RCE Automatyka refurbished roast machines (with B&R PLC) - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup (beta)

This manual covers the connection of a RCE Automatyka refurbished roast machine, with a B&R PLC to Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.


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.


Specifications

Requirements

  • Ethernet cable

Supported measurements

Setting up a connection

Via the computer 

Screenshot 2024-09-26 at 13.42.40

  1. Connect the network cable to your roaster's Ethernet port 
  2. Connect the other end to the computer's Ethernet port.
  3. Proceed with the Network settings.

Via the network router


Screenshot 2024-09-26 at 13.41.58

  1. Connect your network cable to your roaster's Ethernet port.
  2. Connect the other end to the routers' Ethernet port.
  3. Make sure that your computer and the router are connected (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable). 
  4. Proceed with the Network settings.

Network settings

When the roaster is connected to the computer directly, you need to set up a Static IP address. 

Static IP address configuration - Windows 7, 8, 10

  1. Navigate to the Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center or Network and Internet > Network Sharing Center.
  2. Click Change adapter settings
  3. Identify the network adapter-icon that refers to the roast machine connection.
    💡If you are not sure which icon refers to the roast machine, simply disconnect and reconnect the Ethernet cable and check which icon changes its status.
  4. Right-click on WiFi or Local Area Connection
  5. Click Properties
  6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). 
  7. Click Properties.
  8. Select Use the following IP Address option.
  9. Enter the specific IP Address for your roaster and replace the fourth number block with 42:
    💡 The default IP address of RCE refurbished machines is 192.168.1.100.
    • IP Address:  192.168.1.42
      Important: The first three blocks of the IP address need to match the IP address of your roaster, as identified via the roaster's panel.
    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
    • Leave the rest blank.
  10. Click the OK button to submit your changes.
  11. Proceed with the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

Static IP address configuration - MacOS 

  1. Navigate to  > System Preferences > Network
  2. Identify the Network connection item that refers to the connection to your machine and select that item.
    💡If you are not sure which icon refers to the roast machine, simply disconnect and reconnect the Ethernet cable and check which icon changes its status.

  3. Click on Details...

  4. Open the TCP/IP section and choose Manually next to Configure IPv4.
  5. Enter the specific IP Address for your roaster and add replace the fourth number block by 42:
    The default IP address of RCE refurbished machines is 192.168.1.100.
    • IP Address:  192.168.1.42
      Important: The first three blocks of the IP address need to match the IP address of your roaster, as identified via the roaster's panel.
    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  6. Click the OK button to confirm the changes.
  7. Proceed with the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup.

    Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

    Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

    1. Download the custom test version of the Roasting Intelligence depending on your computer's Operating System here.
    2. Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.

    3. Double-click the Cropster icon on your desktop to access RI.
    4. Enter your username and password.
      Use the same login information that you use to access the online platform C-sar.

    5. Click the Login button. 

    Establishing a connection to the machine

    1. Go to Account > Preferences > Machine tab.

    2. Select the Roast machine you would like to connect from the drop-down menu (e.g.

      Gothot 50kg)

    3. Select RCE Coffee PLC from the drop-down for all measurements.

    4. Click on the Gear icon to open more settings.
    5. Enter the IP address of the machine.
      The default for RCE refurbished roast machines is 192.168.1.100.
    6. Click OK.
    7. Click Save to finalize  the changes. The RI requires a restart to apply the settings.

    If the setup was successful, you will be able to see temperature values on the right-hand side of the RI screen, after the restart.

    📚 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 IP address correct?
    • Is the static IP address set up?

    When using Replay Assist, do not use any other temperature controlling software in parallel. Any gas/airflow changes from a concurrent client disables Replay assist for the remainder of the roast. 


    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