Comments on: I’ve got a new toy

By: SteveP

SteveP — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:19:31 +0000

Thanks for checking Steve and thanks for the mini review. I hope they sell enough of these to better-off roasters that I can eventually afford one BTW – I can confirm that the 230/40V upgrade differs from the 120V for the “big market” in the USA. Unfortunately…

By: Has Bean Steve

Has Bean Steve — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 12:01:03 +0000

STEVE P SAID
“BTW – when you have time to check it out, please let us know if it remembers its profiles after being disconnected from the mains. We all know a heating appliance should be disconnected when not in use (right?) so it was a real pain to discover that the short-lived iRoast (or iRoar as some call it) forgot its programme as soon as it was disconnected.”

Checked it out (put in profile turned it off left it for a couple of mins plugged back in) and it kept the profile. Now I’m not sure over a longer term (left it unpluged now) will report more.

By: Lubos

Lubos — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:35:58 +0000

If you are upgrading an early analog Hottop to the Programmable model
using the KN-8828P Upgrade Procedure instructions (the version as of
February 15, 2007) on http://www.hottopusa.com/ , you may have
problems doing “Step 7″, “remove the base”.

After completing what is suggested in the Instructions, you will
notice that you can pivot the base, but you cannot remove the base.

In order to remove the base on the early machines, it is necessary to
remove two additional screws, not mentioned in the upgrade
instructions. I will not go into the details here, but if you need
help, send me a note to PAL (at) IEEE (dot) org – and I will be happy
to help you by sending an email (with some pictures) explaining what
we found out while upgrading our early analog Hottop to the
Programmable version.

Regards, Lubos in the Texas Hill Country part of Austin

By: Has Bean Steve

Has Bean Steve — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:17:25 +0000

Hi Steve

I’ve got to say I don’t know, and a big gripe for me is the import tax and then having to charge VAT on top, something the US seems to not have in place.

The upgrade is also the main board inside, so I’m guessing there will be some differences but its just a guess.

I am going to speak to hottop about the price differences, as I don’t think its fair at all, but past experience tells me what the reply will be.

Steve

By: SteveP

SteveP — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:16:41 +0000

BTW – when you have time to check it out, please let us know if it remembers its profiles after being disconnected from the mains. We all know a heating appliance should be disconnected when not in use (right?) so it was a real pain to discover that the short-lived iRoast (or iRoar as some call it) forgot its programme as soon as it was disconnected.

By: SteveP

SteveP — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 09:46:22 +0000

A question remains regarding whether or not the EU version of the upgrade is actually different than the North American version. It would seem obvious since the voltage differs (110V vs 230/240VAC) but the control panel probably operates on 9-12VDC which is provided by an internal power supply. (I don’t know because unlike some, I have yet to disassemble my HT

Even if the power supply is replaced as part of the upgrade, a 230V input PS costs no more than a 110V input PS and in fact many are capable of handling 100-250V, so are essentially universal. It would only be prudent to choose such a PS for a product aimed at an international market.

It probably comes down to “safe” pricing to dodge exchange rate fluctuations and the smaller UK market.

By: BryanM

BryanM — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 13:58:20 +0000

This is NOT a dig at Steve. From my dealings with Steve I know without one shadow of doubt that the price he is quoting is the best he can do it for, but.

This upgrade is being advertised for $480 in the States and that is a tad under £250. How come so many things that are available in the USA are priced here at almost a £ for a $ price?

By: Has Bean Steve

Has Bean Steve — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:37:46 +0000

Alas no computer controls, although the controls on the machine look quite exiting.

By: Peter Reskovic

Peter Reskovic — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:23:02 +0000

Any computer connectivity options (usb, flash card for storing profiles, etc.)?

By: Has Bean Steve

Has Bean Steve — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 10:24:44 +0000

Trust me Steve I have told them all this. I think the big problem is there such small run (only 20 in the world) and they are taking a chance to recoup some of the costs. also we had to have them airfrieghted because we only have a handful

Early indications are its very good, I need a weekend to play some more.