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After my old straight linear controller died I decided to purchase a
FUJI PXR3 controller that had multiple ramps and hold times.
I will describe two different systems that will work very good, it all
depends on what you want and how much
you want to pay .
System 1
Fuji PXR3 with a pulse SSR(solid state relay) sells for $151.00
PXR3 Controller Model # RCY1-4v $129.00
SSR Model # RS1A23D25 25 amp 22.00
System 2
PXR3 with a 4-20 milliamp DC linear analog contol signal sells
for $235.00
PXR3 Controller Model # REY1-4v $129.00
SSR Model # RE2425 AA06 25 amp$106.00
Both Item purchased at
ttiglobal.com/ The staff at TTI are very nice
and helpful.
After a few roasts I was so impressed I decided to buy system 2 to see
the difference between the two.
Both systems work very good and follows your programmed input almost
dead nuts on. I am very impressed with the controller
and how accurate it follows the profile. The only time it can not follow
the profile is when you exceed the available BTU's output from your
heating coils. Or as Captain Kirk from Star Trek says! Scotty give me
more power. If the roaster can not keep up with the profile
just reduce the bean weight . The controller will speak to you when you
are roasting. The C1 light will pulse on and off when the heat is applied
and when the light stays on and does not pulse and it is a good
indication that the profile is not being met. As the system pulses you
can feel
the difference in the pulses as the heat is applied. The ability to feel
the heat change on the pulses being switched on and off prodded me
buy the other system. I wanted to see if the finished product was
better tasting when taken to the same temp and profile. There is a
slight different
in taste with system 2 . There is a richer flavor and a more defined
acidity. How much, I can't tell you but there is a slight difference. Is it
worth the higher price- that is up to each person- not for me to decide.
I sent Jim Schulman an Excel file from the Extech data logger
on the readings taken every 10 sec thru-out the roast with the
programmed set points. He liked what he was seeing from the data logger.
He will have his PXR3 on line in a few days.
With the help from TTi I was able to program the controller and when I
ordered the second system, I had them pre-program the controller
for me. They now have a file on site that is called "JIM SCHULMAN"
roasting profile. I wanted to use his profile because it had multiple
different times . It had 20/min ,30/min, 15/min, and the 10/min. I
thought this would put the PXR3 thru it's paces and see how well it
followed
the programmed profile. For the true fluid bed roaster his profile is
very good. A good balance between acidity and body. When you change
one segement of his profile from 15/min to 10/min you will be able to
taste the difference in the roasted coffee. You are really able
to control the roasting with the PXR3. One problem with the PXR3 is the
insane numbers of profiles you can now use with ease. Will this make coffee
roasting more fun or frustrating.
The difference with system 2 is the way the dc linear signal operates
the SSR . Instead of pulses there is a signal sent to the relay and when
you
need more heat it applies more voltage to the relay and that is like a
hand on the variac turning the dial for more voltage to the coils. You
have a steady application of heat being applied instead of a pulsed heat.
I still operate the fan manually and will not try to automate the
process because of the different bean moisture content and bean density.
I also highly recommend a heat sink for the relay, they generate a lot
of heat. I am able to use the controller with any roasters all you do
is unplug one roaster and plug in another..
For those who do not want to spend the time to learn each profile and
want a simple way of roasting ths FUJI PXR3 works very good.
Oh yes! more toys to play with. What's that old saying "He who dies with
the most TOYS wins".
Later
Doug Boutell
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