For the last several years I have worked on a variety of projects outside of my full-time job. As time progressed, I started getting more and more involved in these projects. I was learning fast and enjoying myself every step of the way. If this seems a bit ambiguous, let me give a few examples. In the last 2 years while maintaining a full-time engineering job, I have produced and published a podcast, improved as a photographer, co-started a local social group, and built a variety of websites.

In 2010 I wanted to take the leap and determine if any/some of my projects could evolve into something significant. My thoughts were to develop these projects to learn, promote, and hopefully create a business. In July of 2010, I decided to leave my full time job and "pursue other interests". Since I am working as a part-time staff member for the University of Kansas, a little bit of income was still trickling in. It isn't enough to support me but is flexible enough to allow me to spend a large amount of time on my important projects.

So how have I survived in the last 4 months on limited income? Fortunately, my previous employer was nice enough to use some of my services as an engineer and MATLAB programmer for a variety of jobs. In addition to independent contract work for this company, I have built a few websites for people/business, taught classes in HTML & CSS, and did some photography work.

This is me. I enjoy applying my passions into services. Working for myself has been exciting, challenging, and scary as hell. But this is what I want. I am not comfortable with the confining hours of 9-5. It makes me feel restricted creatively and potentially reduces my motivation over time. I have unscheduled creative burst that must be quenched almost immediately and without warning.

After 4 months I finally decided to put something together that promotes my skills as services. These include web development, digital media (podcasting, photography, and photo enhancement), MATLAB and engineering services, and holding workshops in a variety of topics.

On November 5th, 2010, I launched a new website called Philsquare at philsquare.com. Philsquare is now the place to learn or inquire about various services I provide. This includes web development, digital media assistance, MATLAB programming, and workshops, classes, and tutoring. Presently, these are the core services; I anticipate some expansion over the next year or two. Definitely subscribe to the Philsquare RSS feed to stay updated on news and information relating to Philsquare services.

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While at the 2007 Maker Faire in Austin, TX I stubbled upon a man giving a presentation about roasting coffee beans using a popcorn popper. I arrived late and only watched the very end but it was enough to get me interested. However, after leaving the faire I didn't think much about it for almost 2 years. Then one day I was at a garage sale and found a popcorn popper for $1. This reminded me about the presentation at the Maker Faire and I immediately made the purchase. After almost a year after buying the popper, I finally decided to actually use it for roasting coffee beans. So grab a cup of coffee (optional) and enjoy my write up about my first experience with roasting coffee beans with a popcorn popper.

Let me start with the cautionary statement. Popcorn poppers are not designed for roasting coffee beans. It will void your warranty! Also, there is the potential for fire. Take the necessary precaution for such an event.



Here is a list of items I used during this project.

• Popcorn popper
  The popper I used had a screen covered air vent located on the bottom. During my research many people discouraged the use of this style. They recommended a popper with side vents. These produce a swirl action that helps rotate the beans. The big difference is that mine would require more hand stirring throughout the process.
• Green coffee beans
  I was able to go to my local coffee shop and purchase unroasted coffee beans. They also had a wide selection.
• Measure device
  I used a measuring cup. However, I would recommend a scale. This will make sure your batches are more consistent.
• Oven mitts or pot holders
  When the roast is completed the popper will have to be physically picked up to pour the beans out. It will be hot.
• Something to stir the beans
  I used the handle of a wooded spoon to stir the beans as they were roasting. I would recommend one with a long handle since air existing out of the popper is very hot. Also, I ended up having to alternate because they were starting to burn and get very hot to the touch.
• Cookie sheet or metal colander
  When the beans are ready to be removed from the popper they need to be cooled rapidly. I used a cookie sheet that remained inside of the freezer until the beans were ready.
• Pen and paper
  I recommend recording everything you can about the process. Date, time, roast time, et cetera.
• Stopwatch
  Using a stopwatch with help you keep track of important events thought the process.

Ok, let's get into the roasting process. First, I would recommend roasting the beans outdoors. There is chaff that will fly everywhere and there will be smoke. If you do try it indoors then point the popper over the sink or bowl and have a fan blowing the smoke outside.

To begin, I powered on the popper and let it warm up for about 30 seconds. However, this might not be necessary depending on the type of popper. After recording the warm up time I poured about 1/2 cup of beans in the popper and immediately started stirring. After about 3 minutes the beans reached what is called "first crack". At this point the beans are a light brown and they start making a crackling noise. When first crack occurs this is generally considered a very light roast. Since I wanted a darker roast I recorded the time and continued stirring. After about 90 seconds the beans reached what is called "second crack". Now the beans are a much darker color and the crackling noise is at a higher frequency. This is at the border of the darker roast I was trying to achieve. I waited another 20 seconds, unplugged the popper, immediately poured the beans onto the cold cookie sheet, and placed them in the freezer for cooling. After they cooled I placed them in a glass container.

I repeated this process a second time. Unfortunately at first crack the popper overheated. Apparently the popper has a safety feature that prevents it from overheating. This was caused by me overloading the popper with too many beans. I poured the partial roasted beans on the pan and allowed the popper to cool. I restarted the popper and continued to roast the remaining partially roasted beans.

I was very satisfied with the color and general appearance of my roasted beans. In fact, they looked identical to batches I usually bought from my local grocery store. How good is the coffee? Well after letting the beans sit for 15 hours I made a cup of coffee to drink while writing this post. First let me say that the aroma is excellent! When the beans hit second roast they can smell a little burnt. Apparently that goes away and you are left with a very fresh and desirable smell of roasted coffee beans. As for the taste, I might not buy roasted coffee beans again. They made a great cup of coffee! I am now anxious to try different types of beans and roast styles.

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Welcome! I created philmartinez.com to describe and share my experiences and interests with colleagues, future employers, and friends. If you would like to learn a few things about me you can visit the /about page. The /notes section will be updated with a variety of topics such as project updates and ideas, news, coding, science, and technology.

Please feel free to contact me or comment below about the site, employment, collaborations, opportunities, or just to say hello.

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