We've made it possible to use RoastLogger with your Phidget and RTD or thermocouple sensors. Read below for the one-time setup process. As long as you don't change anything after this initial setup, you won't need to worry about it again.
Phidget Library
If not already installed, you'll need to install the Phidget drivers and libraries for your operating system. You can follow the documentation on the Phidget website for this:
After you've installed that, start the Phidget Control Panel as explained in the Phidget documentation.
Phidget Network Server
RoastLogger communicates to your Phidget device using something called the Phidget Network Server. You don't need to understand the technical details, but you do need to manually start this, and make sure it starts up when your computer restarts.
Depending if you're running a Mac or PC, the windows may look slightly different. Most importantly, be sure to click "Start Network Server" and verify that the "Start Automatically on Boot" checkbox is selected. The Port setting should read "8989".
Phidgets Network Server running on a Mac
Phidget Network Server running on a PC
Again, on the "Network Server" tab, make sure the "Start Automatically on Boot" box is checked. Also ensure the port is set to 8989.
Verify Phidget Connection
Ensure that your Phidgets device is plugged in to your computer. In the Phidget Control Panel (shown above), click the Network Server tab at the top. Click on the View in browser... button (MacOS) or https://localhost:8989 link (Windows).
A browser window will display, and should look like the screenshot below. Your VINT Hub and "4x Thermocouple Phidget" should show up.
Your Phidget device must show up in the window below in order for RoastLogger to work. If you don't see this, stop and contact us!
Network Phidget server running and ready to use with RoastLogger.
If you've completed this step, you're ready to connect from RoastLogger!
Connecting from RoastLogger
In RoastLogger, navigate to the "Device settings" page by clicking your name in the upper-right.
Select "Phidgets" in the drop-down list.
Thermocouples
The Phidget VINT Hub has become a popular solution for coffee roasters. The first configuration we'll cover pairs the 4x thermocouple Phidget (TMP1101_0) with the VINT Hub (HUB0000_0).
Important! Ensure the connector between the VINT hub and Thermocouple Phidget is plugged into port 0 on the hub, as shown in the image below.
VINT Hub (HUB0000_0) + 4x Thermocouple Phidget (TMP1101_0) plugged into Port 0
Toggle the thermocouple channels that you will be using on or off. It's also important to toggle the thermocouple types, by simply clicking the black "J" or yellow "K" circles.
In this example, two type-J and one type-K thermocouples are installed on the Phidget: Bean, Environment, and exhaust. Ensure the channels you are not using are set to the "Off" position as shown in "TC 4"
RTDs
If you are using RTDs with the RTD Phidget please contact us.
Important: The thermocouple settings need to be finalized prior to moving to the final connection step. Please be sure to verify all your settings before you proceed.
Last Step: Connecting to the Phidget device
Click on the Phidgets icon in the upper right of the RoastLogger window.
Once connected, the icon will turn from red to green. You can click the green icon to disconnect from the device. If there is any type of error with your Phidgets device or it's unplugged, you'll see the icon change to red, indicating a dropped connection.