By Mateo García · Reviewed by Yuki Tanaka · Updated 10 Mar 2026

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.

Step-by-step procedure

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

This setup guide supports roaster selection and install decisions documented in our head-to-head comparisons.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Does Cropster support Diedrich IR-2.5?

Yes, with firmware 3.0+ and single RTD bridge. IR-2.5 lacks native serial — analogue USB digitiser required.

Q2: What sample rate does Cropster log?

Default 1 Hz; increase to 2 Hz in machine settings for high-resolution profile work. IR panel polls at 1 Hz natively.

Q3: Can I run Artisan and Cropster simultaneously?

Not on a single serial port. Split with a serial hub only if Diedrich approves — otherwise alternate sessions.

Q4: Who supports wiring failures?

Cropster support handles software; Diedrich dealer handles panel wiring. Document bridge part numbers before calling either.