UPDATE (3.4.2018): Since v1.3 Artisan can be configured for the Coffee Tech FZ-94 with one click. Find out more on https://artisan-scope.org.
Bumping up MODBUS
In a first step we show how to take advantage of the improved MODBUS RTU support in Artisan v1.0. A modified setup of the temperature controllers allows for a faster communication between Artisan and the machine.
Pushing the Drum Heat Limit Controller
The new MODBUS PID support can be configured such that the FZ-94 drum heat limit controller's set value (SV) can be set via an Artisan slider.
=> FZ-94 (2) – Pushing the Drum Heat Limit Controller
Connecting the Drives
Further, applying a simple hardware extension to the roasting machine allows Artisan to communicate also with the two frequency drives. That way the speed of both motors, fan and drum, can be automatically logged along the 3 temperature readings. Luckily, Artisan supports now up to 6 MODBUS input channels.
=> FZ-94 (3) – Connecting the Drives
Taking Control
A further modification of the setup of those two controllers on the machine enables also the control for the drum and fan speed via Artisan sliders.
=> FZ-94 (4) – Taking Control
Automating the Roast
Once Artisan can control the SV, the drum and the fan speed, one can define alarm programs or configure the new Software PID to automate some aspects of a roast by taking, for example, a previous roast profile as template.
=> FZ-94 (5) – Automating the Roast (to be written)
The Users Perspective
In Coffee-Tech FZ-94 working seamlessly with Artisan, Frans, an initial user of the setup described above, describes the resulting system from a roast masters perspective and in First successful curve controlled FZ-94 roast with Artisan he illustrates the FZ94 roast automation that is possible with that configuration.
NOTE: Please, study the linked manuals of the devices to understand the implications of any modifications you undertake as well as possible. Remember that you yourself are responsible for making sure the modifications are understood correctly and carried out precisely with care and common sense. We prepared our posts as careful as possible, but do not take any responsibility for remaining errors, mistakes or bad consequences that may result from you modifying any device based on the information given here.
