Overview

This article shows how to connect your Neuhaus Neotec Roaster to Cropster Roasting Intelligence.

Note: We are currently testing this integration. If you would like to use it, please sign up for our RMM Beta Program before proceeding with the setup.

Requirements

• Ethernet cable

Supported measurements

NEOROAST

• Bean temperature [°]
• Burner temperature [°]
• Airflow [%]
• Fan speed [rpm]

RFB-S / RFB-Junior (electric lab roasters)

• Bean temperature [°]
• Environmental temperature [°]
• Fan speed [Hz]

Note: Neuhaus Neotec RFB-Junior, RFB-S, and NEOROAST machines support machine-based auto-start and end-of-roast detection.

Setup

Network connection setup

Via the computer: Connect the network cable to your roaster's Ethernet port, and the other end to the computer's Ethernet port.

Via the network router: Connect your network cable to your roaster's Ethernet port, and the other end to the router's Ethernet port. Ensure your computer and the router are connected (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable).

Note: When the roaster is connected to the computer directly via an Ethernet cable, you need to set up a static IP address. See the steps below to do this.

Static IP address configuration - Windows 10, 11

1. Navigate to the Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center or Network and Internet > Network Sharing Center.
2. Click Change adapter settings.
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 on WiFi or Local Area Connection and click Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
6. Select the Use the following IP Address option.
7. Enter the specific IP Address for your roaster and replace the fourth number block with 42:
   • NEOROAST: IP address: 192.168.5.42
   • RFB-S / RFB-Junior: IP address: 192.168.111.42
   • 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 OK to submit your changes.

Static IP address configuration - macOS

1. Navigate to System Settings > Network (or System Preferences).
2. Identify the Network connection item that refers to the connection to your machine and select it. (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. Click on Details…
4. Open the TCP/IP section and choose Manually next to Configure IPv4.
5. Enter the specific IP Address for your roaster and replace the fourth number block with 42:
   • NEOROAST: IP address: 192.168.5.42
   • RFB-S / RFB-Junior: IP address: 192.168.111.42
   • 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.
6. Click OK to confirm the changes.

Install Roasting Intelligence

1. Download the appropriate custom version of Roasting Intelligence for your system.
2. Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.
3. Double-click the Cropster Roasting Intelligence icon on your desktop.
4. Click the Login with browser button.
   
5. You will be directed to the sign-in page in your browser. Enter your Username and Password, then click the green Sign in with password button. Use the same credentials that you use to access our online platform.

Establish a connection to the machine

1. In the top-left corner of the screen, click on Preferences > Machine > Configuration.
2. Click on the Machine drop-down menu at the top of the window and select your roasting machine.
3. Click the + Add connector button to choose your connector from the drop-down menu.
4. Select Neuhaus Neotec PLC from the list.
5. Click Select to add the connector:
   
6. Click the Gear icon next to the added connector.
7. Select the Version and enter the Hostname/IP address:
   • NEOROAST: 192.168.5.89
   • RFB Junior / RFB-S (RFB-Junior): 192.168.111.99
   • RFB Junior / RFB-S (RFB-S): 192.168.111.73
8. Click OK.
9. Navigate to the Measurements tab. All supported measurements will be displayed.
10. To activate the measurements, click the toggles next to every measurement in the list. If the toggle is green, the measurement is enabled.
11. For every measurement, click on the accompanying drop-down menu labeled Select source … and select Neuhaus Neotec PLC.
12. (Optional) Change the order of the measurements by using the Drag and Drop icon to move them into position.
13. Click Save to finalize the changes.
    
14. 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.
    

Enable machine event-based auto-start and auto-end detection

If you enable machine event-based auto-start and auto-end detection, the roast start is triggered once the roast machine's hopper is opened, and the roast end is triggered once the roasted beans are released into the cooling tray.

1. Navigate to Preferences > Roasting > Smart features.
2. Scroll down to the Smart Detection section.
3. Enable the machine-based auto-start and end-of-roast detection by clicking the respective checkbox.
4. Click Save.

Troubleshooting

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

• Is the IP address correct?
• Is the static IP address set up?
• Is the right Neuhaus Neotec machine version selected?

If this does not help, submit a ticket to Cropster Technical Support, and our representatives will assist you.

Verifying the IP address

If the IP address for your Neuhaus Neotec machine differs from the model's default IP address, refer below to find out how to identify it based on your machine's model. If the identified IP address differs from the default (e.g., 192.168.111.73), please input the new IP address into the Roasting Intelligence machine preferences.

• NEOROAST: The IP address cannot be identified via the machine's user interface or adjusted.
• RFB-S: The IP address can be determined and adjusted only by stopping the roast machine's software, using the stop switch on the rear of the panel, and accessing the Control panel’s menu.
• RFB Junior: The IP address can be determined and adjusted only on the touchscreen panel via the Main menu > IP address.