Overview

This article provides essential tips and requirements to ensure you are fully prepared for your BrewBeacon installation.

What is the BrewBeacon?

The BrewBeacon is a small hardware device that connects to your espresso machine and sends brewing data directly to your cloud (the online platform C-sar).

Pre-installation steps

Before starting the installation, we recommend following these general pre-installation steps to ensure a smooth setup process:
 

1. Keep your espresso machine's user manual nearby for reference during installation. This documentation ought to be supplied by the espresso machine manufacturer.
2. Check the BrewBeacon and all its components. Check all components for functionality and signs of damage. Please contact us right away if physical damage is found.
3. Ensure that 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is available. Make sure that your network and WiFi passwords only contain characters from the Roman alphabet.
4. Make sure the installation area is well-lit, dry, and spacious enough to accommodate all necessary equipment.
5. Collect all necessary equipment for the installation and organise it in a designated area.

Additional safety instructions

• Disconnect your espresso machine from power and let it cool before attempting installation. If necessary, you can install BrewBeacon while the machine is on, but you must inform baristas not to use the group head being serviced.
• Avoid water exposure.

Necessary equipment for the installation

Before starting the installation process, it is advisable to gather all the necessary equipment needed for a successful setup:

1. 1x Flow Meter Connector per group head
2. 1x RYB Cable per grouphead
3. 1x Solenoid Sensor per group head
4. 1x BrewBeacon
5. 1x Cross Head Screwdriver
6. Micro USB Cable & Plug

Installation best practices

In this section, we will highlight key best practices to consider before you start the installation process:

• Set up each grouphead one at a time. This method prevents data errors while simultaneously reducing the chance of tangled or crossed cables. 
• Carefully apply pressure to the Flow Meter connectors to ensure a secure and reliable connection.
• Avoid applying excessive pressure when securing the Flow Meter top.
• Ensure you hear two distinct clicks when securing the Solenoid Sensor to confirm it is locked in place.
• We recommend connecting to the power supply every time.

FAQs

How to open an espresso machine? 
Always refer to the espresso machine manual and follow the specific instructions for your espresso machine.
Please refer to the manual to verify the following information:

• Which components of the espresso machine require disassembly?
• What specific tools are required for this?
• How can you safely access the interior of your espresso machine?

How long does the installation usually take?
Installing the BrewBeacon should take no longer than 10 minutes. 
The duration varies by espresso machine model, with screw removal often being the most challenging part. We recommend starting the installation during off-peak hours for a smoother process.


When will the BrewBeacon begin displaying results?
The algorithm will become fully operational after 24 hours or once you have completed at least 100 brews.

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