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Messages - Jerry

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Support / Re: Behmor 1600: Where to place thermocouple(s)
« on: April 12, 2014, 08:43:25 PM »
There is really no convenient way to place a thermocouple in the Behmor 1600.  If I were able to thread it into the rotating drum, I would still be concerned about the offset (influence) by proximity to the heaters.

What is possible, however, is to put a thermocouple in the exhaust duct at the top rear of the roaster.

If you have ever removed the exhaust duct (5 screws) you will see that the ventilation air is provided by a small fan.  There is not much air being pushed through;  just enough to keep the roast even and get rid of the moisture.  The exhaust air measurement is in some way analogous to bean-mass temperature but you need to remember that there is a time-delay between the beans and the duct and another in the thermocouple assembly.

I roasted a nice Sumatra this afternoon.  At the point where the second crack was about to begin, I  went to cool.  With no heat being applied and extra ventilation air, there was STILL a temperature spike of 40F.  Roasts really go exothermic …!!  There is real value to be able to see that spike.  The next time I will watch for it and go to cool as soon as it begins.

Roastmaster's data-logging feature is great.  I wonder if there is a way to keep that (manual) temperature graph recording …after... I stop the roast.  I would love to do that to get the full shape of the spike.

Jerry

BTW, the type K thermocouple assembly is high-quality and low-cost and comes with a threaded end and matching nut.  All I did was drill a 5/16 hole at the end of the exhaust duct.  Look here:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Thermocouple-K-Type-Probe-Sensors-Connector-50mmL-/250983707501?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item3a6fcb736d




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Support / Re: iCelsius Wireless BBQ
« on: March 29, 2014, 07:31:53 PM »
Danny,

I just found the 'update' to Roastmaster wherein I can connect the iCelsius BBQ probe to my iPad 2.  But I have some questions:

1.  Does a temperature graph appear on the Roastmaster screen while I roast?  Is a pic of that screen shown somewhere?

2.  On the iCelsius.com web-page it shows that the accuracy is not that good;  around +/-  8F at 450F.  However, that might still be OK if the curve shown is reproducible (i.e. error always (say) +8F at 450F).  In that case, it will always show an 'exothermic' increase at the same place.

3.  I know that getting a probe into the bean mass in a Behmor is a pain.  But if I did get it there, would not the probe suffer 'offset' because of radiation from the heating elements?  The other possibility is measuring the temperature of the air in the exhaust duct which is a real easy install.  Have you (or anyone) tried that?

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Wish List / Wireless Temperature Datalogging
« on: May 10, 2013, 09:34:47 PM »
There is currently a project on 'Kickstarter' by iCelsius which might be a low-cost alternative to Phidgets. 

I contacted them and currently they use a thermister with an upper temperature limit of 250C.  Nevertheless, if there was a good business opportunity for them ...?! 

Jerry

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Support / Re: Recent Roastmaster Upgrade
« on: November 23, 2012, 08:17:43 PM »
Thanks, Danny

From your diagrams it would seem that I would need the 4-point sensor module ($100), the host module ($225), the WiFi transmitter ($30) and assorted thermocouples, enclosures, small hardware, S&H, ($60), say around $415 +/-.

That's not out of reach.

That would be attractive to someone wanting to find a way to get involved with the Phidgets family of products (as well as coffee-roasting).

Jerry

PS, for those out there, if you're not 'logged on' you might not see the attachments.

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Support / Recent Roastmaster Upgrade
« on: November 21, 2012, 06:35:16 PM »
I just upgraded Roastmaster to the new version and am interested in the new temperature data logging opportunities using Phidgets 1048_0 device and thermocouples, etc.

Within the last year I have switched from a WinXP box (elderly) and a Mac Mini (mid-2011).  There are things about the current Mac platform and Mountain Lion I still struggle with.  I might (or might not) have Bonjour.  I can't picture what a data logging 'link' between iPad/Phidgets/Mac might look like and how to cost it out.

A diagram or two would be helpful.

Also, would I have to learn Linux to make it work?

(BTW, I have recently completed Roast 150 using Roastmaster and ...can't live without it...!!)

Jerry

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