Ambex YM-models (with Watlow controller) - Roasting Intelligence Setup (Beta)
This manual covers the connection of an Ambex YM-model roast machine with Watlow controls to Cropster's Roasting Intelligence.
Table of Contents
This roast machine is currently in the Beta stage of development at Cropster.
To access this integration, please register for Beta testing by completing the provided form here.
Specifications
Requirements
- USB cable
- VCP driver (FTDI)
The driver may already be pre-installed with your operating system.
Supported measurements
- Bean temperature
- Exhaust temperature
Roasting Intelligence Setup
Installing the Roasting Intelligence software
- Download Roasting Intelligence.
- Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.
- Double-click the Cropster icon on your desktop to access Roasting Intelligence.
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Click the green Login with the browser button.
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- You will be directed to the C-sar browser.
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Enter your Username* and Password* and click the green Sign in with password button.
Use the same credentials that you use to access the online platform C-sar.
Establishing a connection to the machine
The images below are for reference and may vary slightly from your screen.
Important details to keep in mind:
- Before you start configuring your roast machine, ensure that you have added it via the online platform C-sar.
- Only click Save after you've completed all settings in Roasting Intelligence.
- Select
Preferences > Machine > Configuration - To choose the Roast machine, click on the dropdown menu in the Machine section.
- Click the + Add connector option to choose your connector from the dropdown list.
- Select Generic Modbus over serial port from the dropdown.
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Click Select to add the connector.
- Click on the Gear icon in the Connector setup section to open and configure more settings.
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Copy the settings as shown in the screenshot below, and select the Serial port and Temperature unit:
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Serial port:
Windows: Select COMx.
MacOS: Select USBx. - Temperature unit: Select Celsius or Fahrenheit according to the temperature unit displayed on the machine's temperature readouts.
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Serial port:
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Make sure to activate the checkbox next to "Big-Endian word order (32-bit)", then click OK.
- Navigate to the Machine > Measurements tab. All supported measurements will be displayed.
- To activate the measurements, simply click the green toggle button.
- Enable the desired measurements and choose Generic Modbus over serial port as the connector type.
- (Optional) Change the order of the measurements by using the
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Drag and Drop icon and move it into position. -
Click Save to finalize the changes.
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Restart Roasting Intelligence. If the setup was successful, you will see the temperature values displayed on the right-hand side of the screen following the restart.
Learn more about the Roasting Intelligence Preferences.
Troubleshooting
If Roasting Intelligence indicates No source connected and/or you cannot see any measurements, please check the following:
- Is the roast machine connected to the computer?
- Have you downloaded the driver for the USB serial converter?
- Is the correct serial port within the RI selected?
- On macOS: macOS X10.15 to macOS 11 (this is a Beta driver release and the installer should be run from the /Applications folder on your machine)
If you select a serial port in Roasting Intelligence and the application confirms "Sources connected" but still shows no live temperature readouts, the selected serial port is likely not the one corresponding to the roast machine.
Driver for the USB serial converter
Please reach out to support.cropster.com and attach the following information relevant to the USB serial converter used:
- Manufacturer and model
- Serial number
- Picture of the serial converter
- Roasting Intelligence log files
Your submitted information will be assessed by a Cropster representative, who will then assist by supplying the necessary driver for your USB serial converter.
If you have further questions, feedback, or concerns, please submit a support ticket directly from support.cropster.com.