Noise Level

[thusband]

What's the noise level on your Huky?  The rubbing is more pronounced in the video than in real life but that high pitched sound seems louder than the video.  I'm hoping the rubbing will get better with use but that high pitched drone might mask 1st crack sounds.  What do you think?

[hankua]

Sounds pretty normal, the little 18$ motor he uses is noisy, but has been holding up quite well. You'll be able to hear the cracks just fine; fire it up and run a few batches. The routine is awkward at first and needs some repetition; so don't worry about getting great results but then you never know. First drinkable batch might be wonderful. 

[thusband]

Thanks again.  That's reassuring. 

I'll be buying 10 or 20 pounds of cheap break in blends from Crop to Cup to practice, practice, practice.

[Gregr]

That high pitched noise is something I've never heard. Have you sent that video to Mr. Li?

[Daave]

That's most likely the same issue I had, where the motor just needed to be re-seated.

Go ahead and look over this thread:
https://www.hukyforum.com/index.php/topic,299.0.html

It talks about the 2 potential issues. The issue I had was remedied by purchasing the hex screwdrivers I mention in that thread, and adjusting the screws holding the motor in place (MJ5150 has instructions & pictures in that thread). The other potential issue is that the drum is rubbing, and you need to put in a shim. Based on the sound though, I'm guessing your issue is identical to mine (Makes sense too, since ours were made at about the same time).

[thusband]

Well bummer.  I'll send the video to Mr. Li.  Looking at the referenced thread, though, the fix might not be too involved.

Thanks all. 

[HK Reefer]

I experienced similar noise when started to operate it. But it turns to normal now. Maybe it needs time to tune in.

[thusband]

Right.  I went ahead and roasted a couple of batches tonight (I'm sure they're crap) just to start the learning curve. 

I also got a quick reply from Mr. Li who confirmed Daave's thread about loosening the motor screws.  I don't have that 5.5mm hex screwdriver to do the job but will shortly if USPS can get their act together (they sent it to Santa Rosa and not San Jose).

[summer]

I just want to add, that if you decide to lower your motorspeed at some point, you will experience less motornoise. 

[thusband]

I just want to add, that if you decide to lower your motorspeed at some point, you will experience less motornoise. 

Is that desirable?  I thought the slower motor was for the perforated drum.

[summer]

Is that desirable?  I thought the slower motor was for the perforated drum.

Unfortunately I can not answer, as I only have the perforated drum - but with the Huky, you are free to try and see what a slower speed can do for you. Just add a speed controller to your fast motor, turn down the speed - and remove it if you dont like it.

You can also do like me, and use a different power-supply.
The original power-supply for my fast motor was DC 24v/2A, the new I tried was DC 12v/2A. Half voltage gives me half motor speed (36rpm instead of 72rpm).
Right now I use a DC 15v/5A power supply from a old laptop for a speed of 45 rpm.
Using a DC 18v power supply would give me a speed of 54rpm, and so on.
Make sure the plug is 5,5/2,5mm, center positive - and the amps should be 2A or greater.

I can report, that my roasts were good with fast motor/perf.drum, and my roasts are also good with slower motor/perf.drum.
The biggest difference for me is the lower noise with the slower speed.  Other users has other experiences, I'm sure.

[thusband]

Very interesting.  Thanks summer. Boy, the Huky is wide open as far as mods.

[Kfir]

Slower motor speed = more conduction heat (beans spend less time bouncing in the air).

In fact to my opinion it's desirable especially for espresso roasts and I have managed to pull out some great roasts with both drums at lower speed even down to 35-40 rpm.

A simple DC motor speed controller should do the job just fine and you can just use one motor (I used the 72).
This configuration will give you a full spectrum of speed to play with.

With slower rpm you need to be more gentle with the heat (not too much but still).
You can also start a roast with 72 to harness the convection to push the roast forward and gradually reduce the speed as the roast advances, reducing the drum speed will help slow down the roast (might be very useful for stretching after FC).

So some more stuff to play with and see how it will impact the end result... 

Enjoy!
Kfir.

[thusband]

Thanks Kfir, really good information here.  Man, the Huky has so many more possibilities than my old Behmor.