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