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

      This manual covers the connection of an Ambex YM-model roast machine with Watlow controls to Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.


       

      This roast machine is currently in the beta stage of development at Cropster.

      Beta testing involves the evaluation of new features by a limited group of users to uncover minor issues that may not be apparent during internal testing. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve the functionality of our product. Please let us know in case you come across any unexpected behavior.

      If you haven't been invited to participate in the beta program for this integration but are keen on participating and testing this new feature, please sign up here.

      We will be happy to assist in resolving any issues you may encounter or propose alternative connection options.

       

      Specifications

      Requirements

      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 RI.

      2. Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.

      3. Double-click the Cropster icon on your desktop to access RI.

      4. Enter your username and password.
        Use the same login information that you use to access the online platform C-sar.

      5. Click the Login button.

      Check out the Release notes for every version of RI5 to stay updated on the latest features and improvements.

      You can access the Release notes directly in RI by clicking on Help > Release Notes.

       

      Establishing a connection to the machine

      1. If you are setting up RI for the first time, click the Select machine button in the banner at the top or click Preferences > Machine > Configuration bottom left to access the Preferences screen. 
        📚 Learn how to use the keyboard shortcuts in RI.
      2. To choose the Roast machine, click on the dropdown menu in the Machine section. 

        💡 After selecting the machine from the dropdown menu, the roast machine settings may automatically be filled in. You have the flexibility to edit these settings at any time to ensure they align with the specifications of your roasting machine. 

        📚 Learn how to add a new roast machine. 
      3. After selecting the machine all supported measurements will load.
        Change the order of the measurements by using the  Drag and Drop icon and moving it into position.
      4. Switch on the measurements you would like to enable and select Generic Modbus over serial port from the dropdown. 
        💡 Make your measurement readouts more compact. Choose the size of your measurement readouts by selecting either the Small or Large view for display. 
        Screenshot 2024-08-13 at 20.19.47
      5. Click on the Gear icon to open open and configure the PID settings based on the manufacturing year as shown below:
        💡 Choose Celsius or Fahrenheit according to the temperature unit displayed from the machine's temperature readouts.

        Operation system  Serial port 
        Windows  COMx
        Mac USBx
         Screenshot 2024-08-13 at 20.23.45

      6. Check the checkbox next to "Big-Endian word order (32 bit)".
      7. Click OK.
      8. Click Save to finalize the changes. 
          After saving the changes, RI will automatically restart. If the setup was successful, you will see the temperature values displayed on the right-hand side of the RI screen following the restart.

      Screenshot 2024-08-13 at 13.54.12-1

          📚 Learn how to customize your Roasting Intelligence (RI) 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)

          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.

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

          Check out the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) - Getting Started manual and enjoy tracking your first roasts! More manuals and videos can be found on help.cropster.com.