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
If your Phidget is not already plugged in, plug it into your computer. In the Phidget Control Panel (shown above), click the Phidgets tab at the top. You should see an expandable list named Remote Server.
Very important: your sensors must show up under the Remote Server section for RoastLogger to work!
Expand the Remote Server list. Verify that you can see your Phidgets device inputs (either thermocouples or RTDs, depending on what you are using).
Very important: if you do not see the Remote Server section or your devices do not show up, reach out to the RoastLog team for assistance.
Ensure inputs show up under the Remote Server section.
Double click the channel to which you have your sensor attached. A window will pop up which shows the measurements. Make sure the temperature is moving slightly when you hold the end of the sensor in your hand, or put it into a hot cup of coffee.
If you cannot get this step working, stop!
RoastLogger will not work with your Phidget until the Control Panel is successfully reading temperatures. Re-read the Phidget docs or contact us for help getting your Phidget configured.
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 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.