LaSpaziale S1 Vivaldi II
& Mini Vivaldi II Website

LaSpaziale S1 Vivaldi II Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Chris Coffee Service is the US Master Importer.  These are available now from other suppliers.

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How much will it cost me to leave the S1 Vivaldi II turned on 24x7?

Click this link to go to the Power Analysis page.

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S1 Photos. Not actual photos of the VII will be posted soon. However, the only visible difference between the original S1 and the Vivaldi two are that the S1 has a round pressure gauge and displays only steam boiler pressure.

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How accurate is the temperature control?

Tests by the author on the original S1 indicate the the temperature of the water exiting the group is quite accurate relative to the set temperature with 1-2°C. Within 5 seconds of pulling a double shot the group boiler comes on for 40 sec. Consequently, shots pulled at least 45 seconds apart show consistent water temperatures. Here are those latest test results (16K PDF file). The S1 Vivaldi II has been redesigned to cycle the boilers when a 0.5°C temperature drop is sensed whereas the original S1 required a 1.0°C drop. In addition, a new factory set feature has been added to provide an offset between the group boiler temperature and the group head to account for differences. Consequently, temperature accuracy and stability is expected to be better on the Vivaldi II. As soon as tests on the Vivaldi II are completed they will be posted here.

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Where can I get a soft copy of the User's Manual?

Click this link to get a scanned in copy in PDF format (2.5MB). This is the same manual currently shipping with the Vivaldi II.

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How do I backflush the S1?

  •  Using 1/3 tsp Cafiza every 2-3 weeks is plenty for home use. Backflush the S1 Vivaldi II more often with plain water.
  •  Place the backflush disk in the single basket with 1/3 tsp of Cafiza powder.
  •  Press the single or double cup button. In 5-10 seconds the three yellow LEDs will start to blink indicating a "flow problem".
  •  Press the single or double cup button again to stop the pump which automatically engages the 3-way valve. (The three yellow LEDs normally come on when you grind too fine and choke the machine. So the instant this condition is sensed is the ideal point at which to engage the 3-way valve.)
  •  Otherwise, normal backflush instructions apply.
  •  Perform the above cycle 5 times waiting about 30 seconds between each cycle.
  •  Then rinse the remaining detergent from the basket and replace the portafilter with the backflush disk still installed.
  •  Backflush for 5 more cycles to rinse the remaining residue from the group and 3-way valve.
  •  Remove the backflush disk, make a single or double shot of espresso and throw it out.
  •  Now you're back in business.

Late breaking news from LaSpaziale.  I have the official recommended method for cleaning the S1 Vivaldi II group head. Did you ever wonder why you got that "barbecue grill" wire brush and the extra set of shower screens? LaSpaz didn't include the extra screens so you'd have an extra set. They are required with their recommended cleaning regimen which is targeted at  light commercial use where there is no time for a complete backflush routine.  The supposed reason for the double screen arrangement is to trap grounds between the screens so that the 3-way valve doesn't really need a detergent cleaning.

  1. With the S1 Vivaldi II still on, use the included wrench to remove the shower screen bolt.
  2. Drop out the screens and the dispersion disk.
  3. Use the "barbecue grill" brush to quickly scrub the group head while water is running through the group to flush out the particles. (Apparently this is why the long handled brush - to keep your hands well away from boiling water.)
  4. Also give the dispersion disk a quick scrub.
  5. Reassemble using the other set of screens.
  6. Soak the original set of screens in Cafiza, scrub, rinse, and put away for next time.

There you have it, straight from LaSpaziale. Frankly, I'm sticking with my backflush routine.

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Should I buy the 15 Amp or the 20 Amp model? (applies to 115V models only)

The good news it that they are physically the same unit with the following differences.

  • There is a switch on top of the PC board cover to select 15A or 20A mode. It can be changed later if desired.
  • The 15A model has a standard 115V three prong plug,
  • The 20A model has a special plug where the two blades are perpendicular to each other rather than parallel. This requires a special socket easily purchased at Home Depot or equivalent. It also requires that the circuit have a 20A breaker and that the wiring is at least 12G. 10G if the run is over 75'. 20A circuits are common in newer houses in the kitchen but they normally do not have the proper socket. If you decide you have a 20A circuit with nothing else substantial connected to it (the S1 Vivaldi II needs almost 18A of the 20A capacity) you can simply change out the wall socket.

The S1 Vivaldi II supports three power modes:

  • Steam boiler off, only group boiler on. (This can definitely reduce your electric bill if you are just making shots and not steaming milk or using the hot water feature.
  • Steam boiler and group boiler alternate. Both can't be on at the same time. (Economy mode)
  • Both steam and group boilers can be on at the same time

When the S1 Vivaldi II is switched for 15A mode only the first two options are possible. It defaults to mode 2 on power up. Pressing the Boiler button puts it in mode 1.

When the S1 Vivaldi II is switched for 20A mode all three options are possible. It defaults to mode 3 on power up. Pressing the Boiler button puts it in mode 1. Pressing the Econ button puts it in mode 2.

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Where can I find a 20A surge suppressor?

The computer controller board in the S1 Vivaldi II costs several hundred dollars if it needs to be replaced due to a circumstance not covered under warranty. If you live in a lightning or power surge prone area, a surge suppressor is a good idea. Thanks to the prevalence of computers and consumer electronics you can find inexpensive ones almost anywhere that will work with the 15 amp version of the S1 Vivaldi II. HOWEVER, if you have a 20 amp S1 Vivaldi II model, finding a 20A surge suppressor with the NEMA 5-20 outlets is a challenge.

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I am getting drips into the drain pan when my Vivaldi is just sitting idle. Is this normal?

Perform the adjustment procedure found here.

For additional information contact one of the technicians at Chris Coffee Service.

The bottom line is that even after the above adjustments are made, sometimes the valve drips and sometimes it doesn't. LaSpaziale says this is normal and expected for this design.

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I am having issues with my new Timer

  • If you are having issues programming the timer, see this Timer User's Manual
  • If the timer won't turn the machine on or off at the programmed time, it is probably not enabled. This is done via a switch setting inside the machine.  To access this switch you need to remove the top cup warmer tray. This is done by removing a single recessed screw in the front center of tray. Once the tray is removed, look inside the machine for two switches on top of a black box.  This is on the right side when facing the front of the machine.  One switch is marked 15/20 and is set to whether you are running in 15A or 20A mode. The other is labeled On/Off. If you have the timer installed this switch MUST be set to ON.  More importantly, if you do NOT have a timer this switch MUST be set to OFF!

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When I press the two cup button, lights 17 18 and 19 flash once and then back to the current temp light or when I press the one cup button lights 14, 15, and 16 flash once and then back to the current temp light. The pump never turns on.

These are the classic symptoms for those VII or VII Mini users that do not have the optional timer but have the timer enable switch set to ON on top of the black controller box. This switch MUST be set in the OFF position if you don't have a timer otherwise you will get the exact symptoms noted above.

To access this switch you need to remove the top cup warmer tray. This is done by removing a single recessed screw in the front center of tray. Once the tray is removed, look inside the machine for two switches on top of a black box.  This is on the right side when facing the front of the machine.  One switch is marked 15/20 and is set to whether you are running in 15A or 20A mode. The other is labeled On/Off. If you do NOT have a timer this switch MUST be set to OFF!

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Chas Rimpo
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