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which thermocouple for an aim 88?

updated wed 25 jun 03

 

Fredrick Paget on mon 23 jun 03


Hi Maurice,
I have an Aim 88 with a thermocouple in it and you can see it when
you come over.
The thermocouple you need is probably a type K if you did not specify
a type S when you bought the controller. K is chromel-alumel and S
is platinum - platinum with rhodium alloy if I remember correctly.
Either one works OK but you have to have the one the controller is
set up for.
I drilled a hole in the middle of one side to stick it in. Type S is
more costly ($75) but gives a more accurate reading at the top end
of the temperature around cone 10. The S type have to be used in a
ceramic tube as the wire is very fine so they are a little delicate.
If you hit it when loading it may break off. I always pull mine back
so it is not sticking into the kiln but if I fire without remembering
to push it back in I get screwy readings.
Ks are cheap ($15-$20) and the local pottery stores have them. You
need the heavy weight wire ones designed for kiln use as they oxidize
a little every firing. If you use the fine wire type K that are used
at lower temperatures and come with some pyrometers they will be shot
in a couple of firings.
Fred
--
From Fred Paget, Marin County, California, USA

Maurice Weitman on mon 23 jun 03


Hello,

I've got this cute little test kiln, and I'd like to hook it up to an
external (Bartlett) computer.

Which thermocouple should I get?

And where in the kiln should I mount it?

It's got a kiln sitter, and I'd prefer putting it someplace where it
won't take up too much space.

Anything else I should consider?

Thanks!

Regards,
Maurice