Phidget vs Center 306

#1: Post by **bharmon91** » December 16th, 2022, 6:54 pm

Is one better than the other in regards to using artisan?

December 16th, 2022, 7:41 pm

Phidgets by far if you have a computer and don't need to see the temps on the device.

Faster sampling times; more reliable; less noisy.

Don't need a proprietary cable.

December 16th, 2022, 7:49 pm

Roughly the phidget I looked at today was going to run me about $100

Are they hard to install?

#4: Post by **hankua** » December 16th, 2022, 8:37 pm

Instead of the Center meter, Mastech ms6514 is more affordable.

December 17th, 2022, 1:29 am

Center 306 has 2 channels. Phidget offers more if you want for air speed and heat level.

#6: Post by **littlenut** » December 17th, 2022, 8:51 am

bharmon91 wrote:Is one better than the other in regards to using artisan?

Hi Brent,

I see you have a fortis.

The fortis has a built-in holder for the Center. Do you have a center device already? If you already have a Center 301, you will just need specific cabling and associated drivers to connect to your computer and run Artisan. The update rate on the Center Display itself is more than "fast enough" IMO, but the signal passed to a computer is slower.

From reading posts on this forum regarding Phidgets, it seems straight forward and everyone seems happy with the update rate. Up front you will need to decide on Thermocouples vs RTD's, probe sizing, and probe holders/connections at the fortis.

HTH,
-LN

December 17th, 2022, 11:12 am

bharmon91 wrote:Roughly the phidget I looked at today was going to run me about $100

Are they hard to install?

Very easy to install.

HOWEVER WHAT MOST PEOPLE FORGET - IS TO UPDATE THE FIRMWARE - instructions.

What are you trying to do and more advice can be given?
What do you want to measure?
If you don't have the Center to me the Phidget is the only way to go.

#8: Post by **Milligan** » December 17th, 2022, 11:35 am

I can only speak to phidgets. They are incredibly easy to set up. No issues at all and have been 100% reliable on my Mac. I even use their TCs.

December 17th, 2022, 9:00 pm

I purchased the phidget temp sensor 4 input and the micro usb cable. Once they arrive I will be back at square one and won't have a clue what to do. This is all so new to me. I have the center 306 & the cord it came with, but I really want to use the roast master app on iOS which is why I purchased the phidget.

#10: Post by **SJM** » December 17th, 2022, 9:34 pm

Have you looked here?
https://rainfroginc.com/documentation/s ... -phidgets/