Aim 2418 problem please help

[Cheese glass]

Hey I've got an aim 2418 annealer.....bought it new in 2008

Last week it seems to have died on me. Basically, when I turn it on it hums much louder than usual and the display reads 1400 1500 1600 1700 like instantly when turning it on when it obviously is not at that temp. It had also displayed "UUUUUU"

I have limited experience working on kilns....the only thing I have ever had to do is replace elements in my 3 crucible furnaces. That being said I can operate a drill and I ain't scurred.....it's already broken.


If someone has experienced this problem or could help me troubleshoot I need to get this kiln back on up running asap. My only other annealer is an f130 and I've got orders for toobs to fill this month.


Preemptive thanks!!!

-cheese

[MikeyMan]

I don't know that error, and I also haven't worked on kilns that much, but... What I have found is that it's usually the relay, transformer or heating element that dies in a kiln. In my paragon, I know I get an error when heating, if it doesn't heat up or reach a given temperature in a quick enough time (relay error). If it was the transformer, you would have no power, and you have power so it's not that. When I replaced the relay on my kiln, I ordered parts from Newark.com and the part cost less then $20 shipped. (I actually ordered 2 and got free shipping) If you don't get any other feedback, it's an easy option to try. However, there has got to be someone one on this board who has see it before, and can give you a streight answer.

[zippetmonster]

my guess is thermocouple or controller. if it was the relay or elements the controller wouldn't go nuts & read 1600, 1700. I'd wiggle & clean the connections at the controller & check your thermocouple & get ready to replace something. sometimes by taking these apart they "fix" themselves.

[A.I.]

Hey bob,
In my limited experience fixing kilns I would say that humming sound is coming from a bad relay. Although that doesn't explain why your display is acting up. I can't remember what name he posts under here but Grady from aim is on here, I would just hit him up, I'm sure he has an answer for ya.

[Cheese glass]

Thanks for the help peoples.....

Alex- looks like the snow is just starting to hit the wet coast this week

I've had my pots on 24/7 since glassroots have a shitload of color tube....I'll hit you up this week

[A.I.]

Right on man! Michigan is dry as a bone right now, good thing I'll be in vail soon!! I'm gonna have to get out your way sometime and melt some glass.

[LTD]

Get er fixed?

[Julian]

I agree it sounds like the controller or thermocouple acting up. When the relay is bad, that means that the controller acts rationally, and the temperature reads normally, but it just doesn't go on and off properly to maintain or reach the appropriate temperatures.

[kgd]

It's your thermocouple. $35 to replace, but it may just be a loose connection?

[Julian]

The weirdest was when I wired the thermocouple backwards...

[Cheese glass]

Hey peoples.....it indeed was a LOOSE thermocouple.....the thermocouple is the probe like device that has a metal and ceramic component. Basically, the metal part and ceramic part ha slid about 1/2" toward the front of the kiln.

So, I just pushed both components snugly toward the back. Turned it on and bam she's up and running.....seems to be heating up better than normal

Thanks to y'all and grady for pointing me in the right direction

For future reference "uuuuu" is indeed the code for thermocouple , confirmed by grady....but a loose connection is usually culprit as thermocouple expected to last 7 years......in event it dies it's only $35


So stoked to have this kiln back after 5 days without......I've got 25 rainbow fillas and knots I want to put into a fully drawn piece

[Swampy]

Tip of the day: get yourself a spare for the shelf (just in case) oh, and a relay.