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FAQ
ST31X Specific Questions |
Q. What is a 31X Temperature controller?
A. 31X is the generic term that we give to the range of 312,314,315,316 Temperature controllers where X is a specific model.
Q. What is the difference between a 31X and a 31XA temperature controller?
A. A 31X controller does not have an additional alarm relay fitted. A 31XA controller does.The purpose of the alarm relay function is to give an extra level of safety protection during a kiln firing. The ST31X range of controllers have a level of safety monitoring software that continually monitors the kiln whilst firing is in progress. It compares what the controller expects the kiln to do against what the kiln is actually doing. If it monitors a condition that is potentially unsafe it will terminate the firing and produce an error message. This error message can only be cleared by powering off the controller and then re applying power. Any Error message needs to be investigated. A list of the error messages and their meanings are listed in the ST31X Installation Manual View Here. For the alarm feature to work the controller has to be fitted with an alarm relay and wired in the correct manner. In the case of the controller working in signal mode driving power relays, or contactors within the kiln itself, the a secondary contactor has to be fitted in the kiln and the kiln element wiring power has to wired in series through both contactors contacts. If you are unshure if your controller has an alarm relay fitted then please look at the next FAQ. If you are unshure if the alarm facility is wired on your kiln then please contact the person or company that supplied your kiln. Stafford Instruments are able to upgrade ST31X controllers to ST31XA controllers please contact who supplied your kiln / temperature controller or contact us direct.
Q. How do I know if my 31X controller has an alarm relay fitted?
A. For all 31X controllers that have a serial number of below 36999 - you need to look at the yellow product identification label stuck on the top the controllers base. It lists a serial number and an options. If there is an "A" in the option space the the controller is fitted with an alarm relay.
For all ST31X controllers with a serial number of 37000 and above we fitted an alarm relay as standard. If you look at the controllers front panel there is an A after the model identity number.
Q.What do the relevant letters and numbers represent in the option space in the controllers product identification label?
A. They denote special variants we supply to kiln manufactures for their individual needs. The letter "P" denotes that the controller is configured in Power Mode. This means that the Temperature controllers own relays switch the power directly to the kiln elemnts within the kiln.
Q. When I apply power to the kiln the controller lights up and displays various things in the main display before settling at a temperature reading. Why is that?
A. The controller performs a self-test on start up, it first lights all the segments of the multi-segment displays and all indication leds. It then displays a Software version number, typically XX.XX where X is any number between 0-9. (This is important because we may ask you for this number if you have a fault with your controller). It next displays the type of thermocouple type that has been selected within its set-up configuration; tc.X where (x) is the thermocouple type R,S,K, N). It is extremely important that the thermocouple type set within the controller matches the actual type of the thermocouple. If it dosen't the the kiln will not fire correctly under the control of the temperature controller with either temperature underfiring or worst still overfiring with subsequent damage to the kiln. For example if the kiln is fitted with a "R" type thermocouple then on switch on the main display should, after lighting all segments and leds, and displaying the software issue then display "tc.R" before moving on to its quiescent state when not firing, of displaying the kiln temperature.
Q. How do I kmow what type of thermocouple is fitted to my kiln?
A. The thermocouple type is normally marked on the thermocouple, either near the terminal connection block if fitted or by an attached label. If you are not shure then contact the kiln manufacturer or the person who supplied you with the thermocouple.
Q. I want to alter the configuration of my controller to match the type of thermocouple I have fitted, how do I do this?
A. With great care, check and double check, all current Stafford Instruments controllers have the facility to do this by a set up menu, look at the relevant Installation Manual for your controller for this information. They can be looked at or downloaded and printed out from the relevant controller specific web pages on this site. (You will need a pdf viewer in order to do this) A pdf viewer (Adobe Reader) can be downloaded free of charge from Adobe.com. Click Here for the ST31X Installation Manual
Q.The energy used display reads 0.0. How do I set up the controller (ST31XA) so I can find out how much energy I use per firing?
A.The ST315A need to be “told” the power rating (kW rating) of your kiln. The ST315A need to be “told” the power rating (kW rating) of your kiln. This can probably be found on the rating plate of the kiln.
This figure now has to be entered into the ST315A by putting in into configuration mode.
The procedure for doing this is described on page 7 of the Installation Instructions and is repeated below:-
1. Turn the power to the ST315A off.
2. Press and hold down the START/STOP key.
3. Keep the START/STOP key pressed down while re-applying power to the ST315A.
4. The ST315’s display will freeze at the thermocouple type display (eg: tc.r)
5. Release the START/STOP key
6. Briefly press the START/STOP key: ST315A will now show the maximum allowable kiln temperature
7. Briefly press the START/STOP key: ST315A will now show the kiln power rating in kW (eg: P 0.0)
8. Press the UP/DOWN keys as required to change the display to match the kiln power rating (eg: P 3.0 = 3kW kiln, P12.5 = 12.5kW kiln)
10. Briefly press the START/STOP key at least another 9 or ten times to skip through other configuration items.
11. The ST315A will now reboot (display will show 8888) and it will store the kiln power figure.
12. If you delay longer than 15 seconds between key presses in the above procedure the ST315A will assume that you got into configuration mode by mistake and it will reboot without saving any changes.
To check that the correct figure has been stored you can always enter configuration mode again, go down to step 7, check the power rating figure is OK, then wait 15 seconds for the ST315A to reboot.