3
Definition of a Segment
A segment is the most basic part of a firing. A segment in
-
cludes a target temperature and a heating rate to reach that
temperature. Shown in diagram A is a segment with a target
temperature of 750°.
Firing rate is figured in degrees of temperature per hour.
Since the temperature above takes two hours to reach 750°,
the rate is 750 ÷2 = 375° per hour.
Diagram B below shows three rates. A rate of 1000° will
reach 1000° in 1 hour. A rate of 500° will reach 1000° in 2
hours. A rate of 333° will reach 1000° in 3 hours.
Diagram A: a single segment.
Diagram B: Rate is degrees per hour. This diagram shows 3 rates.
Diagram C: a single segment with hold.
General Guidelines
Thermocouple Inspection
The small rod protruding into the firing chamber is the
temperature sensor, or thermocouple.
Caution: Bumping the thermocouple can push it
out of the firing chamber. This could cause an
overfire! The controller does not contain an alarm to
detect this type of failure.
■
A 1/8” diameter thermocouple should extend into the fir
-
ing chamber ½” - 5/8”.
■
A ¼” diameter thermocouple should extend into the fir
-
ing chamber 1” or more.
■
Keep shelves, posts and ware 1”-1½”away from the
thermocouple.
How to Get IdLE to Display
Operations begin from IdLE . You can’t fire the kiln until
IdLE appears in the display window.
■
If
CPLt , SToP , or other message appears instead of
IdLE when the kiln is first turned on, press the
START/STOP key (the key with the circular arrow).
IdLE will appear.
■
If you press START/STOP during a firing, SToP will ap-
pear. To get back to IdLE , press START/STOP again.
■
If the display shows an error message such as FAIL in-
stead of IdLE , see page 6.
■
CPLt (firing completed) appears at the end of a firing.
To make IdLE appear, press START/STOP.
Firing Modes: Single Segment
and Ramp-Hold
There are two ways to fire the Sentry Xpress:
■
Single Segment Choose one of five firing speeds.
Then enter the temperature you are firing to.
■
Ramp-Hold This method includes four “segments.”
Use the Single Segment firing method for simple firings.
Reasons to use the more complex Ramp-Hold mode:
■
To use more than one firing rate. An example: firing at a
fast rate and then slowing down near the end to avoid a
temperature over-shoot.
■
To hold, or maintain, a temperature for a period of time,
at some point below the target temperature.
■
To cool at a controlled rate.
Program Review
With Program Review, you can check that the correct rate,
temperature, etc. are entered. It is a good habit to do this be
-
fore every firing. See “How to Repeat a Firing,” next page.
■
Program Review during firing: press the Down ar
-
row key. The rate, temperature, hold, etc. will display one
after the other. Firing will continue.
■
Program Review from IdLE: press the Down arrow
key. After rate, temperature, hold, etc., Strt will appear.
Press the Down arrow again. IdLE will appear.
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