Always happens on a day when you have loads of commissions to complete doesn't it?
Now maybe I have been overworking my kiln over the last couple of weeks with the move to the shedio, but have been happily using my Maxine most days without any problem. Today I went back to the shedio after breakfast and found Error5 message on my programmer (to which, in the accompanying book, there does not seem to be a solution offered). The kiln temp was at 632. I opened the doors and let it cool down and switched off at the plug. I then retried a couple of times but the same thing was still happening. So, thinking all was not lost, I unpacked my brand new bead cube and set that up with the controller. It happily reached 522 and then carried on going up and then Error5 message appeared again. I have switched everything off and will use the fibre blanket for today. Is there any solution to this - or do you think there is a problem with the controller? I have emailed Lee with the same message but wondered if anyone here could help?
Otherwise it's back to the fibre blanket and no big beads today!
Thanks
Kazx
Can't help but I had exactly the same message on my beadcube last night and it was sounding an alarm.
It had gone up to 570 something, so I am guessing that it must be an overheat thing.
I turned it off, back on again, had door open for a bit and it then went ok, but it did have me worried so would be interested in answers to this one myself.
Sam
Yikes!
The only time I ever had a problem with my Maxi overheating was when I hadn't put the latch down over the door handle so the alarm kept going off - but that's clearly not your problem here.
I'm sorry I can't help Kaz, typical it should happen when Kilncare are closed too :(
Hi Kaz
Oh that is so frustrating.
Have you tried running a different program? And is it worth reprogramming to see if that helps?
Sarah
xxx
Hi all
Lee's dad -the lovely Brian - has just phoned me. Going through the diagnosis on the phone with him it seems there is a problem with the relay switch in the controller. He is going to try and sort for me this weekend if possible. They are so great to deal with! Will keep you posted - otherwise I may be begging a batch anneal!
Kazx
Quote from: Kaz on December 05, 2009, 01:14:24 PM
Hi all
Lee's dad -the lovely Brian - has just phoned me.
Now that's what I call customer service ;D
There are some companies that provide good customer service.
Then, there are a few that provide excellent customer service.
And, then there is Kilncare whose service is totally exceptional and in a league of its own.
Brian came all the way from Stoke this afternoon with a brand new replacement controller which Lee had pre-programmed for me. From diagnosing the problem on the phone, it became clear that I had the one controller that was the exception to the rule and the relay switch inside had stuck -hence over heating.
I now have a happy kiln and hopefully can make my commission orders this evening.
Sam - I spoke to Brian about yours overshooting and he thinks it is because the beadcube has a slight tendency to overshoot, but if you have any problems with it to get in contact with him or Lee and they will sort it out.
I am totally gobsmacked by the complete loveliness of these guys!
Kazx
I feel like buying a beadcube/maxine just so that I can be serviced by these lovely menfolk ;D ::) 8)
Quote from: julieHB on December 05, 2009, 03:53:58 PM
I feel like buying a beadcube/maxine just so that I can be serviced by these lovely menfolk ;D ::) 8)
Julie!!!! :o Too much information for a Saturday afternoon!!! ;D
Meant to say the beadcube has a slight tendency to overshoot if it is ramped up very quickly. No doubt Lee will post to explain what I mean - me being a kiln numpty who had to have it programmed before it arrived!!!
Kazx
Great to have you sorted Kaz.
I agree that we do more than most but being humble here...circumstances always help and it just happened that you are only 30 miles up the road and Brain was at a loose end ;D Had you have been in Hastings or Glasgow I don't think he would have jumped in his Volvo so quickly ;D but we would have still sorted it as quickly as possible.
This is the first KCR1 I can remember with this problem, in fact they have been astonishingly reliable with only a couple of failed units out of all those sold.
It does also help that they are British built and we have bags of them in stock, so problems should always be quickly sorted.
As for you Sam, well, yes, it is true that the Bead Cube is a quick little fella and can overshoot sometimes under certain circumstances, but your description of what happened leads me to think we may need to investigate a little further. Probably nothing in it but lets put our minds at rest.
Give me a call on Monday or whenever it suits and we will go through it.
Cheers.
Lee
Quote from: Kaz on December 05, 2009, 03:33:06 PM
There are some companies that provide good customer service.
Then, there are a few that provide excellent customer service.
And, then there is Kilncare whose service is totally exceptional and in a league of its own.
And that's why I bought one too. And they're British. Glad you got it sorted Kaz.
Lee
Thanks will call you later today, thanks.
this is why we buy from Kilncare the later part of their name being the point CARE.
I have some neighbours who have just got really into pottery etc and are looking at kilns and I keep telling them to come to Kilncare.
Purely and simply down to customer service levels.
I make them a priority in my business and like to deal with others who do the same!