Ambex YM-models (with Watlow controller) - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup (beta)

This manual explains how to connect a Ambex YM-model roast machines with Watlow controls to Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.

Specifications

Requirements

Note: On recent MacOS devices, the driver may be already pre-installed with your operating system.

Supported measurements

  • Bean temperature
  • Exhaust temperature

Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

  1. Download the Roasting Intelligence from https://download.cropster.com/.
  2. The Cropster installer leads you through all the installation steps.
  3. Open the RI by double-clicking the Cropster icon on the desktop
  4. Enter your username and password.
    The username is the email address your Cropster invitation has been sent to, and use the password you've generated when accepting the invitation.
  5. Check the Remember credentials box if you want to be able to run the RI offline.
  6. Click the Login button.
     

Establishing a connection to the machine

  1. Go to Account > Preferences > Machine tab.
  2. Select the Roast machine you would like to connect from the drop-down menu (e.g. Ambex YM-2).
  3. Select Generic Modbus over serial port from the drop-down for all measurements.
  4. Click on the gear () icon to open the PID-settings. 
  5. Copy the settings as shown in the screenshot below:
    • Serial port:
      Windows: choose the COMx option that refers to the connection to the roaster.
      Mac: choose the USBx option.

 6. Click Save to confirm the changes. The RI requires a restart to apply the settings.

If you have selected a serial port from the RI, and you receive Sources connected from the bottom-right corner of the roasting application, but you can't see live temperature readouts, you may not have selected the serial port referring to the roast machine's connection.

    If the setup was successful, you will be able to see temperature values on the right-hand side of the RI screen, after the restart.Bean_Exhaust

    Learn how to customize your RI user preferences

    Troubleshooting

    If the RI indicates No source connected and/or you cannot see any measurements, please check the following: 

    • Is the roast machine connected to the computer? 
    • Have you downloaded the driver for the USB serial converter?
    • Is the correct serial port within the RI selected?
    • On MacOS:MacOS X10.15 to MacOS 11 (this is a Beta driver release and the installer should be run from the /Applications folder on your machine)

    For further assistance, please create a support ticket by clicking the Support button in the left lower corner of the app. A Cropster support rep will get in touch with you.


    Congratulations! You have successfully set up the Cropster Roasting Intelligence!

    Check out our Getting started video and enjoy tracking your first roasts! 

    More manuals and videos can be found on help.cropster.com.