This manual covers hardware connection, software installation and settings of Cropster’s Roasting Intelligence for PT-100/PT-1000 type RTD sensors connected via a VINT Hub Phidget and TMP1200.
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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.
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 in order to ensure safety when installing any hardware on your machine, Cropster recommends consulting with a technician who can help with the install.
Specifications
Requirements
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RTD Phidgets (TMP 1200): supports 2-, 3-, 4-wire RTD mode
Note: The TMP 1200 only allows one RTD sensor per device. You need one TMP1200 per RTD sensor. -
Phidgets cables (e.g. 3002_0, 3003_0, 3004_0 )
Note: there are various types of Phidgets cables available for the connection. Please consult the Phidgets website for the TMP1200, and click on Connection & Compatibility to learn more about whether the Phidgets cable you use is supported by the Phidgets device.
Setup options
You cannot splice the probe cables to use for parallel readouts (e.g. digital readout on roasting machine and input for Roasting Intelligence data bridge will not work).
Depending on your setup and the type of probes, there are two connection options:
Direct connection
A direct connection applies when adding new probes independently from the roaster's readout. The newly added probe can be connected directly to the Cropster Connector.
Dual connection
A dual connection applies when the roaster is equipped with a dual probe. A dual probe is a probe with two sensors inside the hull and two pairs of wires that allows a simultaneous connection to Cropster and the roaster's readout.
VINT Hub + TMP1200 installation
VINT Hub HUB0000 (now HUB0001_0) on the left, connected to a TMP1200 on the right, using a Phidgets cable to perform the connection between the two devices. A 4-wire mode RTD temperature sensor, is connected into the TMP1200.
Disconnect the USB cable from the VINT Hub and turn off your roast machine during the hardware installation.
- Follow the probe cable from the tip of the probe to its end where the wires appear.
In case of dual probes, take the free end that is not connected to the roaster. - Confirm the number of wires available for your PT-100/PT-1000 RTD probe, and follow the next step accordingly:
Two-wire:
To connect a 2-wire RTD to the RTD Phidget, connect one wire to the RTD+ terminal, and the other to the RTD- terminal. Then connect the EXC+ terminal to the RTD+ terminal and the EXC- to the RTD- terminal with two short wires.
This is the simplest wiring setup for an RTD, but also the least accurate because the resistance of the leads are not taken into account.Three-wire:
Your RTD should have two wires that share a color; connect one of these wires to the RTD- terminal and the other to the EXC- terminal. The differently colored wire connects to the RTD+ terminal. Then connect the EXC+ terminal to the RTD+ terminal with a short wire.
In a three-wire RTD, the extra wire is added to measure the resistance of one of the leads. This calculation assumes that both leads have the same resistance.
Four-wire:
To connect a four-wire RTD, simply connect one pair of same-colored wires to the RTD+ and EXC+ terminals, and the other pair to the RTD- and EXC- terminals.
A four-wire RTD is normally used in precision measurement, when the assumption that both leads have the same resistance is not accurate enough. Unfortunately, the RTD Phidget does not support this particular feature of four-wire RTDs. It does support the use of four-wire RTDs using the same assumption as three-wire mode. - Connect the TMP1200 to the VINT Hub using your Phidgets cable.
- Repeat the installation steps for each RTD sensor, you wish to connect to a TMP1200.
- Connect the VINT Hub to the computer with the provided USB cable to your computer and proceed with the software setup.
Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup
Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software
- Download the Roasting Intelligence from download-beta.cropster.com
- The Cropster installer leads you through all the installation steps.
- Download the Phidget driver.
- Open the RI by double-clicking the Cropster icon on the desktop.
- Enter your username and password.
The username is the email address your Cropster invitation has been sent to, and use the password you've generated when accepting the invitation. - Check the Remember credentials box if you want to be able to run the RI offline.
- Click the Login button.
Establishing a connection to the machine
-
Go to Account > Preferences > Machine tab.
-
Select the Roast machine you would like to connect from the drop-down menu.
-
Select Phidgets RTD Sensor (TMP1200) from the drop-down for all measurements connected to the VINT Hub's ports, via a TMP1200.
- Select the Hub port.
The Hub port refers to the port on the VINT Hub. If the TMP1200 is connected to VINT Hub's port 0, select 0 under Hub port. - Select the Type of RTD temperature sensors.
- PT100 or PT1000 = Platinum sensor with 100 or 1000 ohm resistance
- 3850 or 3920 ppm/K = temperature coefficient
Note: Please check the manufacturer's probe specifications, to identify the type. e.g., An RTD with 100 ohm resistance, and a 3850 ppm/k, corresponds to the PT100_3850 option.
- PT100 or PT1000 = Platinum sensor with 100 or 1000 ohm resistance
- Click on the gear (
) icon to open more settings.
- Click on the Wiring mode drop-down menu, and select the wiring mode corresponding to the number of leads/wires coming from your PT100/PT1000 probe.
- Wireless VINT Hub (i.e. HUB5000) ONLY:
- Enter the hostname/IP address and port.
- Hostname/IP address:
The hostname or IP address of your Wireless VINT Hub - Port: The port of the Phidget Server configured on your Wireless VINT Hub
- Hostname/IP address:
- Enter the hostname/IP address and port.
- Click OK, then 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.
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 TMP1200 connected to the VINT Hub?
- Is the VINT Hub connected to the computer?
- Is the Phidgets driver installed?
- Mac only: has the Phidgets driver been enabled in the Mac's Security & Privacy settings?
If the temperature deviates a few degrees:
- Try the different options for your type of RTD sensor under the Type drop-down menu.
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.