Evenheat RampMaster II Manuel utilisateur

RampMaster II Operating Manual

RMII – Aug. 2015

Page 1of 26

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RampMaster®II

Control Operating Manual

RampMaster II Operating Manual

RMII – Aug. 2015

Page 2of 26

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Thank you for purchasing a RampMaster II equipped kiln from Evenheat. The RampMaster II control is designed to offer a full featured control in an easy to

use design. The RampMaster II offers two, distinct programming modes that allow you to create your own custom firings or use pre-loaded cone

calculated ceramic firing data. You’ll also find a host of “On-the-Fly” features that give you complete control of the firing process. Please take some time to

read this manual. Not only does it cover the basics, it also contains some little gems that are sure to make your command of the RampMaster II a

thoroughly rewarding experience.

CAUTION: The RampMaster II is used to control temperature, it is not a safety devise. Never leave the kiln unattended while firing. Check on the kiln at

the end of the firing to ensure firing program has completed as planned.

CAUTION: Throw control power switch, located on kiln control panel, to the OFF position (O) when not in use.

Table of Contents

Quick Cone Fire Mode Programming .................................... 3

Quick Ramp Mode Programming .......................................... 4

RampMaster II Key Layout .................................................... 5

RampMaster II Key Descriptions ........................................... 6

Detailed Cone Fire Mode Programming ................................ 7

Detailed Ramp Mode Programming...................................... 8

Viewing Current Segment Data ............................................. 9

Skip to Next Segment .......................................................... 10

Alarm................................................................................... 10

Adding Time to a Hold......................................................... 10

Suspend............................................................................... 10

Initialization (Boot Up) ........................................................ 11

Storing a Ramp Mode Program........................................... 11

Recalling a Ramp Mode Program ........................................ 11

Programming a Rate............................................................ 11

Programming a Time........................................................... 11

6 Ramp Mode Programs...................................................... 11

8 Segments per Program..................................................... 11

Two Key Start ...................................................................... 11

Reviewing Your Program Before Starting ............................ 12

Delay Start........................................................................... 12

Writing Over Previously Stored Data................................... 12

Idle (IdLE) ............................................................................ 12

Controlled Cool Down......................................................... 12

Firing Counter ..................................................................... 12

Maximum Programmable Temperature ............................. 12

Zone Control ....................................................................... 13

Cone Table.......................................................................... 13

Reset Thermocouple Offset & Error Codes ......................... 13

Pre-heat Feature................................................................. 14

ID for Computer Use ........................................................... 14

16 Segment Programs......................................................... 14

Cone Offset ......................................................................... 15

Change Temperature Scale (°F or °C).................................. 16

Error Code Enable/Disable.................................................. 16

Thermocouple Offset.......................................................... 16

Percent 4............................................................................. 17

RampMaster II Board Temperature .................................... 17

RampMaster II Display Conditions ...................................... 18

RampMaster II Display Messages ....................................... 19

Key Function Table.............................................................. 20

Preset Cone Fire Mode Firing Data Table............................ 23

Cone Table .......................................................................... 24

RampMaster II Error Messages........................................... 24

Kiln Trouble Shooting.......................................................... 25

RampMaster II Operating Manual

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Use this Quick Guide to immediately begin programming your ceramic firing using the Cone Fire Mode.

Cone Fire Mode is designed for use with ceramic firing only. Please use the Ramp Mode to fire all other materials.

The Cone Fire Mode of programming allows you to fire ceramics by choosing the desired total firing time and the cone number you would like to fire to.

With these simple questions the RampMaster II calculates the firing parameters and fires your ware accordingly. Many artists will find the Cone Fire mode

to offer everything they need in a firing. However, if you would like absolute control over all of the firing parameters we suggest using the Ramp Mode

Programming to create a custom firing program.

Quick Steps when using the Cone Fire Mode Programming

1. Throw the power switch on the kiln control panel to the On position

2. The RampMaster II begins its initiation process and the display will illuminate.

3. The RampMaster II will finish the initiation process and then display IdLE along with chamber temperature.

4. Press one of the Cone Fire Mode keys based on your desired total firing time. Times are approximate.

5. Press the Enter key. CONE is displayed along with the previously chosen cone number.

6. Use the numerical keys to choose your cone number. Please be careful when choosing. For example, an 06 cone must be entered as “0” “6”. If you fail

to key in the “0” you will have chosen cone 6 which is a hotter cone number.

7. Press the Enter key. HOLd is displayed along with the previous hold time. A hold time will hold or maintain your final temperature for the period of time

you desire. Set to 0.00 for normal operation.

8. Use the numerical keys to choose your hold time in hours and minutes.

9. Press the Enter key. RA 8 is displayed along with the previous rate used on Segment 8. This setting allows you to control the final cooling segment of the

firing. If you would like something slower than a natural cool at the end of the firing, this is where you would control that. Set to 0 for natural cool.

10. Use the numerical keys to choose rate on Segment 8.

11. Press the Enter key.

12. The display will read IdLE.

13. Press the Start/Stop key and then press the Enter key.

14. –ON-is displayed and the RampMaster II is now running your program.

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Use this Quick Guide to immediately begin programming using the Ramp Mode Programming Process.

The Ramp Mode allows the creation of your own custom firing program. You choose the rate of temperature increase or decrease, the temperature you

want to achieve and any hold time once you’re there. These 3 items, taken together, create what’s known as a segment. Segments are basically chained

together to create a multi-segment program. Materials to be fired are generally supplied with appropriate firing data. If you do not have this data contact

your materials supplier.

Quick Steps when using the Ramp Mode Programming

1. Throw the power switch on the kiln control panel to the On position.

2. The RampMaster II begins its initiation process and the display will illuminate.

3. The RampMaster II will finish the initiation process and then display IdLE along with chamber temperature.

4. Press the Enter Prog key one time. USER is displayed along with some number.

5. Use the Numerical keys to choose. You’re choosing which of the 6 user programs to use. Your choices are 1 thru 6.

6. Press the Enter key. SEGS is displayed along with some number.

7. Use the Numerical keys to choose. You’re choosing number of segments in the program. Your choices are 1 thru 8.

8. Press the Enter key. RA 1 is displayed along with some number.

9. Use the Numerical keys to choose. You’re programming the temperature rate (°/hr.) for this segment.

10. Press the Enter key. °F 1 is displayed along with some number.

11. Use the Numerical keys to choose. You’re programming the temperature set point for this segment.

12. Press the Enter key. HLd is displayed along with some number.

13. Use the Numerical keys to choose. You’re programming the hold time for this segment.

14. Press the Enter key. RA 2 is displayed. Repeat steps 9 thru 14 for all remaining segments until the display reads ALRM.

15. Use the Numerical keys to choose alarm temperature. Choosing 9999 turns the alarm feature off.

16. Press the Enter key. The display will read CPL, then IdLE along with current chamber temperature.

17. Press the Start/Stop key and then press the Enter key.

18. –ON-is displayed and the RampMaster II is now running your program.

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RampMaster II Key Layout

The RampMaster II key layout and key functions are designed to provide easy and uncomplicated use. Check out the RampMaster Key Descriptions on the

next page, along with a Key Function Table on page 19, for detailed key information.

Display - Large, bright LED display

can be seen from a distance. The

display terms are understandable.

START/STOP -Starts and stops

the actual firing.

ENTER PROG

-Begins the Ramp

Mode programming process.

RECALL

PROG –

Retrieves Ramp

Mode programs 1 thru 6.

DELAY -Allows you direct access

to the Delay Start feature.

ALARM

-Allows you direct

access to the alarm feature.

OTHER

-Menu area of the

RampMaster II for various set

-up

and configuration options.

CONE TABLE

-Allows you to look up

uivalent temperatures used for cone

numbers.

F or °C -The RampMaster II can be set

to display in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.

RAMPMASTER II -Model RM2

The

RampMaster II is the original

multi

-segment ceramic control and

continues to set the standard.

13 Hr. – Slow Bisque – Used for Slow

Bisque Firing. Approximate firing time

is 13 hours.

10 Hr.

– Fast Bisque - Designed for

Fast Bisque Firing. Approximate

firing time is 10 hours.

7 Hr.

– Slow Glaze – Designed for

Slow Glaze Firing. Approximate firing

time is 7 hours.

4 Hr.

– Fast Glaze – Designed for Fast

Glaze Firing. Approximate firing time

is 4 hours.

VIEW SEGMENT

-Allows you to view current

running segment data.

REVIEW PROGRAM

-Used to review your

programmed firing data before committing to

the firing.

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RampMaster II Key Descriptions

START/STOP

The Start/Stop key starts and stops the firing process.

ENTER PROG

The Enter Prog key is used to begin the Ramp Mode Programming Process.

RECALL PROG

The Recall Prog key allows the user to recall or bring up a previously programmed Ramp Mode Program for firing.

DELAY

The Delay key is used to set a delay start time.

ALARM

The Alarm key provides direct access to the Alarm feature.

OTHER

The Other key is used to access the menu area of the RampMaster II. This menu area contains various set-up and configurations options that allow you to

tailor the RampMaster II to your needs.

13 Hr.—SLOW BISQUE

Pre-set Cone Fire Mode choice. Provides an extended, multi-segment program specifically designed for a slow green firing. Firing time is approximate.

10 Hr.—FAST BISQUE

Pre-set Cone Fire Mode choice. Provides a multi-segment program specifically designed for a general green firing. Firing time is approximate.

7 Hr.—SLOW GLAZE

Pre-set Cone Fire Mode choice. Provides an extended, multi-segment program specifically designed for a slow glaze firing. Firing time is approximate.

4 Hr.—FAST GLAZE

Pre-set Cone Fire Mode choice. Provides a multi-segment program specifically designed for a slow, green firing. Firing time is approximate.

CONE TABLE

Cone look-up table. The look-up table displays the equivalent temperature pre-set for each cone value. Default pre-set values based on the 108°F chart.

REVIEW PROGRAM

Allows the artist to review the programmed data before running the program.

VIEW SEGMENT

Used during firing, the View Segment key displays firing data for the currently running segment.

NUMERICAL KEYS

The Numerical Keys are used to key-in specific data.

ENTER

The Enter key is used to store displayed data. During programming, the Enter key stores the displayed data and moves the programming to the next step.

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Cone Fire Mode Programming

The Cone Fire Mode is used exclusively for ceramic firing. The Cone Fire method of programming uses pre-loaded firing data developed specifically for

ceramic firing. The RampMaster II simply asks for the desired firing time and cone number. Once this information is keyed in, the control automatically

fires your ware accordingly.

The Cone Fire Mode offers the artist a very simple and straight forward approach to programming. It performs remarkably well in most situations. For the

dedicated artist, however, it can be somewhat limiting. For these artists, the RampMaster II does contain a programming method called Ramp Mode

Programming. The Ramp Mode method allows for the creation of custom firing programs.

Cone Fire Mode Programming

Beginning the Cone Fire Mode programming process is simple: select one of the four, pre-set Cone Fire Mode keys located on the right side of the

RampMaster II.

4 Hr. — Fast Glaze Firing — The 4 hour, Fast Glaze firing is a very simple, 2 segment program. It’s relatively quick at 570°/hr. We recommend

using this program for glaze firings only. You may view a copy of this program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.

7 Hr. — Slow Glaze Firing — The 7 hour, Slow Glaze firing slows down the glaze firing to a rate of 400°/hr. Many artists also use this program

for their bisque firings. It’s relatively fast compared to the other bisque programs and provides excellent results, particularly on slip cast. You

may view a copy of this program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.

10 Hr. — Fast Bisque Firing — The 10 hour, fast bisque firing is a fairly standard and traditional bisque firing program. You may view a copy of

this program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.

13 Hr. — Slow Bisque Firing — The 13 hour, slow bisque firing is a very conservative bisque firing program. You may view a copy of this

program’s firing data on page 22 of this manual.

1. With the display reading IdLE (Idle) simply press one of the four Cone Fire Mode keys one time. The approximate firing time will be displayed.

2. Press the Enter key. CONE is displayed along with the previously selected cone number.

3. Use the Numerical keys to choose the cone number you desire, being careful to properly enter the correct cone number. If your cone number begins

with a 0 then you must use the 0 when programming.

Be careful here, cone numbers use an interesting numbering method which can cause confusion when programming. As an example compare

cone 06 with cone 6. Cone 06 uses an equivalent temperature of 1828°F while a cone 6 uses an equivalent temperature of 2232°F. If you want a

cone 06 but program in a cone 6 you’ll get a severe overfire. This is important as Evenheat does not cover damage caused by overfire regardless

of the reason.

4. Press the Enter key. HOLd is displayed along with the previously used hold time.

The RampMaster II is asking if you would like to hold the final temperature for any period of time. Do you have to? No. Most artists leave it set

to 0.00. However, if you find that your ware is slightly underfiring adding a small amount of hold time will extend the firing and bring your

underfiring ware to perfect maturity. If you do add a hold time, start small with 1 or 2 minutes and follow your results from there.

5. Use the numerical keys to select your hold and press the Enter key. RA 8 is displayed along with the previously used rate value for segment 8.

The RampMaster II is asking you if you would like to control the cooling process. The preset programs control the temperature up to cone

number. After that the kiln is allowed to cool naturally. For most artists the natural cooling is slow enough. For others they like to slow it down.

6. Use the Numerical keys to choose your cooling rate. For natural cooling use 0. The display will read IdLE. Programming is complete.

7. To run the Cone Fire Mode program press the Start/Stop key one time. The display shows 4 lines. Press the Enter key. The display will read –ON–

followed by the current chamber temperature.

You may STOP the firing at any time by pressing the Start/Stop key.

When the firing is complete the display alternates between CPLT, current chamber temperature and total firing time. Pressing the Start/Stop key at this

point will return the display to the IdLE (Idle) position.

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Ramp Mode Programming

The Ramp Mode is a method of programming that allows you, the artist, to precisely define every aspect of the firing. You’re creating a custom firing

program, designed for the work at hand. It’s a very rewarding experience.

Creating a custom program is not difficult. It does however require some knowledge and forethought about what you want to do and how to go about it.

Imparting that knowledge is beyond the scope of this manual. Consult with your materials supplier for specific firing data.

First Things First: Segments—What are They?

Most firing programs require the kiln to go to multiple temperatures and to use multiple heating rates throughout the firing. In order for the RampMaster

II to perform all these changes, it breaks the entire program down into smaller chunks called “Segments”. Your program will consist of many segments,

chained together, one after another, to create the finished program. During firing, the RampMaster II works from one segment to the next until all

segments have been run.

The RampMaster II needs to know three things at any point during the firing: How fast am I supposed to get to temperature? What temperature am I

going to? And, once I’m there, should I stay there for any amount of time? These three things combine to make one segment. Once you understand this

concept that a segment includes a rate of temperature change, a particular temperature you want to reach and a hold at the temperature, you’ve got it.

Now we can show you how to program!

Ramp Mode Programming

1. With the display reading IdLE (Idle) simply press the Enter Prog key one time. USER is displayed along with the previously used user program number.

The RampMaster II is asking which of the 6 available locations you would like to store your program. In other words: a program number. You’re

choices are 1 thru 6. Use the numerical keys to choose.

2. Press the Enter key. SEGS is displayed along with the some number.

The RampMaster II wants to know the total number of segments you would like to use for the program. You can use up to 8 segments for your

program. Your choices are 1 thru 8. Use the numerical keys to choose and press the Enter key. It’s also possible to program up to 16 segments

using a special feature found on page 14 of this manual.

3. Press the Enter key. RA 1 is displayed.

RA stands for Rate and the 1 means you’re programming the rate for segment 1. Rate means speed and you need to tell the RampMaster II how

fast you want the temperature to increase. You can also tell the RampMaster II how fast you want the temperature to decrease, but not in

segment 1, that wouldn’t make sense! Rate for the RampMaster II is programmed in degrees per hour (°/hr.). The choice is yours. Use the

numerical keys put in your rate.

4. Press the Enter key. °F 1 is displayed.

°F stands for the temperature setpoint (°C is displayed if you’re using Celsius) and the 1 means you’re programming the temperature you would

like to reach in segment 1. The choice is yours. Use the numerical keys to put in your temperature.

5. Press the Enter key. HLD1 is displayed.

HLD stands for Hold (a.k.a. soak or dwell) and the 1 means you’re programming the amount of time you want the temperature to stay at the

segment 1 temperature once you reach it. Hold time is programmed in hours and minutes. You do not have to hold at temperature if you don’t

want to, in which case hold time would be 0. Use the numerical keys to put in your hold time.

6. Press the Enter key. RA 2 is displayed.

The RampMaster II is now asking for the rate of temperature increase or decrease in segment 2. Simply key in the rate you want to use for

segment 2.

7. Press the Enter key. °F 2 is displayed.

The RampMaster II is now asking for the temperature setpoint to use on segment 2. Simply key in the temperature.

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Ramp Mode Programming Continued from Previous Page

8. Press the Enter key. HLD2 is displayed.

The RampMaster II is now asking for the amount of time you want to hold at your segment 2 temperature. Simply key in the amount of desired

hold time.

9. Press the Enter key.

As you can see from the emerging pattern, the RampMaster II will continue to ask the same three questions: rate, temp and time for all remaining

segments. Just keep answering the questions. Doing so creates that beautiful chain of events called a firing program! Once all your segments are

programmed the RampMaster II will display ALRM which stands for Alarm.

The Alarm feature allows you to set a temperature at which the alarm sounds. It could be any temperature you want. To disable the alarm, key in 9999

and press the Enter key.

CPL is displayed briefly followed by IdLE.

Programming is complete! Your firing data is now stored in the User program you’ve selected and is ready to go.

To run the program, press the Start/Stop key one time. Four dashes will appear. Press the Enter key. The display will read –ON–followed by the current

chamber temperature.

The RampMaster II is now running your Ramp Mode program.

You may STOP the firing at any time by pressing the Start/Stop key.

When the firing is complete the display alternates between CPLT, current chamber temperature and total firing time. Pressing the Start/Stop key at this

point will return the display to the IdLE (Idle) position.

On-the-Fly Features

The RampMaster II contains a set of features that allow you to adjust and tweak the firing while it’s actually running! We’ve dubbed these as “On-the-Fly”.

With these features it’s possible to view the currently running segment data, adjust alarms and even skip ahead into the next available segment.

Knowing that these features are available, and using them, will positively affect your firing skills and allow you to create the pieces you want to create.

Viewing Current Segment Data

When firing, the RampMaster II displays current temperatures and times, it does not display your program settings. Doing so would overwhelm and

confuse, and we don’t want to do that. However, this information is nice to know when you want to know it. The View Segment key allows for this.

Using the VIEW SEGMENT Feature During the Ramping Portion of the Segment

Press the View Segment key one time. Programmed rate is displayed for the current segment along with the current traveling set point

(traveling set point is the temperature the control wants to be at, at that particular moment). Actual temperature of the electronics is also

displayed (bd T).

Using the VIEW SEGMENT Feature During the Holding Portion of the Segment

Press the View Segment key one time. Programmed hold time is displayed for the current segment. The Hold temperature is also displayed

along with the actual temperature of the electronics (bd T).

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On-the-Fly Features Continued from Previous Page

Skip to Next Segment

The RampMaster II allows you to move to the next available firing segment without having to complete the currently running segment. It’s used when

enough heat-work has been achieved at the current segment and you want to immediately move to the next portion of the firing program. This feature

comes in handy with glass related firing when moving to the anneal portion of the program is necessary.

The Skip Ahead feature is only available when running a Ramp Mode Program. It is not available during a Cone Fire Mode Program.

To Use the Skip Segment Feature

Press the View Segment key and then press the Enter key within 2 seconds. SKIP will be displayed. Press the Enter key. Your firing has now

moved to the next programmed segment. The skipped-to segment data is displayed briefly and then chamber temperature.

Alarm

The Temperature Alarm allows you to set the temperature at which an alarm will sound.

To set or quiet the Temperature Alarm press the Alarm key one time, ALRM is displayed along with the current Alarm temperature. Use the

Numerical keys to choose the desired alarm temperature and press the Enter key. Setting the Alarm to 9999 disables the alarm.

Adding Time to a Hold

The RampMaster II allows you to add time to a previously programmed hold period. This feature comes in handy when you desire to hold at temperature

longer than what you initially programmed.

Using the Adding Time to a Hold Feature

While holding at temperature, press the 4 key one time. 5 minutes is added to your temperature hold time. You may use this feature as often

as you like keeping in mind that each time you do it adds 5 more minutes to your hold time.

Suspend

The Suspend feature works much like the Add Time to a Hold feature, but with a twist: you may suspend the program (cause the temperature to hold)

during the ramping portion of a segment. The suspend feature temporarily interrupts the ramping operation firing and holds at the currently displayed

temperature. Once the Suspend is cancelled, or times out, the ramping process begins where it left off. Suspend is available for use with Ramp Mode

firings only. It is not available for use during Cone Mode firings.

Once a Suspend is activated it will remain active for 30 minutes or until you cancel it, whichever comes first. It does not suspend indefinitely. Once it is