The real interesting part (and the part that would not be offtopic for a Linux list,) is if you find a way to control a roaster via Makefile and log all those different parameters to MySQL when you roast it (with a Timestamp). If you get that going, make sure you do a write-up for Make magazine or Wired.
This guy made one with DOS http://home.columbus.rr.com/thegramilas/coffee/roaster.html He says to email him for the source code. "This coffee roaster is a functioning computer controlled roaster capable of precise roasting profiles. Some of the equipment used in it is a bit excessive, so I consider it a work in progress, -- lets call it a proof of principle computer controlled roaster -- but the plan is to eventually replace all of the interfacing elements with pieces that are of reasonable cost, and general availability. The roaster itself is a West Bend Poppery I ( the original style). Pictures below show the computer and roaster set up on my back porch. Click on the pictures for 200K, better detailed, versions. Some of the design aspects are described below, and the programming code is available."
