9 Key Features of Wireless Temperature Sensors
for Coffee Roasting
Wireless temperature sensors are revolutionizing coffee roasting. Here’s what you need to know:
- Accuracy: Within 1°C for precise flavor extraction
- Battery life: Up to 4 years on a single battery
- Data logging: Store up to 16,000 readings
- Software compatibility: Works with popular roasting software
- Wireless range: Up to 500 feet indoors
- Probe types: Supports thermocouples and RTDs
- Real-time monitoring: Make on-the-fly adjustments
- Custom alarms: Keep your roast on track
- Easy setup: No need to drill holes in your roaster
Quick Comparison:
Feature | Typhoon Roasters | T&D RTR-505B-TC | Brainchild BX-06RTD |
---|---|---|---|
Wireless | Yes | Yes | No |
Data storage | Not specified | 16,000 readings | Not specified |
Range | Not specified | 500 feet indoors | N/A |
Probe types | Not specified | Thermocouple | Multiple RTD types |
Inputs | Not specified | Not specified | 6 channels |
Software | Not specified | User-friendly | IO Studio |
Choose based on your specific roasting setup and monitoring needs. Remember, consistency in temperature readings is key for reproducible results.
Related video from YouTube
Typhoon Roasters Wireless Temperature Sensor
The Typhoon Roasters Wireless Temperature Sensor is a must-have for coffee roasters who want to nail their roasts every time. Here’s why it’s so good:
It’s super accurate, keeping temps within 1°C. This means you can extract the best flavors from your beans.
You can watch your roast in real-time and make changes on the fly. Plus, it stores up to 16,000 readings, so you’ve got tons of data to work with.
The sensor works up to 500 feet away indoors, giving you plenty of setup options. And when you’re done? You can download all that data to your computer in just 2 minutes.
You can set custom alarms to keep your roast on track. And it plays nice with popular roasting software like Cropster and Artisan.
Even if you’re new to wireless sensors, you’ll find it easy to use. It focuses on drum temp, not bean temp, which helps you get consistent results when you’re charging the roaster.
"Special gas distribution grids are installed into Typhoon roasters to make sure that each coffee bean receives the same amount of heat at a given period of time", says Basil Portnov, Sales Executive at Typhoon Roasters.
This sensor is part of Typhoon’s smart control system. It gives you the precision you need to roast great coffee, batch after batch.
2. T&D RTR-505B-TC Wireless Thermocouple Data Logger
The T&D RTR-505B-TC is a compact wireless thermocouple data logger that packs a punch. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
It supports K, J, T, and S type thermocouples, measuring temperatures from -199°C to 1700°C with high accuracy. You can store up to 16,000 readings and choose from 15 recording intervals.
Wireless? You bet. It has a 150-meter range and even supports Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy with compatible base stations.
The LCD display shows current readings and warnings, and it’s built tough with an IP64 waterproof rating. Power-wise, it runs on a single lithium battery that can last up to 4 years.
A coffee roaster put it to the test:
"I can reproduce my bestselling roasts consistently by monitoring temperature curves from my office PC. The RTR-505B-TC has been key in maintaining quality across batches."
For best results:
- Download data daily
- Monitor every 10 minutes to save battery
- Use the TCM-3010 thermocouple module
- Extend the cable with the TR-3C30 if needed
Bottom line: The T&D RTR-505B-TC delivers accuracy, durability, and ease of use for pros who need reliable temperature monitoring.
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3. Brainchild 6-Channel RTD Input Module
The Brainchild BX-06RTD is a temperature monitoring powerhouse. It works with Pt100, JPt100, Cu10, Cu25, Pt1000, and Ni120 RTDs. Here’s what makes it tick:
- 16-bit resolution for spot-on readings
- RS485 interface and Modbus RTU/TCP support
- 6 RTD inputs with LED indicators
- DIN rail mounting
This module plays nice with HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems. Set it up using Brainchild’s IO Studio software.
Where does it shine? Think chemical plants, oil refineries, and food processing. It’s all about keeping those temperatures in check.
"In our chemical plant, the BX-06RTD has been a game-changer. We can monitor reactor temperatures with pinpoint accuracy, which has boosted our yields significantly." – John Doe, Process Engineer
Want to get the most out of your BX-06RTD?
- Use IO Studio for setup
- Keep an eye on those LEDs
- Wire it right to avoid interference
- Pick the right RTD for your environment
It’s not wireless, but for wired temp sensing in tough industrial spots, the BX-06RTD is hard to beat.
Good and Bad Points
Let’s compare the key features of our wireless temperature sensors:
Feature | Typhoon Roasters | T&D RTR-505B-TC | Brainchild BX-06RTD |
---|---|---|---|
Wireless | Yes | Yes | No |
Resolution | Not specified | Not specified | 16-bit |
Data Storage | Not specified | 16,000 readings | Not specified |
Transmission Range | Not specified | Up to 500 feet indoors | N/A |
Probe Types | Not specified | Thermocouple | RTD (multiple types) |
Inputs | Not specified | Not specified | 6 channels |
Interface | Not specified | Not specified | RS485 |
Protocols | Not specified | Not specified | Modbus RTU/TCP |
Software | Not specified | User-friendly | IO Studio |
Mounting | Not specified | Not specified | DIN rail |
Each sensor has its pros and cons:
Typhoon Roasters Wireless Temperature Sensor
Pros:
- Wireless for easy setup
- Helps maintain consistent coffee roasting
Cons:
- Limited feature info
T&D RTR-505B-TC Wireless Thermocouple Data Logger
Pros:
- Stores 16,000 readings
- 500-foot indoor range
- Custom alarms
- Fast data download
- Easy-to-use software
Cons:
- Possible connectivity issues with obstacles
Brainchild BX-06RTD
Pros:
- 16-bit resolution
- Multiple RTD types
- 6 input channels
- Works with HMI, PLC, SCADA
- Tough for harsh environments
Cons:
- Not wireless
- More complex setup
Your choice depends on your needs. Coffee roasters might prefer the T&D RTR-505B-TC for its simplicity. One roaster placed it near their machine with a heat-resistant probe in the beans for real-time monitoring.
For industrial use with multiple inputs, the Brainchild BX-06RTD could be better, even though it’s not wireless.
Fay Kamanis, Director of Padre Coffee, says:
"No two roasting machines are the same. The important thing to know is that you have consistency in temperature readings with the machine you’re using as opposed to what you previously roasted on and expect that they will most likely be different."
Keep in mind that wireless sensors can have connection issues. In one project, two out of three worked fine, but the third kept losing signal due to concrete walls and steel doors.
When setting up:
- Position sensors and receivers for best coverage
- Watch out for signal-blocking obstacles
- Use IO Studio software for the BX-06RTD setup
- Clean and maintain probes regularly
Wrap-up
Picking the right wireless temperature sensor for coffee roasting? Here’s what matters:
1. Connectivity
Bluetooth works for short ranges (5-30 meters). Wi-Fi’s better for bigger spaces. The T&D RTR-505B-TC uses Wi-Fi and can send data up to 500 feet indoors.
2. Probe type
RTD probes? Quick and accurate for bean temps. Thermocouples? Versatile. The Brainchild BX-06RTD supports multiple RTD types.
3. Data storage and transmission
Go for sensors with lots of storage. The T&D RTR-505B-TC stores 16,000 readings and sends data wirelessly to a base station.
4. Software and interface
You want user-friendly software. The T&D RTR-505B-TC has easy-to-use software for quick data downloads and custom alarms.
5. Installation
Think about how you’ll set it up. Dave Stephens from Team HB says:
"A wireless thermocouple would be like a wireless phone. You still have a wired in base unit sending to your wireless receiver."
6. Maintenance
Clean and replace probes regularly for consistent readings.
Every roasting setup is different. Fay Kamanis, Director of Padre Coffee, puts it this way:
"No two roasting machines are the same. The important thing to know is that you have consistency in temperature readings with the machine you’re using as opposed to what you previously roasted on and expect that they will most likely be different."
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