Temperature sensors
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      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 using this measuring device and/or software. Cropster's terms of service apply.

      Cropster cannot advise on the installation of the hardware. 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, with 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 the 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 screwdriver, as shown in the table below.
        3. Connect the Cropster Connector via the provided USB cable and proceed with the Roasting Intelligence (RI) 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 G port
              		 J -type
              • White wire to number port (e.g. 0)
              • Red wire to corresponding G 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 Roasting Intelligence (RI).
                5. Click the green Login with the browser button.
                  💡 Select the "Remember me on this device" option to save your login credentials for future access.

                  Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 12.10.43

                6. You will be directed to the C-sar browser. 
                  Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 11.46.59
                7. 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


                Before you begin configuring your roast machine, ensure that you have added it via the online platform C-sar. 

                1. Click Preferences > Machine > Configuration to access the Preferences screen. 
                2. Select the Machine by clicking on the dropdown in the Roasting Machine section. 
                3. Navigate to the Connector setup section. Choose your connector from the available options by clicking the +Add connector button. 
                4. You need to select the Temperature sensor (Ungrounded K/J/E/T-type thermocouples)from the dropdown. 
                5. Click Select. 
                  Screenshot 2025-04-02 at 17.06.52

                6. Navigate to the Machine > Measurements tab. All supported measurements will be displayed here.  To activate the measurements, simply click the green toggle button.

                7. Select the Temperature sensor (Ungrounded K/J/E/T-type thermocouples) from the dropdown at each measurement.
                  💡 Make your measurement readouts more compact. Choose the size of your measurement readouts by selecting either the Small or Large view for display.
                8. 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 the channel. 
                9. Select the Type of thermocouple.
                  📚 Learn to identify the probe type.
                10. (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.
                11. Change the order of the measurements by using the  Drag and Drop icon and move it into position.
                12. 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 2025-03-31 at 13.05.11

                📚 Learn more about the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Preferences.


                Troubleshooting


                If  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.