different cone number. This is useful when the kiln does not properly bend the desired witness cone. This is common when using Type K thermocouples that drift with repeated firings.
- Page 19 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide FAn - Vent Fan Operation The FAn feature is enabled by the factory, and is only available when the controller has been pre-wired to permit a kiln vent to be turned on or off as part of the firing cycle. There are five modes of operation: –...
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Page 20: Level
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Level 2 Options Level 2 Options provide the user with access to many additional and useful features of the controller. Most users will not use these options very often, if ever. Level 2 Options are accessed through the OPTIONS key, either when the controller is in Idle mode, or during an active firing cycle. - Page 21 The Id feature is used to specify the kiln controller node for recognition by the computer. This is an identification number from 0 to 15, when the controller is one of up to 16 controllers in a network connected to a personal computer using Orton’s ControlMaster™ software product. For more information about ControlMaster™, refer to page 29 on Remote Control and Monitoring.
- Page 22 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide ELEC - Display electronics temperature Diagnostic Tool The ELEC feature displays the electronics temperature of the AutoFire® Plus/Pro or AutoFire® UniTemp™ Kiln Controller. This feature is useful in monitoring the electronics temperature in severe environments or if needed by factory technicians, kiln manufacturers, or kiln service technicians.
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Page 23: Alarm Descriptions
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide ALARM DESCRIPTIONS The AutoFire® Kiln Controller Family includes a full alarm capability. Temperature Deviation Alarms - FtH, FtC, LtdE, HtdE, tCdE, FtL Temperature Deviation Alarms apply to both preset cone programs and user programs. These alarms occur when the measured kiln temperature differs from the controller set-point temperature by more than the alarm value. - Page 24 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide FAIL - Open Thermocouple The Open Thermocouple Alarm is activated when an open thermocouple is detected. When this condition is detected during an active firing cycle, the controller aborts the firing cycle and indicates “FAIL” on the display. The controller is not capable of starting a firing cycle if an open thermocouple condition exists.
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Page 25: Plog (Diagnostic) Error Codes
If you find that 2 or 3 attempts of resetting the Plog error message does not correct the error code, then contact Orton. Immediate redisplay of Plog messages may indicate a component failure and unit will need to be shipped to the factory for repair. -
Page 26: Power Recovery
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide POWER INTERUPTION RECOVERY The AutoFire® Kiln Controller activates a Power Recovery feature when electric power to the controller has been interrupted. The controller stores time and temperatures so it can determine the length of a power outage. The Power Recovery feature works in the following way: If the time is greater than one hour or the temperature drop is greater than 255°F, the controller terminates the previous firing cycle and displays an error in the display (described below). - Page 27 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Power Interruption Recovery The flow diagram below shows how the software decides whether to restart kiln after a power interruption. If the firing was near completion or the temperature fell too much during the outage, then the firing will terminate. ST ART Controller Controller...
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Page 28: Preset Cone Fire Programs
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide PRESET CONE FIRE PROGRAMS Lo Fire Decals or lusters are normally applied following the second or third firing. They add to the final beauty and value of the object. These firings are done at low temperatures, around Cone 019, and normally produce a distinct odor. - Page 29 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Hi Fire The firing range of higher temperature bodies, such as stoneware and porcelain varies between Cone 4 and Cone 10. These bodies are fired nearly to vitrification and can shrink up to 16%. Since stoneware is formulated from materials such as ball clay feldspar, silica, and kaolin, the firing must be controlled to permit proper burn-out of organic materials and to prevent cracking.
- Page 30 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Preset Cone Fire Schedules Low Fire Degrees F Cone # Ramp 1 Setpoint 1 Ramp 2 Setpoint 2 1087 1004 1112 1051 1159 1144 1252 1211 1319 1252 1360 1314 1422 1348 1456 1377 1485 1431 1539 1474...
- Page 31 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Preset Cone Fire Schedules (Con't) LowFire Degrees C Cone # Ramp 1 Setpoint 1 Ramp 2 Setpoint 2 MidFire Degrees C Cone # Ramp 1 Setpoint 1 Ramp 2 Setpoint 2 Ramp 3 Setpoint 3 Ramp 4 Setpoint 4 1031 1063...
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Page 32: Remote Monitoring
RS-485 protocol, therefore, a Windows®-compatible, signal-powered RS-232 to RS-485 converter is needed to connect the cable from the kilns to the RS-232 port of a computer. Orton offers a converter suitable for use with ControlMaster™ ™ . Order Orton part number C1 25001. An introductory copy of ControlMaster™... -
Page 33: Technical Specifications
Receive an RMA # for returning your controller. Wrap the controller in protective packaging, and securely pack in sturdy box. Ship the unit prepaid to Orton with a complete description of defect or problem and your name, address, and telephone number. -
Page 34: Warranty
(2) year from the date of purchase from Orton Ceramic Foundation. If this product fails to be in good working order, due to materials or workmanship, at any time during this two (2) year period, Orton Ceramic Foundation will, at it’s option, repair or replace this product as set forth below. - Page 35 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Appendix A – User Program Charts User Program 1 – USr1 Step Ramp Rate Temperature Hold Time Vent Fan (rA: °/hr) (°F/°C) (Hd: min.) (Fn: on/off) User Program 2 – Usr2 Step Ramp Rate Temperature Hold Time Vent Fan (rA: °/hr)
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Page 36: B – Pyrometric Cones
8°, it will bend earlier. Orton developed Self-Supporting witness cones to fix mounting height and angle. These provide for more repeatable performance. Temperatures are given for different cone types and mounting heights, all mounted 8°... - Page 37 If a cone is soaked at a temperature near its equivalent temperature, it will continue to mature, form glass and bend. The time for the cone to bend depends on several factors and Orton does not provide such data for its cones.
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Page 38: C - Temperature Equivalents
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Appendix C – Temperature Equivalents... -
Page 39: D - Vent Fan Options Available
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Appendix D – Vent Fan Options Available Vent fan control is an Option for which the controller is configured at the factory when ordered. Control of electrical power to the vent fan needs to be controlled by the controller by turning a relay on or off. Therefore, either the kiln or the controller power box needs to be wired with an electrical connection for the vent to be plugged or wired into this relay. - Page 40 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Mode: User Program The Vent Fan Option is activated under Level 2 Options (if the controller was ordered with this option). If the USER program ramp option is not active, then the vent fan is “off” If Vent Fan is active, the vent fan operation is controlled by the 4 segment in the User Program.
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Page 41: E - Connecting Thermocouples
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Appendix E – Connecting Thermocouples... -
Page 42: F - Typical Wiring Diagrams
AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Appendix F – Typical Wiring Diagrams... - Page 43 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide...
- Page 44 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide...
- Page 45 AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide Appendix G – Program Lock/Unlock Please cut out these instructions if you DO NOT want readers of this manual to understand how to lock and unlock programs on your AutoFire® Controller.