Fuji Controller - Relay dead- Help Please

[bousky]

Hi All,

Sad day here! It has been about a month since I last torched. I was so happy to be able to play with fire today. Unfortunately my controller has died. I won't be playing with fire today.

The kiln heated up to over 1300 degrees and I had to unplug the kiln to turn it off.

I called the 800 number and talked to the Fuji Controller technical support people and they believe the relay has died and have recommended that I purchase a new controller. They want a model number of my current one to determine the right one for me to buy. All I can see is the casing around the unit, it is on an AIM 84BD and that is the label showing. Unless someone knows about this controller I am going to have to take it apart to get a model number.

The Operation Manual that I have covers several different versions. It is one of the PXV3/PXW Series. It seems these were discontinued about 5 or 6 years ago.

Here is a picture of the unit. What would you do? I can order a replacement, then I need to either find someone to install it or figure it out myself, which I am sure I would be capable of. Or I can send it in to be repaired. I need advice. Is it difficult to install a new one.

127400

[squid]

they want you to buy a whole new controller??? That doesn;t make any sense - you just need to replace the relay.

[Dennis Brady]

Phone AIM. 1-800-222-5456
A relay costs about $25 and takes less then 5 minutes to replace.

However, it may not be your relay. Normally, when a relay goes, it just doesn't work at all. It could also be a malfuntioning thermocouple that's sending an erroneous temperature reading to the controller.

[bousky]

Thanks Squid and Dennis. I did assume it was the controller since the kiln still works....it just fails to have any temp., or on/off control.

Is the thermocouple the wire that runs off the controller to the hole in the back of the kiln to measure the temp of the kiln?

[SteveWright]

Relays can croak in the on position. Since it is about the cheapest thing in the unit, I would start there. If it is a mechanical relay the life expectancy can be a whole lot shorter than the other components.

On the back or side of the controller itself, the Fuji part that is sticking out, will be a code number for the unit. It will be something like PXV3-RBY2-4V. This will help determine what type of replacement relay is needed. Be sure to unplug the thing before cracking it open. :)

Steve

[bousky]

Thanks. I ordered the Relay from AIM and will have my kiln back by next week. I will be lighting up my torch on Monday! No Fail!

[Dennis Brady]

Thanks Squid and Dennis. I did assume it was the controller since the kiln still works....it just fails to have any temp., or on/off control.

Is the thermocouple the wire that runs off the controller to the hole in the back of the kiln to measure the temp of the kiln?

Yup. The thermocouple is a prod of two wires twisted around each other that sticks about an inch into the kiln.

[chayes]

sounds like a relay

[swamper]

I have the AIM 84BD with the Fuji Controller - When mine failed, the kiln kept ramping up with no limit - luckily it was at the start of a session and nothing was in the kiln. After being told it was the relay, I took the controller off, Googled the part numbers on the relay, ordered one online for $10 and had the thing back together and working within 4 days.

[bousky]

Linda, sounds like we had the same problem.....the difference it is costing me more to fix the problem. I am just happy the part has been ordered and it is an easy fix!

[swamper]

Linda, sounds like we had the same problem.....the difference it is costing me more to fix the problem. I am just happy the part has been ordered and it is an easy fix!

That's all that really matters - gotta keep that kiln going.