Oh crappity, crap, crap, crap. I have an EK Miller Fusebox II kiln, bought over a decade ago from Frantz. Yes, it has the dreaded Partlow digital controller. It lasted this long, but now it's giving me grief.
Last week when I tried to hold some boro work at 1050, I looked over and it was ramping up past 1400!! Turned it off, checked to make sure that the program was right, and turned it back on. This time I decided to try holding at 950 -- well, it reached about 940 and then shut off. Hmmm...try 1050 again....soared up past 1400 again.
Did some research that suggested that I probably needed to replace the power relay switch. Bought the new relay switch and merrily installed it today. Looking forward to a long session at the torch.
DISAPPOINTED!!! Same thing happening. So, obviously it's not the relay. I've heard bad things about the Partlow controller and apparently I should be happy it lasted this long.
Now the big question.....do I purchase a stand alone controller and hook my kiln up to that? Does anyone know how that works? Or can I have the controller replaced? Ideas?? In doing some research, I've found controllers by both Fuji and Bartlett. How difficult would it be for me to replace the controller myself (having very limited skills)? No, buying a new kiln isn't the solution I'm looking for -- this kiln is everything that I've needed and works so well otherwise.
Thanks,
Suz
Kiln trouble
