AutoFire® Kiln Controller User’s Guide
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REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL
Each AutoFire® Kiln Controller has a serial communications capability to allow for remote control and
monitoring from a personal computer. The Orton ControlMaster software package enables the user to
control and monitor up to 16 kilns or furnaces simultaneously from a remote personal computer. The file can be
saved so that a temperature graph or table can be generated after the firing.
ControlMaster is an easy to use Window®-based software package. It is compatible with any industry
standard, IBM-compatible personal computer and Microsoft Windows 3.1, 3.11, or 95/98. Connections
between individual controllers and the computer are made using twisted pair telephone cable. If more than one
AutoFire® controller is to be connected, the cable is connected between controllers and then to the computer.
Only one wire cable is run from the kiln room to the computer, where input is made through the computer’s RS-
232 port. Most home centers and hardware stores stock this telephone cable and connectors. Communications
are made using RS-485 protocol, therefore, a Windows®-compatible, signal-powered RS-232 to RS-485
converter is needed to connect the cable from the kilns to the RS-232 port of a computer. Orton offers a
converter suitable for use with ControlMaster. Order Orton part number C1 25001. An introductory copy of
ControlMaster LT is available free from Orton. There is a $5.00 charge for shipping and handling. This is
a fully functional, less featured version of the software package that permits programming and monitoring of
AutoFire® controllers from a personal computer. Contact Orton for more information on this software and its
use
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