Probat BRZ - Installing a new probe for Cropster

This article explains the probe replacement procedure on a Probat BRZ sample roaster.

• Legal note
• Specifications
• Temperature sensor installation

  • Locating and removing the existing temperature sensor

  • Bending the probe

  • Installing the new probe

Legal Note

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

By connecting a Cropster Connector 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.

Specifications

Requirements

• Ungrounded, digital thermocouple (Type K or J)

• Wrench (size 8)

• Pliers and a cloth (to bend the probe)

Supported measurements

• Bean temperature

Temperature sensor installation

Probat BRZ sample roasters come with analog temperature sensors. To connect the Probat BRZ sample roaster to Cropster, you need to:

1. Locate and remove the existing temperature sensor
2. Bend the probe
3. Install the new probe

Locating and removing the existing temperature sensor

1. Lift up the barrel to make the rear accessible.

2. Locate the temperature probe.

3. Using the wrench, loosen the screw that fixates the probe.
4. Take out the probe.
   

Bending the probe

Before you can install the new probe, you need to bend it in a manner that it fits into the existing probe hole.

1. Refer to the Probat BRZ's default probe - the new probe will need to be bent to same shape as the original probe.
   The new probe needs to fit through the port at the rear of the drum.
   
2. Put a cloth (we’ve used a work glove) around the probe's section you are looking to bend. 
3. Bend the probe carefully to the same extent as the original probe by the help of pliers.
   
4. You can make fine adjustment to the angle afterwards with your hands.
   
5. Repeat the procedure until the new probe matches the form of the original probe. 
   

Installing the new probe

1. Insert probe into the port at the rear of the drum until you reach the three drum arms inside the drum.
2. Make sure the probe is not touching the drum's arms from inside the drum.
3. Rotate the drum and listen for the probe hitting any part of the drum. If the probe does hit the drum, then look inside the drum to see where the probe is hitting and adjust the probe's position away from the contact point.
   Repeat this step until the probes no longer hit any part of the drum, not even slightly.
   

4. Depending on the length of the probe, you may bend the part of the probe outside the drum, so the probe cable is bent downwards when putting the drums back in their original position.
   

5. Once you are happy with the position and made sure the probe is not touching the drum arms when they rotate, fixate the probe by tightening the screw securing it.