Roaster & Roaster (Automatic) with Touchscreen - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup (beta)

This article explains how to connect a Roaster & Roaster (R&R) Automatic roast machines with touchscreen, via Ethernet, to Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.

If you haven't been invited to participate in the beta program for this integration, but you are interested in participating and testing the feature, please sign up here.

Beta means that the features are being tested with a select group of users to help us identify minor flaws under everyday conditions that we cannot reproduce internally. Therefore, it will be necessary that you share feedback with us and let us know whenever you come across some unexpected behavior.

Specifications

Requirements

  • Ethernet cable

Supported measurements

  • Bean temperature
  • Exhaust temperature

Setting up a connection

Via the computer 

  1. Connect the network cable to your roaster's ethernet port 
  2. Connect the other end to the computer's ethernet port.

Proceed with the Roaster settings.

Roaster settings

In order to establish a connection with Cropster, the Modbus connection first needs to be enabled on your roaster, using the roaster's touchscreen.

Enabling Cropster through Modbus connection

  1. Go to the Settings screen.

  2. Click the CONTROL SELECT button.

  3. Select the connection with the name Artisan (this also applies for Cropster connection).

    Screenshot 2023-06-21 at 13.08.07

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. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center
    or enter ncpa.cpl in the Windows search field.
  2. On the left panel, click the Change adapter settings link.
  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 the network adapter and select Properties.
  5. Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option and click the Properties button.
  6. Select Use the following IP Address option.
  7. Enter the specific IP Address for your roaster and replace the fourth number block with 42:
    The default IP address of R&R Automatic roasters is 192.168.1.1.
    • 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
  8. Click the OK button to submit your changes.

To avoid an IP conflict with your WiFi network, you may also need to change the IP address range of your WiFi router, if it uses the same subnet as your roaster (IP addresses in the range 192.168.1.*). If possible, please change it to a different subnet (for example 192.168.2.*) using your WiFi router's administration interface.

Proceed with the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup.

    Static IP address configuration - MacOS 

    1. Go to Apple icon > 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. Open the Configure IPv4 dropdown and choose Manually.
    4. Enter the specific IP Address for your roaster and replace the fourth number block with 42:
      The default IP address of R&R Automatic roasters is 192.168.1.1.
      • 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
    5. Click the Apply button to confirm the changes. 

    To avoid an IP conflict with your WiFi network, you may also need to change the IP address range of your WiFi router, if it uses the same subnet as your roaster (IP addresses in the range 192.168.1.*). If possible, please change it to a different subnet (for example 192.168.2.*) using your WiFi router's administration interface.

    Proceed with the Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup.

    Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

    Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

    1. Download the Roasting Intelligence from https://download.cropster.com/
    2. The Cropster installer leads you through all the installation steps.
    3. Open the RI by double-clicking the Cropster icon on the desktop
    4. Enter your username and password.
      They are the email address and password you were given to access your Cropster account on c-sar.cropster.com
    5. Check the Remember credentials box if you want to be able to run the RI offline.
    6. Click the Login button. 

    Establishing a connection to the machine

    1. Go to Account > Preferences > Machine tab.
    2. Select the Roasting machine you would like to connect from the drop down menu (e.g. Roaster & Roaster R5)
    3. Select Generic Modbus over Network (TCP) from the drop-down for all measurements.
      Screenshot 2023-06-21 at 12.18.45
    4. Click on the gear () icon to open the PLC IP-Settings. 
      • Copy the settings from the screenshot below:
        Note: The default IP address of R&R Automatic roasters is 192.168.1.1.Screenshot 2023-06-21 at 11.43.45
    5. Click Save to confirm 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.Bean_Exhaust

        Customize your RI user preferences

        Troubleshooting

        If the RI indicates No source connected and/or you cannot see any measurements, please check the following: 

        • Is the static IP address configured correctly?
        • Does the IP address of your roaster differ from the default?
        • Do you have a network conflict (If another connection (most commonly the Wifi connection) in the local network uses the same IP subnet as your roast machine, e.g. 192.168.1.*)

        For further assistance, please create a support ticket by clicking the Support button in the left lower corner of the app. A Cropster support rep will get in touch with you.


        Congratulations! You have successfully set up the Cropster Roasting Intelligence!

        Check out our Getting started video and enjoy tracking your first roasts! 

        More manuals and videos can be found on help.cropster.com.