Controller Options - Videos

When it comes to the next generation of kiln smart controllers, you now have multiple options... the Tap Controller from SDS Industries and the Genesis - Model 2.0/Genesis Mini 1120, the SPARK Controller from Bartlett Instrument Company, and the all new Slide Controller from Orton Ceramics. Check them out!

Plus... check out our videos showing how to use various other controllers too!

      AutoFire Slide Controller from Orton Ceramics

      The all new AutoFire Slide Controller is the latest smart controller on the market.  It has all of the great features of the Orton AutoFire 4000 controller with the added advantage of a user friendly touch screen interface. 

      In Ceramic Mode, the controller provides quick selection of preset Cone programs from Cone 022 to Cone 12. These programs are designed specifically for ceramic firings that require specific heat-work to properly bend an Orton Pyrometric Cone.

      In User Mode, Artists working in glass love that the AutoFire Slide Controller allows the user to create, program and save 35 separate firing schedules with 20 user defined heating and cooling rates, target temperatures and hold times.  This mode is perfect for glass firing.

      The new Orton AutoFire Slide Controller is available on most Jen Ken kilns.

      For more information on the new Slide Controller, download the Orton AutoFire Slide Manual here.

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      TAP Controller from SDS Industries

      Overview

      TAP (Temperature Automation by Proportional–Integral–Derivative) is a touchscreen kiln controller platform developed by SDS Industries. TAP controllers use PID logic to precisely manage kiln temperatures and firing schedules, helping achieve consistent and repeatable results for ceramic, glass, and heat-treat applications.

      Unlike traditional button-based kiln controllers, TAP controllers use an intuitive touchscreen interface that allows users to create, view, and adjust firing schedules visually. This makes programming more approachable for users who prefer not to rely on firing codes or complex manuals.

      SDS Industries currently offers two TAP controller models:

      • TAP II – Single-zone controller

      • TAP II Pro – Multi-zone controller

      Both controllers are standalone kiln controllers and may be installed in new kiln builds or used as part of a controller upgrade or conversion project, depending on kiln configuration.

      This controller is available on most Evenheat, Jen-Ken, and Hot Shot Ovens and Kilns. Need more information... download the TAP User Manual.

        TAP II Controller (Single-Zone)

        What It Is

        The TAP II is a standalone digital kiln controller designed for single-zone, relay-controlled kilns and ovens. It can replace many existing touchscreens, 3-key, or 12-key controllers and may also be used in new kiln or oven builds.

        TAP II is best suited for users operating smaller or simpler kilns that require single-zone temperature control.

        Key Features

        • Touchscreen, smartphone-style user interface

        • Unlimited firing schedules and steps

        • Real-time firing graphs and status indicators

        • Push notifications for firing events and error conditions

        • Preventative maintenance alerts

        • Automatic software updates

        • Built-in safety shutoff

        • 3-year extended warranty

        Compatibility

        • Single-zone kilns only

        • Relay-controlled systems

        • One heating element

        • Control box modification may be required, depending on existing cutout size

        TAP II Pro Controller (Multi-Zone)

        What It Is

        The TAP II Pro is SDS Industries’ advanced multi-zone kiln controller, designed for users who need greater control over larger or more complex kilns. It supports both new builds and controller upgrades and replaces the original TAP controller platform.

        Key Differences from TAP II

        • Independent control of up to three temperature zones

        • Supports Type K, Type R, and Type S thermocouples

        • Auxiliary output for accessories such as fans or vents

        • Integrated WiFi

        • Faster, more responsive capacitive touchscreen

        • Exclusive Cone Fire Mode for ceramic firings

        • Premium mobile app features included (remote start excluded)

        Features & Benefits

        • Precise, multi-zone temperature control

        • Unlimited firing schedules and steps

        • Cone Fire Mode for faster, more consistent ceramic firings

        • Real-time firing graphs and kiln status indicators

        • Push notifications to mobile devices

        • Preventative maintenance alerts

        • Automatic software updates

        • Built-in safety shutoff

        • Industry-leading 3-year extended warranty

        Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone Control

        • Single-zone controllers (TAP II) regulate temperature based on a single reading and are commonly used in smaller or simpler kilns.

        • Multi-zone controllers (TAP II Pro) monitor and adjust multiple temperature zones independently, which can help maintain more even heat throughout larger or more complex kilns.

        WiFi Connectivity

        • Some single-zone TAP II controllers include built-in WiFi

        • Some multi-zone configurations may require a WiFi dongle, depending on the kiln setup

        Important: TAP WiFi connectivity operates on 2.4 GHz networks only (not 5 GHz).

        Applications

        SDS Industries positions TAP controllers for a wide range of applications, including

        • Ceramic and glass kilns

        • DIY kiln or oven builds

        • Automatic controller upgrades

        • Heat-treat ovens

        • Complex artistic and industrial firing processes

        Conversion Kits

        TAP controllers can also be installed using conversion kits for certain kilns. These kits support controller upgrades by reusing existing wiring and mounting locations. While conversion kits assist with installation, the TAP controller itself is a full standalone controller designed to work across a variety of kiln setups.

        TAP Kiln Control Mobile App

        The TAP Kiln Control Mobile App (available for iOS and Android) allows users to remotely monitor kiln firings and receive real-time updates.

        Core App Capabilities

        • Monitor firing progress minute-by-minute

        • View firing graphs and status indicators

        • Receive push notifications for:

          • Schedule advancement

          • Firing completion

          • Error conditions

        Available features may vary depending on the controller model and subscription level.

        Subscription Information

        The TAP Mobile App offers monthly and annual subscription plans.

        Basic Subscription includes:

        • Remote monitoring

        • Viewing firing schedules and progress

        • Push notifications

        Premium features may include:

        • Remote start and stop

        • Schedule editing and real-time adjustments

        • Electrical usage tracking

        • Alerts for relays, thermocouples, and heating elements

        • CSV firing log exports via email

        Follow the steps below to get started!

        1. Once you have downloaded the TAP Mobile app, tap "Create Account" at the bottom of your screen.

        2. Enter your personal information.

        3. To add your kiln, click the bottom right "+", add Kiln Name and UID (to find your UID info, on your TAP Controller, tap "Menu", then "Settings", and "Network")

        4. Once you have added your kiln, you are ready to monitor your firings!

        Watch their live demo below and learn how to monitor your firings with the TAP Mobile App! 

         

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        Genesis 2.0/Genesis Mini 1120/ICON+ from the Bartlett Instrument Company

        The Genesis Model 2.0 and the Genesis Mini have a modern and intuitive user platform with touch-screen technology for an effortless user interface. It can store up to 12 custom user programs with up to 32 segments per program and has the ability to make adjustment during a firing such as add segments, add temperature, and skip segments. Additionally, the easy-to-follow screen descriptions and graphical display of the firing process, allow the Genesis kiln controller to make firing kilns extremely straightforward. The Genesis Mini Model 1120 unit comes with all the great features of the Genesis 2.0 but in a small package, with a modern and intuitive design. **The model 1120 directly replaces the Autofire®️ Express and Sentry Xpress controllers made by Orton.

        This controller is available on most Evenheat, Olympic, Cress, and Paragon kilns. Not to confuse the issue any further, the new Genesis 2.0 kiln controller is known as the "Sentinel Smart Touch" on Paragon kilns or "Icon+" on Evenheat kilns, and the Prodigy on Cress Kilns. Same great controller, just a different name.

        Need more information... download the Genesis 2.0/Genesis Mini 1120 Product Manual. ICON+/Genesis 2.0 Controller Manual (Evenheat)

        **All Bartlett Instrument Controllers: Genesis (AKA Paragon Sentinel Smart Touch) and Genesis Mini controllers have a warranty of one year.

        Bartlett KilnAid Phone App


        With Barlett introducing new modern and intuitive user platform interfaces. Comes along their newest kiln monitoring app! Monitor your Bartlett Genesis controller with the Kiln Aid Phone app. All you have to do is download the Kiln Aid phone app from your Google Play Store or Apple App Store, add your kiln, and begin monitoring as your kiln progresses through a firing.

        Dont have an account with Bartlett yet? Follow these steps to get you started! Click here!


        Watch Bartlett's tutorial below on how to set up the KilnAid App to your Genesis controller!

         

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        Icon (Spark) Controller 

        The Icon is built around Bartlett's new Spark platform and brings touchscreen design to the market at a lower price point. ICON/SPARK Controller Manual

        The Icon / Spark was rigorously field-tested by Bartlett, Evenheat and others over the latter course of 2023. Programming was found to be clean and simple. User interaction with the display was deemed excellent. As expected the Quiet Drive Solid State relay performed beautifully. In the end, victory.

        As with other Evenheat control designs, the Icon adds to the existing Spark control platform with improvements like Special Limits thermocouples for precise temperature sensing and non-metallic faceplates for excellent Wi-Fi reception for the Bartlett on-line App. The Icon brings outstanding value and performance to the marketplace.

        For more information on the Icon (Spark) visit Bartlett Instruments at bartinst.com.