By Kai Nakamura · Production roaster & equipment editor · Updated 2026-09-17
How to Connect Cropster to a Diedrich IR Series Roaster
Connecting Cropster Roast to a Diedrich IR-series roaster requires a serial or USB bridge from the IR control panel to a logging PC or Cropster Connect hub.
Diedrich ships optional RTD probe kits; Cropster validates IR-2.5 through IR-12 configurations as of February 2026. This guide covers wiring, baud-rate settings, and the verification roast that confirms bean-temperature curve alignment within ±1.5 °C.
Decision box
| Option | When to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cropster Connect hub | No dedicated roast PC | $49/mo, cloud relay |
| Direct USB to roast laptop | Single-roaster lab | Lowest latency |
| RS-485 hardwire | Panel > 3 m from PC | Industrial reliability |
Procedure
Step 1: Inventory the IR control panel outputs
Open the Diedrich IR electrical panel and locate the RTD output terminal block — typically labelled BT (bean temp) and ET (environment temp). IR-5 and IR-12 panels differ: IR-12 adds a dedicated data port on firmware 3.2+. Photograph terminal labels before disconnecting anything. Reference Diedrich bulletin DB-2024-IR-CROPSTER (accessed 10 Mar 2026).
Step 2: Select bridge hardware
Cropster sells a validated USB-serial bridge; alternatives include Moxa UPort 1150 for hardwired installs. Match voltage: IR outputs are 0–10 V analogue or serial depending on retrofit kit. Order Diedrich part IR-RT-BRIDGE if purchasing factory kit — dealer price $680 USD as of Q1 2026.
Step 3: Install probes and verify calibration
Mount bean probe in bean trier port; environment probe in exhaust stack per Diedrich torque spec (2.2 N·m). Run empty drum to 200 °C and compare panel readout to Cropster live curve. Deviation > 2 °C requires probe depth adjustment — target 35 mm past drum face on IR-12.
Step 4: Configure Cropster machine profile
In Cropster Roast → Settings → Machines, create profile "Diedrich IR-[capacity]". Set serial baud 9600 (default) or 19200 per panel sticker. Enable auto-start on charge detection. Map BT and ET channels per Cropster Diedrich template — do not swap.
Step 5: Run verification and production roasts
Execute three 50% capacity test roasts (same green lot, same target development time). Compare development time ratio (DTR) and end temperature to Artisan baseline exports. Archive verification PDF in Cropster lot records for ISO traceability if applicable.