Orton AutoFire AF4TS User manual

AutoFire® Slide Kiln Controller
User’s Guide
Model AF4TS
Orton Ceramic Foundation
The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation
6991 Old 3C Highway
Westerville, Ohio 43082-9026
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.ortonceramic.com
October 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
PRECAUTIONS........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
FEATURES .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
TEST FIRING WITH WITNESS CONES ................................................................................................................................ 7
CONE-FIRE – HOW IT WORKS.............................................................................................................................................. 7
SLEEP SCREEN .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
HOME SCREEN.......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
TEMPERATURE DISPLAY ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
TEMPERATURE UNITS ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
PROGRAM NAME......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
STATUS ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
START/STOP/CONFIRM ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
COMPLETE/STOPPED/ABORT..................................................................................................................................................... 10
HISTORY BUTTON ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11
SETTINGS BUTTON .................................................................................................................................................................... 11
GRAPH BUTTON ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11
SLIDE BUTTON .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
ALARM NOTIFIER ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
HOLD TIME COUNTDOWN.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
EXPECTED FIRING TIME............................................................................................................................................................. 11
DELAY TIME COUNTDOWN........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Program Selection Screen .................................................................................................................................................... 12
Conefire ................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Delay.....................................................................................................................................................................................................12
High Limit.............................................................................................................................................................................................12
Home Button.........................................................................................................................................................................................13
Slide Button ..........................................................................................................................................................................................13
Conefire Setup Screen.......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Cone Number........................................................................................................................................................................................13
Speed Adjustments................................................................................................................................................................................14
Preheat ..................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Hold ......................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Cool.......................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Fan ........................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Offset.....................................................................................................................................................................................................15
LOAD Button........................................................................................................................................................................................15
LOCK Button........................................................................................................................................................................................15
Review or Edit a CONE Program .........................................................................................................................................................16
User Program Setup Screen.................................................................................................................................................. 16
User Program Number ..........................................................................................................................................................................17
Program Name ......................................................................................................................................................................................17
Table Entries .........................................................................................................................................................................................17
Rate .......................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Maximum Ramp Rates .....................................................................................................................................................................17
Target Temperatures .............................................................................................................................................................................18
Cooling Ramps .................................................................................................................................................................................18
Hold Time .............................................................................................................................................................................................18
Indefinite Hold Times.......................................................................................................................................................................18
Review or Edit a USER Program..........................................................................................................................................................18
User Program Vent Fan (Optional) .......................................................................................................................................................18
Options Screen ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
TC Offsets.............................................................................................................................................................................................19

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Alarm Deviation....................................................................................................................................................................................20
Setpoint Alarm......................................................................................................................................................................................20
Over Temp ............................................................................................................................................................................................20
Power Balance ......................................................................................................................................................................................20
Center Power.........................................................................................................................................................................................20
INFO SCREEN........................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Temperature ..........................................................................................................................................................................................21
Setpoint .................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Rate/Hold ..............................................................................................................................................................................................21
Status.....................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Zone control Performance.....................................................................................................................................................................21
Diagnostics............................................................................................................................................................................................22
SKIP......................................................................................................................................................................................................22
Add Time ..............................................................................................................................................................................................22
HISTORY SCREEN .................................................................................................................................................................. 22
History Results......................................................................................................................................................................................23
Slide Button ..........................................................................................................................................................................................23
Log Screen........................................................................................................................................................................................23
Parts Screen ......................................................................................................................................................................................23
GRAPH SCREEN ...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Legend ..................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Graph area.............................................................................................................................................................................................24
Pan ........................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Full view ...............................................................................................................................................................................................24
SETTINGS.................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
CONFIGURATION SCREEN .......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Configuration Number.......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Thermocouple Type ............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Relay Type ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Aux Outputs ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Slide Button.......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
LOCK Button ....................................................................................................................................................................... 26
ABOUT SCREEN......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Version ................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Board Temp.......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Safety Temp ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
TEST .................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Reset..................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
UNITS SCREEN .......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Temperature ......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Rate ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
$/KWHR .............................................................................................................................................................................. 29
KW....................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Last Cost............................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Cone Table ........................................................................................................................................................................... 29
ALARMS .................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
THERMOCOUPLE ALARMS......................................................................................................................................................... 29
DEVIATION ALARMS ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
POWER INTERRUPTION ALARMS ............................................................................................................................................... 30
DIAGNOSTIC ALARMS ............................................................................................................................................................... 30
MULTI-ZONE CONTROL....................................................................................................................................................... 30
HARDWARE OPTIONS........................................................................................................................................................... 31
AUDIBLE ALARM BUZZER .......................................................................................................................................................... 31
DOOR/LID SWITCH .................................................................................................................................................................... 31
COMPUTER SOFTWARE .............................................................................................................................................................. 31

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REFERENCE SECTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 32
APPENDIX A–LOW FIRE CONE PROGRAMS .............................................................................................................................. 32
APPENDIX B–MID FIRE CONE PROGRAMS............................................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX C–HIGH FIRE CONE PROGRAMS ............................................................................................................................. 34
APPENDIX D–USER PROGRAM CHARTS................................................................................................................................... 35
APPENDIX E–CONNECTING THERMOCOUPLES......................................................................................................................... 36
APPENDIX F–TYPICAL WIRING DIAGRAM............................................................................................................................... 37
APPENDIX G–CALIBRATION..................................................................................................................................................... 38
LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................................................ 39

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Introduction
This User’s Guide explains the features and operation of the AutoFire Slide Touch Screen Controller.
Orton controllers use P-I-D control algorithms to tightly control kiln temperature. This eliminates temperature
cycling. Cycling occurs when the controller turns the kiln on or off in a way where the actual temperature does not
closely follow the desired firing schedule.
Orton controllers store the firing program information in memory when turned off. If power is lost during a firing,
the controller remembers how far the firing has progressed and determines if it can resume the firing when power
is restored.
Controller Models
There are two basic controller models:
Single Zone – These use a single thermocouple (temperature sensor) to control the kiln temperature
Multi Zone – These use 2 or 3 thermocouples to independently control sections of a kiln
Precautions
The controller is not a safety device. The controller operates relays to turn the kiln elements on and off. It is
possible for relays to fail in the ‘ON’ position. The controller cannot protect against relay failure. To prevent over-
firing, never leave the kiln unattended, especially at the end of a firing.
Controller accuracy and performance depends on the condition and position of the thermocouple sensors in use.
Getting Started
Read all precautions and instructions before using your controller.
If your kiln has manual control switches for the heating elements, turn all the dials to the highest settings.
If you have a Kiln-Sitteron your kiln, you can use a Cone 10 bar under the sensing rod to shut off power if the
kiln reaches high temperatures. This bar will last many firings and can act as a backup safety device for the firing.
Features
The AutoFire Slide includes many standard features, a user-friendly interface and robust temperature control
software.

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Firing Methods and Features
•Cone-Fire method: Select a preset program for a specific cone number from Cone 022 to Cone 12.
These programs are designed specifically for ceramic firings.
•User Program method: Create up to 35 custom firing schedules with unique heating and cooling rates,
target temperatures and hold times. This method can be used for ceramics, heat treating, glass fusing,
enameling or jewelry applications.
•Preheat - Use with Cone-Fire mode to slowly dry ware and hold the kiln at 200°F (93°C) to remove
moisture.
•Speed adjustments - Use with Cone-fire mode to speed up or slow down a firing and to adjust for load
size or thick pieces of ware.
•Delay start - Use with either mode to delay start the kiln up to 100 hours (99hr.59min.)
•Set-Point Control - User Program option to hold kiln at temperature indefinitely.
•Full On / Full Off - User Program option to heat or cool the kiln as fast as possible.
•Add Time – Add additional hold time to firings already in progress.
•Program edit – User Program option to change the active program settings during the firing without
having to stop and restart the controller.
•Graph display – Real time graphical display comparing the setpoint temperature to the actual firing
temperatures.
•Diagnostics – Monitor and log the firing results, alarms and component life.
Advanced Options
•Cone Offset - Use with Cone-Fire to adjust the firing temperature of the kiln by ±11°C (±20°F) to fine
tune the controller to your kilns performance.
•Skip - Skip ahead in the firing program
•Alarm - Program an alarm to sound when a specific temperature is reached.
•Thermocouple Offset - Adjust display temperature by as much as ±25°C (±45°F) to offset aging
thermocouple(s).
•Auxiliary Outputs - Control a relay to switch on a vent fan or external alarm or safety relay.
•Power Consumption – Review the calculated cost or Kilowatt usage of the kiln firing.
Display Messages and Information
•Cone Table - Look up table for cone number temperatures
•Status - Displays the current status, setpoint and actual heating/cooling rates of the firing.
•Temperature Units - Display Temperature in Fahrenheit (°F) or Centigrade (°C) Units
•Computer Interface – Monitor/Analyze kiln data from a PC using AutofireDLS4 datalog software.

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Test Firing with Witness Cones
A test firing will help in learning the operation and features of the controller. Follow your kiln manufacturer's
instructions for setting up your kiln.
Place a series of Orton Self-Supporting Cones on the middle shelf of your kiln so that they can be seen through a
kiln peephole. Use a series of cones close to the final firing temperature (see Appendix C). For example, if firing to
1945°F (Cone 04), use a Cone 03, Cone 04, and Cone 05 for the test firing.
To evaluate heat distribution, place a set of cones on each shelf during the test firing. Most kilns fire more
uniformly at Cone 06 than they do below Cone 06. Provide ventilation for the kiln in accordance with the kiln
manual or VentMaster
®
instruction manual.
After the firing, examine the fired cones. Some variation in the bending of the cones may occur, depending on how
the kiln was loaded and the location of the cones.
Cone-Fire – How it works
When firing to a cone number, the controller constantly monitors the actual heating rate of the kiln. If the kiln
does not fire as rapidly as programmed, the controller re-calculates and adjusts the top firing temperature to
compensate for the slower firing rate. This process more accurately fires to the cone number selected. When the
heating rate slows, cones deform at slightly lower temperatures. At faster heating rates, cones deform at slightly
higher temperatures. This ability to recalculate and to fire to a cone value is a unique, patented feature of all Orton
controllers.
Orton Controllers contain three preset program groups for firing to a cone number – Low Fire, Mid Fire, and High
Fire. Each of the programs can be adjusted for speed, hold time and cooling rate. The standard programs are
designed to fire normal loads of thin ware ceramics. When a kiln is more heavily loaded or when thick ware is
fired, additional firing time is needed. Experiment to determine the best firing conditions. The preset firing
programs in the controller are:
Program Product Fired Cone Range Firing Time
Low Fire Decal, Luster, China Cones 022 – 011 3 - 5 hours
Mid Fire Glaze, Bisque, Earthenware Cones 010 - 01 6 - 8 hours
High Fire Stoneware, Porcelain Cones 1 – 12 9 - 11 hours
MID FIRE PROGRAM
0 200 400
TIME
TEMPERATURE
LO FIRE PROGRAM
0 100 200
TIME
TEMPERATURE
HI FIRE PROGRAM
0 200 400 600
T IM E
TEMPERATURE

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When the Controller is first turned on
The controller runs a brief self-diagnostic test and displays a Splash screen. After a few seconds, the display will
show the Home screen and Standby mode where the controller is not actively firing the kiln or being programmed
for a firing.
Sleep Screen
When the controller is in STANDBY mode, if the touchscreen is inactive for 5 minutes, the
screen will go to sleep mode. The screen will go black and the main temperature will be the
only thing reported. Touch the screen to awaken.
Home Screen
The Home screen provides access to all the features and status reports for the controller.
History:
Firing Results
Logs
Part status
Settings:
Configuration
Preferences
About Info
START:
Begin a new
Firing
Options:
Slide Right for
Firing options
Program:
Slide Left for
Program setup or
selection
Status:
Firing Status
Program name:
Active Program
Temperature:
Touch to
change color
Temperature
Units:
F or C

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Temperature Display
The temperature display reports the thermocouple temperature or an average of the multiple thermocouple
temperatures. The color of the main temperature display can be changed from Green to Red to Black by touching
the display area.
(Four dashes) appear on the controller display during power up. The 4 dashes are in place of the normal
thermocouple display temperature. This allows time for the initial temperature measurement to stabilize before it is
displayed.
For Multizone, the temperature display will show the average thermocouple of all the thermocouple inputs.
Temperature Units
If your controller is configured to display temperature values in °F, heating rates will be programmed as Degrees
Fahrenheit per hour and target temperatures will be programmed as Degrees Fahrenheit. If your controller is
configured to display temperature values in °C, heating rates will be programmed as Degrees Centigrade per hour
and target temperatures will be programmed as Degrees Centigrade. To change the temperature units, see the Units
screen.
Program Name
The name of the active firing program appears below the temperature display. User Program names can
have custom labels.
Status
the line below the Program name reports the status of the controller, this line will also provide access to alarm and
other information during an active kiln firing.
Status Messages STANDBY………………During idle operation
DELAY …………………During a delay period
RAMP #............................During a heating or cooling ramp
HOLD #........................... During a hold period
COMPLETE…………….Firing completed
ABORT…………………Alarm terminated the firing
STOPPED………………Operator Stopped the firing
During an active firing, the info button (circled i) will bring up the Info Screen.
Start/Stop/Confirm
The button in the center of the screen is used to Start or Stop a firing. It is also used to clear and recognize alarm
messages when they appear. During an active firing, the START button becomes the STOP button.

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If the firing is stopped manually, the controller will ask for the command to be confirmed. Press the CONFIRM
button to proceed with stopping the firing. If the stop command is not confirmed within 5 seconds, the stop
command is ignored and the firing resumes.
Complete/Stopped/Abort
At the end of a firing, the controller will report the status and end results.
Status:
Stopped
Abort or
Complete Clear:
Returns to
Home screen
and Standby
status
Firing Time:
Reports time
from start to
end
Final Temp:
Reports end
temperature

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History Button
The clock icon at the bottom of the screen is used to access History logs and Parts screens for the controller.
Settings Button
The gear icon at the bottom of the screen is used to access setup and configuration settings for the controller.
Graph Button
During an active firing, the Settings button is replaced with a Graph button to view Time vs. Temp charts of the
active firing.
Slide Button
The directional button provides access to controller Options and Program setup. To use the slide button, touch the
center of the circle and drag it left or right.
Alarm Notifier
During an active firing, an alarm icon (circle A) appears on the status line to notify the user of active alarms.
Hold time Countdown
During an active firing, if the controller status is a Hold, the remaining hold time will count down above the
temperature display. The time format is Hours:Minutes.
Expected firing Time
During Standby mode, if a program is loaded, the calculated firing time will appear above the temperature display.
The time format is Hours:Minutes.
Delay time Countdown
During a delay period, the remaining delay time will count down above the temperature display. The time format is
Hours:Minutes.

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Program Selection Screen
To select a firing Program or to setup a new firing program, Use the Slide button on the Home screen to choose
PROGRAM.
Conefire
If Conefire programming is not desired, this feature can be disabled on the Program Selection screen. Touch the
setting field to switch ON or OFF.
Delay
Delay Start allows the operator to program a delay time prior to the firing. The delay time is
initiated when the operator presses START from the HOME screen to begin the firing.
To set a delay time, Touch the delay time to bring up a keypad. Use the keypad to set a new
delay time in Hours:Minutes format. Then press the SAVE button.
The maximum delay time is 99 hours and 59 minutes.
Delay time resets to zero after each firing.
High Limit
High Limit allows the User to set a maximum operating temperature for the firing. If the controller detects a higher
temperature, it will abort the firing with a High Temp Limit alarm.
Home button
Cone Programs:
Slide right for
Cone Programs
User Programs:
Slide Left for User
Programs
Conefire:
Enable or disable
Cone programs
Delay:
Set a delay start
time for the next
firing. High Limit:
Set a max temp
limit for all
programs

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Home Button
Returns to the Home screen
Slide Button
The directional button provides the choice of selecting a preset Conefire program or a custom User program. To
use the slide button, touch the center of the circle and drag it left or right.
Conefire Setup Screen
Preset firing schedules are easily selected for automatic programming of the controller heating rates, target
temperatures and hold times.
Cone Number
Select a cone number from 022 to 12. The Default Firing Program for the Cone Fire option is CONE 06.
Program Lock:
Allow or prevent
program edits
Load:
Load the program
for the next active
firing
Program:
Select a Cone
number
Speed:
Select a firing
speed
Preheat:
Set an optional
preheat time
Hold:
Set an optional
hold time at the
end temperature
Cool:
Set an optional
cooling rate for
the end of the
firing
Fan:
Choose a vent fan
setting (if available) Offset:
Set an optional
offset

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Speed Adjustments
Speed allows the operator to increase or decrease the firing speed of a Cone-fire program. Early ramp rates can be
increased or decreased up to 40%. The final ramp for a Cone-fire program is not chnaged. Preheat ramps are not
affected by the Speed setting. Cooling ramps are not affected by the Speed setting.
Speed settings
F40 40% increase to Conefire Ramp rates (excluding preheat and final ramp rate)
FAST 20% increase to Conefire Ramp rates (excluding preheat and final ramp rate)
STD 0% change to Conefire Ramp rates
SLOW 20% decrease to Conefire Ramp rates (excluding preheat and final ramp rate)
S40 40% decrease to Conefire Ramp rates (excluding preheat and final ramp rate)
An example of the Cone 06 firing schedule with a 40% fast speed is shown below
Cone 06 Rate 1 Target Rate 2 Target Rate 3 Target Rate 4 Target
STD 180C/hr 550 85C/hr 600 100C/hr 938 60C/hr 998
F 40 252C/hr 550 119C/hr 600 140C/hr 938 60C/hr 998
Preheat
A Preheat ramp is a fixed heating rate of 33ºC(60ºF)/hour to 93ºC/200ºF. The hold time is variable. The default
setting for the Preheat hold time is zero. When the Preheat hold time is set to zero, there is no Preheat ramp.
The preheat hold time is set in the format of Hours:Minutes. The maximum preheat hold time is 99 hours.59
minutes.
Hold
Allows for an optional HOLD time at the final heating temperature. When the Hold time is set to zero, there is no
Hold at the final heating temperature.
The preheat hold time is set in the format of Hours:Minutes. The maximum preheat hold time is 99 hours.58
minutes.
If the controller heat work function adjusts the final heating temperature, the programmed Hold time will be
performed at the adjusted temperature.
Cool
allows the operator to have an optional cooling ramp for the Conefire programs. The maximum cooling rate is
limited to 180F(100C)/hour. The cooling temperature is fixed at 392F(200C)
The cooling rate is set in units of degrees per hour, degrees per minute or Time to temperature dependent on the
RATE setting on the UNITS screen.

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Fan
allows for an optional vent fan control output that is controlled during the kiln firing. This option requires the
appropriate hardware installed for one of the two Aux Outputs.
FAN settings
ON Fan relay is on during entire firing and remains on until the firing is completed and cleared
OFF Fan relay is off during entire firing
OPT Fan relay is on until the beginning of the final heating ramp. Off for the remainder of the firing.
Note: If neither Aux Output1 or Aux Output2 are set to ‘VFAN’ the Fan option is inactive.
Offset
Cone Offset allows the operator to adjust the temperature range of the final heating ramp for Conefire programs.
The offset is applied to both the starting ramp temperature and the ending ramp temperature.
Cone Offset settings
-20F or -11C Final heating ramp temperatures reduced 20F / 11C
-15F or -8C Final heating ramp temperatures reduced 15F / 8C
-10F or -6C Final heating ramp temperatures reduced 10F / 6C
-5F or -3C Final heating ramp temperatures reduced 5F / 3C
0 No Offset
+5F or +3C Final heating ramp temperatures increased 5F / 3C
+10F or +6C Final heating ramp temperatures increased 10F / 6C
+15F or +8C Final heating ramp temperatures increased 15F / 8C
+20F or +11C Final heating ramp temperatures increased 20F / 11C
LOAD Button
When program setup is complete, press the LOAD button to exit the setup screen and return to the Home screen.
The firing can then be started from the Home screen.
LOCK Button
The padlock button allows the program firing options be locked to prevent edits. To lock a program, touch the lock
icon and use the pop-up keypad to enter the passcode required to change the lock status.
When the keypad screen appears, you can key in the default passcode [3] to lock or unlock a program. Then press
the ENTER button.
To change the passcode, you must first key in the current passcode, then press the SET button to key in a new
passcode.
To reset the passcode to [3], use the RESET option on the ABOUT screen.
Note: When locked, program settings cannot be changed but the program can still be run.

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Review or Edit a CONE Program
The operator can edit the active program while the firing is in process. During the active firing, use the Slide
button to select Program. On the CONE SETUP screen, edit the parameters that are active as needed. Some
parameters are not available for editing.
Press the UPDATE button to return to the HOME screen.
Note: When locked, program parameters cannot be changed.
User Program Setup Screen
Custom firing schedules are programmed by setting the desired heating rates, target temperatures and hold times.
35 User Programs are available. The User Program mode allows you to customize your firing schedule and specify
how fast the kiln heats or cools to any temperature. All Programs allow 20 ramp steps. Each ramp step consists of a
heating rate (or cooling rate), a target temperature and a hold time.
Program Lock:
Allow or prevent
program edits
Program:
Select a Program
number 1-35
Program Name:
Assign a program
name/label
Load:
Load the program
for the next active
firing
Fan:
Set Fan control for
each program step
Rate:
Set ramp speed for
each program step
Temp:
Set target temp for
each program step
Hold:
Set Hold time for
each program step

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User Program Number
Select a program number from 1 to 35. The Default Firing Program is Program #1.
Program Name
Touch the name field and a pop-up window appears with keypad. Use the keypad to type a
program name and SAVE. The program name will appear on the Home screen when the
program is loaded.
Special keys on the keypad include;
Key [SP] provides a space for the entry.
Key [BK ]is a Back key to back up one character.
Key [CLR] is a Clear key to clear the entire entry.
Table Entries
Touch any active field in the table to program a value. Use the pop-up keypad to type a value
and SAVE.
The value will appear in the program table.
Rate
Each program step requires you to program the desired ramp rate.
Rate is the speed of the ramp step. Rate is programmed as Degrees per Hour if the RATE option is set to HOUR.
Some calculations may be required to determine your desired heating rate.
Example; if you know that you want to heat the kiln from room temperature (75°F) to 212°F over a 2 hour period,
First determine the amount of temperature rise:
212 - 75 = 137 degrees
Then divide the amount of temperature rise (or drop) by the number of hours you would like it to take to get there.
(For Example, 2 hours)
137 /
//
/2 = 68.5 degrees per hour
Round the calculated rate to the nearest whole number and your heating rate would be 69 degrees/hour.
If you prefer to program heating and cooling rates in ‘degrees per minute’, adjust the RATE option in the options
menu to MIN.
If you prefer to program heating and cooling rates in ‘Hours and Minutes’, adjust the RATE option in the option
menu to TIME.
Maximum Ramp Rates
When the Ramp Rate is set above 1798F(998C) degrees per hour or 29.97F(16.65C) degrees per minute or
00.00 Time, the controller will interpret this as full power for a heating ramp. This will allow the kiln to heat as
fast as possible to the target temperature without rate control. If the ramp is a cooling, the controller will interpret
the same values as no power and allow the kiln to cool as fast as possible without rate control.
A Program Review will show the message MAX to indicate the uncontrolled rate. Deviation alarms will not be
active during the max heating/cooling ramp.

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Caution: Overshoot in temperature may occur when heating at full power, especially at lower temperatures.
Target Temperatures
Each ramp step requires you to program the desired target temperature.
Caution: Do not program target temperatures that exceed the temperature rating for your kiln. The maximum
programmable value for target temperatures can be viewed on the About screen ‘Safety Temp’ setting.
Cooling Ramps
Cooling ramps are programmed the same as heating ramps. You must program the Rate for the cooling and the
target temperature. The criteria for a cooling ramp is the target temperature must be lower than the preceding target
temperature.
If you program a target temperature at the end of the firing that is below your room temperature, the controller will
never be able to complete the firing. This may result in a ‘Firing Stalled’ alarm. To avoid this alarm, manually
stop the firing by pressing the STOP button or program a higher temperature to complete the firing.
Hold Time
Hold time refers to the amount of time you want the kiln to remain at the target
temperature. Hold Time is often referred to as Soak or Dwell Time. Each ramp allows the
option of programming a hold time. Hold time is programmed in Hours and Minutes.
During a Hold time, the controller will count-down the remaining time of the Hold on the
Home screen above the main temperature display.
Touch any active field in the table to program a value. Use the keypad to type a value and
SAVE. The value will appear in the program table.
Indefinite Hold Times
Programming a hold time value of 99 hours 59 minutes will result in a Hold time that is indefinite. To end the hold,
the operator must press STOP or use the SKIP feature to move forward to the next program ramp.
Review or Edit a USER Program
The operator can edit the active program while the firing is in process. During the active firing, use the Slide
button to select Program. On the USER SETUP screen, edit the parameters that are active as needed. Some
parameters are not available for editing.
Press the UPDATE button to return to the HOME screen.
Note: When locked, program parameters cannot be changed.
User Program Vent Fan (Optional)
If your controller has been configured to control an auxiliary vent fan, each ramp step will allow the fan to be

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turned on or off during the specified ramp.
To set the fan to On or OFF, touch the field setting.
Options Screen
To set firing options, Use the slide button on the Home screen to choose OPTIONS.
TC Offsets
Adjust for known thermocouple errors with an offset. This offset adjusts the thermocouple reading on the
controller up to ±45°F(25°C). Can be used to compensate for inaccurate temperature readings resulting from aged
or poorly positioned thermocouples. Temperature offset applies to all firings.
To Program the offset, touch the arrow buttons to increase or decrease the offset value.
If you want the kiln to fire Hotter, the offset should be a negative value. The controller will think the
temperature is lower than actual and this will cause the firing temperature to be hotter.
If you want the kiln to fire Cooler, the offset should be a positive value. The controller will think the temperature
is higher than actual and this will cause the firing temperature to be cooler.
Settings:
Configuration
Preferences
About Info
TC Offsets:
Thermocouple
offsets for
available
thermocouples
Alarm Deviation:
Sensitivity for
non-terminating
deviation alarms
Setpoint Alarm:
Notification when
a temperature is
reached Over Temp:
Sensitivity for
over temp
shutdown
Power Balance:
Regulate kiln
temp/power top to
bottom Center Power:
Regulate kiln
temp/power center
zone.

AutoFire Slide Kiln Controller
20
Alarm Deviation
Allows the operator to set a temperature deviation value for activating the non-terminating deviation alarms; Fail
To Heat, Fail To Cool and Low Temp Deviation. To program the value, touch the field for a pop-up keypad. Key
in the value and SAVE. The default value is 100F or 56C
Note: for MAX ramp rates the deviation alarms are disabled for the MAX ramp segment regardless of this setting.
To disable the deviation alarms completely, set the value to 32F or 0C
Setpoint Alarm
Use this setting for an audible and visual alarm when the controller reaches a temperature. To program the value,
touch the field for a pop-up keypad. Key in the value and SAVE. The alarm is disabled with a value setting below
32F or 0C. You can program the alarm before you start the firing or reset it during the firing.
When the kiln reaches the alarm temperature, the Threshold Alarm will appear and the buzzer will sound. Silence
the alarm on the Status screen.
Over Temp
Allows the operator to set a temperature deviation value for activating the controller’s terminating over-
temperature alarm. To program the value, touch the field for a pop-up keypad. Key in the value and SAVE. The
default value is 100F or 56C
Note: The overtemp alarm cannot be disabled. The maximum deviation value is 200F or 111C.
Power Balance
The balance option only appears if the controller is configured for 1 thermocouple and more than one relay output.
The setting changes the amount of power being supplied to the top and bottom heating elements by selecting a
power percentage between 0% and 200%. This is the percentage of power going to the top heating elements.
Values less than 100 reduce power to the top, while higher values increase power to the top. The power to the
bottom heating element is automatically changed. This feature can be used if the kiln is not heating uniformly.
100% is the factory default. This applies 100% of available power to both the top and bottom elements. Changing
the setting to 150% would increase the power to the top elements by 50%, while decreasing power to the bottom
elements by 50%. The balance can be changed in increments of 10%. To adjust the setting use the arrows to
increase or decrease the value.
Center Power
The Center power option only appears if the controller is configured for 1 thermocouple and 3 relay outputs.
The setting changes the amount of power being supplied to the center heating elements by selecting a power
percentage between 0% and 200%. This is the percentage of power going to the center elements. Values less than
100 reduce power to the center, while higher values increase power to the center. This feature can be used if the
kiln is not heating uniformly.
100% is the factory default. This applies 100% of available power to the center elements. Changing the setting to
150% would increase the power to the center by 50%, The balance can be changed in increments of 10%. To
adjust the setting use the arrow to increase or decrease the value.