TAP Kiln Controllers are built for reliability. Manufactured from high-quality components and backed by an industry-leading 3-year warranty for TAP II and TAP II Pro models, your TAP Kiln Controller should last for years to come.
However, like any advanced electronic device, kiln controllers are subject to wear and tear and possible failure if not properly cared for.
A little bit of kiln controller maintenance goes a long way towards maximizing the lifespan of your TAP Controller. So stay tuned! We’ll be sharing do’s and don’t’s, cleaning tips, software updates, and what to do if something does go wrong.
Kiln Controller Maintenance Do’s and Don’t’s
Generally, TAP Kiln Controllers don’t require extensive maintenance. Prolonging controller life is more about what you don’t do.
However, there are also some more proactive kiln controller maintenance steps you can take to optimize controller performance:
- Do: Make sure your controller is properly installed. You can find tips for kiln controller installation for DIY builds here, but if you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us.
- Don’t: Avoid wearing jewelry or watches while using your TAP Controller, as these can result in scratches on the screen.
- Do: Regularly clean your screen to keep it free from any dust or debris, as these can cause scratches. Read below for cleaning tips!
- Don’t: Do not store your kiln or your controller outdoors. This leaves your controller and kiln components susceptible to moisture, dirt, and corrosion – all terrible things for their lifespan.
- Do: Always make sure your TAP Controller is updated to the latest kiln controller software. This is fast, easy, and keeps your kiln controller running at optimal performance. We’ll be sharing update instructions later in the article.
- Do: Regularly review diagnostic errors so that you can spot and troubleshoot potential errors with controller output. Your controller will send these alerts automatically to your controller screen and your smartphone if you’re connected to TAP Kiln Control Mobile.
There! Pretty easy, right? But keep reading because we’ll be sharing some specific guidance around each of these steps.
Tips for Cleaning Your TAP Controller
One of the most important steps for kiln controller maintenance is regularly cleaning your controller. Failure to do so results in dust, debris, smudges, fingerprints, and possible scratches.
Below are a couple do’s and don’t’s for cleaning your TAP Controller:
- Do: Before cleaning the display, use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust from the touchscreen.
- Do: Use distilled water to dampen the microfiber cloth to gently clean the touchscreen display.
- Don’t: Do not use the following cleaning agents: tap water or glass cleaners that often contain chemicals like ammonia, acetone, ethyl alcohol, methyl chloride, or ethyl acid, as these can cause damage to your screen.
Updating Your Kiln Controller Software
Regularly updating your kiln controller software ensures that your controller stays operating at peak performance.
Updating your software ensures you have access to the latest controller diagnostics that you can use to inform your kiln controller maintenance (as well as maintenance for your kiln!).
We’re always working to improve our kiln controllers and provide users with new features that improve their kiln firing experience.
Currently, we’re developing automated software for TAP that monitors device performance and health in real-time. By monitoring various controller metrics, we’ll be able to keep you informed of potential controller degradation so that you can be proactive about repairs.
Instructions for Updating TAP II TAP II Pro
All of our current kiln controller models have integrated WiFi and should receive software updates automatically if they’re connect to WiFi.
However, if for some reason you suspect you haven’t received an update, follow these steps:
- Make Sure Your Controller is Connected to the Internet: If you are not connected to the internet, connect your controller to a wireless network with internet access by navigating to Menu>Settings>Network and selecting an available local wireless network. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to the internet.
If you are already connected to the internet, simply reboot your controller to activate the software update pop-up.
Install the Software Update: After the connection is complete, reboot your controller by powering the kiln/controller off and back on using the power switch/button. Once the controller comes back up, the update will download automatically and present a pop-up message saying an update is available for installation. Select “Install Now” to have the update installed. The controller will automatically reboot within 10 seconds. Do not power off the controller after pressing “Install Now.”
- Confirm Your Software Update: After the controller reboots, select Menu and confirm the software version at the bottom center of the screen.
Please note, the software revision in the image is only an example.
Instructions for Updating the Original TAP
In 2025, we announced that we’d be sunsetting the original TAP Kiln Controller and would be releasing no future software updates. However, if you’re still using an original TAP Controller, we recommend updating to the latest software version.
The process for updating the original TAP is a little different. You can find complete instructions here.
What Should I Do If My Touchscreen Stops Working?
For TAP II and TAP II Pro, the process of launching the touchscreen calibration utility is identical. Just follow the steps in this section.
If you’re using an original TAP Controller which hasn’t been updated to Software Version 5.0 or higher, skip to the next section.
- Turn your TAP Controller off and on again 3 times.
- While rebooting your controller, make sure you wait until the Warning Screen appears each time before restarting again. DON’T acknowledge the warning banner.
- Your touchscreen calibration utility will launch.
- Once open, tap and hold the 5 points that are indicated on screen by a yellow crosshair pattern.
- Move clockwise, starting at the upper left corner. Move sequentially through the points from upper left to upper right to lower right to lower left to center. TAP and hold each point for approximately 5 seconds for best results.
Voila! Your controller’s touchscreen will begin working again good as new – zero kiln controller maintenance required.
You can also check out the video below for an easy-to-follow demonstration:
Touchscreen Calibration for an Original TAP Controller That Hasn’t Been Updated
Still using an original TAP Controller that hasn’t been updated to Software Version 5.0 or higher?
First, we strongly recommend updating your kiln controller software. However, if you can’t or won’t, you can still recalibrate your touchscreen by following these steps:
- Tap around your screen until you find an area of the screen that responds (response could come in the form of highlighted text on screen or an unexpected button press).
- Tap and hold that point for 30 seconds.
- Your touchscreen calibration utility will launch.
- Once open, tap and hold the 5 points that are indicated on screen by a yellow crosshair pattern.
- Move clockwise, starting at the upper left corner. Move sequentially through the points from upper left to upper right to lower right to lower left to center. TAP and hold each point for approximately 5 seconds for best results.
Now, your controller’s touchscreen will begin working the way it should.
What to Do If You Get an Error Notification?
Your TAP Kiln Controller automatically informs you of errors with your kilns. These very rarely indicate issues with your controller. However, a few of them may be caused by problems with controller output, in which case kiln controller maintenance or repairs may be required.
More often, these error notifications indicate issues with your kiln’s relays, elements, or thermocouples.
Either way, it’s important to be proactive. Regularly maintaining your kiln is a crucial component of kiln safety.
If you get a firing error, make sure to follow these troubleshooting steps before contacting your kiln manufacturer.
Explore Programmable Digital Kiln Controllers by SDS Industries
The TAP II and TAP II Pro Controllers by SDS Industries power your oven with easy-to-use touchscreen controls, extreme precision and reliability, and the ability to remotely control your oven through TAP Kiln Control Mobile. Plus, with unlimited firing schedules, you’ll be able to save all your schedules for all the different materials and processes you use.
These features give you more control, consistency, flexibility, and peace of mind, so you can focus more on your craft.
We invite you to explore our selection of programmable kiln controllers, standalones, and conversion kits on our online store. You can also purchase TAP Digital Controllers or TAP Controlled Kilns and Heat Treat Ovens through one of the following distributors:
- Evenheat
- Hot Shot Oven & Kiln
- Paragon Kilns
- Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
- Jen-Ken Kilns
- Kiln Frog
- Sheffield Pottery
- Delphi Glass
Kiln Controller Maintenance FAQ
What steps should I take if I’m having issues with my TAP Kiln Controller?
Many issues that you suspect are with your kiln controller are actually issues with other kiln components. However, below are tips and resources for quickly resolving most controller-related issues.
First, like most electronic equipment, we recommend starting with turning your TAP Controller off and then on again.
If that doesn’t resolve your issue, we recommend following these troubleshooting steps or visiting our searchable, interactive Knowledge Base. On our Knowledge Base, you can just type in what you’re having issues with a pull up in-depth troubleshooting articles.
However, if that doesn’t work, you can always reach out to us for help!
What should I do if my TAP Controller stops working while it’s still under warranty?
TAP II and TAP II Pro come with industry-leading 3-year warranties. Our lower-priced kiln control products – TAP Monitor, TAP Micro, and TAP&Go – are all backed by 1-year warranties.
Once you’ve confirmed that your issues are with your controller and not your kiln, please send us an in-depth description of your problem here. From there, we will provide additional troubleshooting, run diagnostics for your controller, and help initiate the repair process if necessary.
Depending on the issue, we’ll give you a timetable for repairs and do everything in our power to get you back up and running as soon as possible!
Please note, if your controller is still under warranty, we will honor the warranty terms described here. But even if your controller isn’t under warranty, we can still provide repairs at cost!
Where can I learn more general kiln maintenance tips?
Kiln controller maintenance is only one small component of overall kiln maintenance. We strongly encourage you to check out Complete Guide to Kiln Maintenance, which provides in-depth maintenance steps for your thermocouples, elements, kiln relays, kiln bricks, and other components to keep your kiln running at optimal performance.
Additionally, we recommend setting up the automatic preventative maintenance tracking for your TAP Controller, so that you can detect and resolve most potential problems before they ever press pause on your projects!
