This guide is applicable to the following hardware versions:
Prototype V2
Prototype V3
Production (Labelled “MODEL: FLOW GATEWAY” on the back of the device)
Overview
Flow integrates with a range of commercial espresso machines, providing cloud based and real-time visibility of coffee production parameters.
It achieves this via an Internet of Things (IoT) device installed near the espresso machine which collects the signal from the espresso machines built in flow meters then transmits this data to the cloud for processing and analysis.
Quick Start Installation Procedure
Prerequisite requirements are met
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
Technical support
Phone - Scott @ Flow Coffee +64 27 423 3135
Email support@flowcoffee.co.nz
Safety Information
The Flow Gateway must be installed by a technician with the appropriate levels of certification to perform work inside of a commercial espresso machine
If the Flow Gateway is wall mounted, it is only suitable for mounting at heights of less than 2 metres
Table of contents
Sub-pages
Flow solution components
Flow Gateway
Electronic device that connects the espresso machine to Flow Coffee's cloud dashboard (usually mounted under the counter).
Flow Gateway power supply
100-240V AC - 5V DC power adapter for the Flow Gateway (interchangeable AC pins).
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
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.
Ethernet cable
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.
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.
Prerequisite site requirements
An Ethernet or Wi-Fi network which is accessible from the location of the espresso machine
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 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 machineAC power outlet near the location of the espresso machine for the Flow Gateway power supply (usually under the counter)
Nb. The Flow Gateway power supply cable is 1 meter longIf the Flow Gateway will be connected via a Wi-Fi network:
A second AC power outlet near the location of the espresso machine 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.
Required Components for installation
For each espresso machine the following components are required to install the Flow solution:
Flow Gateway
Flow Gateway power supply
For a 1-2 grouphead espresso machine:
1x flow meter cable
For a 3-4 grouphead espresso machine
2x flow meter cables
Appropriate flow meter cable adapters for the type of espresso machine that the Flow Gateway will be connected to - seeFlow meter connection variations
If the Flow Gateway will be using a wired internet connection:
Ethernet network cable of a suitable length for the site
If the Flow Gateway will be using Wi-Fi to connect to the internet:
Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter (comes with power supply and 0.5m Ethernet cable)
Computer, tablet or smartphone with a Wi-Fi network connection
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
Installation procedure
1. Connect the flow meter cable(s) to the espresso machine flow meters
The espresso machine has a flow meter per grouphead. The flow meter cable has a female and male plug per grouphead to allow it to connect in parallel with the espresso machine’s connection.
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.
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.
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 outlet.
Mount the device using high strength double sided foam tape (eg. 3M VHB Double Sided Foam Adhesive).
3. Route the flow meter cable(s) to the Flow Gateway and secure the cable
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 cannot touch any hot components like water piping or the boiler, and so that it cannot be dislodged if it is 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 connection is not available setup the external Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter.
Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter installation - TP-Link TL-WA850RE
5. Plug in the Flow Gateway
Connect the Ethernet cable (from the sites network outlet or the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter) to the Flow Gateway.
Install the Flow Gateway power supply, secure the cable, and connect to the device.
Ensure that the power light 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)
Nb. If the status light on the front panel is not illuminated, confirm on the back of the Flow Gateway that the network outlet green indicators are illuminated as follows:
Green indicator illuminated continuously
Amber indicator illuminated continuously or blinking
6. Confirm the Flow Gateway operation
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.
Contact your Flow Coffee representative to confirm the unit has connected to our servers and we can see data coming from the espresso machine (See the Support section on the first page for contact details).