[Orton Autofire Slide "Thermocouple Response" Error]

Hi folks,

So I finally pulled the trigger on an Orton Autofire Slide single-zone controller for my L&L J230. I've attempted my first 06 bisque firing with it today but keep getting an error saying "Thermocouple response" and it aborts the firing after about 10 minutes, at around 200 degrees. Here's a little info:

I set it with an 8 hour preheat last night, as some of the pieces weren't bone dry. All switches on high, and all lights for each section of kiln were turning off and on as they should. Downdraft vent on the whole time.

Checked this morning and had an error saying "Failed to heat". Temp was showing about 200 degrees. I did have the lid propped and the peeps out for the first part of the firing, so thought that may have contributed to it not heating as it should. Closed lid and plugged the peep holes. Restarted the firing, and started getting the "Thermocouple Response" error and the firings aborting after about 8-10 minutes.

Went to inspect the thermocouple from the outside and noticed I may have made a really stupid mistake. Apparently one of the chains that are attached to the side of the kiln and the lid to keep the lid from opening too far had laid across the thermocouple terminals (not something I'd even thought about, but will be sure to check for in the future!). Hoping this was the issue I tried restarting the firing again, but no change. Snugged down the wires to the thermocouple but still no change. I'm concerned I may have damaged the thermocouple or potentially shorted something out with the chain. It still seems to be reading the temperature of the kiln, so hopefully this isn't the case.

Any thoughts or input as to how I might diagnose and resolve this issue? I'll probably try to call Orton in the morning, but I'm on a super tight deadline to get these pieces ready for this weekend, so if I can get this firing done tonight it would be great. I guess I can always just use the kiln sitter but it would be nice to not have to babysit the kiln all night. Thank you very much in advance!

 

[First firing for rebuilt kiln: Fire as new kiln or just as new elements?]

Hello again,

Thanks for all the info with setting up my kiln. Just about done with installing my downdraft kiln vent and hope to do a first test fire in the next few days. The kiln is a rebuilt L&L J230, and I'm wondering if I should fire it as a brand new kiln, which L&L recommends firing to cone 5, or just firing it like if the elements had just been replaced, which from what I've been able to come up with is cone 05? It looks like there are maybe a few new bricks and several repaired ones, but the majority are used. Lid and base are definitely used. Elements are new and shiny. It's currently just manual/kiln sitter (hope to upgrade that soon). Slightly different topic, but it looks there there is either a layer of kiln wash, or maybe cement on the top row of bricks. I don't know if this is normal, or if maybe the person that built it for me did that to just help protect the bricks. Couldn't find anything online about that.  Thanks for the help!

[Patching small holes in kiln bricks]

Thanks for the info. I'll prob give the clay/kiln wash a shot as a temporary bandaid and then do something more permanent next time I order some supplies. Would refractory cement, like for a fireplace work OK, or should I stick with something more kiln-specific?

[Patching small holes in kiln bricks]

Hi folks,

I'm in the process of setting up my new to me, rebuilt L&L kiln. I noticed that there are 3 small (maybe 1/8"-3/16") holes in the bottom of the kiln. I'm guessing maybe from a downdraft system, but they're pretty widely spread out, maybe an 8" or so triangle. I'm going to install a downdraft vent, but am planning to mount it on the side. So my question is should I worry about patching/filling these holes, and if so, how should I do it?  Also. there's a hole, roughly about 3/4", in the top section, about opposite of the peeps. Not sure if this was from a pyrometer or what. Is this common, and is it something I should patch as well? Thanks so much for the help!