This guide is applicable to the following hardware versions:
Prototype V2 (Serial numbers P2_XX)
Prototype V3 (Serial numbers P3_XX)
Production (Labelled “MODEL: FLOW GATEWAY” on the back of the deviceSerial numbers 1XXXXX)
Overview
Flow integrates with a range of commercial espresso machines, providing cloud based and real-time visibility of coffee production parameters.
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Quick Start Installation Procedure
Before going to site:
Prerequisite site requirements are met
All required equipment is available
On-site:
Connect the flow meter cable(s) to the espresso machine flow meters
Mount the Flow Gateway
Route the flow meter cable(s) to the Flow Gateway and secure the cable
Setup and install the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter (If required)
Plug in the Flow Gateway
Confirm the Flow Gateway operation
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Flow solution components
Flow Gateway
Electronic device that connects the espresso machine to Flow Coffee's cloud dashboard (usually mounted under the counter).
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Flow Gateway power supply
100-240V AC - 5V DC power adapter for the Flow Gateway (interchangeable AC pins).
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Two grouphead flow meter cable
Cable which connects the Flow Gateway to the espresso machine’s flow meters. One cable is required for a 1-2 grouphead machine, two cables for a 3-4 grouphead machine. There are different types of two grouphead flow meter cables available to suit the different flow meter connections commonly found:Flow meter connection variations
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Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter
When the Flow Gateway needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network for access to the Internet a separate Wi-Fi to Ethernet (wired) network adapter is required.
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Ethernet cable
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Flow Gateway assembly
The Flow Gateway, Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter, and power supplies are assembled
in the same location (usually under the bench where the espresso machine is) and the
flow meter cable(s) are routed from there into the espresso machine.
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Espresso machine flow meter connection
The espresso machine end of the flow meter cable has a male and female plug which
piggybacks off the signal from the espresso machines flow meters.
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Prerequisite site requirements
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An Ethernet or Wi-Fi network which is accessible from the location of the espresso machine
Prerequisite site requirements
An Ethernet or Wi-Fi network which is accessible from the location of the espresso machine
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DO NOT connect the Flow Gateway to a guest Wi-Fi network. Guest Wi-Fi networks often have mechanisms to prevent abuse such as requiring a login before they can be used, or limiting how long a device can remain on the network. These mechanisms prevent the Flow Gateway from being able to be used on these networks. |
Outbound access from the Ethernet or Wi-Fi network to:
a14v6cnrny0bel-ats.iot.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com on port 443 TCP (HTTP and MQTT over TLS)
At least one of the following addresses, on port 123 UDP (NTP):
0.asia.pool.ntp.org
0.europe.pool.ntp.org
0.id.pool.ntp.org
0.south-america.pool.ntp.org
0.oceania.pool.ntp.org
0.north-america.pool.ntp.org
A suitable mounting location for the Flow Gateway near the espresso machine (usually under the counter)
Nb. The supplied flow meter cable is cables are 3 meters long, so depending on the routing of the cable within the espresso machine, this allows for installing the Flow Gateway approximately 1.5-2 meters away from the espresso machineOne, or two if a Wi-Fi network is used, AC power outlet outlets near the location of the espresso machine (usually under the counter):
The first is for the Flow Gateway power supply
Nb. The Flow Gateway power supply cable is 1 meter long
A second AC power outlet near the location of the espresso machineThe second is for the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter
Nb. The TP-Link TL-WA850RE may not fit in a power outlet adjacent to another plug. It is 66mm wide, and extends 85mm above the centre of plug and 25mm below the centre of the plug
Equipment required (per espresso machine)
1x Flow Gateway
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1x Flow Gateway power supply
The flow gateway power supply has interchangeable pins for EU, UK, US and AU power outlet types. Ensure that the power supply has the correct pins for the plug type used in your region.
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1x or 2x Two grouphead flow meter cable
Cable which connects the Flow Gateway to the espresso machine’s flow meters.
One cable is required for a 1-2 grouphead machine, two cables for a 3-4 grouphead machine.
There are different types of two grouphead flow meter cables available to suit the different flow meter connections commonly found: Flow meter connection variations
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1x Ethernet (network) cable
The Ethernet cable needs to be a suitable length to connect the Flow Gateway to the Ethernet (wired) outlet, or to the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter.
Nb. The Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter must be plugged into an AC power outlet. If there is a suitable mounting location for the Flow Gateway near the AC power outlets then the Ethernet cable length would typically be 0.5-1.0 meters.
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Optional: Wi-Fi to Ethernet (wired) adapter
When the Flow Gateway needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network for access to the Internet a separate Wi-Fi to Ethernet (wired) network adapter is required.
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Tools and consumables
Cable ties
High strength double sided foam tape - eg. 3M VHB Double Sided Foam Adhesive
Tools for removing the appropriate covers from the espresso machine to access the flow meters
Required Components for installation
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Each flow meter has a positive (+), negative (-) and signal (0) terminal. The type of connector and pinout used by the espresso machine / flow meters varies by manufacturer and model. SeeFlow meter connection variationsfor the different types espresso machine flow meter connectors and which adapters are required to connect them to the Flow Gateway.
For each flow meter
Disconnect the espresso machine’s plug or quick connect (blade) connectors from the flow meter terminals.
Connect the female connector on the flow meter cable to the flow meter terminals.
Connect the corresponding male connector on the flow meter cable to the espresso machine’s plug or quick connect (blade) connectors.
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Unused connection
If there is a spare connector on the flow meter cable after all groupheads have been connected (ie. when two cables are used for a 3 grouphead espresso machine), connect the spare male and female plugs together then secure the cable out of the way.
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2. Mount the Flow Gateway
Mount the Flow device near the espresso machine in a location that is not likely to be disturbed or affected by heat / water / steam (usually under the counter is the most appropriate location). Ensure the chosen location is in reach of the flow meter cable and power , AC power outlets, and if applicable Ethernet outlet.
Mount the device Flow Gateway using high strength double sided foam tape (eg. 3M VHB Double Sided Foam Adhesive).
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Route the cable(s) through the service hole in the bottom of the espresso machine then to where the Flow Gateway will be located.
Secure the cable(s) inside the espresso machine so that they cannot touch any hot components like water piping or the boiler, and so that it they cannot be dislodged if it is they are pulled from outside of the espresso machine.
Plug the flow meter cable(s) into the Flow Gateway.
4. Setup and install the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter (If required)
If a wired internet Wi-Fi network connection is not available being used setup the external Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter.
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: Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter installation - TP-Link TL-WA850RE
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5. Plug in the Flow Gateway
Connect the Ethernet cable (from the sites network outlet or to the Flow Gateway, route to the AC power outlet where the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter ) to the Flow Gatewaywill is installed, and secure the cable.
Install the Flow Gateway power supply, secure the cable, and connect to the device.
Ensure that the power light and (after approximately 20 seconds) status indicator on the front panel of the Flow Gateway is illuminated and that after a delay of approximately 20 seconds the status light (globe icon) is illuminated green continuously (This indicates the device has established a connection to the cloud service)are illuminated continuously green.
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Nb. If the status light indicator on the front panel is not illuminated , confirm continuously green (eg. flashing orange or flashing green), check on the back of the Flow Gateway that the network outlet green indicators are illuminated as follows:
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6. Confirm the Flow Gateway operation
1. Run each grouphead on the espresso machine, ensuring that the correct grouphead light number on the front panel of the Flow Gateway flashes green while the grouphead is running.
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2. Contact your Flow Coffee representative to confirm the unit has connected to
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the cloud servers and
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data is being received for the espresso machine
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