Technical Information & Support

Troubleshooting

The error codes that may appear in the red LED window on the control (an “E” followed by a number), reflect several software features that provide you and your business with further protection. These codes are as follows:

E-1:  This error code indicates that the electronic control has detected an “out-of-range” condition on the thermal sensor. It could be caused by a broken wire, or a broken or defective RTD (the temperature-sensing device). This is a serious fault. Call us, and we will either service or replace your machine.

E-2:  You may see this error code more frequently. When the machine starts up, it blows air for 5 seconds before igniting the gas. This is a safety precaution. After sending the signal to ignite the gas, the control waits 15 seconds, then checks for an increase in temperature. If there is no temperature rise, it shuts the machine down and flashes “E-2.”  If you have a propane machine, this code probably means that you are out of propane, or that you forgot to open the valve on the tank. Just switch the machine off (to clear the error code), correct the problem, and turn the machine back on. Another possible cause of an “E-2” message would be a hugely oversize batch of beans in the roasting chamber. This would prevent hot air from reaching the RTD.

E-3:  This code is used to indicate an excessively long roast (one hour).

E-4:  This code is similar to the “E-2” error code, in that it indicates that the temperature is falling when it is supposed to be rising. Make sure that the supply of gas is adequate.  This code terminates the roast cycle and initiates the cooling cycle.

E-5:  The roaster is programmed to turn itself off and flash this code if the temperature rises when it should be falling. It may indicate the presence of a fire. A fire could result from dramatically overfilling the roasting chamber, or failing to clean the chaff collector.  This code will shut down the machine - both gas and blower. You'll need to dump the beans out into a mud puddle or some similarly fire-resistant place. 

Other potential problems:

“The roast is taking forever.” Time it and make sure that it’s taking over 23 minutes to roast and cool the coffee. If it is, then either you have underfilled the roasting chamber, or the beans are of an unusual type whose density or moisture content make them unroastable in our machine, or the there is a problem with the gas being supplied to the roaster. If you can’t clear it up, give us a call. If you are at an extreme altitude, we may have to adjust the orifice size of your roaster.

“The roasts aren’t coming out the same.” Make sure you are putting the same amount of coffee in the roaster each time. Also, keep in mind that big variations in the ambient temperature may cause some slight variation in the color of the finished beans. Also, you will have to keep in mind that different kinds of coffee will roast differently, because of varying density, size and moisture content.  Check to be sure the machine is level, as a badly out-of-level condition will effect the roast quality. Finally, be sure to clean your chaff collector screen regularly - soaking it overnight and scrubbing it with one of those wooden "toothbrushes" with brass bristles that you can find at the hardware store. 

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