Arnold Howard on thu 24 feb 05
Yesterday I posted a message about the S-type platinum thermocouple. I need
to add to that message.
Before you buy an S-type thermocouple, find out if your digital controller
is designed for it. You may have to change the controller's circuit board to
use the S-type. If your controller is not designed for the S-type, the
temperature will be incorrect, which could result in overfired ware.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net / www.paragonweb.com
Arnold Howard on thu 2 nov 06
I have just added S-type thermocouple installation
instructions in pdf format to Paragon's website:
http://www.paragonweb.com/Instruction_Manuals.cfm
The publications are listed in alphabetical order. Just
scroll down to "S-type."
The instructions are for the Sentry controller. Not all of
it applies to other brands. But the main principles are
universal.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
Catherine on thu 2 nov 06
I have an old Crusader (24"dia) and an old Paragon (18"dia). =0D
Is it feasible to add a computer controller to these kilns?=0D
At present the advanced Dawson KilnSitter is installed on the Crusader.=0D
Incidentally, is Dawson still in business. I can't contact their home pa=
ge.=0D
=0D
Thanks from=0D
=0D
Catherine in Yuma, AZ=0D
Biking at night requires a fleece jacket and gloves.=0D
During the day, it's Sweatsville, USA=0D
That's perspiration sweat, not athletic wear sweats.=0D
=0D
-------Original Message-------=0D
=0D
From: Arnold Howard=0D
Date: 11/02/06 15:35:40=0D
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=0D
Subject: S-type thermocouples=0D
=0D
I have just added S-type thermocouple installation=0D
instructions in pdf format to Paragon's website:=0D
=0D
http://www.paragonweb.com/Instruction_Manuals.cfm=0D
=0D
The publications are listed in alphabetical order. Just=0D
scroll down to "S-type."=0D
=0D
The instructions are for the Sentry controller. Not all of=0D
it applies to other brands. But the main principles are=0D
universal.=0D
=0D
Sincerely,=0D
=0D
Arnold Howard=0D
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA=0D
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com=0D
=0D
_________________________________________________________________________=
____
=0D
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org=0D
=0D
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription=0D
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/=0D
=0D
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclin=
k
com.=0D
=20
John Anthony on fri 3 nov 06
>Catherine wrote:
>I have an old Crusader (24"dia) and an old Paragon (18"dia).
>Is it feasible to add a computer controller to these kilns?
Hi Catherine-
I think it is feasible. I have an older Gare kiln that I bought
used (barely), and I bought their wall mounted controller with one
thermocouple. The kiln only has on-off type switches, so I was looking
at replacing them all anyway. The controller was about 700 bucks I
think,and I just plug the kiln into it, plug it into the 240
receptacle, and turn all the swithches on. I have fired all summer
with this setup and it works great. The first test firing I did there
was a slight variation (half a cone or so) top to bottom. Programming
a soak at the top fixed that. Of course you are adding an extra
electrical interface,and it's getting turned on and off thousands of
times, so you have to be sure to check the metal on the plugs every
couple of firings to be sure it's nice and shiny and making good
contact. I sandpaper them before each firing.
cheers
John Anthony
http://www.redhillpottery.com
Arnold Howard on fri 3 nov 06
From: "Catherine"
I have an old Crusader (24"dia) and an old Paragon (18"dia).
Is it feasible to add a computer controller to these kilns?
Incidentally, is Dawson still in business. I can't contact
their home page.
---------------------
It would be especially feasible to add the digital
controller if you could rotate it between both kilns, firing
them one at a time. The controller plugs into the wall
outlet, and the kiln plugs into the controller. To do this,
however, both kilns must have the same type of electrical
plug.
When you add a digital controller to an existing kiln, you
can use the Kiln Sitter as an additional safety shutoff. In
the Sitter, load a cone that is hotter than the actual
firing so that the controller shuts off the kiln instead of
the Kiln Sitter. The Sitter then serves as a backup shutoff.
If you decide to get the controller, mount the thermocouple
to the kiln so that it cannot fall out during firing. If you
drill a hole in the kiln wall and insert the thermocouple,
don't let anyone tamper with it. If the thermocouple falls
out or is pulled half-way out, the kiln can overfire.
An alternative to adding a controller to an older kiln is to
find a used digital kiln.
Yes, Dawson is still in business. You might try this number:
714-529-2813.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
Catherine on fri 3 nov 06
John, =0D
=0D
Thanks for that info. If it were only the smaller kiln, it would almost =
be
worth =0D
spending the extra $$ for a new one but since the big old Crusader is my =
=0D
main one, the $700 would be well worth the cost. Also, the wall-mounted=0D
computer could run either kiln, yes?=0D
=0D
Both have multiple switches. The Dawson controller has the Crusader's =0D
relays steadily going on and off. Being able to set varying phases of =0D
heating and cooling would be such a pleasure! And that ancient Crusader=0D
heats unbelievably fast. =0D
=0D
We recently moved into this house so had an electrician install the 240
service=0D
and 50 amp outlet out on the back patio. The service is mounted on the p=
ole
=0D
holding our external service box. Since all is outside, hopefully this
negates =0D
electrical fire danger. Would that be an accurate assumption since only t=
he =0D
old service enters the house?=0D
=0D
ClayArt is just the greatest. What would we do without each other. Even
all =0D
the personal stuff is important. Friends even though we may never meet.=0D
=0D
Take care,=0D
Catherine in Yuma, AZ=0D
=0D
-------Original Message-------=0D
=0D
From: John Anthony=0D
=0D
>Catherine wrote:=0D
>I have an old Crusader (24"dia) and an old Paragon (18"dia).=0D
>Is it feasible to add a computer controller to these kilns?=0D
=0D
Hi Catherine-=0D
I think it is feasible. I have an older Gare kiln that I bought=0D
used (barely), and I bought their wall mounted controller with one=0D
thermocouple. The kiln only has on-off type switches, so I was looking=0D
at replacing them all anyway. The controller was about 700 bucks I=0D
think,and I just plug the kiln into it, plug it into the 240=0D
receptacle, and turn all the swithches on. I have fired all summer=0D
with this setup and it works great. The first test firing I did there=0D
was a slight variation (half a cone or so) top to bottom. Programming=0D
a soak at the top fixed that. Of course you are adding an extra=0D
electrical interface,and it's getting turned on and off thousands of=0D
times, so you have to be sure to check the metal on the plugs every=0D
couple of firings to be sure it's nice and shiny and making good=0D
contact. I sandpaper them before each firing.=0D
=0D
John Anthony=0D
http://www.redhillpottery.com
Catherine on fri 3 nov 06
Arnold,=0D
=0D
Thanks for not only this, but all the info you provide. =0D
My first kiln back in 1969 was a 24" Paragon. Worked=0D
like a dream.=0D
=0D
Your updated website is perfect.=0D
=0D
Both my kilns have the plug for the 50 amp outlet. That will work=0D
on a computer controller?=0D
=0D
Thanks again,=0D
Catherine=0D
=0D
-------Original Message-------=0D
=0D
From: Arnold Howard=0D
Date: 11/03/06 11:30:05=0D
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=0D
Subject: Re: S-type thermocouples=0D
=0D
From: "Catherine" =0D
I have an old Crusader (24"dia) and an old Paragon (18"dia).=0D
Is it feasible to add a computer controller to these kilns?=0D
Incidentally, is Dawson still in business. I can't contact=0D
their home page.=0D
---------------------=0D
It would be especially feasible to add the digital=0D
controller if you could rotate it between both kilns, firing=0D
them one at a time. The controller plugs into the wall=0D
outlet, and the kiln plugs into the controller. To do this,=0D
however, both kilns must have the same type of electrical=0D
plug.=0D
=0D
When you add a digital controller to an existing kiln, you=0D
can use the Kiln Sitter as an additional safety shutoff. In=0D
the Sitter, load a cone that is hotter than the actual=0D
firing so that the controller shuts off the kiln instead of=0D
the Kiln Sitter. The Sitter then serves as a backup shutoff.=0D
=0D
If you decide to get the controller, mount the thermocouple=0D
to the kiln so that it cannot fall out during firing. If you=0D
drill a hole in the kiln wall and insert the thermocouple,=0D
don't let anyone tamper with it. If the thermocouple falls=0D
out or is pulled half-way out, the kiln can overfire.=0D
=0D
An alternative to adding a controller to an older kiln is to=0D
find a used digital kiln.=0D
=0D
Yes, Dawson is still in business. You might try this number:=0D
714-529-2813.=0D
=0D
Sincerely,=0D
=0D
Arnold Howard=0D
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA=0D
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
John Anthony on sat 4 nov 06
Re: S-type thermocouples
.>Catherine wrote:
..> Also, the wall-mounted.
>computer could run either kiln, yes?
definitely- I use itto run a very small test kiln as well. As long as
the
plug fits the wall controller. I just made softbrick plugs for the
peep in each kiln
that I slide the thermocouple through.
>...! And that ancient Crusader
>heats unbelievably fast.
Yes, that was my problem with the Gare. It was hard to control the
heat rise early
in a bisque firing when the elements just come on full.
>. The service is mounted on the pole>
>holding our external service box. Since all is outside, hopefully this
>negates
>electrical fire danger. Would that be an accurate assumption since
only the
>old service enters the house?
It seems that would be a much safer arrangement. I'm just kind of
compulsive about checking
the contacts because my kilns are all in buildings that are at least
partially made of wood.
I imagine other kiln manufacturers make wall mounted controllers as
well, so you could shop around.
It seems as though the actual controller card (made byBartlett) is
the same in most computer controllers,
so there may not be that much actual difference brand to brand.
cheers
John A
Michael Wendt on sat 4 nov 06
I just bought a Bartlett control board
and am in the process of constructing
a computer controller for use with all my
electric kilns.
The Bartlett schematic that comes with
the operational manual shows you how
to connect the various components so
all you need is a panel box, a 24 V
center tap transformer, some 12 volt
relays to construct a
multi kiln controller.
I plan to wire a watt hour meter into the
circuit.
Available for about $50.00 from:
Elaster Electricity , LLC
Raleigh NC
1-800-338-5251
Once installed, it will allow you to
accurately track your electrical
cost fro firing an electric kiln.
Regards,
Michael Wendt
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Ave
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
USA
wendtpot@lewiston.com
www.wendtpottery.com
John wrote:
I imagine other kiln manufacturers make wall mounted
controllers as
well, so you could shop around.
It seems as though the actual controller card (made
byBartlett) is
the same in most computer controllers,
so there may not be that much actual difference brand
to brand.
cheers
John A
Arnold Howard on mon 6 nov 06
From: "Catherine"
Thanks for not only this, but all the info you provide.
My first kiln back in 1969 was a 24" Paragon. Worked
like a dream.
Your updated website is perfect.
Both my kilns have the plug for the 50 amp outlet. That
will work
on a computer controller?
----------
You are very welcome. Thanks for the kind message.
If the plug on both kilns is the same type, then one
controller can power both kilns one at a time. While one
kiln is cooling, use the controller to fire the other kiln.
When you order a controller, you must specify the NEMA
configuration of the wall outlet.
The controller includes a thermocouple. The easiest way to
install it is through a drilled peephole plug. Or you could
drill a thermocouple hole in the wall of each kiln. Since
you are firing two kilns, you will need to transfer the
thermocouple from one to the other.
Insert the thermocouple into the kiln wall until it extends
into the firing chamber by the amount shown in the
controller instructions. This is usually around 3/4". Then
place a mark on the outside of the thermocouple that is even
with the kiln wall. During firing, check the thermocouple
occasionally to make sure the mark on the thermocouple is
still lined up with the kiln wall. That is your assurance
that the thermocouple tip is extending the correct distance
into the firing chamber.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
Arnold Howard on mon 6 nov 06
From: "John Anthony"
> It seems as though the actual controller card (made
> byBartlett) is
> the same in most computer controllers,
To find out which brand of controller your kiln actually
uses, remove the controller faceplate from the kiln switch
box. It is held in place with several screws. The back of
the circuit board will show the name of the manufacturer.
One nice feature of a digital kiln is that you can remove
the circuit board in about five minutes.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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