Kiln dies after every PMC firing

sparrow · July 19, 2009, 06:23:12 PM

Wasn't sure how to title this...my Paragon Caldera died after I did a PMC firing.....relay wouldn't click, it said thermocouple failure. We took it apart, put it back together...it was fine for 2-3 beadie sessions. This morning did a pmc firing, wanted to do beads tonight...lo' and behold, it's dead again. Hubby thinks it needs a new relay...any advice? it's about 18 months old...... $:-\$

Sarah · July 19, 2009, 06:48:33 PM

Hi Sabine

I would have a word with Rob at silverclay.co.uk - I found him very helpful whwn I had a problem with my SC2.

The only thing I can think is that there is something in your PMC cycle the kiln doesn't like - maybe it isn't coping with a high ramp speed for instance?

Hope you get it sorted

Sarah

sparrow · July 19, 2009, 07:02:13 PM

Thanks Sarah, we took it apart & put it back together again, and it's firing up happily again...I do ramp on 'full' for PMC, but I think other people ramp on 'full' for generic beadie sessions....? Anyways, we'll try a new relay, I'll try ramping a bit slower, and if that doesn't sort it, I'll call the cavalry

ejralph · July 20, 2009, 07:47:13 AM

I think ramping full on to that temp is a little much for your Toasty.

When I do Art Clay firings, I tend to ramp up over an hour to the temp required and my caldera hasn't misbehaved at that.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Emma

sparrow · July 20, 2009, 08:30:48 AM

Thanks Emma, I'll change it

Trudi · July 20, 2009, 08:39:19 AM

Got to admit - i tried to ramp my SC2 once on full and it just overshot!

ejralph · July 29, 2009, 11:40:59 AM

So, did it work ok on a slower ramp up?

Emma

Bluebottle · July 29, 2009, 11:56:17 AM

Quote from: sparrow on July 19, 2009, 07:02:13 PM
Thanks Sarah, we took it apart & put it back together again, and it's firing up happily again...I do ramp on 'full' for PMC, but I think other people ramp on 'full' for generic beadie sessions....? Anyways, we'll try a new relay, I'll try ramping a bit slower, and if that doesn't sort it, I'll call the cavalry

Just a thought

is there an overheat trip built into the kiln that would shut it off for a while

Mike

sparrow · July 29, 2009, 11:58:41 AM

Not checked that Mike, thanks! And I haven't done a PMC firing since, so couldn't check the slow ramp (and am too lazy/scroogy to do a run with nought in't kiln)

Dragonfire Glass · September 14, 2009, 06:11:34 PM

Did you sort the problem Sabine?
My kiln is displaying tlc which apparently is a problem with the thermocouple, either lag or failure.