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I do not think I ever saw this thread, and if memory serves the only 404 error that had been brought to my attention was just a mis-typed/mis-pasted link had already been repaired. At least I have had no other complaints. If we made every update set of instructions complete it would make it VERY difficult to keep up with changes. Someone also requested a video of the upgrade which would be very difficult to create as well as less valuable because of having to pause repeatedly. We do have a lot of videos of most of the more common repairs and replacements, and even some for troubleshooting.

At the beginning of the update instructions, one of the steps was to remove the old eject mechanism (the link takes you to http://www.hottopusa.com/eject2.html). In step 28 of the update it states that, "To complete the procedure, reverse the disassembly order carefully." That "eject2.html" page has the assembly instructions for that. If every step were detailed, including the 13(!) other linked procedures the upgrade instructions would have been MASSIVE! On top of that, if there were a change in the instructions for some reason, all pages containing those directions would have to be found and changed. And if you examine the "-2" upgrade instructions here:
http://www.hottop.../kit1.html
You will see that much of that is already included in the B-2K+ instructions page.

In many of the pages, and particularly for all the updates, it states that all instructions should be thoroughly read and understood before attempting them. An upgrade like the "B-2K+" which requires a nearly-complete disassembly of the machine is not in everyone's wheelhouse. It is impossible for us to know the users capabilities or experience in these sorts of things.

At the beginning of the B-2K+ update page there are two sections:

"If your roaster is currently a KN-8828, KN-8828D:"
- and -
"For all other models:"

The first section is for the early models that require that the main board be updated so the base has to be removed. The second section is for all other models that do not have to have the base removed.

In terms of the model numbering, it is out of our control. This is decided by the factory. On the upgrade matrix I eliminated the "KN" from all the model designations but could not remove the 8828 because the original model was "KN-8828" and that would have left nothing for that one.

Early on I had two or three customers who brought to my attention some changes that could be made and I found their suggestions valuable and made most if not all of the changes and corrections they recommended. Since then I have received only praise for the instructions.

An undertaking such as this upgrade involves is not for everyone. If you read the instructions and have a feeling like, "I guess I will try it anyway," maybe that is not for you.

And just to be clear - I work for Hottop USA. I (literally) am the Customer Service Dept., and am also the webmaster having created all the content there (including the shopping area, all repair procedures, the upgrade matrix, photos, text, html, PDF files, and all the owners manuals except for the very first one which few of you have likely ever seen.

If anyone has a Hottop problem, writing hottop@hottopusa is the best way to get answers. We do our best. If you find 404 errors I do need to hear about hose and other such problems ASAP. I am normally answering Hottop questions 7 days a week and sometimes even late on a Saturday or Sunday evening.

For those who have missed it, we have a few articles at Hottopusa.com on maintenance including tools and materials, cleaning regimes that go beyond the owners manual, and more available. Check these out:

User Maintenance of Hottop Coffee Roasters
Cleaning a Dirty Hottop Roaster
Video Education Center
We also offer Refurbishing Services at which time we can install update kits. Be aware that this can be costly and for a few hours labor for most owners, doing it yourself is highly recommended.

An updated manual will be done later this year with links to those articles, but for now, if you have not at least removed the back cover and top cover of your roaster I suggest that you do so. And check our Video learning Center for videos on a lot of that.

Finally, just today I added a new article there
http://www.hottop...tatic.html
It documents how to set up Artisan with a set of alarms (which I have supplied) to speak (text-to-speech) the necessary heat and fan changes to "copy" a very good roast profile. I roasted about 6 pounds of coffee to arrive at that set of controls. They are not the "end all" of roasting, but should give you a really good foundation on which to build.