Cress Kiln Controllers
Cress
features Bartlett Controller on their kilns. The 24 key
Controller is used on larger and more expensive ceramic and glass
kilns. The 3 key controller is preferred on smaller kilns,
where a
lower cost system is the priority. Both controllers can fire Ceramics (cone fire) and
Glass (ramp-hold/vary-fire) in a fully electronic, completely automated
way.
The
KilnSitter is the simple, classic termination-of-firing device that is controlled
by a deforming pyrometric cone inside the kiln. The FX Controller
is a Cress-custom device, based on the KilnSitter, which includes the
addition of timers and switches to add a level of heat control to the
kiln. (This is an older design with most people preferring the
modern 24 Key Electronic Controller instead.)
24 Key Model 3K (3-Key)
KilnSitter FX Controller
Pyrometer
Cress
24-Key Electronic Controller
This
Controller is based on the Bartlett Instrument Company's V6-CF fifth generation kiln controller.
This controller is compatible with Type K, S, or R thermocouples, operates on a °F or °C
Temperature Scale, features Delay Start, Alarms, error reporting/codes and
transitioning from cone fire to ramp/hold programming. Advanced features of the
controller include 3-zone control
(when configured)
The
controller operates in two modes: Ceramic Cone-Fire, and Vary-Fire (Ramp/Hold).
Ceramic
Cone-Fire Mode
With cone-fire method, you select 1 of the 4 firing speeds and your cone number, and you're firing your ceramics with as few as 6 key presses! It's
easy to program, ensures correct heat-work for each cone number and firing rate and
4 firing speeds (Slow Bisque, Fast Bisque, Slow Glaze, Fast Glaze)
Vary-Fire
(Ramp/Hold)
The vary-fire method gives you the freedom to create
and store up to six, 8-step user programs to fire your ceramics, crystalline glazes, glass or jewelry. Other features include delay start, preheat, alarm, cone adjustments, thermocouple adjustments, °F or °C operation, 16 segment program, and skip step.
8 segments per program (each segment has a ramp rate to a temperature, and a soak period)
User can combine User programs 5 and 6 to get a 16 segment program)
3-Key Controller
Has the
same major functions as the 24 key controller (above).
More repetitive programming method required (pressing/holding arrow key
to change a setting, instead of directly typing in a number).
Lacks a few features (such as zone control, Type S TC, offset features). Smaller,
lower cost package.
Features
of the Model 3K (3-Key)
- Cone Fire
Programming
- 8 Step Ramp-Hold Programming
- Combined Jewelry Burn-Out / 4 Segment
- 5-Speed 1 Segment
- 4 Segment Vary Fire
- Combined 5-Speed / 4 Segment
Other Features:
- Delay Start
- View Segment
- Review
- Review to Redi-to-Fire
- Skip Step
- Add Time
- Add Temperature
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User manual Auto-Cone manual
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KilnSitter
The
KilnSitter is not as flexible in firing or programming as either of the
electronic controllers on this page. However the KilnSitter is a
good low-cost alternative for ceramic firing.
For
Ceramics
The KilnSitter
is designed to stop the firing process once your kiln has achieved the
desired amount of heat work. Heat work is defined as the combined effect
of both time and temperature related to the firing of ceramic ware.
Utilizing a small standard Orton cone or bar, the KilnSitter switch
will disengage and break the power supply to the kilns heating elements
when the cone reaches its equivalent heat work temperature.
The
KilnSitter Model AC-20 is supplied with an electrically powered
synchronous timer that the operator sets to the estimated time (hours)
needed to complete the desired firing. If a malfunction were to occur
with the cone or bar the timer will shut the kiln off when it times out
without regard for the cone or bar. The timer is provided as a backup
to reduce the likelihood of damage to your kiln from over
firing.
The
AUTO-CONE® requires very little maintenance but may need an occasional
adjustment. With proper care and maintenance your AUTO-CONE® should
provide you with many years of trouble free service. Replacement parts
such as the tube assembly, cone supports or sensing rod are available
to extend the operating life of your AUTOCONE®. Frequency of
replacement depends on the type of firing, type of clay used, proper
venting and the moisture content of the pieces being fired.
FX Controller
The Cress
Firemate (FX) Controller has been patented in 16 countries for its
unique control system, which gradually increases power to the kiln
heating elements throughout the firing process. (The FX Controller
was invented to provide a greater level of automated firing control than
just the KilnSitter itself. This was prior to the availability of
the 24 Key electronic controller, above). Although the FX
controller is it still purchased by some customers, the 24 Key
electronic controller is a superior control device.
Here is
How it works...
FIREMATE SPEED CONTROL:
This control causes a motor to advance the
“thumbwheel” at different speeds. It allows you to increase or decrease the rate of
temperature climb in order to fire at a speed appropriate for the ware being fired.
The normal speed is “A” for everything, unless you desire an extra slow firing for very special work.
Some handmade pieces are fired more safely at the slower firing modes (“D” or “E”).
THUMBWHEEL: This is a percentage of power control that increases power to the
elements. The thumbwheel works in conjunction with the Firemate Speed Control.
First choose an automatic speed setting (“A” through “E”) (“A” is the fastest or normal speed to
“E” that is the slowest automatic firing speed) is selected on the Speed Control.
Then set the Thumbwheel to “1” to start firing. The thumbwheel will then advance the kiln power
automatically. If the Speed Control is set to “Stop Manual”, the thumbwheel must be
advanced manually. The Thumbwheel increases power to the elements to provide a gradual
temperature climb. When the Thumbwheel is at “1”- the percentage of on to off-time power is
applied to the elements is approximately 25% on and 75% off. At “5” it is 55% on and 45%
off. The thumbwheel stops advancing automatically when 100% power is achieved. 100% power is reached when the
thumbwheel is at between “8” and “10” on the dial
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Pyrometer
A device
for measuring and displaying the temperature inside the kiln. It
does not control the firing in any way, it only displays the temperature.
It is composed of a display meter (either digital or analog) and a
temperature sensing device called a thermocouple, and well as special
thermocouple connecting wire. |
