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Permalink Reply by Dustin DeMers on November 27, 2011 at 5:10pm

Absolutely! I use a Center 309 data logger. Its 4 ports so you can plot/take 4 different temp simultaneously. Paired with Artisan which is free roasting software, Artisan rivals Roast log in my opinion. In order to log on Artisan you need a thermometer that attach via a serial port on your computer(thats why I couldnt use my Fluke). I bought a serial port to usb cable, and that had worked well for me. The Center 309 is about 200 to 400 dollars, i found an overseas supplier and got mine for a little under 200. If you want to buy from somewhere in the U.S. expect to pay 300 or more.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on November 28, 2011 at 6:50am

Chech out omega engineering.

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Permalink Reply by Matt Anderson on November 28, 2011 at 6:58am

I keep meaning to get a TC4 shield for an Arduino.  The whole setup will run about $100 and connects to a PC over USB.  Then you can track 4 thermocouples and still use Artisan as your monitoring software.

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Permalink Reply by John Socks on November 28, 2011 at 10:40am

Thanks for all the info guys!

I'm actually using OSX so there may be some compatiability issues with some of the mentioned hardware. Looking into it...

 

Thanks again.

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Permalink Reply by farmroast on November 28, 2011 at 5:51pm

Totally hooked on my TC4 setup. Having accurate BT RoR (degrees rise/min.) has been very helpful. I can now make much finer adjustments during a roast. I use both the LCD display and the usb to computer.

Matt Anderson said:

I keep meaning to get a TC4 shield for an Arduino.  The whole setup will run about $100 and connects to a PC over USB.  Then you can track 4 thermocouples and still use Artisan as your monitoring software.

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Permalink Reply by Dustin DeMers on November 28, 2011 at 11:04pm

Hey farmroast(or anyone using the TC4), can you tell me a little more about the TC4 board? From what i think i understand, it works as a data logger(with an optional screen so you dont have to have your computer hooked to it), and it also can somehow control your fan and element on your roster? Is any of that correct?

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Permalink Reply by Matt Anderson on November 29, 2011 at 6:21am

OS X isn't a problem for Artisan, most of the screen shots on their site were taken from a mac so I wouldn't be surprised if at least some of the developers are building it on macs.

 

The TC4 isn't really a data logger, more like a data converter.  It takes the raw data off the thermocouple wires and through the magic of a couple ICs and an Aurdino it converts it into usable data over a USB connection.  You'll need a computer to log the data.  Optionally, like you said, it can be hooked up to a minimal display and it will just print out a live temperature feed.

 

There is a wiring diagram here: http://www.mlgp-llc.com/arduino/public/tc4-wiring-small-20111120.jpg which shows hooking one up to control a fan and heating element, but my roaster wouldn't hook up that way anyway so I never looked too closely at it.

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Permalink Reply by farmroast on November 29, 2011 at 8:11am

There are many variations of the TC4. mostly because of the variations of home roasters. Some merely monitor and some can also control. The main added function that was originally added and wasn't possible with a normal temp. datalogger was the ability to create live BT RoR readings. Something I had wanted for a long time. JimG originally built me a circuit board to accomplish this and then advanced the whole thing with Bill and the TC4/Arduino concept. 

All the creation discussions are here:TC4 discussions

I run a custom setup and software pGesha that only monitors and adds the ability to track the volt output going to my electric heating element. 

Here is an example of a screen capture. note: Juice = volts  RoR (rate of rise)= Bean temp. degrees rise/min. on the right is a csv. file of all the data. on screen it is sampled every 5secs. but creates a save file by the second.

Dustin DeMers said:

Hey farmroast(or anyone using the TC4), can you tell me a little more about the TC4 board? From what i think i understand, it works as a data logger(with an optional screen so you dont have to have your computer hooked to it), and it also can somehow control your fan and element on your roster? Is any of that correct?

 

 

 

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