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      Prisma - (via USB) - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup (Beta)

      This manual covers the connection of a Prisma roast machine via USB, to Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.

      This roast machine is currently in the Beta stage of development at Cropster.

      To access this integration, please register for Beta testing by completing the provided form here.

      Beta testing involves the evaluation of new features by a limited group of users to uncover potential 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.

      We will be happy to assist in resolving any issues you may encounter or propose alternative connection options.

      Specifications

      Requirements

      Do not install third-party FTDI drivers on macOS, as it already comes with native support for FTDI devices. Installing additional drivers may cause conflicts and prevent your device from working correctly.

      Supported measurements

      • Bean temperature
      • Exhaust temperature

       

      Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

      Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

      USB is an optional feature that was not available on roasters manufactured before October 2022

      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. Click the green Login with the browser button.
      5. You will be directed to the C-sar browser. 
      6. Enter your Username* and Password* and click the green Sign in with password button. 
        Use the same credentials that you use to access the online platform C-sar.

       
      Establishing a connection to the machine

      The images below are for reference and may differ slightly from your screen.


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

      1. Select Preferences > Machine > Configuration
      2. To choose the Roast machine, click on the dropdown menu in the Machine section.
      3. Click the + Add connector option to choose your connector from the dropdown list.
      4. Select Generic Modbus over serial port from the dropdown. 
      5. Click Select to add the connector.
      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. Enable the desired measurements and choose Generic Modbus over serial port as the connector type.
      9. (Optional) Change the order of the measurements by using the Drag and Drop icon and move it into position.
      10. Navigate to the Machine > Configuration tab and click on the Gear icon in the Connector setup section to open and configure more settings.
      11. Copy the settings as shown below: 
      12. Choose Celsius or Fahrenheit according to the temperature unit displayed on the machine's temperature readouts.
      13. Make sure to activate the checkbox next to "Big-Endian word order (32-bit)"
        • Serial port:
          • Windows: COMx
          • macOS: USBx
      14. Click OK.
      15. 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 2024-08-21 at 09.42.45

       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 driver for the USB serial converter?
      • Is the correct serial port within the RI selected?
      • On MacOS: try installing the Beta VCP driver. macOS X10.15 to macOS 11 (this is a Beta driver release and the installer should be run from the /Applications folder on your machine)

      If you have selected a serial port from RI, and you receive Sources connected from the bottom-right corner of RI, but you can't see live temperature readouts, you may not have selected the serial port referring to the roast machine's connection.


      Driver for the USB serial converter

      If you cannot select the correct serial port within the RI's Serial port field, your computer may not have the appropriate driver needed to recognize the serial converter's physical connection.

      Please reach out to support.cropster.com, and attach the following information relevant to the USB serial converter used:

      • Manufacturer and model
      • Serial number
      • Picture of the serial converter
      • RI log files

      A Cropster representative will assess the information and assist in providing the required driver for the USB serial converter used.

      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.