Phidget 1048 (J/K/E/T type Thermocouples) - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

This manual covers hardware connection, software installation and settings of Cropster’s Roasting Intelligence for J/K/E/T type (UNGROUNDED) Thermocouples



Legal Note

Please read this installation and configuration guide carefully, as any mishandling could lead to permanent device damage.

By connecting a Phidget device or temperature probe to any computer or by installing Cropster’s Roasting Intelligence (RI) software, the user agrees to release Cropster from any liability and assumes any possible risk related to the use of this measuring device and/or software. Cropster's terms of service apply.

Cropster cannot advise on the installation of the hardware, and to ensure safety when installing any hardware on your machine, Cropster recommends consulting with a technician who can help with the installation. 

Specifications

Requirements

  • Ungrounded digital thermocouples type K, J, T or E
  • Cropster Connector (Phidget 1048)
  • Splicing wire (ad-hoc)

    Connection options

    Depending on the type of your roaster and thermocouples, there are three connection options: 

    1. Direct connection
    2. Dual probe connection
    3. Splicing connection

    Direct connection

    A direct connection applies when adding new probes independently from the roaster's readout. The newly added probe can be connected directly to the Cropster Connector. 

    Proceed with the Cropster Connector installation.

    Dual connection

    A dual connection applies when the roaster is equipped with a dual probe. A dual probe is a probe with two sensors inside the hull and two pairs of wires that allow a simultaneous connection to Cropster and the roaster's readout.

    Proceed with the Cropster Connector installation.

    Splicing connection

    If none of the above is applicable, the temperature signal can be spliced from the probe into Cropster, by the help of an extension wire.

    Cropster explicitly does not recommend hardware connection via splicing. Your Cropster support person will gladly recommend you different connection options for your machine.

    📚 Learn how to establish a splicing connection

    Cropster Connector installation

    Disconnect the USB cable from the Cropster Connector and turn off your roast machine during the hardware installation.

    1. Follow the probe cable from the tip of the probe to its end where the two wires appear.
      In case of dual probes, take the free end that is not connected to the roast machine.
    2. Connect the two wires to any port of the Cropster Connector (e.g. 0/G, 1/G, 2/G, 3/G) with the provided screw-driver, as shown in the table below.
    3. Connect the Cropster Connector via the provided USB cable and proceed with the Roasting Intelligence Setup.
      EURO-standard US-standard

      K-type

      • Green wire to number port (e.g. 0)
      • White wire to corresponding G port
      K-type
      • Yellow wire to number port (e.g. 0)
      • Red wire to corresponding G port
        J-type
        • Black wire to number port (e.g. 0)
        • White wire to corresponding port
          J -type
          • White wire to number port (e.g. 0)
          • Red wire to corresponding port

            Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

            Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

            1. Download RI.

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

            3. Download the Phidget driver.
            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.

            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 Temperature sensor (Ungrounded K/J/E/T-type thermocouples) from the dropdown for the measurements.
              💡 Make your measurement readouts more compact. Choose the size of your measurement readouts by selecting either the Small or Large view for display.
              Screenshot 2024-08-22 at 15.51.41
            5. Select the Channel.
              💡The channel refers to the ports on the Cropster Connector. If the probe wires are connected to port 1/G, select 1 under channel. 
            6. Select the Type of thermocouple.
            7. (Optional) Click the toggle button to turn on (or off) the Rate of Rise (RoR) curve for your measurements.
              📚 Learn how to set the RoR within the RI.
            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 2024-10-01 at 15.05.36

            📚 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 Cropster Connector connected to the computer? 
            • Is the Phidgets driver installed?
            • Mac only: has the Phidgets driver been enabled in the Mac's Security & Privacy settings?

            If Roasting Intelligence shows negative temperature readings you will have to swap the wires on the board from “G” to “0” (or 1, 2, 3) and the other way round.


            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