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Tricor 225 User Manual

Chocolate temper meter
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  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Software Installation................2.7 2.6.2 RS232 Connection ................2.8 2.6.3 USB Connection ..................2.9 MODEL 225 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES .......3.1 Turning On The Model 225 ..............3.1 Display Contrast ..................3.2 Initialization And Testing ...............3.2 Running A Chocolate Sample ..............3.4 Menu / Keyboard Operation ..............3.7 3.5.1 Passwords ....................3.8 3.5.2...
  • Page 3 TRICOR Systems Inc. Contents (Cont'd) Section Page 3.5.15 Heater Set Point ..................3.21 3.5.16 Line Frequency ..................3.22 3.5.17 Self Test ....................3.22 CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE ............4.1 Clock / Calendar Set (Option) ..............4.2 Preferences ....................4.3 4.2.1 Line Frequency ..................4.5 4.2.2 Change Password .................4.5 4.2.3 Sample Run Time (Option) ..............4.6...
  • Page 4 Printed in the United States of America No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any means without the express written permission of TRICOR Systems Inc. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
  • Page 5 TRICOR’s Mission Statement emphasizes Quality and Customer Service. Should you encounter any problem with your Model 225 Chocolate Temper Meter or discrepancies in this manual, please let us know at (847) 742-5542. If TRICOR is made aware or discovers any discrepancies or problems you will be notified and corrective action will be taken as soon as possible.
  • Page 6 Customer: ___________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Please provide the following information for use by our hotline. • The person(s) to contact with regard to the Model 225 Chocolate Temper Meter and manual: Name Telephone No. Email Primary ____________________ _______________ _______________________ Alternate (1) ____________________ _______________ _______________________...

  • Page 7: General Description

    The chocolate sample well and cover door are found on the top of the unit. On the back of the model 225 is the power entry module with the on/off switch and the RS232 and USB communication ports.

  • Page 8: Optional Items

    TRICOR Systems Inc. Optional Items The following are optional items that may be purchased for the Model 225: • Sample Cups (5000 / box) • External Printer with Serial Cable Adaptor (plotting option) • Temper Meter Data Acquisition Software (TMDAS) •...
  • Page 9 TRICOR Systems Inc. Calibration (Cont'd) If you would like to schedule your Model 225 to be calibrated at TRICOR Systems, please call TRICOR’s Contracts Department at (847) 742-5542 for a Return Material Authorization (RMA#).

  • Page 10: Model 225 Setup

    It is ideal that the 225 be located in a spot where relatively cool, clean and dry air may pass through the unit. The intake port on the bottom of the unit (shown below) as well as the exit ports on the back must be kept unobstructed.

  • Page 12: Internal Printer

    If the power is turned on, the “Feed” button can be pressed to advance the paper. The internal printer can be tested by holding the “Feed” button down while the Model 225 is powered up. The printer will print several inches of text and graphic symbols. External Print / Plot (Option) The external printing is an optional feature that must be purchased.

  • Page 14: Tmdas (Option)

    Plug one end of the RJ-11 flat cable (telephone cable) into the Printer Adaptor. The other end plugs into the RJ-11 jack on the back of the Model 225. Be sure that nothing is attached to the USB jack on the Model 225.

  • Page 15: Pc Configuration

    Configuration also describes the attachment of the Model 225 to a PC. PC Configuration The Model 225 is supplied with a Windows application that is used to configure features. Not all the features shown in this manual are available on all Model 225 units.

  • Page 16: Software Installation

    PC and the unit. If the USB connection is to be used on the Model 225, leave the installation CD in the drive and skip down to section 2.6.3. The communications between the PC and the Model 225 is handled over either an RS232 serial port or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

  • Page 17: Rs232 Connection

    PCs. This adaptor accepts one end of the flat cable with RJ-11 connectors. The other end of the cable is plugged into the Model 225. The black “phone” jack on the back of the unit is intended for the serial communications.

  • Page 18: Usb Connection

    2.6.3 USB Connection The Model 225 may communicate with the PC using a USB interface. A standard AB USB cable is required (not supplied). These cables have a length limited by the USB specification. Extension cables violate the USB specification and TRICOR Systems will not support equipment operated using a USB cable longer than 6 feet.
  • Page 19 TRICOR Systems Inc. 2.6.3 USB Connection (Cont'd) With the Model 225 turned off, attach the unit to the PC using a USB cable. Be sure Windows has started and is up and running. Turn on the power to the Model 225. Within a few short seconds the Windows operating system should recognize that new hardware has been attached.
  • Page 20 Figure 2.9 Advanced Port Settings Turn off the Model 225 and reboot the Windows operating system. Wait for Windows to again restart. Turn on the Model 225. Verify that the Configuration application can communicate with the Model 225. The channel should match that set in the driver configuration dialog.
  • Page 21 TRICOR Systems Inc. 2.6.3 USB Connection (Cont'd) WARNING Turning off the Model 225 or disconnecting the USB cable causes the Windows operating system to terminate the USB driver software, in effect, pulling the driver out from under the Configuration or TMDAS application. Always close the applications communicating with the 225 before terminating the link to avoid program crashes.

  • Page 22: Model 225 Operational Procedures

    Turning On The Model 225 Turn on the Model 225. The switch is located on the power entry module on the back of the unit just above the power cord connection. The backlight for the liquid crystal display (LCD) will illuminate as well as the power indicator on the internal printer.

  • Page 23: Display Contrast

    To provide a method to overcome this complication, there is a power up procedure to regain control. If the display comes up without any characters visible, turn the Model 225 off and allow 10 seconds to power it down. Press and hold the Scroll Up and Scroll Down buttons.
  • Page 24 Cooler * WAIT * Heater 68.4»48.7 71.3»78.0 Once the cooler well and heated probe tip are at the desired temperature, the LCD will show the message below. The Model 225 is now ready to test chocolate. Ready For Sample...

  • Page 25: Running A Chocolate Sample

    TRICOR Systems Inc. Running A Chocolate Sample IMPORTANT Accurate and repeatable test results depend on minimizing the time it takes to get the chocolate sample into the Temper Meter and avoiding cooling errors. Perform the steps below as quickly as possible. Hold the chocolate sample cup by the lip after filling it with the sample chocolate.
  • Page 26 Running A Chocolate Sample (Cont'd) Figure 3.3 Close Door After Inserting Sample The Model 225 takes temperature readings of the sample every 5 seconds. These samples are shown on the LCD. The time marker and temperature are displayed. Also displayed is the measure slope of the temperature profile at that time mark.
  • Page 27 Use extreme caution to avoid breaking the temperature probe. Clean any excess chocolate that remains in the well using the well cleaning tool only attached to the Model 225. Scrape well walls and blow out excess. Don't use sharp instruments such as screwdrivers and knives. These instruments may...

  • Page 28: Menu / Keyboard Operation

    Menu / Keyboard Operation The Model 225 has a menu of features which the user can choose from using the display and 4 buttons on the front panel. The features include how and when the unit prints data, display and printing of previous test data, clock settings, temperature units and system status.

  • Page 29: Passwords

    The password is 8 characters in length and consists of the digits 1, 2, 3 and 4. These are the same digits as the buttons on the front panel of the 225. If prompted, enter the 8 digit password on the keypad. You must enter the characters quickly and accurately to avoid the automatic timeout cancellation.

  • Page 30: User

    The TMDAS software (optional) also substitutes for the external printer. The standard Model 225 retains only the last 5 test samples. The unit can be ordered with an optional multi-store capability. The number of stored results is a function of the length of the test time.

  • Page 31: Print Result Data

    Scrolling beyond the top and bottom of this list will result in a data display error message. The results of the test are displayed as well as the unique run number assigned by the Model 225. CTU=-8.9 SLOPE= -.33...

  • Page 32: Clear Test Memory

    Selection. 3.5.4 Clear Test Memory The Model 225 saves previous test results so that they can be recalled and printed. It may be desirable to clear all the results in the memory. For example, to protect the data when returning the unit for repair or when moving the Model 225 to another production line, the memory holding previous test samples can be wiped clean.

  • Page 33: Internal Printer

    The external print is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. If you do not have this option, selecting this menu group will cause a warning message indicating that the feature is not available. The properties of the external printer can be modified with this menu choice.

  • Page 34: External Printer

    Cancel button. 3.5.7 Temperature Units The Model 225 can display temperatures in either degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. The user is free to make the choice. To change the temperature units, press the Select button from the ready to test screen.

  • Page 35: Set Clock/Calendar

    The real time clock is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. If you do not have this option, selecting this menu group will cause a warning message indicating that the feature is not available. This menu group allows the time and date for the Model 225 to be set.

  • Page 36: Run Time

    Cancel button. 3.5.9 Run Time The run time is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. If you do not have this option, selecting this menu group will cause a warning message indicating that the feature is not available.

  • Page 37: Plot Baseline Temp

    The Plot Baseline Temperature is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. It is only available as an option if you also purchase the external printer or TMDAS option. If you do not have this option, selecting this menu group will cause a warning message indicating that the feature is not available.

  • Page 38: History / Status

    The first item displayed is the total number of chocolate samples which have been tested. History / Status Menu 58 Samples The next item is the total number of hours that the Model 225 has been powered. History / Status Menu 71.0 Hours The current cooler temperature is displayed.
  • Page 39 TRICOR Systems Inc. 3.5.11 History / Status (Cont'd) Channel 1 is the 28 volt internal power supply. History / Status Menu Ch1 » 28.11 Channel 2 is the internal voltage reference, normally 2.5 volts. History / Status Menu Ch2 »...

  • Page 40: Lcd Contrast

    Cancel button. 3.5.13 CTU Offset Adjust The CTU offset is a constant added to the CTU calculation. TRICOR uses this value to adjust the temper meter models so that a consistent reading is obtained between models.

  • Page 41: Cooler Set Point

    The Cooler Set Point Temperature is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. If you do not have this option, selecting this menu group will cause a warning message indicating that the feature is not available. This menu group allows the cooler temperature to be adjusted.

  • Page 42: Heater Set Point

    The Heater Set Point Temperature is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. If you do not have this option, selecting this menu group will cause a warning message indicating that the feature is not available. This menu group allows the heater temperature to be adjusted.

  • Page 43: Line Frequency

    TRICOR Systems Inc. 3.5.16 Line Frequency The Model 225 is designed to work on either 50 or 60 Hz AC power. For optimal noise rejection the system needs to be told the AC line frequency. To select the line frequency, press the Select button from the ready to test screen.
  • Page 44 TRICOR Systems Inc. 3.5.17 Self Test (Cont'd) When testing is complete, the system will return to the Top Menu Selection. To return to the ready to test screen press the Cancel button. Any failures detected during the self test will halt the testing and display a warning message with a numeric code.

  • Page 45: Configuration Software

    PC is discussed in section 2.6. Install the software and connect the Model 225 to the PC using your preferred method; USB or RS232. Turn on the Model 225 and allow it to come to the “WAIT” or “Ready To Test” mode. Start the Configuration application. Note the communications channel number in the status bar at the bottom-left of the dialog.

  • Page 46: Clock / Calendar Set (Option)

    Clock / Calendar Set (optional) Figure 4.1 Configuration Application Clock Tab The real time clock is a feature of the Model 225 which is optionally ordered at time of purchase. This hardware keeps track of the time and date so that the information is available to add to the printed data.

  • Page 47: Preferences

    Set Time field is incrementing as the PC’s clock changes. Press the Set Time button to set the clock in the Model 225. The new time is transferred and the application checks for the correct settings. Note that the PC and the Model 225 only measure time to the nearest second.

  • Page 48: Line Frequency

    TRICOR Systems Inc. Preferences (Cont'd) The Preferences tab allows changes to the basic setup of the Model 225. This includes the following features: • Line frequency • Password (to the menu) • Sample run time (option) • User text • Plot baseline temperature (option) •...
  • Page 49 Click the appropriate radio button in the Line Frequency group. 4.2.2 Change Password A password may be applied to the Model 225 to prevent users from changing settings by using the menu mode of the unit. Entry into the menu mode requires entry of an 8-digit password made up of the numbers 1 to 4 (the numbers on the 255 buttons).
  • Page 50 Press the Ok button to accept the change. 4.2.4 User Text The Model 225 can store a 12-character line of text that gets printed at the top of both the internal and external print outputs, and can be transferred to the TMDAS program.

  • Page 51: Plot Baseline Temperature (Option)

    The Plot Baseline Temperature is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. It is only available as an option if you also purchase the external printer or TMDAS option. If you do not have these options, the Plot Baseline Change check box in the feature group will be unchecked and the feature will be unavailable.

  • Page 52: Display

    TRICOR Systems Inc. Display Figure 4.3 Configuration Application Display Tab The Display tab allows changes to the formatting of the Model 225 data. This includes the following features: • CTU or Slope/Temperature • Temperature unit • Internal Printer Setup • External Printer Setup (option) The Features group has two check boxes which indicate the availability of optional features.

  • Page 53: Result Display Method

    The Model 225 can display temperatures in either degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. To choose the temperature units, press the radio button in the Units group. Both the Model 225 and the Configuration application use this setting when displaying any temperature. 4.3.3 Internal Printer By default, the internal printer is set to print the results of every chocolate sample tested.

  • Page 54: External Printer (Option)

    The external printer is an option that must be purchased when ordering the Model 225. It is only available as an option if you also purchase the external printer or TMDAS option. If you do not have these options, the External Printout check box in the feature group will be unchecked and the feature will be unavailable.

  • Page 55: Temperature Control

    Normally the control loop toggle buttons should not be pressed. The main software of the 225 may not restart the control if a test is started. If you use these buttons to toggle control off, TRICOR recommends that you turn off the Model 225 before making any chocolate test.

  • Page 56: System Status

    System Status Figure 4.5 Configuration Application System Tab The Status tab displays information about the Model 225 unit that is connected. The Internal Power group displays the internal voltages and currents that are monitored. The main power supply is 28 volts and the top reading. A critical internal reference voltage is next and should be 2.5 volts.

  • Page 57: Chocolate Temper Curve Interpretation

    The chocolate sample should be extracted form a batch of tempered chocolate for the purpose of verifying or adjusting the tempering process. Test results obtained using the 225 permit establishing an accurate, repeatable procedure for determining the temper of a chocolate batch.

  • Page 58: Qualitative Method

    5.3.1 CTU and Slope Determination The 225 analyzes the temper curve obtained from the test sample run to determine the CTU and slope. The CTU and slope provide a quantitative means of interpreting the temper curve produced by the heat of crystallization process for the test sample.
  • Page 59 5.3.1 CTU and Slope Determination (Cont'd) Figure 5.2 Typical Chocolate Temper Curves Figure 5.3 illustrates a temper curve and the key parameters analyzed by the 225. The temper curve is analyzed to determine: Tangent1 Time, Temperature, Slope (First Inflection Point)
  • Page 60 TRICOR Systems Inc. 5.3.1 CTU and Slope Determination (Cont'd) These are provided as part of the hardcopy results. The 225 then calculates the CTU results as illustrated in Figure 5.3. The slope result is the slope of Tangent2. Examining Figure 5.3 it is readily seen that a change in the shape of the temper curve would result in a different CTU and slope result.

  • Page 61: Ctu Criteria

    However, TRICOR’s automatic temper meters provide a repeatable, accurate and convenient means to measure the temper providing the quantitative CTU and slope results that define the temper curve.

  • Page 62: Trouble Shooting

    • Power down when not in use. Save the energy, save the wear and tear on the fans, save money. On average, the 225 takes less than 3 minutes to get to stable operation. Consider turning of the unit if it is not to be used in the next hour.

  • Page 63: Blank Lcd Display

    All other warnings allow the user to continue. A typical message is: System Warning - 23 Push Cancel To Continue This message indicates that the Model 225 is “out of calibration”. A list of all the failure codes follows: 01 – The stored clock data is corrupted 02 –...
  • Page 64 With the exception of the warning message, the “calibration due” message causes no changes in the behavior of the Model 225. The “out of calibration” warning causes a banner to be added to the printed output from the Model 225.

  • Page 65: Stored Result Errors

    TRICOR Systems Inc. Stored Result Errors The Model 225 saves test results in a memory that retains the results even after power is turned off. The memory is organized as a linked list of test results, one following the other. Occasionally, this linking might fail. The primary cause is a power failure before the complete test record is written to memory.

  • Page 66: Temperature Stability

    3.5.4. Temperature Stability If you suspect that the temperature stability of the Model 225 is poor, first check that there is adequate air flow through the unit. Read section 2.1 concerning equipment setup. Check the bottom screen to see if it is clogged. Be sure your AC line power is of good quality.

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