Perfect Fire Controller

[Steve Beckwith]

I have a Perfect Fire controller made by Canadian Instrumentation, it is 20+ years old. It is a fairly simple set up, 240v goes to a transformer which steps the power down to run the controller itself, the controller is connected to a mechanical relay which in turn throws power to 2-240v mercury relays, these relays then power the kiln. When I run a program to ramp up to whatever temperature I choose, the controller works just fine for a while then just shuts off. There is no error code. I can immediately restart the controller and it will run for a while then shut off again. I see 3 possible problem areas, the transformer, the mechanism relay, or the controller itself. If one of these components was to over heat I would not expect to be able to immediately restart the machine. I'm stumped. Any one have any ideas? Thanx, Steve B

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I would tipple check your programming steps. It is possible that there is a missing/wrong code step that ends the firing procedure. If it looks good but still has the problem, I would clear the program with a re-set and completely re-program it. Don't skip any parameters that require an input.

 

[Steve Beckwith]

It took me a while to chase down the company that sold me the controller. They have convinced me that the controller is malfunctioning and this unit has not been in production for many years. I ordered a controller, SSR, heat sink and thermocouple from Auber this afternoon. I can scavenge the mercury relays out of the old unit, buy a junction box from Home Depot and for under $200 I can start the clock over. Thanks for the response Stacy. Over and out.