My sister set up the computer for my parents in Tokyo, and started using the Skype since January. We managed to teach her to use the Skype, but that all, and since my sister has gone home.
I was amazed how technology has progressed. I tried the video conference with them 10-15 years ago, when Apple clone was in the market. It worked, but really the video was like thumbnail pictures with underwater sounds. So, we gave up the idea. Now it is actually the color video both ways. Amazing. I have not seen my mother close to five years.
Now, we are pleased with the Skype, but my parents do not understand the computer at all. Message from the google desktop just freaks her up and makes her think it’s broken. I googled “remote access”, and found software called “Teamviewer“. It is free for personal use. It took us 2 hours to install the program over the Skype. It was very difficult to explain where to scroll, and which to click….. Good thing is we managed to install the Teamviewer and I can maintain her computer in Tokyo from NY. I can see her computer screen on my monitor, and actually control hers like my computer. I reinstalled the Google Desktop, and made some changes.
Something was still wrong with the electric kiln. I completed the bisque, but the controller was acting up again, and wound up to fire with one segment. Further test is needed, once the kiln is unloaded. To be continued.
With the help of the L&L technician over the phone, he concluded that my L&L JD230 kiln is fine after the following tests, and the problem was due to the shelf touching the pyrometer. I will retry the bisque tomorrow.
Here is two tests to check the elements and the replays on the kiln.
First, the elements. Unplug the cord connecting to the red box from the elements. Check the ohms by inserting the probes of the digital multimeter into each hole of the flat part of the plug tightly. Mine read around 17 ohm, for each plug. If element is broken, it does not register the resistance. I bought this kiln with the heavy duty elements option in 2001, and used for bisque cone 07 only. I bisque roughly 40-50 times a year. So, this have been 400 bisque firing done. According to the technician, my element will be for good for long time.
Second, relays. Turn on the power, and set the kiln to “fast glaze”mode, and turn on. Unplug the same plug, and insert the plug into the socket this time, and read the voltage. I read 235V. This shows the relay is working fine. My friend told me that I can get the relays at the Grainger at reasonable price.
There is very good instruction/ trouble shoot articles available at the L&L website.
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