Microprocessor Controller

Microprocessor Based Programmable Temperature Controller

Full proportional control, minimum four Ramp/Soak segments and Auto Manual Control

Sample Program

UNDERSTANDING THE PYX MICROPROCESSOR

     The PYX controller is the main controller of the system, responsible for the time and temperature of a kiln firing. It reads the temperature by means of a thermocouple mounted on the back wall protruding into the interior of the kiln. The PYX reads the temperature via the thermocouple. It then processes the pre-programmed information (ie: ramp/ soak segments) and adjusts the output signal to the proportioning valve. Depending on the call for heat from the PYX, the proportioning valve will vary the amount of gas reaching the burners. The output signal is shown as a percent in the OUT1 parameter. Each parameter is explained in detail in the next section.

     By programming the PYX parameters with time and temperature, the kiln can be fired by ramping to a set point in a particular time. This ramp time plus a soak time is one segment. The PYX contains four ramp/soak segments making up what is called a firing profile. This profile is stored in the microprocessor's nonvolatile memory. The PYX contains two operating modes, AUTO and MANUAL. This pre-programmed profile is operated by the AUTO mode. The kiln can also be fired manually by the PYX controller. Manual firing can be used to perform a reduction.