Plug&Play connectors
      Back to home
      1. Helpdesk : Cropster
      2. Connecting your roast machine
      3. Plug&Play connectors

      HB Roasters (with USB port) - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup (beta)

      This manual covers the connection of HB roast machine to the 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

      Click here for the driver installation guide.

      Supported measurements

      • Bean temperature
      • Exhaust temperature
      • Inlet temperature
      • Drum temperature (optional) 

      The Drum temperature measurement is only available on HB-L2S, HB-L6S, HB-M2S, HB-M6S models manufactured after May 2020.

      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 HB Roaster 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 13.57.39
      5. Click on the  Gear icon to open the PID settings.
      6. Select the correct Version for machines built:
        💡You can check the ID label on the roast machine to verify the version.  
        • Before May 2020: M2, M6, L2, L6
        • May 2020 onwards: M2S, M6S, L2S, L6S
      7. Select the Serial port:
        • Windows: Choose the COM option that refers to the connection to the roast machine.
          Mac:           Choose the USB option that refers to the connection to the roast machine.
      8. Click OK.
      9. 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

      📚 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 required driver for the USB serial converter, according to the manufacturing year of the machine?
      • Is the correct serial port within the RI selected?

      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.