Orton AutoFire Plus User manual

AutoFire® Kiln Controller
User’s Guide
AutoFire Plus
AutoFire Pro
AutoFire UniTemp™
AutoFire UniTemp™ - Solid State Relay Option
Orton Ceramic Foundation
Electronic Control & Monitoring Products
Orton Ceramic Foundation
6991 Old 3C Highway
Westerville, Ohio 43082-9026
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Revision 5.0 – September 1999

Table of Contents
Introduction 1
AutoFire Kiln Controller Models 2
Features and Benefits 3
Firing Your Kiln 4
Test Firing 5
Quick Reference Section 6
Cone Fire Program 7
Cone Fire Example 8
User Program 9
Using A User Program 10
Display Reference 11
Alarm Reference 12
OptionsAvailable 13
Level 1 13
Level 2 17
Alarm Descriptions 20
PLOG (Diagnostic) Error Codes 22
Power Recovery 23
Preset Cone Fire Programs 25
Preset Cone Firing Schedules 27
Remote Monitoring 29
Technical Specifications 30
Warranty 31
Appendices
A – Reproducible User Program Sheets 32
B – Pyrometric Cones 33
C – Temperature Equivalents 34
D – Vent Fan Options Available 35
E – Connecting Thermocouples 37
F – Typical Wiring Diagrams 38
G – Program Lock Instructions 41

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing Orton's AutoFire®controller. You now have the finest controller available for
use in firing glass and ceramics. It will provide more precise control and many valuable features not available
with other controllers. It can even be programmed and the firing monitored from a personal computer, using
software available from Orton. Contact your kiln manufacturer or Orton for more information on this feature.
This User’s Guide will explain the features, benefits, options and operation of your new Orton AutoFire® Kiln
Controller. Use the “Quick start reference card” for normal operation of the controller and this Guide for more
detailed descriptions of controller features. Before making your first firing, take the time to become familiar
with the features of this product. With proper use and installation, you will be assured many years of superior
performance and service. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to contact the Orton Ceramic
Foundation or your Orton Distributor or Reseller. We would enjoy hearing from you. Again, thanks for
choosing an Orton product.
For simplicity, AutoFire® has only 8 keys. The main keys allow firing programs to be selected and the delay
start feature to be used with a limited number of keystrokes. The OPTIONS key provides you with access to
many other features. Take the time to learn the features you want to regularly use. All models of the AutoFire®
controller use the same basic programming, but not all features are available on every model.
AutoFire® controllers use proprietary PID Plus control software that eliminates the excessive cycling
associated with control schemes found with most other controllers. Cycling occurs when the controller turns the
kiln on or off and the temperature does not closely follow the program selected. PID Plus minimizes the effect of
cycling by anticipating how the kiln temperature will respond when power is turned on and off.
AutoFire® controllers store programs and calibration data in memory even when powered off. If during a
firing, the power goes out, it remembers how far the firing has progressed to determine whether it can be
successfully resumed when power is reapplied (see page 23).
Thermocouples
All controllers depend on thermocouples placed in the kiln to measure temperature. With time, the output of
most thermocouples will change, this is called drift. When drift occurs, the thermocouple no longer measures the
same temperature as it did when it was new. Typically, drift causes the kiln temperature to be higher than the
temperature displayed by the controller. Type K thermocouples drift more than Type S and these need to be
replaced after 50-100 firings, or when damaged.
Orton recommends that Type K thermocouples normally not be used at higher temperatures (above 2100°F,
unless they are made of 8 gage wire or enclosed in a protective sheath. Smaller diameter (14 gage) wire are not
advisable for repeat firings above 2100°F. Type S can be used when firings regularly exceed 2100°F.
Pyrometric Cones
Orton recommends using witness cones in each firing to help determine if the kiln and controller are firing
properly. These also give a permanent record of your firing. Orton cones bend when a specific amount of
heatwork has been received. Bending temperatures will be different when the heating rate is changed. During the
last 60 to 90 minutes, the AutoFire® controller always heats the kiln at 108°F/hr (60°C/hr), during a selected
Conefire firing.
If the kiln cannot maintain this heating rate, then a lower shut-off temperature is calculated to minimize
overheating of the ware. The overall firing time of the program will be longer. This occurs when the final firing
temperature at the time of completion is lower then the anticipated temperature.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
2
Pyrometric cones and their use is explained fully in Appendix B, while a Temperature Equivalent chart is
included in Appendix C.
AutoFire KILN CONTROLLER MODELS
The Orton AutoFire® family of kiln controllers includes four models to meet most users’ needs.
The features unique to each model is given below:
AutoFire® Plus
Control With a Single Type K, N, or S Thermocouple
Power Output to Mechanical Relay(s) for Heating Element Control
Power Output to a Mechanical Relay for Vent Fan Control (option)
AutoFire® Pro
Control With a Single Type K, N, or S Thermocouple
Power Output to Solid State Relay for Heating Element Control
Power Output to a Mechanical Relay for Safety Shut-off
Power Output to a Mechanical Relay for Vent Fan Control (option)
AutoFire® UniTemp™
Proprietary Algorithm Minimizes Temperature Gradients
Control With 2 Type K, N, or S Thermocouples
Power Output to Mechanical Relays for Heating Elements
Control of Up to 3 Independent Heating Zones
Power Output to a Mechanical Relay for Vent Fan Control (option)
AutoFire® UniTemp™ - Solid State Relay Option
Proprietary Algorithm Minimizes Temperature Gradients
Control With 2 Type K, N, or S Thermocouples
Power Output to Solid State Relays for Heating Elements
Control of Up to 3 Independent Heating Zones
Power Output to a Mechanical Relay for Safety Shut Off
The AutoFire® Plus/Pro models referred to in this User’s Guide are those listed above. References to
AutoFire® UniTemp™ refer to both the AutoFire® UniTemp™ and the AutoFire® UniTemp™ Solid State
Relay Option models listed above.
Using AutoFire® with a Kiln-Sitter
If you have a Kiln-Sitteron the kiln, you may use a Cone 10 bar or cone under the sensing rod to shut off
power if the kiln reaches high temperatures. This bar will last many firings. You can also remove the cone or
bar and prop up the sensing rod with a piece of refractory material. Set the Kiln-Sittertimer for two hours
longer than the firing.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
3
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Your new Orton AutoFire® Kiln Controller has an extensive list of standard features, a user-friendly operator
interface, and a robust temperature control algorithm. These combine to provide what we believe to be the best
temperature controller for electric kilns and furnaces on the market today. The following is a list of the features
we believe you will find most useful as you begin using your new AutoFire® Kiln Controller:
Thermocouple Type Choose from Type K, N, or S Thermocouples
(We recommend the use of Type K up to 2100°F, Type S above 2100°F)
Cone Firings Easy firing to Cone Numbers 022 - 12, with hold time
(additional 5 to 30 minutes of hold can be added)
Proper Heat Work Orton’s patented method of adjusting firing to ensure proper heat work
Cone Table Reference temperatures for each cone number (60°C/hr or 108°F/hr heating rates)
User Programs 10 “to 20” Ramp/Hold Segments for each program, retained even when power is
turned off
Accurate Control Proprietary PID Plus temperature control algorithm assures more
accurate firings. This also includes Soft Start and Overshoot Control
Delay Start Automatically starts kiln at a later time (up to 9999 minutes later)
Set-Point Control Setting hold time at 9999 minutes keeps kiln at set point temperature indefinitely
Firing Speed Control Speed up or slow down your firing (from -40% to +40%) to better match
the loading of your kiln
Program Review Review your firing program even while the kiln is being fired
Skip Step If you want to skip to the next ramp in a User Program.
Calibrate to a Cone Use Cone Offset to adjust the kiln to fire to a cone to adjust the
firing temperature from -38 °F to +20 °F
Temperature Alarm Kiln Temperature Threshold Alarm can be set to audibly notify you when
a temperature is reached
Power Interruption Recovery from a power interruption occurs when proper to do so
Temperature Units Select either Fahrenheit (°F) or Centigrade (°C) Units
Diagnostics Audible Alarms and error codes indicate when the controller or the
kiln is not firing correctly
Computer Interface Program and monitor up to 16 kilns from a Personal Computer

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
4
Firing Your Kiln
The purpose of firing your ware is to develop long lasting, durable, valuable, and useful products. When fired
properly, good-looking results are obtained. If improperly fired, the value of the ware is greatly reduced,
disappointment occurs, and in some cases, the object is discarded. When this happens, your effort and
anticipation leading up to the firing is wasted.
Understanding and controlling what occurs during firing will minimize problems and increase your ability to get
consistently good results. The firing, after all, is usually the final process in creating your “masterpiece.”
The AutoFire® Kiln Controller contains 3 preset programs – Lo Fire, Mid Fire, and Hi Fire. These programs
were designed for the firing of normal loads of hobby ceramics. As a rule, the firing in the kiln needs to be
slowed down in certain temperature ranges to allow for carbon burnout and to improve temperature uniformity.
The preset programs are designed with this in mind; however, when a kiln is more heavily loaded or thrown
ware with thicker walls are used, additional care is needed during the firing because the ramps for the preset
programs may be too fast. Experiment to determine the best firing conditions. It is also important that the kiln
be vented properly - Orton recommends the use of a downdraft venting system, such as an Orton KilnVent®.
When firing to a cone number, the AutoFire® kiln controller constantly monitors the actual heating rate of the
kiln. If the kiln does not fire as rapidly as programmed, the controller firmware recalculates and adjusts the top
firing temperature to compensate for the slower firing rate. This process more accurately fires to the cone
number selected. At slower heating rates, cones deform at slightly lower temperatures. At faster heating rates,
cones deform at slightly higher temperatures. This ability to recalculate and compensate to fire to a cone value
is a unique, patented feature of all Orton Electronic Kiln Control Products.
The AutoFire® Kiln Controller provides three preprogrammed firing cycle programs for preset cone firing.
These preprogrammed firing cycle programs and the corresponding preset cone fire programs follow:
Program Purpose Typical Cone Value Cone Range
Lo Fire Decal, Luster, and China Firings Cone 019 022 - 011
Mid Fire Glaze Firings Cone 06 010 - 01
Bisque and Earthenware Firings Cone 04 010 - 01
Hi Fire Stoneware and Porcelain Firings Cone 6 1 - 12

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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The Test Firing
Completing a test firing with your new AutoFire® Kiln Controller will help you become familiar with the
operation and features of the controller, as well as determine that the controller is performing as expected.
Follow your kiln manufacturer's Instruction Manual for setting up your kiln and firing to properly break-in the
kiln’s heating elements.
For an AutoFire® Plus or Pro model, place a set of Orton Self-Supporting Cones on the middle shelf in your
kiln so that they can be seen through the kiln peephole. If you have the AutoFire® UniTemp™ model controller,
also place cones on the top and bottom shelves of kiln to examine temperature uniformity within your kiln. Use
a series of cones close to the temperature that you plan to fire to during an actual firing. A three cone firing set-
up is recommended, a Guide Cone, Firing Cone, and a Guard Cone. For example, if you were firing to a
1945°F (Cone 04), you would use a Cone 03, Cone 04, and a Cone 05, to do the test firings.
To evaluate heat distribution, place a set of witness cones on each shelf during the test firing. Most kilns fire
more uniformly at Cone 6 than they do below Cone 06. With the UniTemp™, cones should bend similarly, no
matter what the firing temperature.
Provide ventilation for the kiln in accordance with your kiln manual or Orton KilnVent® instruction manual.
If your kiln has limit switches, turn all switches to the “On” or “highest” position. Begin the firing, refer to
page 7 of this manual for using preset cone programs.
After the firing, before opening the kiln to remove your cones, make sure the kiln has cooled sufficiently.
Examine the fired cones. Some variation in the bending of the cones may occur, depending on how the kiln was
loaded. This includes the size of the load, its distribution on the shelves and the location of the cones. It is a
good practice to use a witness cone in every firing. This provides a permanent record of the firing conditions in
the kiln and can help you identify changes in the way your kiln is firing.
Test fire approximately every 25 firings. Test conditions should be consistent from firing to firing. Save the
sets of witness cones as records of the firings. Review them periodically to note variations or drift in successive
firings.
If thermocouple drift starts to occur, recheck the heat distribution. If one area of the kiln is much hotter or
cooler than another, it may indicate that one or more heating elements need replaced.
If there is a major change in the amount of bending of the firing cone, the most likely cause is thermocouple
damage or deterioration. Replace the thermocouple and retest. If replacing the thermocouple does not restore
the performance to previous levels, the controller or kiln may require additional service.
The Cone Offset feature (see page 15) can be used to adjust the temperature of a cone firing to more closely
match the bending of a cone.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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QUICK REFERENCE SECTION
This Quick Reference Section is to help familiarize you with the most often used features of your AutoFire®
Kiln Controller. Guides to Cone Firing, User Programs, Display References, and Alarm References are
included. We recommend you read the entire User’s Guide to become familiar with all the exciting benefits and
features of your AutoFire®.
The Keypad
•Ergonomically designed 8-button Keypad
•High brightness 4-digit, 7-segment LED display
•Audible feedback
•Washable high-tech graphic panel
The eight buttons on the AutoFire® keypad provide the following functions:
ENTER - load whatever is displayed into memory, and to acknowledge deviation and PLOG
alarms, if they occur.
START/STOP - begin or end a firing, to store a user’s program, and to acknowledge ‘CPLt’ or
‘Abort’ shown in the display
CONE FIRE - select a cone number from preset programs (Page 3)
USER PROGRAM - input your own program (Page 5)
DELAY START - input a time delay in minutes
OPTIONS - access other features (Page 7&8)
ARROWS - change the display, and scroll through options
The AutoFire® may be ordered without Cone Fire programs, thus on some models, the keypad may not show
the Cone Fire button. Those working in glass do not need Cone Fire programs, but will still benefit by the
advanced features of the AutoFire®.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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Cone Fire - using your controller for preset cone programs.
•The Up Arrow increments the value 0 – 9, or scrolls through selections one at a time.
•The Right Arrow shifts editing digit to the right, or scrolls through selections one at a time.
The AutoFire® family of kiln controllers feature easy firing to any cone number.
Just follow these simple steps: (Controller temperature is displayed in °F)
Step Press Description Display
1CONE FIRE Enters the Cone Fire mode. The "06" is the cone 06, 1828
program name and the "1828" is the corresponding
cone deformation temperature at a 108°F/hr ramp.
2UP ARROW/ Scroll to the desired cone number. The desired 022, 1086 to
RIGHT ARROW preset cone program name and the corresponding 12, 2382
cone deformation temperature at the 108°F/hr ramp
will be alternatively displayed.
3ENTER Selects the desired cone number currently displayed. Hd, . 0
Then advances to Hold Time (Hd). Use arrows to
select up to 30 minutes of hold time at the end
of Cone Fire program. If no hold time is desired then
simply press [ENTER]. The controller returns to Idle mode.
4UP ARROW/ Scroll to the desired hold time. The default is 0 hold. 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
RIGHT ARROW (Hold times are in 5 minute increments)
5ENTER Selects the displayed hold time. IdLE
(At this point additional options can be selected, such as delay start, firing speed, or cone offset)
6STOP/START Starts the selected cone firing. The current kiln XXXX, where XXXX
temperature is displayed during an active firing cycle. is current temperature
7-When the active firing cycle is completed. The final CPLt, Final
temperature reached by the kiln will be alternately Temperature
shown as CPLt in the display.
8 STOP/START Acknowledges completion of the firing cycle IdLE
and returns to IdLE mode. Also functions
as Abort (Abrt) during a firing process. Abrt
For more information on additional features and options, refer to the appropriate sections in this User’s Guide.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
8
Cone Fire Example
Fire to Cone 6, increase firing speed 20%, and add a 15-minute hold.
(controller temperature is displayed in °F)
Just follow these simple steps:
Step Press Description Display
1CONE FIRE Enters the Cone Fire mode. 06, 1828
2 UP ARROW (Press UP ARROW 11 times)
Scrolls to display of 6 (Cone Number). 6, 2231
3ENTER Selects cone number 6. Hd, . 0
4 UP ARROW (Press UP ARROW 3 times)
Scroll to display of 15 (Hold Time). Hd, . 15
5ENTER Selects the displayed hold time. IdLE
6OPTIONS Selects options menu. SPd
7 ENTER Selects SPd (speed) option Std
(default is standard)
8 RIGHT ARROW ( Press RIGHT ARROW 2 times)
Scroll to display of F 20 (Speed) F 20
9 ENTER Selects 20% firing speed increase SPd
10 UP ARROW Scroll to display of rEtn (or wait 20 seconds) rEtn
11 ENTER Returns to IdLE mode IdLE
12 STOP/ START Starts the selected cone firing. 0074, (current kiln
temperature)
Note! The actual kiln temperature is displayed during an active firing cycle.
13 -When the active firing cycle is completed. The final CPLt, Final
temperature reached by the kiln will be alternately Temperature
displayed with the CPLt display.
14 STOP/START Acknowledges completion of the completed firing IdLE
cycle and returns to IdLE mode. Also functions
as the Abort (Abrt) during a firing process. Abrt

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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USER Program - using your controller for custom firing programs.
•The Up Arrow increments the value 0 – 9, or scrolls through selections one at a time.
•The Right Arrow shifts editing digit to the right, or scrolls through selections one at a time.
The AutoFire® family of kiln controllers feature 10 segment user programs for custom firing profiles.
Just follow these simple steps: (controller temperature is displayed in °F)
Step Press Description Display
1USER PROGRAM Enters the User Program mode. Allows the entering Usr # (where # is a
of a 'New ' program, or editing of an existing one. value of 1, 2, 3, or 4)
2UP/RIGHT ARROWS Scroll to the desired User Program. USr1, 2, 3, or 4
3ENTER Selects the desired User Program. rA 1, xxxx - where
Displays the first program segment name, Ramp 1 xxxx is the ramp rate
4RIGHT ARROW Selects the digit to be modified. The selected xxxx
digit will flash.
5UP ARROW Scroll the selected digit to the desired value. 0xxx
6 - Repeat steps 4 & 5 till desired value is displayed 0360- ramp of 360°/hr
7 ENTER Stores the new value and displays the next program °F 1 , xxxx - where
segment name, Dwell Temperature (°F 1 or °C 1) xxxx is dwell Temp.
8RIGHT ARROW Selects the digit to be modified. The selected digit flashes xxxx
9UP ARROW Scroll the selected digit to the desired value. 1xxx
10 - Repeat steps 8 & 9 till desired value is displayed 1032 - dwell temp.
of 1032°F
11 ENTER Stores the new value and displays the third program Hd 1, 0.000
segment name, Dwell Time 1 (Hd 1).
12 RIGHT ARROW Selects the digit to be modified. The selected digit 0.000
will flash.
13 UP ARROW Scroll the selected digit to the desired value. 0.120 (2 hour hold)
14 - Repeat steps 11 & 12 till desired value is displayed
15 ENTER Stores new value and displays the next program ramp rA 2, 0000
segment. Skip to Step #17 if no more ramps are desired.
16 Repeat Steps 4-14 for each ramp, dwell temperature, and dwell time desired.
17 STOP/START Acknowledges completion of the completed program IdLE
and stores the current program into memory.
18 STOP/START Starts the current user program just entered xxxx – (current
kiln temperature)
19 STOP/START Aborts firing cycle, if necessary during firing Abrt

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
10
Or acknowledges completion of the firing cycle IdLE
and returns to the main display.
Using a Pre-Programmed USER Program:
After you have stored a custom user program, the controller retains the program in memory for easy recall later.
You may select and run any of the pre-programmed user programs in 4 easy steps.
While the controller is in IdLE mode:
1. Press USER PROGRAM
2. Use the RIGHT ARROW to scroll through the four user programs
3. Press USER PROGRAM again to select the desired user program
4. Press STOP/START to start the program immediately or DELAY START to start later.
The DELAY START allows user to specify in minutes a time to delay before starting the firing. When selecting
this feature, simply press DELAY START and enter into the display the number of minutes of delay time (i.e.
0120 = 2 hours) then press ENTER to store the value. To then start the delay sequence, press STOP/START.
The controller will then display ‘d.ELA’ and the delay time remaining before controller will automatically start.
To review a program without the worry of erasing or deleting any program steps, use the Program Review
Mode. The Program Review Mode under Level One options (refer to page 14) allows for reviewing your user
program without affecting the program entries.
Editing a Pre-Programmed User Program:
Once a user program is stored, it is easy to make a change to the program. Refer to page 9 of this manual (User
Program - using your controller for custom firing programs) for details on how to enter a program.
NOTE! You will need to go through the complete program before pressing STOP/START to re-save the
program, or you will delete part of your program.
In each program segment that does not need changed, you simply press ENTER to advance to the next segment.
When you get to a segment that needs modified, use the arrow keys to edit the value and then ENTER to select it
and advance to the next program segment. If you previously had a 4-ramp program, be sure that you step
through all 4 ramps again until you get to a new ramp segment (rA 5 for this example) before exiting by
pressing STOP/START. It is this easy to make a change to an existing program.
During an active firing you can also edit the user program. Use the steps explained in the previous paragraph
except for pressing STOP/START for finalizing and saving the user program. Instead, once you have made the
changes in the program, continue to press the ENTER through the remaining steps of the program. The
controller will save the changes and return to the active firing at the point in the program prior to entering edit
mode. During the time the controller is in edit mode, the relays will not cycle, therefore do not take more time
then needed to make your changes.
Included in this manual, Appendix A, is a reproducible User Program chart used to help record custom firing
programs. This chart can be used prior to entering a program into the controller to provide a visual copy of
each program sequence.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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Display Reference
The following is a reference guide to the various messages that may be displayed while using your AutoFire®
Kiln Controller:
Display Meaning
0--1 Display Temperatures of both thermocouples (UniTemp™ Models Only)
Abrt Active Firing Cycle Aborted
AInG Factory Use Only
ALAr Kiln Temperature Threshold Alarm (user adjustable)
bAdP Invalid step in User Program
CHG- Change Temperature Units, °F or °C
CPLt Firing Cycle Complete (final temperature reached will alternately be displayed)
CtbL Cone Table - list of Cone Numbers and their bending temperatures (see Appendix B)
d.ELA Delay mode (will alternately display the remaining minutes before start of firing)
°F # Dwell Temperature °F (#: 1-10) - set temperature for controller to ramp to
°C # Dwell Temperature °C (#: 1-10) - set temperature for controller to ramp to
dIFF Temperature Difference between two thermocouples (UniTemp™ Models Only)
ELEC Display Electronics Temperature
Fail Thermocouple failure
‘Fn #’ Vent Fan mode of operation
Hd # Soak Time in minutes (#: 1-10) – set time for controller to hold temperature
HI F Hi Fire (display used when reviewing program during a cone firing)
Id Specify RS-485 Controller Identification Node (number)
IdLE Controller in Idle mode (ready to program or to start a firing)
Lo Program Lock 'On' (Cone Fire and User Program cannot be modified)
Lo F Lo Fire (display used when reviewing program during a cone firing)
LoUn Program Lock Mode (use to secure program settings from being changed)
≡IdF Mid Fire (display used when reviewing program during a cone firing )
≡odl Display Model Number (i.e. 0000 = Plus, 0003 = UniTemp™)
nnnn Factory Use Only
oFSt Cone Offset, allows for adjusting display temperature to match witness cones
P1 Bad Firing, thermocouple opened just prior to loosing power
P2 Temperature Invalid Prior To Power Loss (greater then 255°)
P3 Power Loss Too Long (greater then 60 minutes)
ProG Program Review (use to review active firing program Cone fire or User Program)
rA # Ramp (#: 1-10) (rate per hour of temperature increase/decrease)
rHEo Middle Zone Rheostat adjustment (UniTemp™ Models Only)
rEL Relays 1,2, or 3 (UniTemp™ Models Only)
Ser Display Serial Number
SoFt Display Software Version
Spd Firing Speed (Std or ±40%)
SStP Skip Step (used to advance to next ramp)
tCo Top thermocouple failure (Unitemp)
tC1 Bottom termocouple failure (Unitemp)
tEdE Temperature Deviation (default 100°corresponding alarm is FtH, FtC, HtdE, LtdE)
rEtn Return
tC Select Thermocouple Type K, N, or S
tCnt Factory Use Only
Un Program Lock 'Off', all programs and parameters can be modified
Usr# User Program (#: 1-4)

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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See next page for alarm messages and rest of manual for explanation.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
13
Alarm Reference
The following is a reference guide to the alarm conditions that may be encountered while using your AutoFire®
Kiln Controller (refer to page 20).
[Audible Alarm Only]
Display Meaning
ALAr Kiln Threshold Temperature reached threshold temperature alarm set by user
FtH Fail to Heat - kiln unable to heat at program ramp - temperature is below set-point by deviation
amount*
FtC Fail to Cool - kiln unable to cool at program ramp - temperature is above set-point by deviation
amount*
HtdE High Temperature Deviation - kiln above set-point by deviation amount*
LtdE Low Temperature Deviation - kiln below set-point by deviation amount*
LBAt Low Battery
tC 0 Top Thermocouple has failed during firing (UniTemp™ Models Only)
tC 1 Bottom Thermocouple has failed during firing (UniTemp™ Models Only)
tCdE Thermocouple Deviation Alarm - Factory Set for >60°C (UniTemp™ Models Only)
*temperature deviation alarms occur when the kiln temperature differs from the set-point temperature by the
alarm value. Typically, this is factory set at 100°F (56°C). It is changed through Options (see page 17&18)
[Terminating Alarms]
Display Meaning
FtL Firing Too Long - kiln not increasing in temperature. Temperature increasing at less than 15
OC/hr AND the firing time is 4 hours longer than the program segment
EtH Electronics Too Hot – electronics temperature exceeds 85OC
FAIL Open Thermocouple – thermocouple(s) has failed (opened)
tC01 Both Thermocouples are 'open' in IdLE mode (UniTemp™ Models Only)
PLOG Diagnostic tests to determine if controller operating properly
‘To reset PLOG error, press ‘ENTER’, refer to page 22 for additional details.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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OPTIONS AVAILABLE
There are two levels of options available through the OPTIONS key. These enable the user to access additional
firing features. Level 1 contains more frequently used options. These can be entered during either the idle mode
(indicated by display flashing ldLE) or during an active firing cycle. Level 2 options are not used as often (these
are described beginning on page 17). Not all options are available during a firing.
Level 1 Options
Display Option Meaning
Spd [Speed] Slows down or speeds up firing for cone programs
ProG [Program Review] Review selected program before or during a firing
oFSt [Cone Offset] Adjusts firing temperature to match witness cones
CtbL [Cone Table] List of cone bending temperatures used in CONE FIRE
ALAr [Kiln Threshold Temperature] Sets an alarm to sound when controller reaches the set
point temperature and displays AlAr
FAn* [Vent Fan] Sets the Vent Fan to on or off
dIFF [Temperature Difference] Displays the temperature difference between top
and bottom thermocouples (UniTemp™ only)
rEtn [Return] Returns to idle or run mode
SStP [Skip Step] Allows adjustment to next program ramp
* if enabled on controller and kiln wired for vent fan control
To enter the Level 1 Options follow these steps:
Step Press Description Display
1OPTIONS Enters the Level 1 Options mode. The first SPd
option is displayed.
2UP ARROW/ Scroll through available Level 1 options xxxx
RIGHT ARROW
3ENTER Enables editing of currently displayed option xxxx
4 UP ARROW/ View parameter(s) for selected option xxxx
RIGHT ARROW
5ENTER To exit viewing/editing of current parameters xxxx
Repeat steps 2 – 5 to continue viewing/editing options
Where xxxx, is one of the level 1 options available, or the associated parameters.
Controller will automatically return to IdLE or run mode after 20 seconds of inactivity IdLE

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SPd - Firing Speed Default Setting: Std
The SPd feature adjusts how fast the kiln fires to compensate for the load in the kiln. Adjustments are made to
the normal firing programs (refer to pg. 25 - Preset Cone Firing Programs). Slow settings can be used for heavy
loads and the fast settings for light loads. Speed is applied only to increasing ramps and not to dwells (soaks).
Speed does not apply to the last ramp of a cone firing. Firing Speed can only be modified during program setup,
not during an active firing cycle. The Firing Speed choices are given below:
Display Description
Std Standard cone firing program
S 10 Slow; increase firing time by 10%; decrease firing rate by 10%
S 20 Slow; increase firing time by 20%; decrease firing rate by 20%
S 30 Slow; increase firing time by 30%; decrease firing rate by 30%
S 40 Slow; increase firing time by 40%; decrease firing rate by 40%
F 10 Fast; decrease firing time by 10%; increase firing rate by 10%
F 20 Fast; decrease firing time by 20%; increase firing rate by 20%
F 30 Fast; decrease firing time by 30%; increase firing rate by 30%
F 40 Fast; decrease firing time by 40%; increase firing rate by 40%
NOTE: The Firing Speed adjustment is a permanent change to be applied to all future firings
unless reset by user. This setting does not automatically reset itself. This feature is different from the earlier
versions (prior to 0030), where Firing Speed Adjustments were reset to Standard after each firing.
ProG - Program Review
The ProG feature enables the user to review the current firing cycle of a preset cone program or a user program.
The user cannot change the program while in this option. When selected, the option defaults to the current
program segment.
For preset cone programs, Program Review alternately displays the preset cone number and the corresponding
cone deformation temperature at the 108°F/hr rate (60°C/hr).
SStP - Skip Step
The SStP feature allows the user to end a hold or a ramp during an active firing cycle and skip to the next
program ramp. This is useful if a user wants to watch the firing to visually decide when to make a change, such
as when glass is slumped. The Skip Step applies to User programs only and not to the preset cone fire
programs.
If the current step is a ramp then it will skip to the next ramp step and continue to ramp at the new rate.
If the current step is a dwell then it will skip to the next ramp step and continue to ramp to the next temperature.
If the current step is a ramp recovery step (after power loss, recovering to the prior dwell temperature), then it
will skip to the next dwell step and dwell at the current temperature for the remainder of the unfinished dwell
time.

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oFSt - Cone Offset Default Setting: 0°°C, 0°°F
The oFSt feature enables the user to adjust or calibrate the preset cone programs, without changing to a
different cone number. This is useful when the kiln does not properly bend the desired witness cone. This is
common when using Type K thermocouples that drift with repeated firings. It is common for the kiln to be
hotter than shown on the display. This feature may also be useful to compensate for the location and condition
of the thermocouple.
The Cone Offset or calibration feature allows the operator to specify a different temperature offset for each the
three preset cone programs. This may be necessary since the same offset needed for a low temperature firing
may not work for a higher temperature firing. The offset is applied to the appropriate preset cone programs, not
to user programs.
The user must first select the preset cone program (Lo Fire, Mid Fire, or Hi Fire) by selecting a Cone
Number before assigning a Cone Offset.
Cone Offset is then selected from the following list:
Setting (°°F) Setting (°°C) Description
0 F 0 C No adjustment in heatwork
5 F 3 C Increases heatwork
10 F 6 C Increases heatwork
15 F 8 C Increases heatwork
20 F 11 C Increases heatwork
-6 F -3 C Decreases heatwork
-13 F -7 C Decreases heatwork
-26 F -14 C Decreases heatwork
-38 F -21 C Decreases heatwork
The Cone Offset adjustment is a permanent change to be applied to all future firings when the preset cone
program (Lo Fire, Mid Fire, or Hi Fire) is selected. The value is saved in memory. Each preset cone
program can have its own unique Cone Offset.
CtbL - Cone Table Default Setting: 06
The CtbL (Cone Table) feature allows the user to determine the deformation temperature corresponding to a
selected cone number. Deformation temperatures are for a 60°C/hour (108°F/hour) rate. The default is cone
06. It is changed using the arrow keys.
ALAr - Kiln Temperature Threshold Alarm Default Setting: 32°°F or 0°°C
(disabled)
The ALAr feature enables the user to specify a kiln temperature at which an alarm will be sounded and
displayed. The alarm occurs when the kiln temperature is equal to or greater than the programmed kiln
threshold temperature. It remains active until the user acknowledges the alarm by pressing the ENTER key.
The alarm is disabled when 0000 is set in the display.

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FAn - Vent Fan Operation
The FAn feature is enabled by the factory, and is only available when the controller has been pre-wired to
permit a kiln vent to be turned on or off as part of the firing cycle. There are five modes of operation:
Off – fan is always off during firing
On – fan is always on during the firing
OptA – fan is on at 100 OF and off at 1450OF during heating
fan on at 1000OF and off at 300OF during cooling
OptB – fan on when 100 OF reached during heating and
off when 300 OF reached during cooling
Fn # – 4th segment of a USER program where vent fan is set for on or off
For more information on how to program and use the vent fan feature, see Appendix D
dIFF - Temperature Differential
(UniTemp™ Model Only)
The dIFF feature enables the user to display the temperature difference between the top thermocouple and the
bottom thermocouple used with AutoFire® UniTemp™ Models. This feature is useful in determining
temperature uniformity within a kiln during a firing.
rEtn - Return
The rEtn (Return) feature is used to exit the options mode and return to the IdLE or run display.

AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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Level 2 Options
Level 2 Options provide the user with access to many additional and useful features of the controller. Most
users will not use these options very often, if ever. Level 2 Options are accessed through the OPTIONS key,
either when the controller is in Idle mode, or during an active firing cycle. UniTemp™ options are only available
for their respective models and will not be displayed on a Plus or Pro model.
Level 2 Options include the following:
Display Option Meaning
CHG- [Change Temperature Units] Change temperature units from °F or °C
tC [Select Thermocouple Type] Select a different thermocouple type (Type K, N, S)
Id [Specify RS-485 Node ID] Assign an number from 0 to 15 to the controller
tEdE [Specify Alarm Value] Select temperature deviation for FtH, FtC, LtdE
and HtdE alarms
rEL [Specify Number of Relays] Input the number of relays for UniTemp™ controller
rHEo [Specify Middle Rheostat] Adjust power to middle zone of UniTemp™ controller
0--1 [Thermocouple Temperatures] Displays top and bottom thermocouple temperatures
with a UniTemp™ controller
AInG [Diagnostic Tool] Factory Use only
tCnt [Diagnostic Tool] Factory Use only
nnnn [Diagnostic Tool] Factory Use Only
ELEC [Electronics Temperature] Displays temperature of the electronics
LoUn [Program Lock] Lock or Unlock the current program.
=odl [Display Model Number] Displays the controller model number
SoFt [Display Software Version] Displays the version of the control software
Ser [Display Serial Number] Displays the serial number of the controller
rEtn [Return] Return to idle or run mode
To enter the Level 2 Options mode follow these steps:
Step Press Description Display
1OPTIONS Enters the Basic Options mode. SPd
2 UP ARROW Scroll to the Return (rEtn) Option. rEtn
3OPTIONS Enters the Level Two Options mode. The first CHG-
option is displayed.
4UP ARROW/ Scroll through available Level Two options xxxx
RIGHT ARROW
5ENTER Enables editing of currently displayed option xxxx
6 UP ARROW/ View parameter(s) for selected option xxxx
RIGHT ARROW
7ENTER To exit viewing/editing of current parameters xxxx
Repeat steps 4 – 7 to continue viewing/editing options
Where xxxx, is one of the level 1 options available, or the associated parameters.
Controller automatically returns to IdLE or run mode after 20 seconds of inactivity IdLE
CHG- - Change Temperature Units Default Setting: °°F
The CHG- feature enables the user to change the temperature units between degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and degrees
Centigrade (°C). The selected setting is saved in memory. When °C is selected, the right-most decimal point on
the display is lit.