FAQs
      Back to home
      1. Helpdesk : Cropster
      2. Roasting Intelligence (RI)
      3. FAQs

      How does the machine event-based auto-start and end of roast detection work (beta)

      This article will explain how to enable Machine event-based auto-start and end of roast detection in Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.

      This feature 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.

       How does the auto-start and end of roast feature work?

      Since this feature is currently in the beta stage, we suggest starting with a test roast without beans to ensure everything is working properly.

      Once you find that the start and stop events are detected reliably, proceed with production roasts.

      If the roast does not start or stop automatically, you can manually initiate or end the process by pressing the "Start" or "Stop" button.


      The Roasting Intelligence (RI) can detect certain machine-based events, triggering the start of the roast, without needing to click the Start button.

      On the other hand, RI can also detect certain machine-based events associated with the end of a roast, thus triggering the end of the roast, without needing to click the Stop button. This allows you to have a more precise start and end of roast.

      With the new feature, we read out the commands directly from the roast machine, which makes the detection more precise. 

      Please note that the machine-based events vary depending on roast machine, therefore, please refer to the machine types below to see the relevant machine-based events for your roast machine.

      For Loring roast machines:

      The roast start is triggered once the roast machine's hopper is opened, and the roast end is triggered once the roast emissions door is opened, thus releasing the roasted beans into the cooling tray.

      For Atilla Gold Plus & Automation, and Atilla Gold Plus & Automation RE roast machines:

      The roast start is triggered when charging the green coffee beans, and the roast end is triggered once the desired end roast temperature is reached.

      For Neuhaus Neotec RFB Junior/RFB-S and NEOROAST roast machines:

      The roast start is triggered by the start of the filling process of the green coffee beans, and the roast end is triggered by the start of the emptying process of the roasted coffee beans.

      Requirements

      In order to utilize the auto-start and end of roast feature based on machine events, you must meet the following requirements:


      • One of the following machines and corresponding connectors:
        • Loring roaster (Loring PLC connector) with software version 2.x. The software version can be found in the "System" screen of the roaster's panel.
        • Atilla Gold Plus roaster (Atilla Gold Plus & Automation, and Atilla Gold Plus & Automation RE connectors)
        • Neuhaus Neotec roaster (Neuhaus Neotec PLC connector)

      Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup


      Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software


      1. Download RI.

      2. The Cropster installer leads you through all the installation steps.

      3. Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.

      4. Double-click the Cropster icon on your desktop to access RI.

      5. Enter your username and password.
        Use the same login information that you use to access the online platform C-sar.

      6. 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.

      Enabling the auto-start and end of roast feature 


      Once you have the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Beta version application installed and a connection has been established with your roast machine:

      1. Navigate to Preferences > Machine > Configuration bottom left to access the Preferences screen. 
      2. To choose the Roast machine, click on the dropdown menu in the Machine section.
        💡 Make sure that the relevant connector associated with your machine is selected.
        Screenshot 2024-08-26 at 15.39.45
      3. Certain machines require you to select a machine version:
        • If your machine is an Atilla Gold Plus roaster: 
          Click the   Gear icon next to the connector dropdown.
          In the connector settings, select the software Version of your Atilla Gold Plus roaster: Atilla Gold Plus & Automation or Atilla Gold Plus & Automation RE
        • If your machine is an Neuhaus Neotec roaster:
          Click the Gear icon next to the connector dropdown.
          In the connector settings, select the software version of your Neuhaus Neotec roaster: RFB Junior/RFB-S or NEOROAST
      4. Navigate to the Roasting > Smart features tab.
      5. Scroll down to the Smart detection section. 
      6. Enable the Machine event-based auto-start and end of roast detection by clicking on the respective checkbox. 
        💡The text relating to the Auto-start/Stop feature differs depending on roaster type. Therefore, simply select the first option under the Smart detection: Start and end of a roast checkbox (as seen in screenshot below).
      7. Click Save.
      After saving the changes, RI will automatically restart. 

      In the pre-roasting screen, after you have selected a Profile and Green Inventory for the roast, and once the roaster is connected and the "Auto-start ready..." text is displayed in the lower left corner of the window, the roast should start automatically when opening the hopper and stop automatically when the emission door is opened.

      RI will switch back to the start screen immediately, there is no post-roast screen for editing the roast details.
      💡 In case the roast does not start/stop automatically, you can still start/stop it manually by pressing the Start or Stop button at all times.

       

      Machine-specific text:

      The Auto-start ready text may differ depending on your machine.

      Therefore, look for the words Auto-start ready in order to determine if the machine is set up correctly and is ready. If there is additional text, it is usually as a prompt for you to perform an action. If the auto-start feature isn't ready, the additional text will point out what the issue is (e.g. No Green Inventory or Profile selected, weight selected is more than the machine's capacity, etc).

      Troubleshooting

      If you cannot see the feature enabled, please check the following: 

      • Is your machine and connector compatible with the Auto-start and end of roast feature?
      • Is the correct connector selected for your machine?
      • Is the Start and end of roast checkbox checked for Smart Detection under the General tab?
      • Is the Machine event-based auto-start and end of roast checkbox checked under the Start and end of roast checkbox? (first option)
      • Have you checked that a Profile and Green Inventory have been selected, as well as a correct weight?

      Congratulations! You have successfully set up Machine event-based auto-start and end of roast!

      Your opinion matters. If you have further questions, feedback, or concerns, please feel free to reach out by submitting a support ticket directly from support.cropster.com.