TAP Troubleshooting FAQ
Having trouble with your TAP Kiln Controller? Let’s get you back up and running! Find step-by-step guides and quick fixes in our TAP Troubleshooting FAQ.
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Have a specific question in mind? Type in a few keywords to find detailed FAQ articles – or keep scrolling to browse:
TAP Troubleshooting
Short Answer: If your TAP Controller isn’t displaying any available WiFi networks, the most common cause is trying to connect to an unsupported network.
First, please verify that you’re attempting to connect to a supported network. Network requirements are below:
- 2.4 GHz wireless network with WEP, WPA, or WPA2 security.
- Unsecured networks are also supported – but networks that use a captive portal (a la many cafes and airports) are not.
- WPA3 and EAP networks are not supported.
- Signal strength of at least two bars is recommended (network latency or weak signal strength can negatively affect controller online status).
If you’re still using an original TAP Controller, make sure your WiFi dongle is properly installed in the controller’s USB drive.
If you’re using a TAP II, TAP II Pro, or any other TAP Kiln Control Product, inspect the antenna and make sure it is unobstructed and pointed towards your router and doesn’t have any signs of damage.
my controller isn’t showing any wireless networks no available wireless networks no wifi no available wifi no networks how do i fix no available networks what should i do if my controller isn’t showingShort Answer: While “Failing to Heat” errors can be caused by a failed relay, there are additional possible causes…
A “Failing to Heat” error can be caused by a failed relay, but it can also be caused by:
- Failed thermocouples
- Faulty wiring
- Inadequate supply power
The best course of action is to contact your kiln manufacturer for further assistance in troubleshooting the cause of the alarm.
You can find additional troubleshooting steps and explanations for other error messages here.
kiln failing to heat failing to heat firing aborted error message error notification not heating up kiln won’t heatFollow these steps to initiate the Touchscreen Calibration Utility for your original TAP, TAP II, or TAP II Pro Controller…
Please note: The process of recalibrating your touchscreen is the same for TAP, TAP II, and TAP II Pro, unless you’re using an original TAP Controller which hasn’t been updated to Software Version 5.0 or higher (in which case you can find instructions at the bottom of this page).
First, take a deep breath. We know it’s scary when your controller stops responding. But the vast majority of the time you just need to recalibrate your touchscreen. This only takes a few seconds.
Steps for Recalibrating Your Touchscreen
Turn your TAP Controller off and on again 3 times to automatically bring up the touchscreen calibration utility. When rebooting your controller, make sure you wait until the Warning Screen appears each time before restarting again AND you don’t acknowledge the warning banner.
Once the Touchscreen Calibration Utility launches, tap and hold the 5 points that are indicated on screen via a yellow crosshair pattern that appears on the screen going clockwise from the upper left corner. You will 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.
This video demonstrates how to use the TAP Touchscreen Calibration Utility:
If you still have no response after entering the Touchscreen Calibration Utility, please contact SDS Industries.
Instructions for Original TAP Controller That Hasn’t Been Updated
If you’re using an original TAP Controller [discontinued] that hasn’t been updated to Software Version 5.0 or higher, we strongly recommend updating your controller software.
However, you can still recalibrate your touchscreen in the meantime. First, tap around your screen until you find an area of the screen that responds. Then, tap and hold that point for ~30 seconds to launch the Touchscreen Calibration Utility, and follow the on-screen prompts.
my controller won’t respond to touch stuck on date screen stuck on time screen stuck on date/time touchscreen not working touchscreen stopped working no response touchscreen quit working touchscreen is broken my kiln controller won’t respond to touch there’s no response on my kiln controller my kiln controller is stuckShort Answer: SDS Industries introduced a permanent fix for this issue in our 3.0 software update.
This was a known issue that was related to the controller pulling time from network time protocol servers and defaulting to UTC time zone.
However, we rolled out a patch for this issue in our 3.0 software update.
If you are still facing this issue, it means your TAP Kiln Controller software is out of date. Updating your software will permanently resolve this issue.
doesn’t match my local time zone my kiln controller’s time zone is wrong time zone resets every time i turn on or off my kiln how to make my controller remember time zoneShort Answer: Usually an error for no thermocouple occurs when your thermocouple wasn’t properly installed.
If you received an error message stating No thermocouple is detected, this is is likely an issue with the installation of your thermocouple.
Please contact your kiln manufacturer for assistance in resolving this issue.
Learn more about other TAP error messages, as well as well as corresponding diagnostic and troubleshooting steps.
what does it mean if i get an error notification for “no thermocouple is detected” no thermocouple present how do i troubleshoot how do i fix how do i resolve my controller is saying there is no thermocouple my controller saysBelow are explanations for each possible error message on the TAP II or TAP II Pro Controllers – as well as possible causes and troubleshooting steps…
TAP Kiln Controller Table of Errors
| Message on Controller | Error Condition | Possible Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| The maximum allowable temperature for this device has been exceeded, the firing is Aborted. | Max Temperature Exceeded | Programmed Temperature Too High Relay Failure | Reduce programmed top temperature Verify relay turns off when 12VDC removed |
| The controller has detected a failure to heat, the firing is Aborted. | Failing to Heat for Too Long | Intermittent/Shorted Thermocouple Relay Failure Element Failure Reduced Power Available | Check thermocouple to ensure not broken or shorted Verify relay turns off when 12VDC removed Verify element is not open circuit Verify source power |
| The controller has detected a ramp rate in excess of the programmed ramp rate, the firing is aborted. This could be due to a latched relay. | Ramp Rate Exceeded | Relay Failure Controller Output Failure | Verify relay turns off when 12VDC removed Verify controller output 0VDC when in standby |
| The controller has detected a failure to cool. This firing is aborted. | Failure to Cool | Relay Failure Controller Output Failure | Verify relay turns off when 12VDC removed Verify controller output 0VDC when in standby |
| The controller has detected a high deviation from the setpoint, the firing is aborted. This could be due to a latched relay. | High Temp Deviation From Setpoint | Relay Failure Controller Output Failure | Verify relay turns off when 12VDC removed Verify controller output 0VDC when in standby |
| The controller has detected a rising temperature while not actively firing. This could be the result of latched relays. | Rising Temperature Alarm | Relay Failure Controller Output Failure | Verify relay turns off when 12VDC removed Verify controller output 0VDC when in standby |
| No thermocouple is detected. Firing is Aborted. | No Thermocouple Detected Alarm | Thermocouple Failure Thermocouple Connection Bad Controller Input Failure | Verify thermocouple is not broken Verify thermocouple connection at the controller and isothermal block Contact SDS Industries |
Failed to initialize AD7799 Hardware. | Analog to Digital Converter Has Failed | Analog to Digital Converter Has Failed | Contact SDS Industries as a replacement controller will be needed |
Please contact our Support Team with any questions. We’re happy to assist you! You can find more detailed troubleshooting steps here.
i received an error message error notification what does it mean if my controller says max temp notification failure to heat firing aborted failure to cool temperature deviation no thermocouple how do i troubleshoot what do i do my controller is saying how to fix how to resolve kiln shut off firing stopped temperature on my kiln error alerts errorsShort Answer: TAP II, TAP II Pro, TAP&Go, and TAP Micro all include safety outputs.
TAP II Pro and the discontinued original TAP Controller offer three element outputs and a safety output.
The TAP II Controller, TAP Micro, and TAP&Go all have a single element output and a safety output. The safety output can be used as an upstream switch to prevent runaway in the event of the output relay failure.
Additionally, TAP Monitor DIY Configurable Components can be installed as a redundant relay controller – for an additional layer of protection against relay failure.
Short Answer: Negative temperature readings are usually caused by incorrect thermocouple installation.
If your kiln reading negative temperatures, this is usually a relatively straightforward fix.
The thermocouple on your kiln is likely installed with polarity reversed. Please contact your kiln manufacturer for assistance in resolving this issue.
Additionally, you can find troubleshooting steps for thermocouple-related error notifications here.
why is my kiln reading negative temperatures what should i do what do i do what does it mean if my kiln is reading negative temperatures the temperatures on my kiln are negative the temperatures on my kiln is negative kiln temperatureBelow are troubleshooting steps for if your screen is blank and dark with a flashing blue light…
If you’re seeing a flashing blue light, this is your controller’s ‘heartbeat.’ This means your TAP Kiln Controller is operating in a normal state.
If there’s no display, check all internal wiring and ensure the controller display assembly is still connected to the controller IO board.
If the problem persists after verification of all internal wiring, please contact SDS Industries.
screen is dark screen is blank there’s a flashing blue light inside my controller how do i fix a dark screen with a flashing blue light how do i fix a blank screen with a flashing blue light how do i repair what should i do if i have my tap controller is blank and dark with a flashing blue light what is what’s the flashing blue light inside of my controller no display blank display dark display i’m having problems i’m having issues with my displayShort Answer: Your controller forgetting time and date between reboots is indication that you need to replace your clock battery.
Does your kiln controller keep forgetting the date or time every time you restart your controller? That means the coin cell battery needs to be replaced.
You can find the clock battery on the back of your controller’s circuit board. Usually, you can access it by unscrewing the front display of your controller – though you may need to detach your wiring harness to create additional access to the back of your controller.
The controller will accept standard CR1220 or CR1225 batteries.
You can also purchase a replacement TAP Clock Battery on our online store.
my controller my kiln controller my tap kiln controller forgets the time between resets my controller keeps forgetting time and date my time and date keep resetting how do i get my controller to remember the time and date how to get my controller to remember the time and date do i need to replace my clock battery how to find my battery how do i replace my batteryFind The Resources You Need...
Still looking to learn more about your TAP Kiln Controller? Check out these additional support resources.
We are happy to address any questions or requests you may have and will get back to you within one business day!
