Old Paragon kiln issue

H

harlen.shaw

Joined
Jul 14, 2012
Messages
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I have an old Paragon KM-14 model kiln, that has been working great the past two years. I plugged it in the other day and it wouldn't turn on and makes a humming/clicking noise, kinda like its arcing some where in the controller. After checking the outlets and trying others I pulled it appart. Everything is clean, elements are intact, and all connections are good . I plugged it in while it was disassembled with the same result, then turned off the lights to see if anything was arcing and nothing.

If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.

photo (14).jpg
 
I'm extrapolating from some computer power supply & furnance experiences... Use the magnify glass to check capacitors (those round cylindrical objects) for burned/browned out. For isolated burned, you can replace the capacitor. For melted-down, replace the board. Some chips & circuitry get fried from overheated ambient (extended oven usage in low air circulation area). At any rate, fun for me to guess anyway.
 
Here is the wiring diagram. http://www.paragonweb.com/files/wiringdiagrams/WKM14D.PDF With the clicking humming noise I would have to check out the transformer and relay. Most likely the relay, it has been switched off and on a lot of times under load and the contacts are probably fired or welded together. The relay could be replaced with SSR (solid state relay). No springs, contacts, pivots.
 
Sounds like you either have a bad controller, a bad relay, or a broken coil.

The kiln has to be on and in run mode for these tests. Be careful and treat all wires as if they are hot.

To test the controller, put the black lead of a multimeter on the negative (-) side of the controller and the red on the positive (+) side of the controller. This should give you a 12v reading in DC.

To test the relay, change the multimetrer to AC. Put the black lead on the common wire that comes from the wall and the red lead on the side of the relay that goes to the elements. You should be getting 110v. If you don't, and you know that your controller is good, then replace the Relay with a Solid State Relay (about $5 on ebay)

To test the elements, put the leads on either end of the coil, where the brass connection is. You should be getting either 110v or 220v, depending on your kiln. If you have tested the controller and relay and know that you have juice going to the coil but don't have juice at either end of the coil then you have a broken coil (element). To find the break, leave one lead at the end and test the element in other places. until you have juice. To fix the element, heat the broken ends with a torch until red and twist together.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:
harlen.shaw said:
I have an old Paragon KM-14 model kiln, that has been working great the past two years. I plugged it in the other day and it wouldn't turn on and makes a humming/clicking noise, kinda like its arcing some where in the controller. After checking the outlets and trying others I pulled it appart. Everything is clean, elements are intact, and all connections are good . I plugged it in while it was disassembled with the same result, then turned off the lights to see if anything was arcing and nothing.
Click to expand...

You have a classic KM-14 that was made during the late 80s or early 90s. It has the DTC 100 controller, which we made here at the Paragon factory in Mesquite, Texas.

The noise indicates that the relay has burned out. It is a mechanical relay with electromagnet that should receive 12 volts DC from the controller. Please let us know if the relay is the problem.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
 
Mine did the same thing and took it to paragon. Replaced the old controller with the new one...
 
Arnold Howard said:
You have a classic KM-14 that was made during the late 80s or early 90s. It has the DTC 100 controller, which we made here at the Paragon factory in Mesquite, Texas.

The noise indicates that the relay has burned out. It is a mechanical relay with electromagnet that should receive 12 volts DC from the controller. Please let us know if the relay is the problem.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
Click to expand...


It is nice to see a company that will go to the trouble to read and respond to something about their equipment especially in the light of it being a 30+ year old piece of their equipment. Certainly tells me something positive about them and would be a factor if I was to buy a new kiln.
 
SteelSlaver said:
It is nice to see a company that will go to the trouble to read and respond to something about their equipment especially in the light of it being a 30+ year old piece of their equipment. Certainly tells me something positive about them and would be a factor if I was to buy a new kiln.
Click to expand...

Jim, thank you very much. Seeing the above picture of the KM-14 with the DTC 100 controller takes me back in time. Bob Smith still worked at Paragon then. He designed the KM-14. As I remember, to test the KM-14 prototype, Bob made knives to heat treat and ended up being a knifemaker himself. During the 1980s he gave me a beautiful knife that I have handed down to my son. A great knife is to be cherished and kept in the family.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
 
I agree Jim! :thumbup:

I was having some issues with my KM24 a couple/few years back, and Arnold was quick to help. He also sends out a newsletter with ideas/tips about the kilns and their use, which I think is very cool.

Thanks for representing Paragon so well Arnold. :)
 
Thanks a lot guys for all the responses. Sorry it took so long for me to reply, I've been so busy this past week. It turned out to be the relay, its up and running again. I had no idea it was that old, wonder if that means I paid to much or to little for it? Either way I'm even more impressed with Paragon now. I have used this kiln more than all of the newer kilns I have combined.
 
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