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      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. The login to Roasting Intelligence is performed through the browser via the online platform C-sar. Enter your username and password.
        💡 Use the same login information that you use to access the online platform C-sar.
        Screenshot 2025-02-24 at 13.51.46
      5. Click the Login with browser button.

      If you need to continue using the legacy login method, where credentials are entered directly into the application, please click on the Login using credentials option. You will be able to use this method until March 26, 2025. After this date, the browser login option will become the sole method for accessing the application.

      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.

      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. 
        📚 To view your roast machine in the list, make sure to add it via the online platform C-sar beforehand. 

      3. By clicking on the + Add connector option you can choose your connector from the available options in the dropdown list.

      4. You need to select HB Roaster from the dropdown. 

      5. Click Select to add the connector.
        Screenshot 2025-02-25 at 13.19.20

      6. Navigate to the Machine > Measurements tab. All supported measurements will be displayed.

      7. To activate the measurements, simply click the green toggle button.

      8. 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.

      9. 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.
        Screenshot 2025-02-25 at 13.57.08

      10. Navigate back to the Machine > Configuration tab and click on the gear-png-1Gear icon in the Connector setup section next to the previously added connector to open and configure more settings.

      11. 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
      12. 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.
          Screenshot 2024-11-19 at 15.58.33
      13. Click OK.
      14. 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 2025-02-25 at 14.14.12

        📚 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.