Background issue:
My APS Novastar GF12 reflow oven seems to have lost it's operating =20
parameters since yesterday.  I've been able to reset most of the =20
parameters, but it still won't start now unless it has be "autotuned", =20
and there's a menu called "Tune" for this.  Though locked out with a =20
security code (for APS use only), I managed to figure out the code and =20
get access to that menu.  But I still can't figure out what to do from =20
here.  Pressing "start" (tune) changes the menu, and starts up the =20
conveyor, but it does nothing after that.  APS wants $1500, $1600, or =20
$1800 (depends on who you speak to there) to register the machine =20
first, before they even begin speaking with me about any issue, and in =20
one previous discussion they mentioned that my oven is an older model =20
so they may not be able to provide any support.

Long-shot:
Anyone happen to know this (or any other APS-type oven) that can tell =20
me what to do here?

Alternative:
I'm considering swapping their controller for another, but not sure if =20
I can get drop-in controller for ovens like this.  I know with CNC =20
machines it's possible to swap to another manufacturer's controller, =20
but does this happen for reflow ovens?  FWIW, it's a 3-zone oven.

Alternative 2:
Avoiding this due to time, but perhaps I can make my own controller.  =20
I need to figure out their hardware to determine what switches on/off =20
the heating elements and fans, and what controls the speed of the =20
conveyor, but I'd think the firmware after that would be relatively =20
simple.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,
-Neil.



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