Sources of Noise

This article will introduce the different sources of noise that cause erratic temperature fluctuations.

Table of Contents

Sensor noise Signal wire noise Ground loops

Noise is a common issue in PC-based temperature logging systems and can originate from different sources:

Sensor noise
Signal wire noise
Ground loops

Sensor noise

The temperature sensor itself can produce noise, e.g., when the probe is grounded or worn off.

Grounded thermocouples

Grounded probes are too sensitive for roast temperature monitoring and prone to inducing noise from ground loops, which results in a less accurate reading.

Learn more about ungrounded vs. grounded probes.

It is not possible to determine whether the thermocouple is grounded or ungrounded just by looking at it.
You will need a multimeter to perform this test, as shown in this video by Omega.

We recommend replacing the grounded probe with an ungrounded one.

Worn off probes

Over time, your probe will become worn off due to constant vibrations caused by the coffee beans. On worn-off probes, the sensor within the probe will come in contact with the sheath.

You are creating an electrical connection, which in turn can introduce noise from ground loops, similar to that of grounded thermocouples. Those can be noticed as irregular spikes in the temperature curve. In that case, you will need to replace your probe.

Poorly isolated probe

When there is constant noise while the machine is running, it may refer to a poorly isolated probe. You can try moving the sensor a bit.

If moving the sensor does not do the trick, you may need to unground the thermocouple from the machine by isolating the probe.

Signal wire noise

Signal wires, like thermocouple wires, are sensitive to electrical interference and disturbances.

The interference can come from many different sources (e.g., motors or power cables) in the form of EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference).

The interferences distort the signal being carried by the cable and result in a noisy roast curve and Rate of Rise (RoR).

Signal wire noise can be eliminated by rerouting the sensor wires or using ferrite beads.

Ground loops

Ground loops, or earth loops, occur when two different points in an electrical circuit are at a different electrical potential.

This can happen when two electrical devices are interconnected and have a different path to the ground.

This causes a closed conductive loop where small currents, also known as leaking currents, can flow. Ground loops are a major source of noise or interference that is noticeable as spikes in your roast graph.

Your roast machine is connected to the earth's ground, and your computer is interconnected by a USB cable or Cropster Connector (Phidget) to the power outlet. If you have a grounded or worn-off probe that isn't isolated from the roaster, it can be sufficient to close the loop between the two.

You can check if this is the case by disconnecting a laptop from the power and running it on battery mode. In that case, only one ground remains, and the noise should stop.

To eliminate a ground loop, without running your laptop in battery mode, you will most probably want to replace the thermocouple or isolate it from the roaster.

If you are using a Cropster Connector (or Phidget), you may want to add a USB isolator between the Phidget and the computer.

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Sources

Congratulations! You are now aware of the different sources of noise that cause erratic temperature fluctuations.

Your opinion matters. If you have further questions, feedback, or concerns, please feel free to submit a support ticket directly from support.cropster.com.

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