Too Much Coffee Forums

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [GreenBean]
Posted: Jun 18, 2013 - 05:57 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

Your roasters design will limit the options available for locating the thermocouples. See this for an introduction to the other issues to consider.
_________________

Izzo Alex Duetto | Gaggia XD 2 Group | Mazzer Super Jolly | La Cimbali Max | Solis 166 | Hottop P | Hottop B | French Press (several) | Aeropress (collecting dust) | Kettle modded, no really, added digital thermometer |

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [Minhkey]
Posted: Jun 18, 2013 - 03:59 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

where ET and BT is the best? whether to set the temperature of the drum?
thank you

Espresso :: RE: MC2 Upgrade

Author: [GeorgeW]
Posted: Jun 17, 2013 - 09:09 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 3

bruceb wrote:

At risk of sounding like a broken record (for anyone who might remember those) I can heartily recommend a used commercial grinder of almost any brand, the bigger and heavier the better. They're available on e-bay for less than the price of a new "home" unit, they are virtually indestructible and they grind beans better than anything aside from possibly the most outrageously expensive new commercial machines. Even if you have to replace the burrs they are a bargain, considering the quality and reliability. Good luck on finding/deciding your way on the path to the right grinder for you. Let us know how it turns out, please.

+1
I too think that this is the way to go. These machines can take a huge amount of punishments and are reliable work-horses.
_________________
Super Jolly
Hottop
Aerobie
Various sizes of Moka stove-tops
Failed Pavoni Europiccola owner.
Zass

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Roast Logger with USB & webcam input

Author: [GreenBean]
Subject: Another minor update
Posted: Jun 17, 2013 - 07:53 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 268

A minor update is available that updates the RoastLogger to version 1.9.1, the SerialDMMReader to version 0.7 and the LanguageEditor to version 1.2. The update only affects language translation. Unless you are interested in language translation you do not need to download this update.

For further information see the following version information and the RoastLogger website.

RoastLogger version 1.9.1 SDMMReader version 0.7 LanguageEditor version 1.2

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [GreenBean]
Posted: Jun 16, 2013 - 08:08 AM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

Minhkey wrote:

GreenBean wrote:

Hi Minhkey, welcome to TMC. As Bruce has said
Computer control of a 60 kg gas roaster would need to be done very carefully to avoid serious safety issues and I would strongly suggest you would need expert professional advice for the specification and installation of such a system.

Can you help me to buy technical documents and drawings to be able to set up system?! Thank you much.

The RoastLogger and TC4C work well together providing computer control of small electrically heated roasters. I am in contact with some people who are experimenting with interfacing a gas control valve to the TC4C to provide computer control of small gas roasters. These people are experienced coffee roasters who have the expertise to build their own roasters and are aware of the safety issues to be overcome.

Computer control of a 60 kg gas roaster is not something that I would recommend you experiment with. If you really want to explore this then I would suggest you contact the roaster manufacturer for advice on systems they would recommend to work with their roaster.
_________________

Izzo Alex Duetto | Gaggia XD 2 Group | Mazzer Super Jolly | La Cimbali Max | Solis 166 | Hottop P | Hottop B | French Press (several) | Aeropress (collecting dust) | Kettle modded, no really, added digital thermometer |

Beans, Blending and Cupping :: Alternative to Monmouth Guatamala

Author: [nekromantik]
Subject: Alternative to Monmouth Guatamala
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 0

Hi guys
Are there any other beans out there that are similar to the Monmouth Guatamala espresso beans?
I find them over priced but love the taste!

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [Minhkey]
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 07:08 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

Can you help me to buy technical documents and drawings to be able to set up system?! Thank you much.

GreenBean wrote:

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [Minhkey]
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 07:04 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

Thanks all, i will try and hope to continue to receive the help
good weekend

Other Brewing Methods :: RE: Washing porlex grinder in the sink?

Author: [GreenBean]
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 07:02 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 1

I guess the concern with washing would be the possible effects on any parts that are not stainless or ceramic and subject to rust or if any lubricant is used that could be washed out. I do not know if either of these applies but I think it is very unlikely. If the grinder was mine I would wash it but minimise any risk by dismantling it as far as possible to make it easy to dry it thoroughly after washing and ensure that it got a quick wash only to minimise any effect on any lubricant.
_________________

Izzo Alex Duetto | Gaggia XD 2 Group | Mazzer Super Jolly | La Cimbali Max | Solis 166 | Hottop P | Hottop B | French Press (several) | Aeropress (collecting dust) | Kettle modded, no really, added digital thermometer |

Espresso :: RE: New machine,Any suggestions?

Author: [GreenBean]
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 06:48 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 8

espressomattic wrote:

....My biggest regret coffee wise is selling my Oscar several years ago now.

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [GreenBean]
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 06:44 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

Hi Minhkey, welcome to TMC. As Bruce has said you can use the RoastLogger to read your roasters display directly. You would be surprised how many commercial roasters do just this to avoid installing thermocouples.

Real time logging and charting of temperature profiles including comparing the progress of the current roast against a chosen profile is relatively easy to achieve. The main items required to achieve this are as follows:

1. A thermocouple reading bean temperature. I understand from your post that you already have this.
2. Optional but highly recommended would be an additional thermocouple reading the environment temperature.
3. A device that can read the thermocouples and communicate the readings to a computer
4. Software on the computer that can communicate with the device in 3. and log and chart the readings

There are many issues affecting the choice of equipment and I would recommend that you do your homework by reading relevant posts on this and other coffee forums in particular read through the last several pages of the RoastLogger thread and the Artisan thread in the sticky section above your post. The main issues to consider are:

1. The type of thermocouple to use. K type thermocouples are the most common and cheapest and are adequate for this service.
2. There are a number of devices that can read the thermocouples and communicate the data to a computer. I would strongly suggest you decide on the software you wish to use first then read up on what devices are compatible with that software.
3. For the software to use there are a number of commercially available systems or you can use free software designed for coffee roasting such as the RoastLogger or Artisan mentioned above. I would suggest that you read up on these software options. If you decide to use free software then I suggest you download and run the alternatives to decide what will work best for you.

My advice would be to use a TC4C (you will see links to this on the RoastLogger website). This is designed specifically for coffee roasters, is very reasonably priced, provides temperatures to tenths of a degree, provides excellent rate of rise information, is very flexible and can be programmed to work with either RoastLogger or Artisan. The only difficult task would be to select and install suitable thermocouples. Once this is done you simply connect the thermocouples to the TC4C connect the TC4C to the computer with a USB cable and install and run the chosen software.

The TC4C can be programmed to work with different types of thermocouple and different software but this can be a daunting task if you are not familiar with programming an Arduino. It is, therefore, advisable to select the thermocouples and decide on the software first then order a TC4C programmed to work with these.

Computer control of a 60 kg gas roaster would need to be done very carefully to avoid serious safety issues and I would strongly suggest you would need expert professional advice for the specification and installation of such a system.
_________________

Izzo Alex Duetto | Gaggia XD 2 Group | Mazzer Super Jolly | La Cimbali Max | Solis 166 | Hottop P | Hottop B | French Press (several) | Aeropress (collecting dust) | Kettle modded, no really, added digital thermometer |

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [bruceb]
Subject: RE: Re: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 06:34 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

The easiest way to monitor the temperature with the computer is to use an inexpensive webcam and the Roast Logger software from TMC user GreanBean. You can read the thread here. The software is free can can be downloaded from our download site. The advantage of this is that you do not need to do any electrical/electronic changes to the roaster and the only thing you will have to buy is the webcam. The software runs on the Java runtime that is also free.
Measuring the temperature in the bean mass is the best place if you only have one probe. The Roast Logger software lets you monitor and record every roast you make. If you have more questions or problems let us know here. Good luck!
_________________
Three Francesconi (CMA) espresso machines - Rossi, San Marco, LaCimbali, Faema and 2 Mazzer Major grinders- CoffeeTech Maggionlino, Hottop, Alpenr�st and HW Precision roasters.
This week I are pleased with my new grinder and LM baskets.

Roasting - Equipment and Techniques :: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!

Author: [Minhkey]
Subject: Re: RE: Helppp, how to connect roaster to a computer ???!
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 06:12 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 9

thank you very much for your help.
First I just want to monitor and record chart roasted.
measuring probe in the bean mass!
I should measure the probe where it best?! and how many is enough.
and
Is it easy to set up computer systems to control gas?!

bruceb wrote:

I think you will need to tell us more about what you want the computer to do. Do you just want to monitor the roast or do you want some kind of computer control of the roast? Where is the present measuring probe located? In the bean mass or above it?

Other Brewing Methods :: Washing porlex grinder in the sink?

Author: [jon]
Subject: Washing porlex grinder in the sink?
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 05:38 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 1

My porlex grinder was getting a bit mucky, so I've given the stainless steel grinds-holder a quick wash in the sink. I'm trying to decide about the bit with the burrs in, though - reckon washing this with water and Fairy is a bad idea? Or a good way to get it clean (I normally just wipe the bits clean).

Places to drink coffee :: RE: Brussels! Parlor Coffee

Author: [jon]
Posted: Jun 15, 2013 - 05:29 PM (GMT 0)
Topic Replies: 1

Thanks for posting. Anywhere else you'd recommend nowadays in Brussels - heading over for a break...