With different operating systems and different iterations of operating systems it can be difficult for us to give any specific set of instructions on getting Artisan installed on your computer and connected to your KN8828B-2K+. Because of that it has been Hottop policy to not give support for Artisan hookup.
   
CAUTION: Some settings in third-party software, including Artisan, when connected to a Hottop roaster, can override some or all of the safety features in the hardware or operating control system of the Hottop coffee roaster. This has the potential of creating a hazardous situation. Follow all safety procedures as stated in the Hottop owners manual.

The Hottop owner or user accepts full responsibility
when using any third-party software.
 And always remember:

*              NEVER LEAVE THE ROASTER UNATTENDED WHILE IT IS IN OPERATION                * 
THAT MEANS STAY RIGHT THERE, AT THE ROASTER,
WATCHING THE CONTROLS AND MONITORING THE COFFEE ITSELF FOR THE ENTIRE ROAST
regardless as to what model Hottop you own!

    As a courtesy service to our customers, we offer the following information to assist those who are having problems getting Artisan and the Hottop KN-8828B-2K+ to communicate. ** NOTE: The setup below is based on a setup in Windows. If you are using a different operating system, search the Artisan website for the information you need.:
  • Go to the Artisan website and click on the "Install Now" link.
  • Download the version of Artisan appropriate for your operating system (it is 100% free)
  • Follow the Installation instructions.
  • Pay particular attention to the Setup procedure written specifically for the Hottop KN8828B-2K+. 
 NOTE: An important part of the installation for Windows computers is to install the free Virtual Com Port drivers. There is a .ZIP file, self installer (CDM212364_Setup.zip) linked in the second paragraph at the top of that page. That makes it easy to install. There are further installation guides available there, but you likely will not need them.
  • After the above is completed plug the roaster into an outlet.
  • Connect the Hottop to the computer using the included USB.
  • Turn the Hottop on
  • Start the Artisan app
  • In Artisan, go to Config/Machine/Hottop and select "KN-8828B-2K+ as seen below:
image
  • Now go to "Config/Ports Configuration"
  • Select the ET/BT tab.
  • On that tab, in "Comm Port," select the available Comm port. It should be something like "COM3" or "COM4" but not the one with an odd name with 'USB' in it). 
NOTE: Everything up to this point is just the basic setup which you should only have to do once.

TESTING ARTISAN AND PUTTING IT TO WORK
  • If you have not already done so, plug the Hottop into an outlet and click the Hottop's Power button.
  • With the Artisan app running and the computer connected to the Hottop, Artisan should show a series of buttons at the top of the Artisan screen as seen below.
  • Click the "ON" button at the top of the Artisan screen (as seen below):
image
  • Communication the Hottop and the computer and Artisan should be complete, and the Hottop's displayed current temperatures (roughly ambient temperature in the area you are now or where the roaster was stored) should also be displayed in the Artisan interface in the "ET" (environmental temperature) and "BT" (bean temperature) windows next to the graph. If the temperatures are not displaying in Artisan, see if another COM port is available. Choose it, then restart Artisan.
  • Start a test roast (no beans) using the B-2K+ control panel. The temperatures displayed on the Hottop should be matched in the Artisan interface as the roaster heats up.
  • When the Hottop signals to "ADD BEANS" it is time to begin an "empty roast" as a test (do not add beans!). Click the Artisan "START" button seen above. The actual logging begins.
  • At this time you should see a graph begin displaying lines corresponding the the ET, BT, Delta ET and Delta BT. The "delta" shows the rate of change of the BT and ET. "Delta" is the rate of change change in a parameter (degrees per time unit such as three degrees per minute). A zero delta means the temperature is holding perfectly steady.

     While Hottop worked very closely with the people at Artisan to get the Hottop control system and Artisan to work together, we do not offer actual support for Artisan. Their support people can help you with that, and there is a large community of people using Artisan with their Hottops which can also help.