Single vs. Multiple Segment Kiln Controllers

[mariak]

I'm planning to buy an Arrow Springs Kiln and Kiln Controller (found at http://www.arrowsprings.com/html/kilns_controllers.html), and don't know the difference between the single- and multiple- segment controllers. The single would be cheaper, but I don't want to give up a feature that turns out to be important. Any advice?

Thanks!

[AKDesigns]

Definitely get the ASC/5 multiple segment controller. That way you can program your kiln to heat up to a certain temp, stay there for a length of time, ramp down slowly to the strain point, hold there for a length of time, then slowly ramp down again to 400 degrees and shut off. You can also put in different programs for different things like a lower temp one for reduction glass.

[Dale M.]

A single segment (set point) only heats and stay at one temperature, the one you set it at... For any temperature changes you have to manually do it..... IF you way to ramp up to garaging temperature and hold, then on up to annealing point and then set a long term cool down, stopping at strain point for awhile, then continue cool down you need multi-segment ... Also consider the programmable segment controller will do what is programed in every time you use kiln, you just have to start it (turn kiln/controller on) .....With single segment you have to do all the changes every time you want a temperature change....... Spend the extra dollars, you will be glad you did...

Dale

[mariak]

Okay, thanks! That really helps, I think I'll go ahead with the ASC/5 then.