Kiln Firing Basics

Use The #8 Hot Key To Check Your Kiln's Outputs!

Learn how to use the #8 hot key on the V6CF or RTC1000 to quickly diagnose heating issues in your kiln during firing.

Kiln
Greenhouse
Bartlett
Tips & Tricks
By
Bartlett Instrument Team
on
May 7, 2025
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What is the #8 Hot Key?

The #8 hot key is a built-in diagnostic tool available on Bartlett V6CF and RTC1000 controllers. This feature allows you to monitor the relays and identify which section of your kiln is actively heating during a firing. It’s a simple yet powerful way to pinpoint potential issues with your kiln’s relays or heating elements.

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How Does the #8 Hot Key Work?

Using the #8 hot key is straightforward:

  1. Press the 8 key during a firing.
  2. Observe the decimal points that light up on the controller’s display:
    • Left decimal point: Indicates the top section of the kiln is heating.
    • Middle decimal point: Indicates the middle section is heating.
    • Right decimal point: Indicates the bottom section is heating.
    • For single thermocouple kilns, all three decimal points will light up simultaneously.
  3. Press the 8 key again to turn off the display.

This feature is especially useful for diagnosing issues during firing. For example:
• If the decimal points don’t light up, it may indicate a problem with the relay or heating elements.
• If only one section of the kiln is heating, it could point to a defective relay or a broken element.

Why Use the #8 Hot Key?

The #8 hot key is a quick and effective way to check your kiln’s heating performance without interrupting the firing process. It helps you:
• Identify which section of the kiln is not heating properly.
• Narrow down the source of the problem, whether it’s a relay, element, or controller issue.
• Save time and effort by providing immediate feedback during firing.

Learn More

The #8 hot key is just one of the many diagnostic tools available on Bartlett controllers. For more detailed troubleshooting tips and a complete list of error codes, visit our Troubleshooting Page.

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