Error: could not convert string to float

[Adondo]

I dont mind at all, thank you for your efforts!

[SusanJoM]

Okay, so I tried something else.  I changed MY Configure Device to Center 301 and here's what turned up on the Serial Ports page.  Try using my settings on your page and see what happens....Can't get any worse, right?

[Adondo]

If I have com4 I get tye serial port error.  Since the computer recognises the thermometer my thoughts are that the converting software "uart to usb bridge" something that is in the serial ports page is interfering with artisan. But I cant find the program running in the background to shut it off. Ive been able to roast every now nd then, but with this error always coming. First after 40+mins of rebooting & what not it magically starts to work. This was the case for saturday. The very next day (yesterday) I got the error again and just lost all patience so I walked in fron my garage with no roasting... Since I havent changed anything since saturday before trying to roast where it worked eventually I feel just helpless.

[Adondo]

Typos everywhere... What I meant was that it worked this saturday but not sunday despite me not changing any setting whatsoever.

[edtbjon]

I usually go with my phidget as I have that one installed. But I took my old Center 301 meter out of the closet and gave it a spin on this stationary computer. There's really nothing wrong with the Center meter, but in a stationary setup the phidget sits better with me and my personal preferences. If I'd have to move around with the Huky or if I would have to use another roaster, the display on the Center meter does a very good job and it should suffice together with a timer and some paper and a pencil.

I recon that you've installed these drivers: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41. I got some strange results before I choose "Modify" in the install choices (as it obvoiusly was installed earlier too). (I guess that link ought to be included in the Artisan documentation btw.)

Then I have the same Device Assignment and Serial as you had in one previous answer. What made it work for me was setting it to COM3.

You didn't say if you installed any other software which may have come on that small CD (which I cannot find at the moment.  ). Anyhow, as a last resort is to make a "deep" uninstall of both the drivers and Artisan, i.e. not only using the standard Windows uninstall, but try some other uninstaller, which cleans the Windows registry etc. too.
I've used a phidget for the last couple of years and I recon Susan always used a phidget. With those drivers, it's essential that the background program isn't running, but I frankly don't remember if there's even such a program for the Center meter as I cannot find any such program.

[SusanJoM]

(I guess that link ought to be included in the Artisan documentation btw.)

Why? 

[Adondo]

I usually go with my phidget as I have that one installed. But I took my old Center 301 meter out of the closet and gave it a spin on this stationary computer. There's really nothing wrong with the Center meter, but in a stationary setup the phidget sits better with me and my personal preferences. If I'd have to move around with the Huky or if I would have to use another roaster, the display on the Center meter does a very good job and it should suffice together with a timer and some paper and a pencil.

I recon that you've installed these drivers: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41. I got some strange results before I choose "Modify" in the install choices (as it obvoiusly was installed earlier too). (I guess that link ought to be included in the Artisan documentation btw.)

Then I have the same Device Assignment and Serial as you had in one previous answer. What made it work for me was setting it to COM3.

You didn't say if you installed any other software which may have come on that small CD (which I cannot find at the moment.  ). Anyhow, as a last resort is to make a "deep" uninstall of both the drivers and Artisan, i.e. not only using the standard Windows uninstall, but try some other uninstaller, which cleans the Windows registry etc. too.
I've used a phidget for the last couple of years and I recon Susan always used a phidget. With those drivers, it's essential that the background program isn't running, but I frankly don't remember if there's even such a program for the Center meter as I cannot find any such program.

It says it doesnt work with win10. therefore im attempting a downgrade to win 7 instead.. But it has worked, that's what's so strange with all this. Regarding the cd there is no use as I have no CD reader...

[Adondo]

Had some issues with downgrading so ended up just formatting the whole computer. After software installation and artisan I got the same error... "could not convert string to float". using the sili labs software "CP210....". The one linked by edtbjon is not compatible with windows 10 it says...

[SusanJoM]

Did you order the Center from Mr. Li?
Did you get the USB cable from him?

If you read this thread at HB you will know why I asked
http://www.home-barista.com/home-roasting/issue-with-artisan-and-center-301-connecting-with-my-computer-t23796.html

[Adondo]

Yes and yes! I've also read that forum post Before...

[SusanJoM]

Well, I give up 
Why don't you sign up here and ask for advice at The Artisan-User Archives
https://lists.mokelbu.de/listinfo/artisan-user

Or buy a Phidget 

[edtbjon]

(I guess that link ought to be included in the Artisan documentation btw.)

Why?

I think it's because it's of use and it's of interest for anyone buying the Center meter, which is offered as "standard" equipment for the Huky by Mr. Li.

[SusanJoM]

Aha.  I see.
Someone who knows all about the Center meters might want to include that in a document at some point. 

[Adondo]

Not thinking of buying another thermometer right now lol...  It could also just be an OS issue witht the drivers... which one are you using edtbjon? Mine is win 10.

[edtbjon]

Not thinking of buying another thermometer right now lol...  It could also just be an OS issue witht the drivers... which one are you using edtbjon? Mine is win 10.

I tried the Center 301 setup with (the very latest update of) Win 10.
As I said before, doing a thorough "deep" uninstall of Artisan and the drivers, so that you got a clean slate to reinstall on, gives you a good environment for success.