How to use the LINK

The LINK sample roaster was created to enable people of all experience levels – from beginners to experts – to easily roast small batches of coffee with the best expression possible.

Using three key components – the LINK roaster itself, the LINK App (mobile) and LINK Studio (desktop/computer), anyone in the world can roast coffee excellently in a few, small steps.

Before you use your LINK sample roaster, we advise reading the user manual (see below) in its entirety.

You will need three things to set up and use your LINK: (i) to download the LINK Studio software and connect it to the LINK roaster; (ii) to install the latest firmware and profiles, and (iii) to download the LINK App.

Links to all of these downloads can be found at nucleuscoffeetools.com/link, under the ‘Downloads’ tab.

After receiving your LINK roaster, it is important to activate your warranty. The standard warranty is valid from 12 months from the date of purchase, and covers all potential factory issues. After this period, all parts replacement, servicing and other issues are completed at the cost of the purchaser.

Activate your warranty by completing this form.

LINK User Manual – English

LINK User Manual – Spanish

LINK User Manual – Portuguese

LINK User Manual – French

Need a quick answer? Speak to our virtual assistant, Marv about any questions you might have concerning day-to-day use of the LINK sample roaster. You can do this in the LINK App under the ‘Assistance’ section, or click this link to open it in a new window.

For technical support with the LINK roaster – including hardware and software issues, technical errors and more – click here.

The altitude at which you roast coffee will affect the roasting process – for this reason, the LINK includes an Altitude Calibration feature so you can adjust it to your needs, no matter where you are. 

The altitude calibration feature gives LINK users the ability to trim the fan speed of the roaster. This allows an increase or decrease the oscillation of the coffee’s movement for each sample without affecting the initial factory calibration.

The primary developer of the LINK, Sam Corra, created a specific calibration process exclusive to the LINK. This is key to running the profile selector app and ensuring consistency between different units, as well as being able to tolerate smooth roasting at varied altitudes wherever you take the unit.

Within the LINK app, there is a calibration mode featuring an algorithm that was created by our team while travelling in high-elevation coffee farms, collecting data about how each roast behaved. This allows the user to set the roaster fan oscillation to mimic roasting at sea level at any altitude. This allows the provided core profiles to roast the same regardless of where you take the unit making it one of the first truly portable sample roasters on the market.

The companies that developed the LINK – Nucleus Coffee Tools and Kaffelogic – worked on an updated pc board to hold all roast profiles.

The LINK comes with 6000+ profiles for Cupping, Filter, Espresso, Omni-Roast and Arabic, all of which are exclusively accessible through the LINK software. Under each of this roast style, we provide different Roast Plans (eg, Espresso A, Espresso B), each of which has up to 60 variants of varying heat application. Each variant, known as a Power Curve or Profile, is referenced by a number that roughly corresponds to the first crack temperature, eg. 206.5.

So the logic is: Roast Style (eg. Filter) > Roast Plan (eg. Filter C) > Power Curve (eg. Filter C 206.5). In July 2026, we also added Fan Priority (A to D) as an additional, but optional selection feature.

These core profiles have been developed to have a solution for all types of coffees you could encounter on your coffee journey. This algorithm was refined over several years through various origin and competition travels. On these trips, the profiles were not only designed but also extensively tested and refined to ensure they would generate a globally performing roast for cupping.

When receiving a roast recommendation, the LINK App will also provide recommendations for Development Time Ratio (DTR) % – that is, the time after first crack until the end of the roast – as well as any adjustments needed to fan speed to account for density, bean size or other variables. It will also include the time of expected First Crack.

Within the LINK, a Nucleus Coffee Tools-specific firmware reformat allows the user an option to customise a batch size between a select range of 50g to 100g.

The custom batches increase in 1g increments and calibrate the fan based on the input, so it can run off the same core profile sets, regardless of green input between that range. Selecting your batch size is the final step in the process before the roast commences, and can be adjusted using the + and – symbols on the LINK roasting unit before hitting start (the centre, triangle button).

We do not recommend roasting more than 100g of coffee per batch, as this will effect the quality and effectiveness of the roast profile.

The LINK App uses a variety of data to determine and recommend roasting profiles. One of the key elements is Density measurement, which is done using the Density Tube that comes with the LINK roaster.

A density reading provides the LINK App with the information needed to recommend a roast profile, alongside information such as process and coffee variety. It is important to input this information as accurately as possible, in order to receive the best recommendation for roasting.

There are two different Density Tubes – Type 1 and 2. In the LINK App, navigate to the ‘Preferences’ tab and set your preference for the type of Density Tube you have. To determine which of the two types you have, watch this video.

Watch the video below to see how the density measurement works:

The LINK app also has an “Advanced Dial-in” function that can be utilised after the initial roast to further refine the profile selection of specific samples.

For example, if the initial roast of a coffee was slightly off perfection, or wasn’t quite what you wanted to achieve, the Advanced Dial-in system will analyse all relevant information from that roast and will suggest a more appropriate profile. You simply need to input the information about the profile you used (eg.

In February 2025, this feature was updated to accommodate more specific recommendations.

See more below:

DTR stands for three things: “Development Percentage” (D), “Time of roast” (T), and “Roast degree” (R).

DTR was designed to be a reactive intelligence bot, automatically adjusting to the different variables of each roast when the first crack is logged. The DTR override system will adjust the termination at the exact development % and range of temperature increase range outlined.

This means that if a 1st crack is lodged early or late, the overall parameters of the roast will remain the exact same.

The 6000+ roast profiles for the LINK system are divided into different Roast Plans, also referred to as ‘Profile Packs’. These are like folders of profiles, each of which has a different approach to roasting based on the roasting style and the qualities of the coffee.

Roast plans are determined by the roast style (Cupping, Filter, Espresso or Omni). Each Roast Plan is designed to achieve different results depending on the roast style.

When selecting profile with the LINK App, a Profile Pack will automatically be recommended and will be determined by the data entered into the app. When using the Advanced Dial-In feature on the LINK App, users are able to customise their roast profile by selecting a Roast Plan, the time of first crack (FC), and the start profile to base the roast from.

To download graphics of the roast plans, click here. (Latest update: Addis 4.2, July 2026)

Watch the video for a more detailed explanation of each Roast Plan/Profile Pack, and read more below.

In the Addis update, we provided the ability to have recommended roast profiles for a range of non-Arabica coffee species. This accounts for the variation in density, size and behaviour in various coffee species, and provides customised recommendations for fan adjustments.

The ‘Advanced Arabica’ feature of the LINK roaster’s Addis update allows you to adjust the LINK App in order to receive customised recommendations for fan adjustments for different screen sizes of Arabica coffees.

Boost Zones in the LINK roaster are specific stages during the development phase of a roast, designed to provide enhanced control over heat application. This allows for better consistency and precision in your roasting process. Each Boost Zone is color-coded for clarity: Zone 1 is yellow, Zone 2 is orange, and Zone 3 is red.

You have the ability to set your preference for these zones in the LINK roaster’s Preference Menu. You can choose to activate them either relative to the first crack (FC) or during the set times of each power curve. This feature offers greater control over the roast’s curve constancy and heat increase during the DTR phase.

Boost Zones can be turned on or off in the Preferences Menu on the LINK roaster, under the setting ‘Enable Boost’. Additionally, the following preference setting allows you to have the Boost Zones operate either according to Time (the overall time of the roast, default setting) or Relative (more advanced, relative to the DTR/time first crack is logged).

Fan Steps are part of an Automated Fan Adjustment (AFA) on the LINK sample roaster, an optional feature that allows the roaster to automatically make specific increases to fan speed at certain points during the roast. This function is designed to enhance roast control by ensuring optimal bean movement and heat distribution throughout the roasting process.

You can also manually adjust the fan speed during a roast if needed. This is particularly useful if you notice slow bean movement or excessive ‘pop-corning’ of the beans. The ability to manually or automatically adjust the fan provides flexibility and precision to achieve the desired roast profile.

You can turn the Fan Steps function on or off in the Preferences Menu on the LINK roaster under the setting ‘Enable Fan Steps’, or in the LINK Studio under the tab ‘Roaster preferences’. Additionally, the following preference setting allows you to have the Fan Steps operate either according to Time (the overall time of the roast, default setting) or Relative (more advanced, relative to the DTR/time first crack is logged).

Introduced in the Addis 4.2 update, Fan Priority is a new airflow control system that allows you to shape the flavour expression of any roast without touching the underlying roast plan.

Fan Priority effectively allows LINK users to create multiple expressions of a coffee, using the same roast profile – but with different applications of fan speed.  To understand why this matters, it helps to understand what airflow actually does in a roast.

Airflow affects heat transfer, moisture release, heat retention around the bean, and ultimately, the flavour compounds that develop and survive to the cup. Higher airflow creates a cleaner, more open roast environment that promotes clarity and acidity. Lower airflow retains more heat around the bean, encouraging sweetness, body, and deeper caramelisation — closer to what you might experience on a gas roaster.

Until now, the LINK system has managed airflow automatically as part of the roast plan. Fan Priority introduces airflow as a third, user-controlled layer — sitting on top of the Roast Plan and Power Curve — giving you intentional control over flavour direction before the roast begins.

There are four settings to choose from:

• Fan A (Acidity & Clarity) runs the highest airflow, producing bright, expressive, origin-transparent cups — best suited to washed Ethiopians, Kenyan coffees, and floral or fruit-driven lots.
• Fan B (Balance & Harmony) takes a moderate approach, developing acidity, sweetness, and body in proportion — a reliable starting point for blends and most single origins.
• Fan C (Depth & Sweetness) runs the lowest airflow, retaining more heat around the bean to encourage sweetness, texture, and caramelisation — particularly effective for espresso, naturals, and milk-based drinks.
• Fan D (Classic Expression) is the original LINK factory default, applied automatically to all plans and the right choice when you want the roast to speak entirely for itself.

Fan Priority is intentionally flavour-led rather than technical. You don’t need to understand airflow theory to use it — simply select the expression you want to bring out, and the system applies the corresponding airflow curve automatically. It is an opt-in feature and can be turned on or off at any time in the LINK App.

Note:  Fan Priority and Fan Adjustment are two separate controls that do fundamentally different things. Fan Priority is a macro-level decision made before the roast begins, shaping the overall airflow curve across the entire roast to bias flavour expression in a chosen direction — whereas Fan Adjustment is a fine-tuning value calculated from the density and variety of the specific coffee being roasted, applied as a precise hardware step adjustment to the fan during the roast itself.

Download and view PDFs of the different Fan Priority styles here.

For roasting Cupping samples, the difference between each Roast Plan/Profile Pack is the development percentage and the roast curve pitch for each profile. Having 5 variations allows the user freedom of choice in roast expression. Each Roast Plan/Profile Pack is designed to best suit the expression needed for that specific coffee sample being roasted, or to the personal style or preference of the people assessing the sample.

Each Roast Plan/Profile Pack follows a specific development percentage, rate of rise increase, time of first crack and arc of the roast curve. As there are 5 different “packs’, this allows 5 variations of the 41 core Cupping profiles, giving the user the freedom to adapt their preference of taste or purpose of use.

Each Roast Plan/Profile pack is differentiated by a letter (A,B,C,D,E). This letter will be present after the profile number e.g. 213 NCT (D), and the percentages refer to the DTR %.

A 10% PACK

• More delayed crack to focus on more time spent in Maillard and the sugar browning phases, with 10% DTR
• Best suited for those who like a more Scandinavian-styled roast approach, where the focus is on acid forward profile with a vibrant, clean and light body.
• These profiles are also well suited for heavier fermented or extended- time processing methods.
• Default settings: 1st crack 6:08 min / DTR: 10% / Roast time: 6:50 min

B 15% PACK

• These profiles have a good balance between the pitch of heat applied prior to 1st crack occurring to control the time developing your coffee attributes, versus the amount of time spent after 1st crack breaking down the acidity intensity and caramelizing the sugars of the profile.
• Best suited if you want a slightly fuller body with more caramelized, over fresh, expression of flavours.
• This pack is a great all-around go-to especially for washed process coffees, and cleaner, more classic natural and honey-processed samples.
• Default settings: 1st crack 5:48 min / DTR: 15% / Roast time: 6:50 min

C 18% PACK

• These profiles are designed to get enough development and heat energy into the coffee at a slightly earlier point so that more time can be spent post 1st crack. This rounds out the intensity of the coffee to give the most similar experience to a traditional gas-roasted sample.
• This expression is for someone looking for a profile that is most familiar with full-body, integrated acidity, and rich caramelized sugars.
• The profile expression mimics most like a traditional gas sample roast in body.
• This is also a great starting point for omni-style espresso that lean to the more acidic bright expression whilst being a clean and balanced filter coffee.
• Default settings: 1st crack 5:44 min / DTR: 18% / Roast time: 7:00 min

D 12% PACK

• These profiles are designed to be your default pack that will generally suit a fair expression for all styles of coffee.
• They are the most balanced in the time 1st crack should fall and the time spent in development % whilst optimising roast stability and control.
• These profiles are best for all-around cupping and filter expression. This pack provides a fair and honest expression of any process or variety of coffee.
• This should be your reliable go-to if ever in doubt, as it will always give you the best reference point.
• Default settings: 1st crack 6:00 min / DTR: 12% / Roast time: 6:50 min

E 20% PACK

• These profiles are designed to allow the most time possible within the optimised overall roast time after the point of 1st crack to break down acidity intensity and completely caramelise available sugars.
• These profiles have the most aggressive heat application to the arc and pitch of the roast-curve to force an earlier cracking point whilst controlling the roast degree to a slightly darker point.
• This expression is best suited for someone looking for a rich espresso-tailored, omni-style profile that will still work well for a fuller-body, richer filter.
• Default settings:1st crack 5:36 min / DTR: 20% / Roast time: 7:00 min

Download graphics of roast plans here, or watch tutorial videos here.

Each filter Roast Plan is designed to have a suitable roast plan to maximise the different characteristics of density ranges and processes. No matter how different a coffee is from farm, process, variety country or region, the LINK has a solution to give the perfect approach for filter brewing.

The Filter Plans A, B, C, D and E are designed to optimise roasting for filter extraction off your LINK. The style of these profiles mimics the roasting theory used by LINK developer, Sam Corra for his 2017 WBrC runner-up presentation in Budapest.

The primary difference in these roast approaches compared to the Core profiles is how the body articulates in the cooler stages. These profiles are designed for rested filter coffees served 3-14 days after roast and target assessment brackets outlined in the WBrC Competition Scoresheet. The main difference between all profiles is the ROR Pitch, roast time and first crack time.

Filter A:

• For more acidity, clarity and brightness, we suggest utilising the (A) Filter Pack.
• Default settings: 1st crack 6:40 min / DTR: 10% / Roast time: 7:25 min

Filter B: 

• For more body, weight and texture-driven look at utilising the (B) Filter Pack
• Default settings: 1st crack: 7:00 min / DTR: 10% / Roast time: 7:47 min

Filter C:

• For low to mid dense anaerobic or classic processed naturals, as well as high density washed and honey we would suggest (C) Filter as the best all rounder to start on.
• Default settings: 1st crack 6:15 min / DTR: 13% / Roast time: 7:12 min

Filter D: 

• Specifically tailored for delicate washed coffees or Scandinavian styled filter expressions of naturals this specific roast plan can be selected by the link App.

• Default settings: 1st crack 8:00 min / DTR: 8% / Roast time: 8:42 min

Filter E:

• This roast plan has almost the exact same mid-section curve shape, 1^st crack targets, development stages and overall roast time as filter C. The big difference here is we travel through the start of the roast with more applied heat increase before slowing up the roast. This gives a shorter dry phase and extended Maillard phase development.

• Default settings: 1st crack 6:15 min / DTR: 13% / Roast time: 7:12 min

WBRC 2024

• This roast plan is based off the same roast that Martin Wölfl used to win the 2024 world brewers cup in Chicago. Nucleus Coffee Tools’ team Member Jerome Rosler took the Filter C profile plan base and customised a higher ROR coming into and during 1^st crack. This profile style allows everyone to prepare the same roast style as him and is particularly well suited for flat bed drip brewers
• Default settings: 1st crack 6:10 min / DTR: 12% / Roast time: 7:01 min

WBrC 2026

• This roast plan is based on the exact profile used by Nas Jaafar to win the 2026 World Brewers Cup in Brussels — making him the first Malaysian to claim the title, roasting on the LINK. Nucleus Coffee Tools’ team member Jerome Rosler built the profile around the expressive character of Nas’s anaerobically processed Panamanian Geisha, combining a high-energy start with a Maillard-dominant structure and a short, controlled development window.
• The result is a cup defined by aromatic lift, layered sweetness, and distinct fruit presence. Particularly well suited to anaerobic and natural-processed coffees — Ethiopian naturals, Colombian anaerobic lots, and other fermentation-forward coffees respond equally well alongside the reference Panamanian Geisha. Best brewed on hybrid immersion drippers.
• Default settings: 1st crack 6:20 min / DTR: 9.0% / Roast time: 7:00 min

Download graphics of roast plans here, or watch tutorial videos here.

There are currently 6 espresso options. Like filter packs, each is designed to allow an espresso solution for any coffee variety and process. the espresso packs can be used to accommodate a specific approach to extraction or coffee style of the user.

Espresso A:

• Slower style roast producing lower acid, fuller bodied espresso.
• Recommended recipe range 21-22gm in, 38- 40gm out 22-25 seconds
• Default settings: 1st crack 8:00 min / DTR: 15% / Roast time: 9:25 min

Espresso B:

• Medium-style roast-producing creamy, balanced, medium-acid-style espresso.
• Recommended recipe range, 20-21gm in, 44-48gm out, 20-23 seconds.
• Default settings: 1st crack 7:00 min / DTR: 20.1% / Roast time: 8:46 min

Espresso C:

• Gentle-style roast-producing light-bodied, brighter style espresso.
• Recommended recipe range, 19-20gm in, 44-48gm out, 25-28 seconds
• Default settings: 1st crack 7:30 min / DTR: 18.0% / Roast time: 9:09 min

Espresso D: 

• Someone who can’t decide on which selection to make out of Vibrant – Soft or Balanced -Textured. Espresso D plan give the best of both worlds, with a touch more time spent in Maillard phase means we generally see a richer weight and texture tendency then A, B or C plans. but the 30 – 60 second earlier target crack point means we typically see a more vibrant and fresh expression when compared to Espresso Plans E and F
• Recommended recipe range 20.5-21.5gm in, 38- 42gm out 22-25 seconds
• Default settings: 1st crack 8:30 min / DTR: 18.5% / Roast time: 10:26 min

Espresso E:

• This Profile style is the most similar to a classic gas roast espresso. Providing wonderful weight texture and balance on any coffee style you may have.
• Recommended recipe range, 20-21gm in, 40-42gm out, 20-25 seconds.
• Default settings: 1st crack 9:00 min / DTR: 15% / Roast time: 10:36 min

Espresso F:

• This profile style is based off the 2017 Approach designed on a gas roaster for competitor Hugh Kelly WBC.  The versatility in this profile allows for a fully developed textured roast even when working will low DTR % levels, but will also work great for somebody wanting richer classic espresso when working in the 18% plus DTR range
• Recommended recipe range, 18-20gm in, 38-42gm out, 20-25 seconds
• Default settings: 1st crack 9:30 min / DTR: 13% / Roast time: 10:55 min

Espresso G:

• Competition-style profile for natural and anaerobic-processed coffees, producing a sweet, juicy, fruit-forward espresso with high flavour clarity and expressive complexity
• Recommended recipe range: slightly longer ratio, faster shots — well suited to modern competition scoresheets and everyday consumers in Europe, Japan, and the US where a brighter, more fruit-forward espresso style is preferred
• Default settings: 1st crack 12:10 min / Roast time: 13:10 min

Espresso H:

• Competition-style profile for honey, washed, and decaf coffees, producing a rounder, softer espresso with dried fruit sweetness, low acidity, and a small amount of pleasant bitterness
• Recommended recipe range: slightly shorter ratio, slower extraction — well suited to the Australian palate and consumers in Asia and the Middle East who prefer a rounder, lower-acid cup
• Default settings: 1st crack 14:00 min / Roast time: 15:30 min

Download graphics of roast plans here, or watch tutorial videos here.

The Omni-roast pack is for the barista and coffee lover on the go or looking for flexibility on how to extract their roasts. Whether you want something more espresso or filter-focused, this is a great user-friendly Roast Plan/Profile Pack to allow you to undertake multi-purpose roasting with one Roast Plan.

You can select a development range right at the end of the filter range and the start of espresso ranges for use over both extraction styles and can lean more towards one development % (DTR) range if you are focused on just one extraction style – the choice is really yours. An additional benefit is the slightly faster roasts, which means these will usually be more expressive straight off the roast.

The LINK App will also provide recommendations for the DTR range for your Omni-roast profiles, depending on whether you want them to have more of a tendency towards Filter, Omni or Espresso.

Omni A

A faster roast designed to mimic a traditional cupping profile or rapid filter roast at 10-12% development time ratio (DTR). While ideal for evaluating coffee quickly, it can also be adapted for espresso by increasing the DTR to 19% or more, enhancing its body and balance.

• First Crack Time: 6:30 min
• Default Roast Time: 7:40 min
• Default DTR: 15.2%

Omni B

This profile emulates the vibrant and crisp qualities of a fluid bed filter roast at 9-12% development time ratio (DTR). Adjusting the roast for cupping requires staying within the lower suggested range, while extending development enhances vibrancy for omni or espresso applications by increasing up to 19% DTR.

• First Crack Time: 7:30 min
• Default Roast Time: 8:30 min
• Default DTR: 12.0%

Omni C

Designed to replicate a drum-roasted filter approach at 8-11% development time ratio (DTR), this profile uses a lower preheat to emphasize body and texture. It balances beautifully as an omni-roast and is particularly suited for espresso when developed to 15-21% DTR.

• First Crack Time: 8:30 min
• Default Roast Time: 9:35 min
• Default DTR: 11.5%

Omni D

Best suited for washed filter coffees at 7-10% development time ratio (DTR) , this profile maximizes aromatics, weight and texture while retaining the versatility for espresso. It reflects a classic fluid bed espresso roast approach with excellent balance and texture when developed to 14-19% DTR.

• First Crack Time: 9:30 min
• Default Roast Time: 10:40 min
• Default DTR: 11.0%

Omni E

This profile mimics a modern gas-roasted espresso style with a low and prolonged heat soak, extended Maillard phase, and delayed first crack. By using minimal development percentages 6-9% development time ratio (DTR), it can produce remarkable filter profiles while still achieving balanced espresso with lower development times of 12-17% DTR.

• First Crack Time: 10:30 min
• Default Roast Time: 11:40 min
• Default DTR: 10.0%

Omni F

Inspired by Hugh Kelly’s 2017 “Ben 10” profile, this style incorporates a significantly delayed first crack and an extended Maillard phase. It achieves balance even with minimal development time ratio (DTR) (as low as 10%, but can go up to 17% DTR for espresso), while for filter, development should remain below 9% DTR unless targeting an omni-style profile.

• First Crack Time: 11:30 min
• Default Roast Time: 12:46 min
• Default DTR: 10.0%

Download graphics of roast plans here, or watch tutorial videos here.

Introduced in the Addis 4.2 update, the Arabic profiles are designed specifically for coffee prepared with spices rather than brewed on its own.

There are currently 6 Arabic coffee profile options. All six levels share the same roast structure — a slow 270w start across a consistent 19:38 roast time — with each level differing only in how far into the Maillard phase the roast progresses before stopping, always well before first crack.

Arabic L1:

• The lightest level in the Arabic range, producing a very pale, neutral coffee with almost no inherent flavour of its own — almost entirely a carrier for the spice blend
• Best suited to heavily spiced preparations where cardamom, saffron, or ginger are the intended focus and the coffee should be present but completely understated
• Default settings: Roast colour: Yellow / Temp below first crack: -18.0°C / Roast time: 19:38

Arabic L2:

• A small step up from L1, developing a faint toasted-grain warmth and subtle sweetness while remaining very light and tea-like in character
• Best suited to cardamom-forward preparations where a hint of warmth in the coffee base is desirable, without introducing any roasted character
• Default settings: Roast colour: Golden / Temp below first crack: -16.0°C / Roast time: 19:38

Arabic L3:

• The classic reference point for Arabic coffee — warm, gently sweet, and naturally balanced with any spice blend. The recommended default when no specific preference has been stated
• Best suited to the full range of traditional spice preparations, from cardamom-only to blends including saffron, ginger, and cloves
• Default settings: Roast colour: Cinnamon / Temp below first crack: -14.0°C / Roast time: 19:38

Arabic L4:

• The first level where the coffee’s own character becomes clearly present alongside the spices — fuller body, warm sweetness, and early caramel-adjacent notes that sit with the spice blend rather than behind it
• Best suited to lighter spice preparations or single-spice blends where a more active coffee presence is the goal
• Default settings: Roast colour: Caramel / Temp below first crack: -12.0°C / Roast time: 19:38

Arabic L5:

• A noticeably developed, bold expression approaching the boundary of the Arabic style — rich Maillard sweetness, warm toasted grain, and the most body of any level before L6, with roast-adjacent character beginning to emerge
• Best suited to light or single-spice preparations where a full, warming cup with strong coffee presence is the intention
• Default settings: Roast colour: Chestnut / Temp below first crack: -10.0°C / Roast time: 19:38

Arabic L6:

• The deepest and richest level in the Arabic range, finishing just 8°C below first crack — the outer boundary of the sub-first crack tradition. The most coffee-forward expression the Arabic style allows, with deep Maillard sweetness, substantial body, and a confident coffee presence alongside the spices
• Best suited to minimally spiced or single-cardamom preparations where the coffee’s depth is a centrepiece. Endpoint control is critical at this level — monitor carefully in the final two minutes
• Default settings: Roast colour: Walnut / Temp below first crack: -8.0°C / Roast time: 19:38

Download graphics of roast plans here.

Introduced in the Addis 4.2 update, there are currently 9 Bold profile options across four roast style categories: Cupping, Filter, Espresso, and Omni. Bold profiles are a darker-roast variant designed for roasters and consumers who prefer a more developed cup with greater body, caramelisation, and roast-forward character.

Rather than simply running the roast longer or hotter without control, Bold profiles are specifically engineered to deliver the best possible cup at a noticeably darker roast degree — achieved primarily through a significantly larger post-crack temperature increase than the standard profiles in each category. Development increases range from 11°C to 18°C, compared to roughly 4–7°C in most standard plans. Bold profiles are best suited to denser, sturdier coffees with sufficient sugar content to convert the extra development energy into sweetness rather than bitterness. They are not available in the Arabic profile pack.

Cupping Bold:

• The darkest option in the cupping range, applying an 11.0°C development increase — approximately 50% greater than Cupping E — to produce a deeper, heavier, more roast-forward cup while retaining the cupping profile structure
• Best suited to dense, high-sugar coffees where a bold, full-bodied cupping result is the goal
• Default settings: Roast colour: Dark / Development increase: 11.0°C

Filter Bold 1:

• A high-intensity bold filter profile that achieves its darker character through an aggressive development charge within a contained roast time, producing a cup with deep body, chocolate and roasted nut character, and reduced brightness
• Best suited to dense washed or natural coffees where a bold filter result is preferred without an extended roast duration
• Default settings: Development increase: 12.1°C / Roast time: contained

Filter Bold 2:

• The slowest profile in the entire filter range at 10:20 total roast time, building maximum pre-crack Maillard development before an extended post-crack window — a different route to bold filter character than Bold 1, with greater accumulated sweetness and texture
• Best suited to dense, sugar-rich coffees where a slow-built, deeply developed filter cup is the goal
• Default settings: Development increase: extended / Roast time: 10:20 min

Espresso Bold 1:

• A bold espresso profile applying a 15.3°C development increase, designed for Bourbon-lineage coffees, Catimor, and F1 hybrids — varieties with the density and sugar content to absorb high development energy and produce sweetness rather than harshness
• Best suited to washed and natural coffees from varieties known for high density and sugar development
• Default settings: Development increase: 15.3°C

Espresso Bold 2:

• The most aggressive profile in the entire LINK system, applying an 18.0°C development increase across an unusually long Dry phase of 53.6% — designed for naturals, large-bean mutations such as Maragogype and Pacamara, and Indian varieties
• Best suited to the densest, most sugar-rich coffees in your lineup; not recommended for delicate or high-acidity lots where origin character is the priority
• Default settings: Development increase: 18.0°C / Dry phase: 53.6%

Omni Bold:

• The boldest option in the Omni range, applying a 12.0°C development increase to produce a fuller, darker character across all three stop points — filter (11.0% DTR), batch brew (13.5% DTR), and espresso (20.0% DTR) — from a single roast
• Best suited to dense coffees where a bold result is wanted across multiple brew methods, though note that the filter and espresso expressions will taste considerably different given the level of development applied
• Default settings: Development increase: 12.0°C / DTR stop points: 11.0% / 13.5% / 20.0%

Download graphics of roast plans here.

The LINK roaster and accompanying LINK Studio is built on specific firmware – permanent software that is programmed into both into a read-only memory.

Since the release of the LINK, there have been multiple updates to this firmware in order to provide more accurate roast profiles, extend the available Roast Plan options, and add new features for LINK users to utilise in their roasting experience.

With each firmware update, users are provided with a prompt in the LINK Studio (when connected to the internet), and are able to update with ease. Each additional firmware update builds upon previous updates – however, these previous updates remain accessible to users in the LINK Studio, should they wish to use them.

Previously, these updates were referred to as ‘versions’ and assigned a numerical value – Version 1 (V1), Version 2 (V2) and so on. Since May 2024, these versions moved to a Operating System (OS) based program, and are identified by different names (eg. Yemeni, Cauca). These names refer to different coffee-growing regions, places and cultures in the world, in honour of the diverse and wonderful global coffee community.

Number of roast plans: 1

Number of profiles: 41

Duration Used: December 2019 – March 2022

Description: The initial version of the LINK was developed with 1 core Roast Plan and inbox for cupping. This profile style was all based around a roasting style and theory that would eventually become the A 10% cupping style in future versions.

Number of Roast Plans/Profile Packs: 5

Number of profiles: 205

Roast Plans/Profile Packs: Cupping: A10%, B15%, C18%, D12%, E20%

Duration Used: March 2022 – March 2023

Description: With the first official version of the LINK roasting firmware, NCT Core (V1), we introduced the idea of 5 different roast plans for cupping. These different roast plans all had the same termination point, but were placed around with different times spent in maillard and development phases. This version is where we introduced the lettering system of Roast Plans (A, B, C, D, E).

Number of Roast Plans/Profile Packs: 9

Number of profiles: 389

Roast Plans/Profile Packs:
Cupping: A10%, B15%, C18%, D12%, E20%
Filter: A, B
Espresso
Omni

Duration Used: March 2023 – December 2023

Description: The second version of the LINK firmware, Minas, was an expansion on the concept of the previous version (Yemeni) by keeping the same functions and profiles for the 5 cupping Packs. However, it also added new workspaces that catered for other roast styles, including Espresso, Filter, and Omni styles. In this update, all profiles underwent a makeover to accommodate for performance improvements to level ranges and Rate of Rise (RoR) minimums.

The ‘Cauca (V3)’ update to the LINK roasting system was released was a surprise update for Christmas 2023, to add a new space for a new profile pack (Filter C). It was also a time when the team further improved the other 9 profile packs and their preheating ranges, in order to allow for the best operation and suggestions to be made by the LINK algorithms when it comes to (i) profile selection and (ii) recommendations on which profile pack to use. 

Number of profiles: 435

Number of Roast Plans/Profile Packs: 10

Roast Plans/Profile Packs:
Cupping: A10%, B15%, C18%, D12%, E20%
Filter: A, B, C
Espresso
Omni

Duration Used: December 2023 – May 2024

ADDIS (4.0)
Addis was the biggest expansion of the LINK roasting system to date. In this update, six new profile roast plans were introduced for Filter and Espresso roasting styles, including a special ‘WBrC pack’ of filter profiles that emulate the style of the roasts used by Martin Wölfl to win the 2024 World Brewers Cup.

All profiles saw enhancements of new features, including First Crack (FC) zones, DTR activated Boost Zones, Amended Preheat, Fan Adjustment recommendations and finer development % adjustments. All Roast Plans/Profile Packs were also separated out by roast style, to make navigation easier through the different power curves of each.

This version also coincided with a range of new features to the LINK App to further improve roast profile selection, including Species Selection – which allows users to select profiles for a range of non-Arabica varieties, Advanced Arabica – which allows for customised profile suggestions based on screens size, and Heirloom cupping – which accounts for the genetic and physical variation in heirloom varieties.

Number of profiles: 700+

Number of Roast Plans/Profile Packs: 14

Roast Plans/Profile Packs:
Cupping: A10%, B15%, C18%, D12%, E20%
Filter: A, B, C, D, E, WBrC*
Espresso: A, B, C
Omni

Duration used: May 2024 – September 2024.

ADDIS (4.1)
At the end of August 2024, an update was introduced to the Addis firmware, shared as the version Addis 4.1. This included:

• New roast plans/profile packs for Espresso
• The introduction of style preferences for Espresso via the LINK App
• Updates to the LINK App Preference Menu
• The introduction of an Assistance tab in the LINK App, with Maintenance section and Virtual Roast Assistant
• The inclusion of information tabs throughout the LINK App
• The ability to set preferences for Density Tube and Voltage in the LINK App
• An optional DTR-activated Boost Zone feature
• Optiona Mid-roast Fan Adjustment
• Optional First-Crack (FC) Zoom
• RoR Selection based on Actual, or Desired

Number of profiles: 850+

Number of Roast Plans/Profile Packs: 17

Roast Plans/Profile Packs:
Cupping: A10%, B15%, C18%, D12%, E20%
Filter: A, B, C, D, E, WBrC*
Espresso: A, B, C, D, E, F
Omni

Duration used: August 2024 – Feb 2025

ADDIS (4.1.2)
In February 2025, a further update will be introduced to the Addis firmware. This includes:

• Cosmetic improvements to the LINK App
• Technical fixes to formatting issues with the LINK App
• Improved connectivity between the LINK roaster and LINK studio
• Improvements to the Advanced Dial-in system
• Expansion of the Omni-roast Roast Plans (from 1 to 6)
• Expansion of the total roast plans (from 18 to 24)
• DTR variability and recommendations for Omni-roast profile

Number of profiles: 1010+

Number of Roast Plans/Profile Packs: 24

Roast Plans/Profile Packs:
Cupping: A10%, B15%, C18%, D12%, E20%
Filter: A, B, C, D, E, WBrC
Espresso: A, B, C, D, E, F
Omni A, B, C, D, E, F

Duration used: Feb 2025 – July 2026

Download graphics of roast plans here, or watch tutorial videos here.

ADDIS (4.2)
In July 2026, the latest update to the Addis firmware was introduced. Addis 4.2 is the most significant update to the LINK system to date, expanding both the profile library and the roasting system itself. Following extensive feedback and collaboration with partners and competitors around the world, this update introduces several new profile packs as well as new features developed independently by the Nucleus Coffee Tools team.

New additions include:

• Fan Priority — a new airflow control layer allowing users to bias flavour development toward acidity & clarity, balance & harmony, or depth & sweetness, without changing the underlying roast plan
• The WBrC 2026 filter profile pack — replicating the style used by Nas Jaafar to win the 2026 World Brewers Cup
• Bold profile packs across Cupping, Filter, Espresso, and Omni — a darker-roast variant driven by significantly larger post-crack temperature increases
• A dedicated Arabic Coffee profile pack (L1–L6) — six levels designed for traditional spiced Arabic coffee preparations
• New competition-style Espresso profiles G & H — developed by certified WBC judge Angus Mackie
• A major LINK App update including richer profile information, Country of Origin and Variety inputs, visual Roast Plan overviews, and updated Preferences and Dial-In settings

Number of profiles: 6000+

Number of Roast Plans/Profile Packs: 38

Roast Plans/Profile Packs:
Cupping: A10%, B15%, C18%, D12%, E20%, Bold
Filter: A, B, C, D, E, WBrC 2024, WBrC 2026, Bold 1, Bold 2
Espresso: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, Bold 1, Bold 2
Omni: A, B, C, D, E, F, Bold
Arabic: L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6

Duration used: July 2026 –