My Mobile Roasting Cart

[AK]

So I FINALLY got around to finishing my mobile roasting cart this past weekend!  There are some things left to do, but it's mostly just cosmetic stuff, like routing cables/wires to make it a bit neater.   


I really wanted to setup something like Crzyworm623's cart, but ended up with a cheaper/less sophisticated version instead.


My setup includes the following items:

Utility Cart
Variac
Raspberry Pi 3
20" LED Monitor
Monitor Stand
Lenovo Touchpad
Keyboard/Mouse
Dwyer 2.5" Gage
Phidgets 1048 w/ Enclosure


I have a few other miscellaneous items, but the above would be the bulk of it.


My biggest challenge was getting the roaster oriented just right, relative to how/where I would be controlling Artisan, and think this is the best setup given what I have to work with.  I also had trouble with RPi's weak WiFi antenna, so had to extend my existing wireless network to get a strong enough signal.  It wasn't mandatory that I be connected to a network, but it does make it a lot more convenient in case I needed to access the Internet while roasting outside.

[edtbjon]

My biggest challenge was getting the roaster oriented just right...

... and your biggest challenge ahead of you is going to be wind. I've done some outdoor roasting with the Huky and while it looks like a good idea to bring the roaster out on the balcony, trying to duplicate a roast and getting a 4 minute difference in roast time wasn't too funny. (It did feel like no wind at all...)
Now, I'm not trying to discurage you and your setup looks great. But do try to find somewhere on your backyard where you get good shelter from the wind.

[jeffdt]

Could you explain why you have both a Raspberry Pi and a Lenovo Touchpad? I'd like a dedicated computer for Artisan and was trying to decide between experimenting with a Pi or just getting a cheap laptop. I would think those two items are achieving the same thing so I was just curious what you're using each one for.


Your setup looks awesome by the way! I'm weighing my options for the long-term solution for where to roast. I was going to carve out a nice spot in the garage but there's something unappealing about drinking coffee roasted in a garage with all kinds of lawn appliances and gasoline The only other option I can think of is building a roasting cart and doing it outside, but then you're depending on so many outside influences... even living in a place with relatively stable climate.

Please keep us posted on how this cart works for you, I'm really interested in the results.

Thanks!

[AK]

My biggest challenge was getting the roaster oriented just right...

... and your biggest challenge ahead of you is going to be wind. I've done some outdoor roasting with the Huky and while it looks like a good idea to bring the roaster out on the balcony, trying to duplicate a roast and getting a 4 minute difference in roast time wasn't too funny. (It did feel like no wind at all...)
Now, I'm not trying to discurage you and your setup looks great. But do try to find somewhere on your backyard where you get good shelter from the wind.

Ah...hadn't really thought about the wind, but it's because it's really not that bad where I live and have my roaster setup.  I actually don't have a choice but to do my roasting outside, so will have to make it work.  Worst case...I just won't roast when it's windy.


Appreciate the feedback...

[AK]

Could you explain why you have both a Raspberry Pi and a Lenovo Touchpad? I'd like a dedicated computer for Artisan and was trying to decide between experimenting with a Pi or just getting a cheap laptop. I would think those two items are achieving the same thing so I was just curious what you're using each one for.

The RPi runs Artisan, and the Touchpad I use as a mouse to hit the buttons during the various phases of the roast.  I usually keep the keyboard underneath, since there's really no typing involved during the roasting.  I thought about using a laptop, but wanted a bigger screen.  Ideally, I would've used one of my Macs, but couldn't justify dedicating one for roasting, or risk getting it damaged outside.


I haven't roasted anything yet with this setup, but am planning on it later this evening, so will see how it works.