Differential pressure sensor (Phidgets 1136/1137/1138) - Roasting Intelligence Setup (beta)

This manual covers the Phidgets installation and configuration of Cropster’s Roasting Intelligence for connection with Phidgets 1136, 1137, and/or 1138, via an InterfaceKit, or VINT Hub.



 

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.


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

Adding the measurement to the RI

The Differential Air Pressure Sensor Phidget setup can be used to track the following measurements on the RI: 

  • Drum pressure (Pa) 
  • Airflow (%)

📚 Learn how to add measurements to your roast machine via the online platform C-sar. 

Phidgets have advised that this hardware is not suitable for the reading of Gas and Gas Pressure measurements, and is meant for reading Air measurements only. Therefore, if you use this hardware for reading Gas and/or Gas Pressure, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or advise on the potential risks involved.

 

Differential Air Pressure Sensor Phidget installation

Via VINT Hub HUB0001_0 (or HUB0000_0 depending on your setup)


Screenshot 2024-08-23 at 16.17.50
Source: www.phidgets.com

  1. Connect the Differential Air Pressure Sensor Phidget to any port of the VINT Hub with the Phidgets cable.
  2. Connect the VINT Hub to your computer with the USB cable.

Via Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8 (Phidget 1018)

  1. Connect the Differential Air Pressure Sensor Phidget into the InterfaceKit's "Analog Inputs" port (0 thru 7) with the Phidget cable.
  2. Connect the InterfaceKit to your computer with the USB cable.

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 device

  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 Phidgets Differential Air Pressure Sensor 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.
  5. Select the Type of your Differential Air Pressure Sensor: 
    • Phidget 1136
    • Phidget 1137
    • Phidget 1138
  6. Under Hub port, select the port where your Differential Air Pressure Sensor Phidget is connected to the hub.
    VINT Hub: The channel refers to the port on the VINT Hub. For example. if the Phidget is connected to hub port 0, select 0.
    InterfaceKit: The channel refers to the InterfaceKit's Analog Inputs (i.e. ports). For example, if the Phidget is connected to Analog Input 7, select 7.

  7. Click on the Gear icon to open more settings.
  8. From the Phidget hub drop-down menu, select whether you use a...
    • VINT Hub
    • InterfaceKit
  9. Define the Phidget sensor's Pressure range, in Pascal (Pa), at 0%, and at 100%.
    • Pressire at 0% {Pa}: 0.0
    • Pressure at 100% {Pa}: 2000.0
  10. Wireless VINT Hub (i.e. HUB5000) ONLY:
  11. Click OK.
  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 2024-08-22 at 13.24.48

📚 Learn more about the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Preferences

Troubleshooting

If you cannot see the measurement, please check the following: 

  • Is the Phidget 1136/1137/1138 connected to the VINT Hub/InterfaceKit? 
  • Is the VINT Hub/InterfaceKit connected to the computer?
  • Have you selected the correct port from channel?
  • Is the Phidgets22 driver installed?
  • Mac only: has the Phidgets driver been enabled in the Mac's Security & Privacy settings?

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your Phidget 1136/1137/1138!

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.