Alternative connection options
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      Center 301 Dual Input Thermometer - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup (beta)

      This manual explains how to configure a Center 301 dual input thermometer, with Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.


      This integration 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

      The driver may be already be pre-installed with your operating system.

      Supported measurements

      • The Center 301 Dual Input Thermometer has the ability to support two measurements, according to your individual preference.

      Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

      Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

      1. Download the custom version of Roasting Intelligence (RI) depending on your computer's Operating System here. 

      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 move it into position.
      4. Switch on the measurements you would like to enable and select 
        Center Thermometer 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. 
      5. Click on the Gear icon to open more settings.
      6. Select the Serial port. 
        • Serial port:
          Windows: Choose the COM option that refers to the connection to the roaster.

          Mac: Choose the USB option that refers to the connection to the roaster.

      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 2024-08-22 at 13.24.48

        📚 Learn more about the 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?

        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.

        Driver for the USB serial converter

        If you cannot select the correct serial port within the RI's Serial port field, your computer may not have the appropriate driver needed to recognize the serial converter's physical connection.

        Please reach out to support.cropster.com, and attach the following information in relevance to the USB serial converter used:

        • Brand, and model

        • Serial number

        • Picture of the serial converter

        • RI log files

        A Cropster representative will assess the information, and assist in providing the required driver for the USB serial converter used.

        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.