Thermocouple bad?

[bgi]

Hi, all,

Looking for some help with a thermocouple problem.

I bought a used Ambex 2kg roaster a few months back. It works great. However, the thermocouple was bent as it exited the holder. Being the fix-er-upper that I am, I tried to straighten it out. After I did, it started reading about 30F too high. Once, I heard a part of the drum tap it. After that, I cooled it down, removed it, then straightened it out and re-installed it. It's still reading 30F too high at the high end. Low end temps seem accurate.

So....

Do I need a new thermocouple? Can I calibrate this one? If I need a new one, where to get besides Ambex? They're not answering the phone or emails. I looked on Watlow's site and didn't see anything that was the same size.

many thanks

 

[topher]

Hey there...are you calling 727-251-9262? If not try that number. It is his cell number.

 

[topher]

Also can try contacting roaster dynamics and speak with Paul. He should be able to sell one to you.
Roaster Dynamics coffee industry?s best roaster control systems

 

[bgi]

Hey there...are you calling 727-251-9262? If not try that number. It is his cell number.

That's the number I'm calling. I'll give it a few more tries over the next few days. I don't need to roast anything for a few more weeks.

thanks!

 

[MillCityRoasters]

What are your first and second crack temps now and what were they before?

 

[bgi]

I've misplaced my notes - still looking. Before the probe started acting up, I would dump at 438 just after 2nd crack started. If I remember correctly, now it's going over 440 before 1st crack. I dumped the last two batches early fearing I'd burn the beans, but they never got into 2nd crack.

I only roast for our home use, so it will be a while before I need to roast any more. In the meantime, I can get a new probe and see if that fixes the glitch. Paul emailed and said he has one, so I'll see about getting that one.

thanks

 

[IslandRoast]

I just messed one of mine up on my Ambex YM-10. Email or call Amer he'll get you one quick. I purchased 2 (1 to fix machine 1 backup) and he mailed them express, I was up and roasting within 2 days of breaking it. Paul at Roaster Dynamics has them in stock also.

 

[slurp]

You may want to keep in mind that every probe reads little bit different. Going from a older probe to a new probe you may get different readings. Paul at Roaster Dynamics is very good with this stuff I suggest giving hime a ring.

 

[bgi]

Hello, slurp. Yea, I expected some difference. I also suspect that the watlow can be calibrated, but I haven't found out how to do that yet.

regards

 

[chast]

To calibrate you need to find out the temp at the probe the adjust the offset on the controller higher or lower.

 

[bgi]

Hi, Charlie,

I've found some documentation on the watlow devices, but nothing detailed enough to carry out a calibration. Do you have any links you'd care to share?

thank you

 

[chast]

you need to find the temp with the existing TC with a thermometer

set the watlow to a specific temp and let the drum warm up to that temp. Using a Fluke digital temp with the thin probe that is used to check stoves put it as close as possible to the TC inside. Some roasters have another hole drilled just for a bean probe for their logging. That would be the best way but the other works also. Set the offset up or down on the Watlow. Doesn't have to be a fluke but they are the most accurate.

 

[Razzo]

BGI;

Order a new thermocouple from Graingers. I broke my thermocouple while cleaning the roaster. I found the replacement part at Grainers and had it the same day. The cost was reasonable too.

Hi, all,

Looking for some help with a thermocouple problem.

I bought a used Ambex 2kg roaster a few months back. It works great. However, the thermocouple was bent as it exited the holder. Being the fix-er-upper that I am, I tried to straighten it out. After I did, it started reading about 30F too high. Once, I heard a part of the drum tap it. After that, I cooled it down, removed it, then straightened it out and re-installed it. It's still reading 30F too high at the high end. Low end temps seem accurate.

So....

Do I need a new thermocouple? Can I calibrate this one? If I need a new one, where to get besides Ambex? They're not answering the phone or emails. I looked on Watlow's site and didn't see anything that was the same size.

many thanks

 

[chast]

Omega.com and Automation direct. First you need to know the size. 3/16, 1/4......how long? You can easily bend them with a tubing bender or if you are careful anything with a smooth round surface. No kinks in the bend

 

[bgi]

Sorry to revive this old thread. I finally needed to roast some more beans, so I decided to go with sight, sound, and smell to judge the roast. The temp readings are spot-on, so it would seem that I don't need a new thermocouple or any adjustment. thanks for the support!