Search found 40 matches

by java man
Sat Nov 21, 2020 1:34 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses
Replies: 9
Views: 12205

Re: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses

It's blown one fuse since I switched it over to 15A from 20 about 5 months ago. It happened while the machine was unattended. One last item I haven't checked is the fuses themselves. After the first fuse blew some years ago, I saw they were $12 plus shipping, and thought that was ridiculous, so I ch...
by java man
Wed Nov 18, 2020 9:47 am
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Two unrelated? Adventures - Steam Valve, Blown Fuse
Replies: 3
Views: 12371

Re: Two unrelated? Adventures - Steam Valve, Blown Fuse

Thought I'd close the loop on this for any other Vivaldi II mini owners with similar problems. After blowing several fuses over the past year, I called Chris Coffee to talk to one of their techs. The fuse problem is intermittent. It seems to happen a few times a year, but not in any predictable way....
by java man
Mon Jun 22, 2020 12:43 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses
Replies: 9
Views: 12205

Re: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses

Thanks for the reply, Bob. I replaced the fuse holder in April, so it's probably not that. On June 13 I decided to switch the machine over to 15 amp operation. That way, the group boiler and steam boiler should never operate simultaneously. 9 days later, no blown fuses, but it tripped the 20A GFCI t...
by java man
Fri Jun 12, 2020 2:30 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses
Replies: 9
Views: 12205

Re: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses

My Mini Vivaldi II has been running since Mar 2, but has blown 3 fuses during this period. This week for the first time, a fuse blew while I was actually making a 6 oz. cappuccino, so I was able to observe what was happening. I had prepped the PF, locked it into the brew head, and expressed the stea...
by java man
Mon Mar 02, 2020 7:07 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses
Replies: 9
Views: 12205

Re: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses

Update: Everything is back together. Mini Vivaldi is up and running. 10 days now with no blown fuse. No idea what caused it. I'll just carry on.
by java man
Wed Feb 19, 2020 10:16 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses
Replies: 9
Views: 12205

Re: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses

Sorry, the first one should have been steam boiler disconnected. AFAIK, the steam boiler won’t heat up til the brew boiler has come up to temperature. This makes it hard to test whether the steam boiler alone will blow a fuse. But I think I’ve moved past that. With everything connected I was able to...
by java man
Tue Feb 18, 2020 10:07 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses
Replies: 9
Views: 12205

Troubleshooting Tips Mini Blowing Fuses

My Mini Vivaldi II is 11 years old, and has been a pretty reliable machine. I’ve changed the vibe pump, a steam valve, a solenoid and repaired a few minor leaks. Aside from that I’ve had 11 years of everyday service. It has a timer, the pressure modulator (preinfusion) and turns on via the timer 3x ...
by java man
Sat Feb 15, 2020 11:47 am
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Two unrelated? Adventures - Steam Valve, Blown Fuse
Replies: 3
Views: 12371

Re: Two unrelated? Adventures - Steam Valve, Blown Fuse

Update: The Vivaldi II has run reliably until a couple of days ago. Another blown fuse. The machine is on a GFCI circuit, and it was also kicked. I reset the GFCI but the Vivaldi II did not come back to life. Turned it over and sure enough, a blown fuse. I replaced the fuse 3 days ago and put it bac...
by java man
Sat Dec 01, 2018 12:23 pm
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Two unrelated? Adventures - Steam Valve, Blown Fuse
Replies: 3
Views: 12371

Two unrelated? Adventures - Steam Valve, Blown Fuse

I've had my Mini Vivaldi II for 9.5 years. During that time I've replaced one solenoid and the pump. Now, I've also replaced a steam valve and a fuse. The steam valve stopped working after several episodes of getting stuck in the "on" position. I tried to stop it by cranking the handle up ...
by java man
Tue Oct 27, 2015 3:00 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Regulating steam pressure
Replies: 19
Views: 31278

Re: Regulating steam pressure

Worked on my S2 Mini. A nice little boost in steam pressure. Thanks for posting.
by java man
Sun Oct 05, 2014 1:31 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Timer Gains > 1 min per week
Replies: 1
Views: 5099

La Spaziale Timer Gains > 1 min per week

The subject says it all. It gains at least a minute per week, and has since new in 2009. Has anyone found a fix to this apart from resetting it every couple of months? In a more positive note, this has been the most durable and reliable espresso machine I've owned. 5+ years with only one leak, exper...
by java man
Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:04 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Group Gasket group buy interest
Replies: 48
Views: 65466

Re: Silicone Group Gasket group buy interest

I've gone through 3 Vivaldi rubber gaskets in 5 years. It sounds as though one Si gasket would outlast my machine.
by java man
Thu Nov 04, 2010 12:07 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: 1.5 Years on
Replies: 10
Views: 9896

1.5 Years on

I've been running my Mini Vivaldi II for nearly 1.5 years now, and thought it was time to update my experiences with it. It has been rock-solid reliable for the past year +. I had a slight problem when I came back to home after 2 months abroad, but it was quickly sorted out. Nothing on the machine h...
by java man
Sun Oct 18, 2009 6:15 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Re: Persistent Channeling

Everything is working fine now. I suspect the OPV was sticking. And I've learned how to dose appropriately for the S1 as a result of this. Dosing so that the tamped puck is a few mm below the "plimsol line" in the basket definitely makes for more consistent shots. Thanks for all your help.
by java man
Sun Oct 11, 2009 3:51 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Re: Persistent Channeling

Good point. My detergent is in the storage locker in the same box as my scale and my other espresso paraphernalia. I won't be able to get at it again until Oct 29 . . . that is, if the developer building my apartment can meet this 4th move-in date he's given me (June 11, June 30, September 25 and no...
by java man
Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:49 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Re: Persistent Channeling

I believe I have found the problem. It looks like the OPV was sticking. This morning I reduced the setting on the OPV to a vibration range of 7.5 to 8.5 bars, then prepared and pulled a shot. The brew pressure gauge ramped up as usual for a machine retrofitted with the pre-infusion chamber. The gaug...
by java man
Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:25 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Re: Persistent Channeling

Did your Mini come with the pre infusion chamber installed? Yep. And given that I got consistently good pours with a MACAP M4 and a Wega Rotary before installing a relay to mimick pre-infusion, I'm less inclined to think my dosing and tamping skills are the cause of the current problem. I'm going t...
by java man
Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:42 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Re: Persistent Channeling

I've tried a few things -- finer grind with light tamp, no fuss dosing, etc. But the only thing that seems to work consistently is putting more coffee in the PF. My scales are in a box in storage under a mountain of stuff, so I can't say how much I was dosing previously, and what I'm dosing now. But...
by java man
Wed Oct 07, 2009 1:21 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Re: Persistent Channeling

Thanks, I'll try setting the grind finer and reducing the tamping pressure to see what happens.
by java man
Sun Oct 04, 2009 4:44 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Re: Persistent Channeling

I've been using a variety of blends, all quite fresh. Those in my region will recognize the names -- 49th Parallel's house espresso, and JJ Beans Espresso Nero are what I usually use. I get them generally within a few days of roasting.
by java man
Sat Oct 03, 2009 1:34 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Persistent Channeling
Replies: 24
Views: 20749

Persistent Channeling

Most of the shots on my new mini are channeling and spraying little jets and spurts of espresso out of my bottomless PF. The brew pressure gauge reads 9 bars during the shot. I'm using a new La Cimbali Max Hybrid, and getting ~ 30 second 1.75 oz. pulls. I grind and dose at the same time, getting a c...
by java man
Sun Jun 21, 2009 1:02 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

Mini and Max . . . jailbroken. :grin:

First impression -- maybe because of the grind or grind plus temperature control, fewer off-flavours than from my Wega.

Rick
Mini V and Max Break Jail.jpg
Mini V and Max Break Jail.jpg (106 KiB) Viewed 53694 times
by java man
Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:51 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

Thanks, dodger. I'll check it out. Yesterday my realtor told me that my builder will NOT have my condo ready for June 30 as promised. Now it's July 31. That tears it. I can't stand living in a hotel for another 6 weeks. I'll look for a short term apartment rental today, and if I can find one, I'll j...
by java man
Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:39 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

Endo, Good catch on the stock steam arm. It is nowhere to be found in the box containing my machine. I'll email them and ask them to send it along. Learning to steam takes time with each machine. I've got the best results when the quantity of milk one normally steams, the pitcher size, and the tip h...
by java man
Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:49 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

Endo, I checked everything else to be sure it was there, but I forgot to check for the original steam arm. It looks like it's time for a trip to the storage locker. Fortunately, the machine is the last thing that went in, so I can get at it easily. So, you're saying you got a two-hole tip with the n...
by java man
Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:58 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

Update on the machine I ordered from Espressoplanet in Mississauga . . . It was delivered on Monday, I finally got the chance to open the carton this afternoon. It was tested and set up by Chris Coffee. It DOES have the steam boiler drain. I ordered it with the no-burn steam arm, and it has a 2-hole...
by java man
Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:06 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

Thanks JavaMan thats good to know. :grin: Did you find out if yours is a 2009 model? I figured they could tell from the stock they received from CC. Its hard to beat with their 'Customer reward' program + 10% off. Thats a whole lot of accessories to be had.... 15 days after I ordered, I received co...
by java man
Sun Jun 07, 2009 10:42 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Vivaldi Workflow Video
Replies: 4
Views: 5803

Re: Mini Vivaldi Workflow Video

Hey, Endo, the steaming worked out quite well. I notice you didn't have to discard any of the milk, and you got fairly good microfoam in ~ 21 seconds. Is that with all the holes in your steam tip open, or is one blocked? I notice you stopped pulling the doser handle so you could turn off the grinder...
by java man
Sat Jun 06, 2009 7:21 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

I have a data point for those interested in ordering from Espresso Planet in Mississauga. My order for a Mini was processed by them on May 27. I thought that was plenty of time to have it shipped before I move (June 11). That was 10 days ago . . . Their website lists my order as "processed"...
by java man
Fri Jun 05, 2009 4:02 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Steaming Pressure Video
Replies: 10
Views: 9883

Re: Mini Steaming Pressure Video

John, if you are a latte art fancier, do you find it easy to make high quality microfoam with the regular steam tip? How much milk do you use in your pitcher, and what size pitcher?

Thanks,

Rick
by java man
Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:35 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

Look what just arrived . . . . it is one big, hulking beast compared to my MACAP M4. My espresso machine is in transit so I made a fake cappa with the last of my frozen home roasted beans, a moka pot and microwaved milk. Gads, it is BETTER BETTER BETTER than that horrid Lavazza Gold brick coffee I'v...
by java man
Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:04 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hello
Replies: 71
Views: 54940

Re: Hello

For the cost of a Mazzer Mini E, I'd prefer a La Cimbali Max Hybrid, which is what I decided on. But it's suitable only for those who do NOT want to grind per shot, and for those who do not need to change the grind setting for drip, press, etc. This grinder apparently does not reach its potential wh...
by java man
Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:18 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: On and Off
Replies: 6
Views: 7208

Re: On and Off

TerryZ at Espresso Parts also said that turning a Wega Lyra on in the morning with an appliance timer increases the risk of electronic controller failure. I have asked electrical engineers about this, and their answer has consistently been that this is incorrect. The circuit board on the Wega is una...
by java man
Sun May 31, 2009 7:03 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Steaming Pressure Video
Replies: 10
Views: 9883

Re: Mini Steaming Pressure Video

It's not ideal at 15A, but your video shows that even with 15 A, it has more steaming power than my recently sold HX machine did. My pressure dropped to 0.5 bars while steaming a 10 oz. latte. But it could recover quickly enough to do another in the time it takes to pour, grind, etc. to make the nex...
by java man
Sun May 31, 2009 3:58 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Steaming Pressure Video
Replies: 10
Views: 9883

Re: Mini Steaming Pressure Video

Endo, you're running at 15 amps IIRC, right? By the way, thanks for all the videos you've posted. I looked over the photos of my new apartment kitchen (I haven't moved in yet) and I see the choice location for my Mini Vivaldi is right next to a t-slot electrical outlet, so it must be 20A. Joy! Cheer...
by java man
Sat May 30, 2009 11:44 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Just ordered
Replies: 46
Views: 32959

Re: Just ordered

JohnB wrote:
java man wrote: All good points . . . but it needs to be plumbed in.
Rick
Yes, another plus. Sorry I forgot that one! I realize not everyone feels that way but its the only way I'd go.
Of course, we hope everyone will get what suits their particular situation best, right?

:-P

Rick
by java man
Fri May 29, 2009 8:11 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Just ordered
Replies: 46
Views: 32959

Re: Just ordered

An from the other side of the forum: :twisted: - The S1 rotary pump IS much quieter then the vibe in the Mini. - It costs $50 to have the pump rebuilt if it ever fails & a little waterproof grease on the frt motor bearing will protect it from damage. - You get programmable line pressure preinfu...
by java man
Fri May 29, 2009 4:25 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Just ordered
Replies: 46
Views: 32959

Re: Just ordered

Keith, thanks for the links! Endo, that's a nice setup! I like your appliance garage -- we wanted to build one into our kitchen, but the building inspector will not pass them!!!! Can't have an electrical outlet inside a "garage"!!! Ridiculous! I'll have one installed in my new place after ...
by java man
Fri May 29, 2009 12:34 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Just ordered
Replies: 46
Views: 32959

Re: Just ordered

I think it's just pent up demand. My guess is that many people liked the Vivaldi but ruled it out to avoid drilling the granite. I have granite in my house, too, but the location of the espresso machine allowed me to knock a half-tile out of the backsplash just above the countertop, fish the water a...
by java man
Thu May 28, 2009 7:10 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Just ordered
Replies: 46
Views: 32959

Re: Just ordered

I also just ordered. I'm moving from a house to an apartment, and don't want to drill a hole in the granite countertop to accommodate my rotary plumbed-in Wega Lyra, so I sold it and ordered a Mini Vivaldi from Espresso Planet in Toronto. Also sold my MACAP M4 grinder and ordered a Cimbali Max Junio...

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