Buckeye/BC Roasters (with Omron controls) - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

This manual explains how to connect a Buckeye roast machine to the Cropster Roasting Intelligence

• Specifications
• Setting up a connection
• Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup
  
  • Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

• • Establishing connection to the machine

Specifications

Requirements

• USB cable
• Default driver for the USB serial converter:
  • Windows: http://www.wch.cn/download/CH341SER_EXE.html
  • Mac: http://www.wch.cn/downloads/CH341SER_MAC_ZIP.html
  • Linux: http://www.wch.cn/download/CH341SER_LINUX_ZIP.html

Click here for the driver installation guide.

• Alternate driver: CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers - Silicon Labs

Supported measurements

• Bean temperature
• Exhaust temperature

Setting up a connection

Via Bluetooth

1. Plug the Bluetooth module into the USB port of the computer
2. Press the button on the side of the module. The module will connect to the machine automatically.
   

Proceed with the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup.

Via data cable 

1. Plug the data cable into the communication port of the machine
2. Connect the cable to the USB port of the computer.

Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

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 user name 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. If you are setting up RI for the first time, click the Select machine button in the banner at the top or click Gear > Configuration bottom left to access the machine preferences screen. 
   
2. Select the Roasting machine you would like to connect from the drop down menu (e.g. Buckeye 5kg)
   Note: If the machine is not in the list you can add via the online platform.
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 drop down. Repeat this step for all measurements you would like to enable.  
   
5. Click on the gear () icon to open the PID-settings. 
6. Copy the settings as shown in the screenshot below:

   • Serial port
     Windows: choose the COM option that refers to the connection to the roaster.
     Mac: choose the /dev/tty.usbserial or /dev/tty.bluetooth option.
     

7. Click OK and then click Save to confirm the changes.

RI will automatically restart after saving the changes. 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.

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 correct driver for the USB serial converter?
• Is the correct serial port within the RI selected?
• Are the settings copied correctly?

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