To verify that the roaster is not the problem, try the roast profile documented on page 28 of the manual.
If you do not have the manual it is available at the Hottop USA website (http://www.hottopusa.com).
That page has the programming as well as a graph of the display temperatures.

For additional information on programming the "P" take a look at my review of the roaster:
http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/BeanRoaster_P.html

Randy, something is definitely wrong with the roaster. Even when using the standard profile, which was successful during my first ~30 roasts, I failed to get a proper roast. Now I am ramping up the temperature as quickly as possible through each segment and still it fails. The result is very similar to a stalled roast.

coffeerick wrote:OK - now I understand! If you can see the coils glowing you should have plenty of heat...

Not sure this is true. Michael from HotTop suggested I replace the heating element when I experienced temp difficulties. At the time, the element was glowing during the roasting process.

Fullsack wrote:Not sure this is true. Michael from HotTop suggested I replace the heating element when I experienced temp difficulties. At the time, the element was glowing during the roasting process.

I can't know for sure, but I'm on my third heating element (I roast quite a bit) and I do know that when I back the power off with the dimmer it goes down low enough that it is no longer glowing but still gives me enough heat to finish the roast to 2C. If Dieter is going from the start of first to the start of second in less than 2 minutes it does not sound like he is low on heat.

On the other hand, heater elements are not that expensive and it is good to have a spare available if it turns out to not be the problem. When all else fails....

I'm going to hang with the suggestion because the slow ramp to the first is the culprit, mine can get there faster. As an example, my 240 volt Pavoni can achieve 200 degrees when plugged into a 120 volt system, it just takes a half hour to get there instead of the 6 minutes it takes with the 120 volt Pavoni.

If the problem isn't voltage to the element, it's the element itself.

HotTop Michael implied, early HotTop elements had QC issues.

As I understand it, the problem with "early" Hottop elements was that the manufacturer was supplying elements in a wider tolerance rage than worked well with the machine (or was specified by Hottop- I don't remember the exact problem in that regard). The problem was not widespread because it popped up mostly when a low-temp element was used in low voltage. In any case, the tolerance was tightened and the programming was changed (I think) to better cope with voltages as low as around 110-112 or so.

For the brave soul, if the heating element is suspect, you could wire it directly to the line input voltage so that it is on in a 100% duty cycle, then run a program set to run for the full time allowable and see if the temperature ramps up faster than before. If not, then the heating element is most likely the problem. If it does create a faster roast then there are other difficulties to address.

I don't think I am brave enough to hotwire the heating element. Hopefully I can get an answer from Hottop soon and rather get some replacement parts. They were very quick to reply during early troubleshooting but my last two emails have not received replies (although to be fair the latest one was sent on Wednesday or Thursday so thats not too many working days).

Dieter01 wrote:... Each step is quite similar to normal until late in the process. I never hit second crack, even after a long time and high temperatures. Any idea what could be wrong? ...

I noticed, from your log, you use the fan near the end of the roast. Try a batch without using the fan. Also, try a smaller batch, 225 grams or less. (It would be a good idea to check the accuracy of your scale as well). If these suggestions improve the roast, it would support the theory that your heating element or the voltage to it, isn't up to par.

Have you considered using an electrical transformer like the Variac?

I have used the fan near the end of the roast, however on the last trial I only had it at level 1. I'll see if I can run another test with 225g later, although right now I am not sure how much more I will learn. There was a distinct change at some point (which can be seen in the logs to). Something broke, and at the moment I am thinking its the heating element. I think I'd like to change it before trying another run (I've already burned through 4 lbs of coffee testing various settings).

I just whish Hottop would answer my emails. I have sent 3 emails in 2 weeks and none of them have generated a response. Dissapointing.

Are you emailing hottop@hottopusa.com?

I have always had a quick response from them but I think it is a one man operation so he might be on vacation or something.

Rick