Upgrading A Cromartie Hobbycraft Kiln To A Programmable PID Controller
A Cromartie Hobbycraft kiln can be upgraded from a kiln sitter to a programmable ramp & soak controller with three parts: a Novus controller, a solid state relay (SSR) on a heatsink, and a Type K ceramic probe. Kiln-sitter models have no thermocouple, so the probe is needed here.
This guide covers the 13A plug-in Hobbycraft models (Hobbycraft 40, H45) and similar 3kW kilns such as the CTL40. It is written for potters and schools comfortable with basic wiring. If you're not, have a qualified electrician fit it. For other kiln brands and sizes, see the Kiln Controller Upgrade Parts guide.
Why Upgrade From A Kiln Sitter
A kiln sitter only switches off when a cone bends. It can't control how fast the kiln heats, hold a temperature, or slow the cool. A PID controller does all three automatically, every firing.
| Kiln sitter | N1050 PID controller | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating rate | Set by hand on the energy regulator | Programmed ramp in °C per hour |
| Hold (soak) | Not possible | Programmed hold segments |
| Stored schedules | None | Several stored programs (e.g. bisque, glaze, decal) |
| Shut-off | Cone bends | At the end of the program; the sitter can stay as a backup |
| Temperature reading | None | Live display from a Type K probe |
What You Need
Buy the parts individually. Most kilns only need a controller and an SSR with heatsink: a working thermocouple can stay in place, and the controller is set to match it. A kiln sitter or an older analogue (energy regulator) control has no thermocouple, so it needs a probe too.
1. Controller (all 230V models)
| Controller | Best for |
|---|---|
| Novus N1050-PR | Most kiln upgrades: ramp & soak programs, SSR output plus an alarm relay |
| Novus N1050-PRRR-485 | Extra relays (vent fan, alarm, end-of-firing signal) and RS485 |
| Novus N20K48 | Bluetooth setup and monitoring from a phone, plug-in ClickNGo modules |
2. SSR and heatsink, by the kiln's current
Amps = kW x 1000 / 230 (from the rating plate).
| Kiln current | Solid state relay | Heatsink |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 16A | Novus 25A DC-input SSR | EMAS SSS2X |
| 16A to 30A | Novus 40A DC-input SSR | EMAS SSS4X |
| 30A to 50A | Novus 60A DC-input SSR | EMAS SSS5X |
3. Thermocouple, only if needed
Type K ceramic probe, 50 / 100 / 200mm. For kiln sitters, older analogue controls, or a failed probe. 100mm suits most Hobbycraft walls; check the brick thickness.
For a Hobbycraft (13A, about 3kW): N1050-PR + 25A SSR + SSS2X + Type K probe. An enclosure such as the Wiska Indubox 818A is optional if the controller won't fit the kiln's own box. Prefer one box? The N1050 Kiln Upgrade Bundle has the controller, 25A SSR and probe together.
Wiring Overview
The N1050 reads the probe and pulses the SSR, which switches the live feed to the elements. The kiln sitter stays in the live feed as a backup cut-off. Full terminal-by-terminal wiring is in the PID Bundle Guide: Wiring & Setup.
Example Programs
The N1050 runs each segment as a target temperature reached over a set time, so the ramp rate is the temperature rise divided by the time. These are starting points only. Always follow your clay and glaze supplier's firing range, and check the kiln's maximum temperature on its rating plate.
| Program | Segment 1 | Segment 2 | Segment 3 | Segment 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 Bisque (about 1000°C) | to 600°C over 6h (about 100°C/h) | to 1000°C over 2h 40m (150°C/h) | hold 1000°C, 10 min | end, kiln off |
| P2 Earthenware glaze (about 1080°C) | to 600°C over 5h | to 1080°C over 3h (160°C/h) | hold 1080°C, 15 min | end, kiln off |
| P3 Stoneware glaze (about 1240°C) | to 600°C over 4h | to 1240°C over 4h 15m (150°C/h) | hold 1240°C, 15 min | end, kiln off |
Order Pre-Programming Of Novus Devices with your controller and send us your schedules, and we'll load them before dispatch.
Safety Notice ⚠
Kiln controls are connected to mains electricity. Isolate the kiln before opening any panel, and if you are unsure how to proceed, have a qualified electrician or competent person carry out the work. See also our PID Temperature Safety guide.
- Unplug the kiln before opening any panel. Mains wiring should be done or checked by a competent person.
- Keep the kiln sitter or a cone as a backup high-temperature cut-off. An SSR can fail closed, leaving the elements on.
- Mount the SSR on its heatsink with airflow, away from the kiln case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it fit inside the Hobbycraft control box?
The N1050 is a 48 x 48mm panel controller. If the existing box has no room, use a small wall-mounted enclosure beside the kiln.
Can I keep my existing thermocouple?
Yes, if the kiln already has one and it works. The N1050 can be set to Type K, S, R and other common types, so you only buy the controller and SSR/heatsink. Kiln sitters and older analogue controls have no thermocouple, so add the Type K probe.
Do I need the 40A relay instead?
Not for a Hobbycraft. A 13A, 3kW kiln is well within the 25A SSR. The 40A SSR is for kilns drawing 16A to 30A.
Can you set it up for me?
Yes. Order Pre-Programming Of Novus Devices and send your firing schedules, and we'll load them before dispatch.
Questions about your kiln? Call us on +44 (0)1824 520565 or use the contact form. Back to the Knowledge Base.