Kiln Controller Device List

If you are aware of devices not listed here please contact us. We want to focus on those in active development. Devices supplied on manufactured kilns are usually relabelled, they are not actually made by the kiln manufacturer.

Related Information

Type of components needed to develop a kiln monitoring device

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These are all very inexpensive and easily available.

2.4" 240x320 TFT Touch Display
ESP32 controller (a wifi-equipped computer on a chip)
MX6675 thermocouple interface and thermocouple
Prototyping breadboard with wire interconnects
Breadboard Power Supply Module 3.3V/5V

When the prototype is working we will incorporate the software into a ready-made, battery-powered device that uses this same controller chip. It is likely that the display will not be needed for logging operations, the device will simply watch for temperature rise and automatically begin recording when that happens.

Inside a kiln with a Bartlett Genesis controller

A Bartlett Genesis kiln controller circuit board

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The 220V enters lower left to a terminal block. That splits to a transformer (above) and relays (below that). The 4-07-6024 transformer supplies power to the SMT_3140 controller board (converting the 220V down to that needed by the circuit board). The controller is run by an MSP430 Texas Instruments microcontroller (lower left closeup). That controller has inputs from the thermocouple and a current monitor (yellow donut shape around the wires going to the elements). The board has outputs that connect to the relay, that relay in turn controls the flow of current to the elements. This is a simple device, but not something to be replaced lightly. DIY controller boards documented online look tempting but they are not CSA or UL approved (so fire insurance coverage is implicated). Commercial controllers focus on safety and liability over functionality, they handle intermittent thermocouple connections, bad thermocouple readings, stuck relays and shorted and weak elements - these are runaway conditions that could become meltdowns in a kiln controlled by a DIY device. This being said, these commercial products do have a weakness: The relays. They are mechanical devices and are the first thing to need replacement. Kiln controllers thus need To be good at recognizing relay failure.

Links

URLs	https://www.greatkilns.com/media/pdf/operating-manuals/V6CF_Manual.pdf Bartlett V6-CF hobby kiln controller instruction manual
URLs	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbA_Jv6J_BY Bartlett Genesis Kiln Controller Programming
URLs	https://www.bartinst.com/kilns/31 Bartlett Genesis Kiln Controller
URLs	https://github.com/jbruce12000/kiln-controller Raspberry Pi Kiln Controller Actively developed as of 2022. Converts Pi computer into an access point, creating its own wifi network. View and program firings via phone or computer.
URLs	https://github.com/ZachJMoore/smart-kiln-hardware Zach Moore Smart-Kiln controller As of 2022 no updates to code for 3 years. Uses technologies: React Native, NodeJS. They say: "With SmartKiln you have full access through the cloud to all of your connected kilns." They are planning an official controller (to replace existing factory ones).
URLs	https://github.com/pvarney/PiLN PiLN kiln controller Raspberry Pi based. No updates for 5 years as of 2022.
URLs	https://www.kilncontrol.com/ TAP Controller Standalone by SDS Industries Add precise temperature readings, remote monitoring, push notification alerts, and safety redundancy to any kiln. It integrates with the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app to let you remotely monitor the status of your kiln.
URLs	https://www.ortonceramic.com/autofire-slide Orton Autofire AF Slide Standalone Kiln Controller The AutoFire Slide controller is a standalone variable PID temperature controller for any electric kiln. It has a user friendly touchscreen interface like the Barlett Genesis. It accepts Type K, N, S and R thermocouple inputs for operation up to 3308F.
URLs	https://skutt.com/ceramic-kilns/kiln-accessories/km-1-wall-mounted-controller/ Skutt KilnMaster KM1 Wall Mount Controller This can upgrade just about any KilnSitter-controlled kiln under 50Amps (40Amps 3Phase) with a NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 15-50 plug to perform like an automatic kiln. Plug your kiln into the back of the controller, plug the controller into the wall outlet, install the thermocouple, turn all the switches to high, place a cone in the KilnSitter that is 1 cone higher than target temperature, set the timer, press in the plunger and start the firing program. In 2022 these cost about $1500 but they are a highly rugged and reliable device.
URLs	https://www.kilncontrol.com/controllers/digital/ TAP Digital Kiln Controller TAP Digital Kiln Controllers have a graphical touchscreen display, WIFI, graphic curve viewing. Upgrade from a manual controller or replace an existing one.
Projects	Build a kiln monitoring device
Glossary	Kiln Controller In ceramic kilns the firing schedule is typically managed automatically by an electronic controller. But that may not mean that ware gets automatically fired to the correct temperature and atmosphere.

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