Alternative connection options
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      VINT Hub + TMP1101 (J/K/E/T type thermocouples) - Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup (Beta)

      This manual covers hardware connection, software installation and settings of Cropster’s Roasting Intelligence for J/K/T/E type thermocouples connected via Phidgets VINT Hub and TMP1101.

      This connection  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.

      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 to ensure safety when installing any hardware on your machine, Cropster recommends consulting with a technician who can help with the installation. 

      Specifications

      Requirements

      Setup options

      Depending on your setup and the type of probes, there are three connection options: 

      1. Direct connection
      2. Dual probe connection
      3. Splicing connection

       

      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. 

      Proceed with the hardware installation.

       

      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.

      Proceed with the hardware installation.

       

      Splicing connection

      If none of the above is applicable, the temperature signal can be spliced from the probe into Cropster, by the help of an extension wire.

      Cropster explicitly does not recommend hardware connection via splicing. Your Cropster support person will gladly recommend you different connection options for your machine.

      Turn off your roast machine during the splicing procedure.

      1. Follow the probe cable from the tip of the probe to its end, where the two wires lead into the roaster's control board or the backside of the temperature display.
      2. Take out the temperature probe wires from where they are connected. Remember their position.
        Take a picture before you disconnect the wires, so you can look up their position.

        EURO standard K-type probes. In this example, wires go into a control board. Instead of a roast control board, you may have a temperature display on your machine. Temperature probe wires (and splicing wires) look different depending on the standard your machine uses.
      3. Take the splicing wire as provided with your Cropster Connector.
      4. Twirl the ends of the probe wires firmly together with the splicing wires by color.


        This example shows EURO standard K-type probes and wires.

      5. Put the twirled wires back into the original position (the existing readout) of the temperature probe wires.

      VINT Hub + TMP1101 installation

      Screenshot 2023-06-22 at 15.13.20
      VINT Hub HUB0000 (now HUB0001_0) on the left, connected to a TMP1101 on the right, using a Phidgets cable to connect the two devices.

      Disconnect the USB cable from the VINT Hub and turn off your roast machine during the hardware installation.

      1. 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.
        • In case of splicing, take the free end of the splicing wire.  
      2. Connect the probe to a free channel of the 4x Thermocouple Phidget (TMP1101)  as shown in the table below.
      3. Repeat the installation steps for each sensor, then use the Phidgets cable to connect the TMP1101 to the VINT Hub.
      4. Connect the VINT Hub to the computer with the provided USB cable to your computer and proceed with the software setup.
      EURO-standard US-standard

      K-type

      • Green wire to number port (e.g. 0)
      • White wire to corresponding Ground port
      		 K-type
      • Yellow wire to number port (e.g. 0)
      • Red wire to corresponding Ground port
        J-type
        • Black wire to number port (e.g. 0)
        • White wire to corresponding Ground port
          		 J -type
          • White wire to number port (e.g. 0)
          • Red wire to corresponding Ground port

           

          Roasting Intelligence (RI) Setup

          Installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI) software

          1. Download RI.

          2. Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.

          3. Download the Phidget driver.
          4. Double-click the Cropster icon on your desktop to access RI.

          5. Enter your username and password.
            Use the same login information that you use to access the online platform C-sar.

          6. Click the Login button. 

          Check out the Release notes for every version of RI5 to stay updated on the latest features and improvements.

          You can access the Release notes directly in RI by clicking on Help > Release Notes.

          Establishing a connection to the machine

          The Roasting Intelligence (RI), will automatically recognize the Hub port (i.e. port on the VINT Hub), in which your TMP1101 plugs into.
          1. If you are setting up RI for the first time, click the Select machine button in the banner at the top or click Preferences > Machine > Configuration bottom left to access the Preferences screen. 
            📚 Learn how to use the keyboard shortcuts in RI.
          2. To choose the Roast machine, click on the dropdown menu in the Machine section. 

            💡 After selecting the machine from the dropdown menu, the roast machine settings may automatically be filled in. You have the flexibility to edit these settings at any time to ensure they align with the specifications of your roasting machine. 

            📚 Learn how to add a new roast machine. 
          3. After selecting the machine all supported measurements will load.
            Change the order of the measurements by using the  Drag and Drop icon and moving it into position.
          4. Switch on the measurements you would like to enable and select Phidgets Thermocouple Sensor (TMP1101) from the dropdown for the measurements connected to the TMP1101.
            💡 Make your measurement readouts more compact. Choose the size of your measurement readouts by selecting either the Small or Large view for display. 
            Screenshot 2024-08-19 at 08.20.51
          5. Select the Channel.
            💡The Channel refers to the port on the TMP1101. If the probe wires are connected to the "0" ports on the TMP1101, then select "0" under Channel. 
          6. Select the Type of thermocouple.
            📚 Learn how to identify the Probe type .
          7. Wireless VINT Hub (i.e. HUB5000) ONLY:
            • Click on the  Gear icon to open more settings.
              • 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
          8. Click OK.
          9. 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 2024-08-13 at 13.54.12-1

          📚 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 TMP1101 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 Roasting Intelligence shows negative temperature readings you will have to swap the wires on the board from “G” to “0” (or 1, 2, 3) and the other way round.

          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.