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.
To access this integration, please register for beta testing by completing the provided form here.
Beta testing involves the evaluation of new features by a limited group of users to uncover potential 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.
We will be happy to assist in resolving any issues you may encounter or propose alternative connection options.
Specifications
Requirements
- USB cable
- Driver (serial converter) for machines built before May 2020 (HB-L2, HB-L6, HB-M2, HB-M6):
- Driver (serial converter) for machines built from May 2020 onwards (HB-L2S, HB-L6S, HB-M2S, HB-M6S):
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, and HB-M6S models manufactured after May 2020.
Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup
Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software
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Download RI.
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Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.
- Double-click the Cropster icon on your desktop to access Roasting Intelligence (RI).
- Click the green Login with the browser button.
💡 Select the "Remember me on this device" option to save your login credentials for future access. - You will be directed to the C-sar browser.
- Enter your Username* and Password* and click the green Sign in with password button.
💡You need to use the same credentials that you use to access the online platform C-sar.
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
The screenshots provided below serve as visual examples and may not exactly match what you see, particularly in the Machine > Controls tab.
Before you begin configuring your roast machine, ensure that you have added it via the online platform C-sar.
- Click
Preferences > Machine > Configuration at the bottom left to access the Preferences screen.
- To choose the Roast machine, click on the dropdown menu in the Machine section.
- By clicking on the + Add connector option, you can choose your connector from the available options in the dropdown list.
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You need to select HB Roaster from the dropdown.
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Click Select to add the connector.
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Navigate to the Machine > Measurements tab. All supported measurements will be displayed.
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To activate the measurements, simply click the green toggle button.
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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. -
Change the order of the measurements by using the
Drag and Drop icon and move it into position.
💡You can also customize the color of each measurement by clicking on the colorful dots on the right side of the screen. -
Navigate back to the Machine > Configuration tab and click on the
Gear icon in the Connector setup section next to the previously added connector to open and configure more settings.
- Select the correct Version for the 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
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- 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.
- Windows: Choose the COM option that refers to the connection to the roast machine.
- Click OK.
- 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.
📚 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 USB serial converter driver?
- 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.