Operating instructions
2 Cone-Fire / Ramp-Hold
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Sentry micro processor, our most advanced
generation ofdigital temperature controllers. As you read themanual, have
your controller in front of you so that you can try out the keys.
The controller display messages are limited to four characters. For this reason, the messages
appear cryptic: IdLE instead of “Ready to begin,” CPLT instead of “Fired successfully to com
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pletion,” RA1 instead of “Enter rate for first segment.” If at any time you are confused by these
messages, turn to Appendix A: Display Messages on pages 30 - 31.
The front cover is a quick guided tour of the controller. The back cover is a quick guide to pro
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gramming,tobe used after you have learnedtheprogramminginstructions on pages 11 and15.
Do not worry if you hear a clicking noise during operation. Mechanical relays click as they turn
the heating elements on and off. This is normal.
The warranty on your Sentry controller does not cover damage from overfiring, regardless of the
circumstances. It is the operator’s responsibility to make sure the kiln turns off at the end of the
firing.
TheSentryoperates in Cone-Fire and Ramp-HoldsimilartotheearlierDTC 600, 800, and 1000
series. If you are familiar with the earlier controllers, you can follow many of the same operating
procedures with the Sentry.
If you purchased the TnF 2 portable controller, you should find a TnF 2 installation instruction
sheet in addition to these instructions.
Instructionsfor multiple-zone kilns are includedinthis manual. If you arenotsurewhether your
kiln is multiple-zone, look into the firing chamber. If you see two or three thermocouple tips,
your kiln is multiple-zone. If you see only one thermocouple, skip multiple-zone instructions.
New features introduced with Sentry software version 18D: The Rate option (page 23),
Ramp-Hold rate shown in Present Status (page 7), firing cost calculation (page 8), TCL alarm
(page 27), PF1 alarm (page 27), and 2 segments added to the User 1 program for a total of 20
(page 14). To check the software version of your Sentry, press the OPTIONS key repeatedly
until SOFT appears. Press ENTER. Your controller’s software version will appear. 18D and
later versions include the new features.
Once you learn the basic features of the Sentry, you will be able to control every stage of firing.
This offers learning opportunities and convenience difficult to imagine with a manual con
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trolled kiln.
©2001, by Paragon Industries, L.P. IM-204/10-09
Do not worry if
you hear a click
-
ing noise during
operation. Me
-
chanical relays
clickastheyturn
the heating ele
-
ments on and off.