Skutt GlassMaster Kiln User Manual

Page 20

ZONE (Zone Control Options)

Zone control is a feature that comes standard on the Production line of GlassMaster kilns. This line includes the

following models: GM1227, GM1018, and the GM818. Zone Control is a feature that allows the controller to

independently fire sections on multiple section kilns to ensure even temperature top to bottom.
There are 3 optional setting configurations for Zone Control which can be accessed through the “ZONE” feature

under the “CNFG” menu..
A. “NOTC”
B. “PId”
C. “SHTO”

“NOTC” (Number of Thermocouples)

Your kiln should be properly programmed for the correct number of thermocouples before it leaves the factory. A

GM818 and GM1018 should be set at 2 and the GM1227 should be set at 3. All other GlassMaster kilns will be

set at 1 thermocouple. You cannot set a kiln to fire in more than one zone unless it is configured in the factory as a

Zone Control kiln. If you try you will receive a “FAIL” error code.
To change the number of zones on a zone control kiln access the “ZONE” setting through the “CNFG” menu then

use the menu key to toggle to the “NOTC” feature and press “ENTER”. The controller will display the current

“NOTC” setting. Enter the desired value and press “ENTER”.

“PId” (Proportional Integral Derivative)

PID is a zone control setting that uses the center section elements to help the bottom and top sections when

necessary. In most kilns the center section is usually the hottest section. The PID option is designed to help speed up

the firing when the top or bottom section is cooler and lagging behind the other sections.
When the top or bottom section is on full power (it is lagging behind), output 2 then comes on as a percentage

of output 1 or output 3. The middle section will fire hotter and help the top and or bottom section catch up. The

percentage can be set from 0 (zero) to 150. It is factory preset at 85%.

“SHTO” (Shutoff)

Shut off is a zone control feature that attempts to make firings more consistent. For 2 and 3 zone controllers, when

shutoff is “off”, the controller uses the average of all three thermocouples to transition from one segment to the

next or to shut off the kiln. When “on” the kiln turns off, or transitions, when any one of the thermocouples reaches

temperature. FOR ALL DOWN RAMPS, the controller transitions from one segment to the next as if shut off ”SHTO”

were turned ON, i.e., when any one section reaches the next segment temperature.

Id (Control Interface System ID)

CIS is an optional accessory that allows you to program and monitor multiple kilns from a PC. Each kiln hooked

up to the CIS system needs to be identified with a unique number so the software can distinguish it from the other

kilns. To set the identifying CIS number for each kiln access the “Id” setting through the “CNFG” menu, select a

number between 1 and 99 and press “ENTER”.
If you are interested in purchasing a CIS system for your kiln, contact Skutt or your local distributor.

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