New to Roasting - Help me build my Huky

[gooseneck]

I'm new to roasting. I would like to learn to roast like a pro and what I've found is that the Huky is potentially the best option available for the money. Here's where you all come in: I'd like some help on what exactly I should be ordering. Here are my current thoughts:

I'd like the newer 500T with perforated drum and standard 48 rpm motor. I'd also like two fans, one to control airflow and one for cooling the beans after roasting. I plan to roast in my basement and ventilate out a window down there. I think the propane stove will be easiest. I also plan to use my laptop to log my roasts.

Working list

Standard 500T Model - perforated drum, 48 rpm motor
Stove - propane
Extra fan   
Extra Funnel
Extra tray
Exhaust bowl   
Digital Thermometer
USB Cable


I've read about using Artisan and that the Center digital thermometer that is an option Mr. Li offers doesn't work as well with Artisan. Any help there would be great.

I’m also wondering if I need an extra MET probe. What is this used for (again, new to all this)?

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to learn more about all this.

[SusanJoM]

Here's one resource for 'making your list and checking it twice...'

https://www.hukyforum.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=14

[rodraguirre]

... the Center digital thermometer that is an option Mr. Li offers doesn't work as well with Artisan.

It actually works well. I have the Center 304 and it's doing a fine job. From what I read here the phidget somehow provides better readings from the probe directly into Artisan and is as well the preferred solution according to Artisan's creator. I cannot tell how better, but that's what people say.

On the other hand, the center 304 (or any other digital thermometer) gives you the option of roasting without a computer, if you ever want to do that, as you'll have the temperature readings available on the thermometer display. Also you can use the thermometer for various other applications/side projects if you want.

[JerryB]

Welcome Gooseneck!
It looks like your putting together the same setup as I am.  I hope to place my order this week, maybe today.

Here is a link to my pre-order list.  a couple things have changed slightly due to me learning more on the forum.  Good luck and read everything you have time for.  I learn something new every time I log on the the forum.

JerryB's Pre-Order Check List
https://www.hukyforum.com/index.php/topic,691.0.html

Cheers! and good luck!

[gooseneck]

I haven't found any directions on what the MET is useful for or how it is used. Help or suggestions with that? Should I order the MET extra probe?

Also wondering about my options for thermometers. I read someone suggesting all probes be digital, so replacing ET analog with a digital probe. If I were to do that and leave off the MET probe, would I just need the Center 301 to have BT and ET measurements?

Is there a way to have ET both analog AND digital? Is that needed? 

[SusanJoM]

I don't think you will find any absolute answer to your question about MET.  Lots of people roast without it.  I like having the extra data point.  If you have MET, ET and BT, you have a good thermal picture of what's happening under the hood. 

I don't see how it would be possible (or desirable) to have ET both analog and digital, but I haven't thought that through thoroughly.

You could get away with the 301 if you are only going to use two digital probes, whichever ones you decide to use. 

[rodraguirre]

from the top of my newbiness, one use I could find for my MET so far (while I'm still struggling to get some control of the BT and ET) is to be aware of how hot the whole roaster is. I assume there's a safe operation range for the Huky, and if I see the MET getting 500+, that tells me it might be getting too hot.

So, at least for me, it's serving as a kind of safety feature.

[gooseneck]

Thanks for the quick replies. Another question...

I've read many use a Variac to control airflow. I've also seen the cheaper way of doing this by plugging your fan into a dimmer. Clearly a Variac is much more precise. But this begs the question: how important is it to have precise airflow control? Will a dimmer get the job done or because I'm new to this, does it make more sense to have an actual data read out for airflow?

If a Variac is the way to go, what model are you all using? 

[SusanJoM]

Until you get a better response, I suggest some searches on "variac", "dimmer", "air flow".   
Most of your questions have been raised and answered over the past year.

[rodraguirre]

I've just given my feedback on a similar question in another topic:

https://www.hukyforum.com/index.php/topic,694.msg7448.html#msg7448

I have used a similar router speed control, sold by Harbor Freight tools. Didn't work for me. The Fan would spin too fast even with the dial at the lowest position. I've learned that these devices (speed control, lamp dimmer) actually don't change the output voltage. Instead, they simply 'chop' the AC waveform to achieve the same end result. since I'm not an electrician, I'not familiar with the technical terminology, but it looks like this chopped waveform is not healthy for your fan...

Anyway, In my case, the lamp dimmer was better than the router speed dial, but I've only used them a couple times. After all that I bought a Variac and never been happier.

As for the Variac cost/model, I bought this one from Amazon at $64.99, it's a 3-amp 0-120v and it's doing just fine. I know Susan suggested a less expensive 5-amp available in eBay, but I went with amazon due to the 1-day delivery, plus I like the red better 

[hankua]

The lamp dimmer works fine, but can create noise (spikes) on Artisan. Another knock on the dimmer is only having three usable setting in addition to wide open. GregR has been using a router controller for awhile; not sure which one.

Small Variac solves several problems; more control and no Artisan spikes.

[easygene]

rodraguirre said

plus I like the red better

Ha, I got the same one for $64.99 few weeks ago and couldn't be happier.  Had a British racing green Porsche once while living in salty Chicago.  With a bit of rust had it stripped and repainted Ferrari Red.

I swear this Variac is an exciting sporty Ferrari Red!  Course if you are conservative and living in the far suburbs and prefer a very sedate retiring gray(yawn) there is one of those on Amazon I noticed?
Cheers mate

[gooseneck]

FINALLY got my shipping confirmation. Should be coming this week. Can't wait for us to start this journey. I'll post pictures when all is set up and ready to roast.

[Huky956]

Hey goose.. happy roasting. Look forward to reading your profiles..