Fusebox II controller problem

[A.J. Shulke]

EK Miller only takes technical questions via email (since I didn't purchase the super duper software package) and I'm getting antsy without a kiln... so I'll see if anyone here knows...

I tried to reprogram a self entered annealing cycle. It was keeping my beads at a comfy 75 degrees all night, which was fine in 80 degree weather, since it didn't kick on at all. But it's wasteful now that it's cold outside.

Anyway... I start to enter the programming cycle as per instructions and it gives me a "ULoc" message and won't let me enter anything new.

Anyone familiar with the dern thing and had this problem? Any solutions out there, or do I have to wait for them to take their own sweet time in answering?

~A J

[MikeAurelius]

Provided they didn't change the factory setting, the unlock code should be 10.

Use the up arrow button and change the number from 0 to 10. Then press the cycle button (circular arrows). Should get you in.

Did you check your manual (did you get a manual)?

[A.J. Shulke]

Got a manual, didn't see anything about unlock in there.

Rushing to the barn now!!!

THANKS MIKE!!!!

~A J

[A.J. Shulke]

Darn! It's still doing the same thing.

Here's what I'm doing...
Pressing scroll key to get to "Program 3"
Pressing "up" and "scroll" together to enter definition mode

at this point it blinks "prog" "cont" "end"
Pressing scroll when it's on "prog"

It shows "ULoc"
so I "up" to 10 as you suggest

it does the same thing as it did when set to 0,
reverts back to blink "prog" "cont" "end"

I bought it directly from EKM, perhaps they have a different unlock code? Perhaps I inadvertantly changed the code myself?

Frustrated because I first requested help on the 25th and I'm still waiting.

~AJ

[MikeAurelius]

Ellen from Miller is writing an e-mail to you right now!

[A.J. Shulke]

I could kiss you Mike!

Thanks for your help!!!

~A J

[MikeAurelius]

LOL - an electronic one is plenty good :D

[A.J. Shulke]

Problem solved with the help of Elin!

Thanks Mike for speeding up the help process.

And don't mention the cyber kiss to my husband:angel:

~A J

[dasi11]

I just ordered the fusebox II kiln a few days ago. It has not arrived yet. I'm not even sure it has shipped out yet. Have you had other problems with this kiln? Could you share the solution so I could file it for the future?

[A.J. Shulke]

Hi Heather,
This is the first problem I've had with my fusebox, and it turns out, it was entirely my fault. I don't recall it happening, but in trying to reprogram an annealing schedule, I hit a wrong button and changed a programming code.

It comes with 2 preprogrammed cycles (both for effetre). The only reason I needed a custom one was for my Bullseye and I did 2 different ones, one with a longer soak for larger pieces. I could have had the factory put them in for me, but I wanted to monkey with it myself.

It heats quickly, and it's been cheap to run. I love the little door to preheat bits of stuff (I purchased a mini bread pan which slides in perfectly, use hemostats to put it in and take out). I did raise the height with 4 firebricks (read on the ISGB board that someone thought it should have greater bottom clearance).

Really, the only complaint I have is that the computer controller has only 4 buttons, so to program a custom cycle you have to hit buttons in combination and do a lot of upping and downing. That's how I mistakenly hit a wrong key.

Other than that, it's been a great purchase.

As for customer service, they said they replied to my first message, but it must have fallen into an internet black hole. The lady who contacted me yesterday was more than generous with help and highly apologetic that I was still waiting for help. I'm more than satisfied.

I'll post the solution, but it'll be greek to you without having worked with the buttons before. Save it for a rainy day should you need it.

A J

[A.J. Shulke]

I wouldn't use this solution without confirming w/ EKMiller that you have the same problem, but here it is for your reference ~AJ

Elin from EKMiller wrote on 10/01/03:
I know exactly what the problem is. I think what happened for you, is that when you tried to enter the program edit mode, and the upper display scrolls through 3 options, you tried to select "Prog," but just missed, and actually selected "cont." This put you in the configuration mode, which probably confused you... A value was probably entered, and now we need to get in there and remove it. Refer to the product manual-- volume II, page 3-1, and I will walk you through the steps:

1) Unplug your kiln, and then plug it in.
2) Within the first 30 seconds, hold the scroll key and the up arrow for 5 seconds. ( the green window will say inPt)
3) Push the scroll key repeatedly (about 13 times) until you see Loc, there should be a number above, in the red window. Make note of the number.
4) Push the up arrow and the scroll key at the same time to exit this mode.
5) As the upper widow scrolls through 3 options, push the scroll key when it reads "end". Make sure you push the key in time. This should take you back to the main window.
6) Now, try to enter the program editing mode again by pushing the up and scroll keys at the same time. When the 0/ ULoc message reads again, use the arrows to enter the number that you noted.
7) Now, push the scroll key, and it should run you through the configuration options. Scroll through until you see Loc and the number, and use the down arrow to set this value to 0.
8) Push the up and scroll keys together again to exit this mode, and then hit the scroll key when it says "end"
9) Try following the instructions for editing a profile now.

Let me know if, for some reason this does not work

We also need to clarify in our manual that when you power up your controller, you need to wait at least 30 seconds before trying to enter the program editing mode. If you try to enter that mode in the first 30 seconds, you run the risk of entering the configuration mode.

[dockhl]

AJ~
Thanks for posting this. I have the same kiln, got it from Frantz, and think I messed up my 2nd program so that it thinks it should run the Effetre cycle, not slow ramp to warm.

I haven't had the nerve to get in there and start configuring my own program (for boro) but I guess I should...and clear up the problem with program 2 while I am at it!

Thanks for giving me the courage...:)

Kathy

[elin]

Hi there, I didn't realize that this was on the forum. :D

I just wanted to add that if you want help editing a program, feel free to contact us. It is really quite easy once you get used to the sequence. It's the first time that can seem overwhelming-- with the manual in one hand, looking back and forth...
I would read through the Profile Programming Instructions first, and work out your profile on paper. Then follow the instuctions to enter it into your controller. If something happens like what happened to Amy, don't hit extra buttons. (It can be tempting) I would unplug the kiln, plug it back in, and see if you can start over. Then contact us, if that doesn't work.
There is another manual, too-- the more technical "Product Manual," which is more confusing.... But, it does have an index of error codes, which may help you decifer your problem and resolve it.
The solution I gave to Amy will help anyone who has the ULoc code come up when trying to enter the profile editing mode.
Heather-- your kiln is on the way!
Best of luck to all. Let me know if you have any questions.
-elin
elin@ekmillerco.com
www.ekmillerco.com