Overview 

This article explains why you might see the "No sources connected" message in Roasting Intelligence and provides step-by-step instructions to resolve the issue.

The issue

Despite following the setup manual, Roasting Intelligence still displays "No sources connected" in the bottom right corner.

The solution

The two most common reasons for a failed connection:

1. The physical connection itself.
2. The incorrectly set preferences.
    

If connection issues persist, find your machine's connection type below for specific troubleshooting steps:

1. Cropster Connector or Phidgets
2. Network connection
3. USB connection (Serial Converter)
    

Cropster Connector or Phidgets

If your setup uses a Cropster Connector (Phidgets), the connection issue is likely caused by one of the following factors:

• Incorrect or outdated Phidget driver
• The Phidget driver is blocked by the system (macOS only)
• Another temperature logging system is running

Incorrect or outdated Phidgets driver

The Cropster Connector (Phidgets) requires a driver to work. Make sure you run the latest driver available for your operating system.

1. Navigate here and download the latest driver for your operating system. 
2. Follow the installation steps. 
3. Disconnect the Phidgets from the computer and reconnect them. 
4. Open Roasting Intelligence.

The Phidgets driver is blocked by the system (macOS)

On macOS 10.13+, you must manually enable the Phidgets driver in your Mac's Security & Privacy settings.

1. Close the Roasting Intelligence and other temperature logging programs (e.g., Phidgets control panel) that might access the Phidgets.
2. Navigate to > System Settings > Privacy & Security
3. You will see a message: System software from developer "Phidgets Inc." was blocked from loading at this point. You need to click Allow.
   You may need to click the Lock symbol in the bottom left corner of your Security & Privacy menu to make this change.
4. Disconnect the Phidgets from the computer and reconnect them. 
5. Open Roasting Intelligence.

Another temperature logging program is running

The Phidgets can only communicate with one software at a time. 

1. Check if there is another temperature logging program running that accesses the Phidgets, such as Artisan or Phidgets Control Panel. 
2. Close all programs and restart Roasting Intelligence only. 

Network Connection

When your roast machine is linked to your computer using a network cable, Roasting Intelligence establishes communication with the roast machine through its designated IP address.

Connection issues may arise for one or more of the following reasons:

• No static IP address set up
• An incorrectly configured static IP address
• The roast machine's IP address is not the default
• Network conflict 

No static IP address set up
 

• If your roast machine is connected directly to your computer, it's essential to configure a static IP address in the network settings of your computer.
• A static IP address is essential for your computer to locate the roaster, particularly when the roaster is connected directly to the PC. Check your roast machine setup manual's Network Setup section for further instructions.

An incorrectly configured static IP address 
 

The IP address of your roaster consists of four number blocks that can range from 0 to 255, e.g., 192.168.2.180. 
The configuration of static IP settings should adhere to a specific format:

• The first three number blocks of the static IP address need to match the roast machine's IP. 
• The last number block must not match the roast machine's IP. We usually use 42.
• The subnet mask is always 255.255.255.0
   

1. Log in to Roasting Intelligence.
2. Navigate to Preferences > Machine tab > Configuration > Connector setup section.
3. Click the Gear icon at the connector to locate the IP settings.
4. Record this IP address; you will need it later.
   

   

5. Open your Network settings, where you set the static IP address.
6. Check if the static IP address and the subnet mask match the pattern outlined in the blue callout box above.
7. If not, revise the static IP address settings.
8. Restart Roasting Intelligence.

The roast machine's IP address is not the default

Depending on the roast machine manufacturer, your roast machine has a default IP address assigned. This is usually the IP address outlined in the machine setup manual. 

In some cases, the roast machine's IP address differs from the default.

To find out the IP address assigned to your roaster (which differs depending on the machine model): 

• Look for an IP address in the network settings on your roast machine's display
• Closely watch the boot-up screen when you switch on the roast machine (the IP address might appear shortly)
• Reach out to the machine manufacturer or seller

If your roast machine's IP address is different from what is expected, follow the steps below: 

1. Log in to Roasting Intelligence. 
2. Navigate to Preferences > Machine tab > Configuration > Connector setup section.
3. Replace the IP address with the specific IP address for your roast machine.
4. If the roast machine is connected to the PC directly, you need to adjust the static IP address according to the pattern outlined below:
   
   • The first three number blocks of the static IP address need to match the roast machine's IP. 
   • The last number block must not match the roast machine's IP. We usually use 42.
   • The subnet mask is always 255.255.255.0

Network conflict

If another network (like your Wi-Fi) uses the same IP subnet as your roaster, it can cause "IP conflicts." This interferes with the connection, leading to flickering or missing temperature data in Roasting Intelligence.

To determine if there is an IP conflict, it's important to inspect the IP subnet of your WiFi connection.

Windows 

1. Type Control in the search and open the Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet. 
3. Click Network and Sharing Center. 
4. Select the Network Connection you would like to check. 
5. Click "Details..."
6. Your Subnet Mask will be listed under the Network Connection Details section. 

MacOS

1. Navigate to > System Settings > Network.
2. Click your network and select "Details..."
3. Navigate to TCP/IP on the left side of the screen. 
    

If the first three blocks of the IP address match the IP address of the roast machine, you face an IP conflict. 

To better understand this concept, review these examples:

Example 1

• Your roaster's IP: 192.168.2.180
• Wifi: 192.168.3.130

✅: No IP conflict

Example 2

• Your roaster's IP: 192.168.2.180
• Wifi: 192.168.2.130

❌: IP conflict, as the first three blocks are matching.
To resolve the conflict, contact your network administrator and request a change to the IP address that is causing the issue.

Here are a few alternative solutions you can consider:

• Connect your roast machine to the DHCP-capable router and remove the static IP address.
• Eliminate the conflicting IP address by, e.g., temporarily turning off the wifi connection, changing to a different network, or connecting via a mobile hotspot.

USB Connection (Serial Converter)

If your roast machine is connected to your computer via a USB cable, the connection issue can be caused by the following reasons:

• The wrong serial port was selected in the Roasting Intelligence settings
• USB to serial converter not recognized 

The wrong serial port was selected in the Roasting Intelligence settings

When you connect your machine, Roasting Intelligence will list all available serial ports. If you aren't sure which one to choose, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Roasting Intelligence.
2. Navigate to Preferences > Machine tab > Configuration > Connector setup section.
3. Click the Gear icon at the connector to open the settings. 
4. If you are unsure which serial port corresponds to your roast machine, first disconnect the machine.
5. Then, reconnect the machine and click Update. The new port that appears in the list is the one for your roaster.
6. Select the correct Serial port.
7. Click Save.

USB to serial converter not recognized

The most common serial drivers may already be pre-installed on your computer or install automatically when connecting the USB port. Certain devices require a manual installation of the driver. 

To find out what driver is required, try the following: 

• Check the roast machine's manual or reach out to the manufacturer for the recommended driver. 
• Open the control tower of your roast machine and try to get to the backside of the USB port.
  Look for the serial converter and check if there is a label that provides a reference number. 

If you have further questions, feedback, or concerns, please submit a support ticket directly from support.cropster.com.