The S1 Cafe - Helping Your Espresso Dreams Become Reality

GDK

One more thing:

WARNING: this is a human activated sequence and as such is prone to ERROR. If you activate it before tank light is on, you will likely get a big puddle on the counter and the floor! A water sensor can be added to detect over fill and shut off the valve.

GDK

A few more details. I restricted the flow so that tank fills to about 4/5th in 1.5 minutes, created a program sequence for the socket controlling the solenoid: (ON, 1.5 minutes timeout, OFF). For those concerned about Google knowing too much, you can call the sequence whatever you want and that will...

GDK

I was getting tired of pulling out the tank once or twice a week to refill it, so I came up with a fairly simple solution. When I see the low-water indicator light up, I just say "Hey Google, activate refill" and then go back to my other business. I installed a tube that hangs on top of th...

GDK

I've been running this prototype using the Particle Argon and some optoisolators on an expansion board, for some months now and it's proved very stable. It allows me to set a schedule for the machine to turn on every day, and control of machine on/off, boiler on/off, and machine state, from my phon...

GDK

Didn’t see new updates so if you are looking to add the warm up timer here is 10 min solution . I couldn’t stand having our Lucca cold in the morning. Last post in this thread http://s1cafe.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=1784 This is perhaps the most elegant solution I have seen. The only note I woul...

GDK

I emailed La Spaziale asking if they will have similar home version... chance of getting an answer is next to zero but still

GDK

I hope they will scale their new model to one group for home use :) I would love that!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoiQkROX0Rc

GDK

You can with similar level of difficulty convert your machine to a smart home device, not only allowing for timer control but on/off from anywhere via smartphone as well as Google/Alexa voice/automation controls. The only intrusive part in my case was to add wires to the on/off button so that you ca...

GDK

This is the closest I have seen: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/74928 ... =22#manual
It is also linked here: http://s1cafe.com/s1v2/

GDK

I have posted earlier in other threads that I am in the process of doing this and now the project is complete. So I hope the following will be helpful to some. If you are inclined to do a bit of work then Mini can become an automation powerhouse. Now I can: * control it (On/Off) with Google Home via...

GDK

I had grind distribution problem until I started doing this: * once ground coffee is in the portafilter - gently shake sideways * then insert the portafilter into the slot of this affordable stand (see link below) and gently tap it down a couple of times. Grind settles down evenly at that point * pr...

GDK

Can you switch to voltmeter to see if any voltage is registered between the same two points?

GDK

I found them both for you and the good news is total is under $20:

Aluminum: www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.pipe-wrap-4- ... 67780.html
Glass Fiber: www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.glass-fiber- ... 18631.html

GDK

Yeah. The aluminum plated bubble wrap like insulation seems to be more effective but could not use that on top of the steam boiler as there are exposed electrical connections there. Thus had to use non conducting insulation on top of the boiler.

GDK

I used two type of insulation that is sold in small rolls at Home Depot. One is aluminum plated and I used it for the boilers, while the yellow one, can be safely placed on top of the steam with the pvc side up, but leave the valve exposed. No need to remove boilers. I hope the following pics help, ...

GDK

I have put thermal insulation around and on top of the steam boiler, leaving only the steam valve exposed. As a side effect, steam and droplets which are always released as valve opens and closes never get to the electrical connections. The insulation material has temperature resistant plastic on th...

GDK

Bob - you nailed it.

GDK

It is the way you hold it. You can test by aligning the screens with the bottom as they would otherwise not fit.

GDK

I was referring to the knob on your volt meter and why I was confused :) I hope all goes smoothly. BTW, older Minis use triac to turn on/off steam boiler. When boiler it is on, a small fan below the control board kicks in to cool that triac and noise is quite audible. With newer models, they introdu...

GDK

Right, the knob is not sticking out but is recessed. Have you seen this:

https://www.chriscoffee.com/v/vspfiles/ ... 02010).pdf

https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/pdf/Lasp ... lookv2.pdf

GDK

I see your meter is set to measure DC, you shall switch to AC.

GDK

In order to determine if grinder plays a role in this case, I would suggest the following. Make a friend with one of the baristas in a good local coffee. Ask them to grind say around 50-100 g from their coffee and also give you similar amount of whole beans. Bring these home and try a few shots with...

GDK

I am in the process of integrating my Mini with Google Home and make it work with app like Smart Life for remote control and timer based operation. Turning the machine on and off with voice commands is more of a show off but it just comes with the package. The design is based on the following timer ...

GDK

I have been dosing around 15g, +/-1g, using a Vario W grinder for 2 years - no issues at all. No need to tamp to the full 30lb btw.

The Vario is not clumping, so what I do is tap the handle/basket 2 times on the rubber pad so that the grind can settle and distribute evenly before I tamp.

GDK

If you are comfortable with voltmeters, you can measure the output voltage of your transformer and see if it drops when the steam boiler heating element is on. It should keep up in theory but... Also wait until both elements (brew and steam) are on and see how this affects the output. If the voltage...

GDK

Have a look at this thread: http://www.s1cafe.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=1559&p=18284#p18284 If the tank is not seated well (i.e. not firmly pushed to the back), it is possible that some air gets in and that may cause the delay of water flow. This could for example happen when the pump starts ...

GDK

I had the Rancilio Rocky before - it may be great for cheaper espresso machines with pressurized portafilters, but is does not cut it for the likes of the Vivaldi and up. Have you considered the Baratza Vario line (sold by Mahlkonig in Europe)? There are very very few good grinders, besides the Vari...

GDK

Assuming you have dual sockets in your kitchen (above the kitchen counter), it is very likely that all upper receptacles are connected to one phase while the lower counterparts. are on the other. This is a configuration that can help avoid overloading if all kitchen appliances are near a single sock...

GDK

They are deep. I found that ultimately I went from doses of 18-19 grs to 14-16. great results... +1 Instead of removing the springs for the baskets completely, I removed them, bent the straight sections outwards and them put them back. Now they hold the basket in place and I can easily remove them ...

GDK

Hi Endo, are you still using the Rancilio filter, and what is your opinion so far? Looking at how you mount the filter above - it is clever. Do you think that pump does not suck in some air when water is low? That opening on the cylinder's bottom is large. I just ordered a pack of six (for $80) and ...

GDK

Good to hear Endo! The levers numbering is exactly how they do it on the W version. Funny, I just noticed the burr removal tool being on sale at Orphan Espresso for $10. I cleaned my W today and had hard time removing the burr - it is very snug in there. After a year with the W, I just noticed that ...

GDK

In a way I like the two pressures to be displayed in a consistent manner.

GDK

Are you guys ordering this basket:

http://www.tidaka.de/contents/en-uk/p80 ... ziale.html

I clicked on shipping and it came to 21 Euros to Canada

GDK

I recall reading a taste comparison between espresso made with vibe and rotary pumps (likely not Vivaldi specific) that found no difference at all.

GDK

I will not be surprised if the voltages in steady state remain the same regardless of whether the machine is on or off (while controlled by the timer). I would bet that voltages change for a short period of time (providing a pulse of some length) only when machine is being turned on or off by the ti...

GDK

Endo, have you found raw beans in Montreal that when roasted give similar taste to the Toscano from Counter Culture? I have no roaster yet but my wife is warming up to the idea. Having it on the kitchen counter is a very steep climb at the moment though.

GDK

Darn, I hope you get a replacement soon.

GDK

It may cost you very little if you can connect the Mini using the the 2 phases here in US/Canada as the voltage between the two is 240V. However, you must consult an electrician. Instead of Neutral, Hot and Ground wires, your cable will carry two hot and ground. Related Google hit: http://en.allexpe...

GDK

I am too interested to hear about the Breville, I have been following their threads from time to time. One question most people ponder is longevity/sturdiness of the Breville, something that will take time to see.

GDK

I would start by removing the top cover as well as the the face panel (just above the tray) to visually inspect for dangling wires or parts that are not in place. Most of the terminals are visible from the top. Also look for discoloured wire insulation. I cannot recall how easy it is, but I would di...

GDK

A wild guess - water flow may have decreased. Make sure the water reservoir is pushed back all the way then run with no portafilter in place for a few seconds. Do you have blind basket? This would remove the coffee grind as a variable in your measurements.

GDK

I agree with Endo if we include the proviso "when/if it works" :)

It is like the four seasons with the Vario - only the cycle is unpredictable.

GDK

Just to make sure I understand. First time warm up, you say that pressure climbs to 1.35bar at which point light stops blinking and stays on solid as if the boiler heating element is off, though pressure continues to rise to 2bars despite of that. Does your machine control the steam heater with a tr...

GDK

This is smart Louis. Since I have the W, I have to set the weight and time the shots manually. If weight is reached faster, then grind should be tighter. In my case, I am not only concerned with cutting the waste while recalibrating but finding a good setting at all. It seems that many blends just c...

GDK

The thing is I do not ever move out of espresso range and it still sucks. Here is the story: - when I use Toscana, 16g dose, fresh or 20+ days old, setting is 2-4 micro-clicks coarser than the zero point and all goes by the book - fairly stable shots even when I vary dose and tamp pressure a bit - t...

GDK

OK, my satisfaction with the Vario is really hit and miss - completely dependent on coffee bean type. I always try to buy fresh beans from local coffee shops. Only one or two types (Toscana being one of them) the grinder would work with by the book - letting me pull long nice shots (30-35 secs w/ pr...

GDK

Also, make sure steam tip holes are not clogged.

GDK

I am not sure what makes a difference for the bolt pattern. It depends on the bean type and grind adjustment I assume. I am grinding 4-5 micro-clicks coarser than the zero point on my Vario-W. I also do nutation to pack the sides.

GDK

I use a convex Espro tamper and can easily dose up to 18g with the standard basket. I never even get the bolt imprint on the puck, meaning I can even go a bit higher. The question is if following a dose optimized for 58mm basket best for the Vivaldi. My gut feel tells me subtract a gram and add 5 se...

GDK

Jeff quoted me quite a bit lower price before, I cannot see a reason for the change: "Most everyone gets a 5# bag shipped via UPS, and it only takes 5-6 business days at the most. And, for reasons unknown, only 50% of the orders have been charged brokerage fees. To your address shipping would o...

GDK

If you go, I would suggest grabbing a pack or two of Toscana (from Counter Culture). Get the freshest packs available. I got 4 day roast and it was amazing. My last 20 day old roast is still fine. A bit pricey at $20 per pack, tax in.

GDK

Endo, we should push Cafe in Gamba to start stocking Red Bird it in place of Black Cat...

GDK

I am on my second Vario-W as the first just lost the ability to grind fine. It seems to be a good espresso only, or anything else only grinder as it does not like frequent grind adjustments. Based on my experience: * do not go more than a notch or two below the zero point, as it was pointed elsewher...

GDK

expy98 wrote:or you can bend the PF spring so that it's very easy to remove the basket, which is what I do...

+1, with the Vivaldi you have to bend and loosen the spring in any case as otherwise pulling the basket out is quite a fight.

GDK

I got my timer a couple of months ago and it is still not programmed to NA DST as it did not change either. Europe will change in 2-3 weeks. It is a darn expensive timer for what it does and I DO expect this type of things to work properly. On the "positive" side, clock is not that precise...

GDK

"Like I said, definitely not a grinder for the Vivaldi crowd," I agree. First off, aesthetically Vario and Vivaldy match very well, look at the Vario site and you see the first picture there is a Vario with Vivaldi beside it. Then from functional perspective, they are also made for each ot...

GDK

BTW, did you purchased the 5lb Red Bird from the states? How much did it cost you at the end?

GDK

:), I am sure everyone will pass a blind test and distinguish the cars (you still have to see the road somehow though). I am not sure about the success rate with the two grinders - it will be less than 80% I would bet.

GDK

I may buy the Pharos just for the fun of it and will do a blind test experiment against the Vario. What I can tell you for my combo: a Vivaldi (auto-volumetric dosing), Vario W (auto-weight), Espro tamper (calibrated pressure), is that I am getting great consistency with so little effort - an experi...

GDK

Endo wrote: ....So you might as well just suck it up, get whatever grinds the best..... and balance it out with jewelry for her.

Hopefully one would not have to balance the weight on both as well

GDK

Loosen the nut holding the gauge just a little bit and push the gouge down so it goes down as much as possible. Then tighten but not too much so it can still move sideways - -this will help you align it as you mount the plate.

GDK

The new front plate with the embossed "La Spaziale" right under the pressure gauge looks quite cool. Anyone considered buying and swapping plates?

GDK

Good stuff, you are back to normal now. I noticed one interesting thing on your last picture - the brew boiler on these latest models seems to be insulated with something orange - is that the case? BTW, last time I opened the machine from the back, I insulated both boilers. Benefits are minor (unles...

GDK

Got this one from the wife for Christmas, and I LOVE it. Immediate improvement in all milk drinks across the board. http://www.amazon.com/Rattleware-16-Ounce-Handle-Spouted-Pitcher/dp/B003Y3AJ5G/ref=sr_1_57?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1327893018&sr=1-57 michael Do you use this 16oz pitche...

GDK

If they offer a kit for the Mini say under $100, I will buy it in a heartbeat.

GDK

That is a plus I did not think of - no need to apologize to your timer, it always works as instructed :)

GDK

Perhaps the Vario - Pharos combo is the way to go, use the Pharos when the Vario is being fixed ;)

GDK

I have come across some posts on this forum about buying parts and soldering wires to the board. It took me a whole year to think about cheaper alternatives as a $200 timer costs as much as a few good coffee machines out there. I caved in eventually and coughed the $200 around Christmas. It integrat...

GDK

I am not at home to measure but it is close to 17 3/4"

GDK

GDK

I can see very well why, Endo. I just sent mail to Baratza support describing the problems and the fact I ruled out fault play on my side. I hope to get a replacement as it is not just one problem. I even threw a third problem - the logo at the bottom keeps coming off - it may sound ridiculous and m...

GDK

A 220V version would not need such switch, it will only need 10A circuit to have both boilers run simultaneously.

GDK

The answer is yes if you did steaming the previous day. When boiler is hot, the machine makes sure it is always filled to the right level. Next morning, when the machine is cold, water level is less as water contracted over night so the machine will do a top up immediately.

GDK

Endo, I pulled this thing apart to its basic peaces and now know how it breathes ;) The problem in my case was with the large plastic driver wheel. The hex shaft opening on the wheel had small imperfections which did not allow the lower burr carrier shaft to travel all the way down or move freely th...

GDK

One setting - around 6 secs. Congrats on the new machine!

GDK

Glad to hear such happy endings!

GDK

My Vario-W is giving me a very hard time these days - cannot grind coarse enough, cannot grind fine enough, you name it - all at the same time now. Endo, I responded to a thread you started at CG as I am going through the exact same experiences: http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/grinders/535...

GDK

Follow the links and see current prices

No longer $70 ...

GDK

I have the exact same tamper - it does the job and feels solid. Now it has a friend as I recently got the Espro with convex surface.

GDK

Really beautiful! I wonder how it would look on the Mini as it will also make the plastic tank stand out more - potentially another project . Would you consider orders ;)

GDK

Great tips Endo. I would add one more thing, make sure you can see the milk swirling all the way to the end. If the surface starts looking still while steaming, you need to correct the position or dept to keep milk moving all the time. That is a key to good micro-foam and no cotton balls.

GDK

Do not feel bad. It is like a Mercedes sales person being condescending because you do not drive the latest SLS AMG model. Who knows what he goes home with at the end of the day - a B class perhaps?

GDK

Endo is right. Europeans stick with 14-16g dose for a double and they do understand what perfect espresso is - that is my own extensive experience anyway ;). Look at this post: http://www.home-barista.com/tips/two-types-of-espresso-t15764.html A quote: Within the South European style the dose doesn'...

GDK

PS: I have to say the S1 looks much better in real than I was expecting. This is a great looking machine, pictures are deceiving. I was hesitant one year back as I thought I liked the Alex Duetto's, Rocket's etc. shiny shapes that show much better on pictures. I saw these E61s in person then but no...

GDK

That is a great complain which I am glad to hear ;)

GDK

You may have notice the steam boiler has hysteresis. You probably chose the worst point in time to start steaming - the steam boiler was just about to turn on to catch up when the brew boiler went on at that same time and prevented that. I purge the wand just before I start the steaming, then wait a...

GDK

This container is not the cheapest but is likely the best option for coffee storage. I have two, one small and one large:

http://www.idrinkcoffee.com/Planetary_D ... oz-moc.htm

GDK

My new 7-day timer is now up and running. Do you keep the timer on the side of the machine or did you invent some sort of a holder? Wire is not very long and limits options it seems. I noticed a very weird thing. While doing time adjustments, up arrow decrement time while down arrow increments. Very...

GDK

Timer is on the way... peer pressure worked ;)

GDK

I am doing the same as you, only turning the stem boiler 4-5 mins before I need it and then turn it off immediately after use. During these 5 mins I pull the shots, no limit there as I upgraded the circuit to 20A and thus brew boiler always tracks the temperature. Perhaps a 20A circuit breaker is a ...

GDK

Same here. I will be in Montreal this weekend and will pick up a pack of Redline Espresso or Black Cat from Cafe in Gamba, will see.

GDK

There will be beans in my case too. I am going to Montreal this weekend and will pick up a couple of roasts.

I have been debating shelling $200 for the Vivaldi timer. I can afford it but price is just ridiculous for what it does.

GDK

I am going through a pack of Epic Espresso now. I believe they have suggestions on dose and temperature on their site - check it out. I am at 17.5g and 94C. My Vario W is set to very fine setting but quoting position will not help as it all depends on the grinder calibration. Let me know what you th...

GDK

The S1 logo is the perfect place for a timer. Embossed logo would not allow you to place a timer there - a plus in a way for the old logo. As for the gauge, remove the front plate and adjust the position of the gauge and the plate when you install it back so that the gauge appears straight as much a...

GDK

It looks like your Vario will entirely fit into the hopper of the big monster

GDK

I second Endo on grinder cleaning.

GDK

You may have many clogged wholes on the basket. Clean it well and check against a light to check them out. If basket is OK, check the screens - they might have clogged holes too. I watched the video and found something to be strange. As the shot progressed, I was expecting the lights showing the bre...

GDK

Try Windex - works on mine like a charm.

GDK

... But the morning after, when I come back to the morning espresso, I'm never sure if the previous setting I had the morning before will still be OK. Often it ends in the sink and after a couple of try, the adjustement is correct. But I don't like to throw coffee because of an inconsistent grinder...

GDK

I had the same issue with 15g dose and it went away once i moved to 16g. I also think it is the 3-way valve. I have the pre-infusion chamber that releases some extra water with the valve click which may amplify the issue. Try this: after releasing the portafilter from the group, do not pull it down ...

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