Controllers for Kilns
3 Key Pad Digital Controller
The Sentry Express, the latest generation control system. The ulitmate in convenience, digital controllers blow "infinite" control dial models away. Paragon digital controllers are fully featured and capable units:
- Single-Speed mode is quick and easy for simple firings that need only one speed fired to one temperature. Choose from five speeds, and enter the temperature.
- Ramp-Hold mode lets you program custom firings with up to 8 steps, or segments. Fire thick, large glass pieces such as bowls and platters. Slow the cooling through the annealing range. Trade firing “recipes” with friends.
- Skip Segment skips past a segment during Ramp-Hold firing without having to stop the kiln to reprogram.
- Hold (soak) maintains a specific temperature in both Single-Speed and Ramp-Hold modes. Use hold to give you greater control of the final stage in fusing or slumping.
- Add Hold Time during firing in either mode without having to stop the kiln to reprogram.
- Change Target Temperature in Ramp-Hold during firing without having to stop the kiln to reprogram.
- Program Review lets you check that the program you are about to fire is correct.
- Temperature Alarm can be programmed to sound when the kiln reaches a specific temperature. Set the alarm to remind yourself to check the kiln before the expected shutoff time so that you can watch the glass as it reaches its perfect stage of fusing.
- Storage Memory Ramp-Hold mode can store 4 programs.
- Delay can be set to turn on the kiln later to suit your schedule.
- Temperature Display throughout firing and cooling in your choice of °F or °C
- Thermocouple Offset adjusts the thermocouple readout.
- Instruction Manual is written in plain English. This colorful, illustrated manual will guide you through each step.
- Quick Start Guide shows programming instructions for both firing modes. Place it on the wall near your kiln for easy reference.
- Error Messages report mechanical problems such as a disconnected thermocouple, stuck relay, temporary power failure during firing, or a broken element.
- 12-Month Warranty
- LED Lights show whether you are in program, review, or firing mode.
- Quick Release Connectors on the back of the controller permit fast removal without tools.
Full Manual On Operation of Controller
Quick Start Guide, Including videoes on how to use the 3 key controller.
| Volts/Amps | Price | ||
 |
5557 | 120 Volts 15 Amps |
List Price: $604 Our Price: $483  |
| |
5558 | 120 Volts 20 Amps |
List Price: $604 Our Price: $483 |
12 Key Pad Digital Controller
The new
TNFII latest generation control system. For convenience, order a digital controller. The Paragon digital controller will do 15 things:
- Temperature Display throughout firing and cooling in your choice of °F or °C
- Firing Cost Enter the cost of electricity and kiln amperage in Options. After the kiln fires to completion, press the 8 key for the cost of electricity to fire that load.
- Rate At the factory, we can configure a controller for you to show rate as degrees of temperature change per hour (the default), degrees of temperature change per minute, or elapsed time needed to reach a temperature.
- Stop/Back Key goes back one step with each key press during programming. Use this feature to correct programming errors.
- Add Time Key adds five minutes to a temperature hold with each key press during firing. Helpful for glass with holds.
- Program Review lets you check that the program you are about to fire is correct.
- Audible Temperature Alarm to remind yourself to close a vented lid or to check the kiln near firing completion.
- 30 Month Warranty
- Thermocouple Selection The Sentry 2.0 can operate types K, S or R thermocouples.
- Error Messages report mechanical problems such as a disconnected thermocouple, bad voltage, temperature deviation.
- 14 Segment Display is easier to read than the previous 7 segment.
- Program Safety Lock for the program in active memory. Gives you peace of mind.
- Delay Fire Set the time that the firing is to start. The kiln will turn on at that time.
- LED Lights show when the relays are powered.
- Quick Release Molex Connectors permit fast removal of the controller. Replacing the Sentry 2.0 or Sentry Xpress takes only minutes.
Also a list of more detailed features!
| Volts | Amps | Price | |
| TNF12015 | 110-120 volts | 15 Amps | List Price: $720 Our Price: $576 |
| TNF12020 | 110-120 volts | 20 Amps | List Price: $720 Our Price: $576 |
| TNF24020 | 220-240 volts | 20 Amps | List Price: $720 Our Price: $576 |
| TNF24030 | 220-240 volts | 30 Amps | List Price: $810 Our Price: $648 |
| TNF24050 | 220-240 volts | 50 Amps | List Price: $930 Our Price: $744 |
Dial Controller
Stand alone ICS control switch - 110 to 120 volts, 15 ampsSimply plug any kiln into this controller and then plug this controller in a standard wall socket. The type of controller is an ICS, Infinite Control switch. (Not a rheostat type device) This means when you set it at say 50%, the power will be on half the time and off the other half of the time. When the power is flowing it is flowing at full power. It works with all 120 volt HotGlass brand Kilns. Although most HotGlass brand kilns already come with this type of control switch.
List Price - $91
Our Regular Low Price PCB1 - $84
Use this PCB-1 only if you have a kiln without any controller like the Quick Fire or Rapid Fire brand kilns. How to use a PCB1 or ICS control switch. A pyrometer is required if you want to:
- Read the temperature of a kiln.
- Hold the kiln at a particular temperature.
When you want to set your kiln at a particular temperature, set the dial at any setting, say 3. Wait an hour and then read the temperature of the kiln. Make a note what the kiln temperature will be at that setting of 3. If you require a higher temperature, set the dial at a higher setting. Wait a half hour and read the new temperature. Continue this process, adjusting the dial up or down until you arrive at your desired temperature. Next time you need that temperature, you will know exactly where to set your dial. Dial settings will vary between cold and hot days. This type of control takes some babysitting. If this type of control system will not work for you than we recommend the full digital controller below.
Pyrometers
Digital Pyrometers - Reads Kiln Temperature
Pyrometer with standard thermocouple wire pictured on left.Pyrometer with heavy duty thermocouple pictured on right.
Heavy duty thermocouple is a good thing although it does not have as fast of a response time which is usually not a big deal for us glass workers. Very accurate. These Digital Pyrometers are much more accurate than the above Analog PA1 pyrometers. It is important to set your kiln to the proper temperature for annealing! Thermocouple wire included. Battery included. Do not let the thermocouple wire touch a live heating element wire. Pyrometer includes a 36" long thermocouple.
| Order# | Description | List Price | Our Regular Price | Our SALE Price |
| 7770 | Digital Pyrometer - Reads to 2000° F. - supplied with the Standard Thermocouple wire 2242T | $59 | $49 | Buy 1-
$44 Buy 2 or more-$39.60
Qty:
|
| 7771 | Digital Pyrometer - Reads to 2000° F. - supplied with Ceramic covered heavy duty thermocouple wire that is rated to 2400° F (remember the Pyrometer reads to only 2000 Deg F) | $69 | $59 | Buy 1-$54 Buy 2 or more-$48.60
Qty:
|
| 2242T | Replacement
Thermocouple. Good to 2000° F. This will
plug directly into many style pyrometers including the 7770 and 7771.
The insulation at the end of the wire will normally burn away but will
not affect performance.
Not a durable thermocouple with a limited life.
|
$9 | $9 |
|
| 2244T | Replacement
Thermocouple. A durable Ceramic covered heavy gauge wire
thermocouple.
Good to 2400°F. This will plug directly into many style pyrometers
including the 7770 and 7771 |
$19 | $19 |
The tip of the thermocouple wire may eventually break. There are two wires in the thermocouple welded at the end. Carefully inspect to see if the two wires are disconnected. If it is disconnected, either: Order a replacement thermocouple, or if you have the ability and the equipment, weld the ends together with your torch. It"s a little tricky.
| Order# | Description | List Price | Our Regular Price | Our SALE Price |
| 2242T | Replacement Thermocouple.
This will plug directly into many style pyrometers.
For the 7773 pyrometer, you would need to get the adaptor #2243T
shown below. |
$9 | $9
|
|
| 2243T | Adaptor
and Replacement Thermocouple
for the 7773 pyrometer - once you have the adaptor, then you can
order just the 2242T |
$24.95 | $24.95 |
Installing your pyrometer
If you want your pyrometer somewhere else next to your kiln, simply drill a small hole through the soft fire brick for your thermocouple wire. Remember, your pyrometer is going to read the temperature where the tip of the thermocouple wire is, so put it close to where you glass will be
