center 304

[John F]

How the heck do you hook the center 304 up to your computer/artisan?

I just installed Artisan and tested the probes into the 304 but how do I communicate the 304 into the computer? Is it the rs-242 port on the 304 into the headphones jack on laptop?

[edtbjon]

Mr. Li sells one 3.5mm -> USB and that cable works (at least with Center 301). You do have to install the drivers as well.

[SusanJoM]

John, I think if you read through this thread it may help.
I use a Phidget, so I don't have any experience with the Center thermometers, but...this looks promising.

http://www.home-barista.com/home-roasting/using-center-30x-thermometer-and-artisan-software-t23736.html

From reading this Wikipedia entry, though, I think you would be better off to go USB:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-232

There is also some relevant information starting at the bottom of page 18 of this thread:
http://www.home-barista.com/home-roasting/artisan-beta-roasting-software-available-t16078.html?hilit=center%20304

[John F]

Best Buy doesn't have any usb x 3.5mm cables. 

[SusanJoM]

Are you sure that's what you want/need?

What about the RS 232 to USB? 

[John F]

No... I'm not sure at all.   

But the center 304 only has a 3.5mm out.

If nobody here is using the center 304 I'll need to ask HB. It's odd because this is the device that Mr Li provides and Artisan is the number one data logger for Huky.. how the heck is everybody connecting?

[SusanJoM]

Ah, I'm sorry I thought you said  it had an RS 232.
Let us know what you find out.

I'm glad I got a Phidget :-))))

So, I'm guessing when this page says "optional accessories" an RS232 or a USB cable, they mean one that connects from the 3.5 to RS232 or USB.  And I guess that's the cable that Mr Li offers.  Maybe you should just email him and ask him to ship you one.   At least one recent buyer at HB added one on to his order at the last minute.

[John F]

I ordered one off the Omega link posted in the thread you gave me.

It's $26 shipped but at least it's almost guaranteed to work.

[SusanJoM]

Excellent. 
Keep us posted.

[boss99er]

I ordered the 304 and cable from Mr Li. I'll post results once mine comes in. I'll be using a Mac. How about you, John?

[John F]

I'm not sure what I'll be using permanently but I'm testing with a spare laptop.

I Wish I could use an android tablet that size would fit very nicely on a roasting bench.

[boss99er]

I'm not sure what I'll be using permanently but I'm testing with a spare laptop.

I Wish I could use an android tablet that size would fit very nicely on a roasting bench.

Yeah it would! Are ya sure there's no way to do it?

[John F]

Update for anybody that forgets to order a usb cable from Mr Li like i did...

This cable does work.  I just loaded up the driver and tested two temps in Artisan.

[Gregr]

Great info- thanks for posting that!

[HIO Flyer]

One thing to keep in mind is the drivers from Mr. Li come on a disc and most smaller laptops do not have disc drives.  You can do a quick search and download. I tend to be a doer rather than a reader so had some issues until I set the baud rate.