Search found 419 matches

by slo
Mon Feb 08, 2021 8:22 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter or solenoid click? HELP
Replies: 2
Views: 1892

Re: Flowmeter or solenoid click? HELP

First I noticed that the lights on the display are not lighting up as normal so the machine seems to detect a problem. These lights usually come on when there is a blockage. Also the pressure gauge shows line pressure but when you initiate the dose the pressure does not go up nor is there any water ...
by slo
Fri May 10, 2019 10:18 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Temperature says 92 C but is 25 degrees low
Replies: 2
Views: 8890

Re: Temperature says 92 C but is 25 degrees low

First; where and how are you measuring the temperature? If you are measuring the water falling out of the shower screen, the temperature will always be much lower than the boiler temperature. Furthermore the temperature of falling water will also be lower than the temperature of water hitting the co...
by slo
Wed Apr 11, 2018 8:19 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

Thank you Chas for taking the time to follow up.
Mine has been running with a 20A feed for many years and no issues.
Just in case anyone had second thoughts about running on 20A...
by slo
Fri Apr 06, 2018 7:08 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

Thank you Chas.
CCS did not indicate which part of the tests it no longer pass?
by slo
Mon Jan 15, 2018 9:47 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions
Replies: 9
Views: 13581

Re: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions

I noticed something looking at the plumbing in the parts catalog, the expansion valve on the Mini does not drain in the drip tray like the VII but rather is plumbed back to the water inlet path! I guess it makes sense if you have to fill the water reservoir manually. Furthermore the expansion valve ...
by slo
Sun Jan 14, 2018 9:08 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions
Replies: 9
Views: 13581

Re: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions

I do not have a Mini but I can try to help. Are you referring to the valve seen in the left of this picture? Mini_V2_Owners_Manual_RevG 26.pdf Part 8582 of the parts catalog. RICAMBI S1 NEW 15.pdf Yes this is a pressure relief valve. And no, there should not be water coming out of it unless the boil...
by slo
Thu Jan 11, 2018 7:14 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

Thank again Chas. Hope that the ETL did not find something wrong with the design. Another point is that although the Dream may have passed the test, it is also now only available in 15 Amp. So it does not seem to be resolved by software. On the CCS site, only the Dream T is still available in 15 or ...
by slo
Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:02 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

Thank you Chas.
I am really curious about this.
by slo
Tue Jan 09, 2018 8:41 pm
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: My Set-Up
Replies: 1
Views: 20784

Re: My Set-Up

Welcome here

That is a nice set-up.
You, or someone in your family, is a big fan of flavored coffee?
That is a lot of variety!
by slo
Sun Jan 07, 2018 1:31 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16001

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

I did this test as well and got mostly steam with a little bit of water, does that sound right? You removed the whole valve from the group head and only got a bit of water while the line pressure is ON (Flojet active)? With your Flojet ON, you should get continuous flow from the group head port. If...
by slo
Sun Jan 07, 2018 1:22 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

See my note below in a other thread. There are electrical components that are only rated for 15 amps. I noticed your post and this is what reminded me that I saw earlier on H-B that CC's machine would now only be 15 Amp. How can you tell that the connectors are only 15 amp rated? FWIW, it has been ...
by slo
Sun Jan 07, 2018 11:15 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

No more 20 amp Vivaldi

Taken from the Chris Coffee website:

"As of August 2017, this machine can only be used in 15 amp mode but will continue to have a 20 amp plug on the machine, so a converter cord will be included with all Vivaldi machines."

Anybody knows why that is?
by slo
Sun Jan 07, 2018 10:31 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16001

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

If it is in fact the solenoid valve, if I were to remove that whole valve from the side of the grouphead, would water come out under line pressure? This would be the same test or better than removing the boiler inlet tube as I suggested. Sorry guys if I seem to be phased out from your discussion. I...
by slo
Sun Jan 07, 2018 10:25 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16001

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

Pretty sure the brew boiler is filling. I popped off the inlet to it and got water spurting out as it heated up. This means that the boiler is full but it does not mean that it fills with line pressure. When you had the water inlet off there should have been a flow out of the tube from the line (fl...
by slo
Sat Jan 06, 2018 7:46 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16001

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

If the group boiler fills (as stated), regardless of the pump working or not, when the group solenoid 3-way valve opens (when pushing the 1 or 2 cup button) there should be flow coming out the group under the flojet pressure. Yet there is no flow. I would think that either the 3-way valve is not ope...
by slo
Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:33 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47652

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

I was doing my routine cleaning of the group dispersion screen when I though about the silicone gasket. So I pull it out to look at it and check for general condition. To my continued amazement it is still nice and flexible 3 years after installation with the machine being ON 24/7. The only effect o...
by slo
Wed Jan 03, 2018 11:19 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

The gicleur screws into the output of the flowmeter. From there water flows directly to the group boiler. (Part # 276 on the drawing in an earlier post.) The gicleur that I was talking about is the one that is part of the steam boiler solenoid valve. The group pressure gauge is right at the output ...
by slo
Mon Jan 01, 2018 4:27 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

The group boiler fills automatically from line pressure. Therefore it should already be full when you turn the machine on. If the pump comes on as soon as your turn on the machine, that most likely means it is trying to fill the steam boiler. The only way this could cause the group pressure to chan...
by slo
Mon Jan 01, 2018 1:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

The left hand gauge gives you pump pressure and the right hand gauge gives you steam pressure. The steam gauge will not move, regardless of the pump being active, until there is pressure build up from the water being hot. If the left goes into the red, as you described, then I would think that the p...
by slo
Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:25 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: What type is the coffee boiler temp sensor?
Replies: 12
Views: 14286

Re: What type is the coffee boiler temp sensor?

I just measured the resistance of a brand new temperature sensor that I received from CC for the Vivaldi II, the new shorty type, and it measured at around 200K ohms at room temperature. I also confirm that the resistance decreases as the temperature increases. I am no expert in temperature sensor, ...
by slo
Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:13 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

Oh well! For some reason the steam boiler was set to an additional degree! I just reset it to 1 degree below the normal and the pressure is now stable around 1.25 (oscillate between 1.2 and 1.3) bar. I'll experiment with the setting to see where I like the steam power the best. I know that I still h...
by slo
Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:44 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

My machine as a mix of sensors installed; Stubby on the steam boiler and Well type on the brew boiler. Are they interchangeable one to one? I installed the new sensor on today and could not make a perfect seal even with enough teflon on the thread that I could not tighten it anymore. I am sure that ...
by slo
Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:14 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

OK. Follow up on CC, they tell me to put Teflon tape on the threads... The threads on the sensor are straight, not tapered. So theoretically the Teflon on threads is not the right way to do it. While there is a chance that it may work (for how long?) I am still thinking that the sensor should either...
by slo
Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:51 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam Boiler issues
Replies: 5
Views: 8378

Re: Steam Boiler issues

Did you resolve your problem?
by slo
Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:46 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

Ok, it is my turn to have a problem with the steam boiler temperature. The steam boiler overheat and the pressure reaches 1.5 bar. It is stable there Based on this, and other threads I have assumed a Temperature sensor problem. I took out the Temp sensor to look at it and it was covered by a fine la...
by slo
Mon Nov 27, 2017 11:29 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Group solenoid outlet tube blocked?
Replies: 2
Views: 4976

Re: Group solenoid outlet tube blocked?

If I understand things correctly, the copper you see at the end of the tube is normal. It should be there to prevent direct flow down that would splash with a lot of energy in the drip tray. The exit holes should be sideways and the larger tube redirect the flow down after taking the bulk of the ene...
by slo
Sat Dec 31, 2016 9:32 am
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: I'm Back In The Fold
Replies: 1
Views: 5799

Re: I'm Back In The Fold

Welcome back!
The Vivaldi is THE affordable double boiler to own.
Still no upgradatis to speak of on my side (full disclosure: I also have a number of lever machines...) :grin:
by slo
Sat Dec 03, 2016 5:08 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: High Pitch Sound
Replies: 4
Views: 10175

Re: High Pitch Sound

Maybe it is the "whirling fan"?
Do a search on noisy fan to find a fix if it is that.
Good luck.
by slo
Tue Feb 02, 2016 6:38 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: High Tech Steam Boiler Gasket call for interest
Replies: 9
Views: 25672

Re: High Tech Steam Boiler Gasket call for interest

Just saw the initial offer.
I have a full maintenance coming up and I assume that my gasket will look like yours.
I am in for a set.
by slo
Tue Jan 05, 2016 4:06 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47652

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

I am now around the 1 year mark and I just turned the gasket over and it now behaves like a new one.
Lets see if I get the sliddiong again .

I never got more than a year on a classical gasket. Based on this the silicone is definetly a better solution no matter how long it last from now on.
by slo
Mon Jan 04, 2016 7:31 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47652

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

I have noticed though that my portafilter rotates slightly during a shot. It frightened me at first, but it stops in time and doesn't really come close to falling out. So far. Funny but this happened to me also recently. I have been very laxed on the tightening since these gasket are softer to begi...
by slo
Sat Jul 25, 2015 11:18 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: removing portafilter basket
Replies: 24
Views: 34883

Re: removing portafilter basket

If you use the tip described by Chas you can reduce the friction created by the basket such that no tool is required to pull out the basket. Vivaldi PF spring modification..jpg I have circled the 3 bends that you need to do. Bend as much or as little as you want to get the right retention force you ...
by slo
Fri Jul 24, 2015 6:12 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Wood Side Panels
Replies: 35
Views: 63617

Re: Wood Side Panels

The image does not work for me... :-(
But if they are black we sure can talk.
by slo
Thu Jul 02, 2015 5:58 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Wood Side Panels
Replies: 35
Views: 63617

Re: Wood Side Panels

I dropped a cast iron skilled on one of my plastic side that resulted on a small crack. It is very small and barely visible but it always bugs me. I asked for a quote on a pair of replacement Plastic panels from CC. They quoted me $300.00 for a pair. It stopped there. I figured that I eventually wou...
by slo
Thu Jun 04, 2015 9:23 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47652

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

I also am on the first one. Although I has only been on for 6 months ...
The machine is on 24 -7 and there is still no sign of hardening.
My average with the traditional seal was between 6 to 12 months (and that is pushing the life to the limit...)
by slo
Sat Apr 04, 2015 8:30 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: New Doserless funnel on Mazzer Super Jolly
Replies: 9
Views: 19446

Re: New Doserless funnel on Mazzer Super Jolly

Thank you again.
I will probably get this funnel a chance.
Shipping to Canada is really a little over the top... :-?
by slo
Sat Apr 04, 2015 7:21 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: New Doserless funnel on Mazzer Super Jolly
Replies: 9
Views: 19446

Re: New Doserless funnel on Mazzer Super Jolly

Thank you for posting the pictures.
I am seriously considering this alternative since the price is so much better.
How is the fit on the body? The cylinder is larger than the Mazzer body right?
Doesn't the bead on the top rim prevent a proper attachment?
Thanks again
by slo
Mon Mar 30, 2015 6:30 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: Mazzer Upgrade
Replies: 11
Views: 15823

Re: Mazzer Upgrade

Thank you. I had done my search with "funnel coffee" and it did not come up in the top few hundred... I gave up an asked. I should have tried "funnel grinder"... It looks nice. Does the Mazzer doser lid fit well on top? Does he also do the backing plate? At this time there is non...
by slo
Sun Mar 29, 2015 7:03 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: Mazzer Upgrade
Replies: 11
Views: 15823

Re: Mazzer Upgrade

rhinoevans wrote:Very inexpensive funnel on eBay from a guy making them in Sacramento $85. Probably will pick one up just to experiment. $85 for nozzle and a back plate from Mazzer for $29.
Could you post a link to this offer?
I also have a SJ that could use a funnel.
by slo
Sat Jan 31, 2015 9:23 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: Mazzer Major Grocery model
Replies: 1
Views: 4813

Re: Mazzer Major Grocery model

Of course it can! The Major is a very good grinder with the large 83mm flat burrs. It has a very particular taste profile. Very different from the large conical. In my opinion, it is one of the best single dose grinder I have ever used; Fast and Consistent . That being said the grocery model will no...
by slo
Mon May 19, 2014 8:56 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Group Gasket group buy interest
Replies: 48
Views: 65480

Re: Silicone Group Gasket group buy interest

E-Mail sent.
I will take my 3 gaskets. :grin:
I just installed my last spare. For me it means I will need a replacement spare in about a year maybe less than that.
If the Silicone really last longer, I will be set for many years to come!
Thank you for this!
by slo
Sat Mar 29, 2014 10:51 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Group Gasket group buy interest
Replies: 48
Views: 65480

Re: Silicone Group Gasket group buy interest

I was away on business, just got in...

I certainly will take a three, more if it can help with the process and cost optimisation.
Red is a good color for me too.

Even if they are very stable thermally they will still wear. And I am not about to change my machine any time soon!
by slo
Fri Jun 21, 2013 6:18 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Not Refilling
Replies: 16
Views: 19204

Re: Steam Boiler Not Refilling

For my machine it was indeed at part #280 where the problem was. Without blocking the flow completely, the stuck valve was acting as a "gicleur" (flow restricter) enough to slow down the filling of the steam boiler (taking more than 1 minute and all that follows) after taking some hot wate...
by slo
Sat Jun 15, 2013 8:27 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Very loud steam boiler release
Replies: 6
Views: 9115

Re: Very loud steam boiler release

Just a completely useless quick note to let you know that it is nor because you did not get a response that we do not care... It is just that I do not seem to be wiser than you!
Can you give more details? I just cannot understand the scenario. We are not talking about the vacuum breaker here, right?
by slo
Sat Jun 15, 2013 7:40 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: Mazzer Hopper Trap Doors
Replies: 4
Views: 7775

Re: Mazzer Hopper Trap Doors

Mine only have a little plastic dot that prevent removal. It is only a matter of prying it out. I have done so before.
Since the part is sold alone and the Hopper cannot be taken apart there, I assume that brute force is the solution to your problem.
by slo
Sat Jun 08, 2013 8:04 am
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: stefanolo's Mini Vivaldi II
Replies: 6
Views: 13489

Re: stefanolo's Mini Vivaldi II

Hello Stefanolo and welcome. I will defer to others on advices specific to the Mini... but I agree that the no-burn, albeit the obvious advantage of the no-burn feature, is probably not the best steam arm. I keep on trying it on but removing it for the original steam arm. I never tried the longer S5...
by slo
Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:08 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Inserting the Portofilter to the Group is tight
Replies: 3
Views: 5836

Re: Inserting the Portofilter to the Group is tight

Like I wrote in another post recently:
The end position of the P/F should be at or before the 6 o'clock. I last changed the gasket about 3 months ago and the P/F seals at 6:30 or even 6:45 still.
by slo
Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:49 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Need A New Group Head Gasket
Replies: 16
Views: 16474

Re: Need A New Group Head Gasket

It is indeed sometime hard to get it in. Last change I did I put the gasket in the freezer for a while to get it to shrink. It does not shrink a lot but it does help with a hot machine to put it in. The end position of the P/F should be at or before the 6 o'clock. I last changed the gasket about 3 m...
by slo
Sun Mar 31, 2013 6:46 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Not Refilling
Replies: 16
Views: 19204

Re: Steam Boiler Not Refilling

Maybe it's just me, but when my espresso machine is acting up, my life is just plain out of kilter. I'm glad yours is back to being peachy. No, no! It is not just you. I too get all out of whack when I cannot get my espresso proper. But the espresso side was working, not great, but it was working. ...
by slo
Sat Mar 30, 2013 9:04 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Not Refilling
Replies: 16
Views: 19204

Re: Steam Boiler Not Refilling

Finally found the time and the patience to take the Vivaldi apart... Man is it ever hard to get at some of the plumbing parts in this machine!!! :evil: This morning the symptoms got really bad! The flow was down to a dribble!!! I had to do something. The suspected parts was indeed the cause of all m...
by slo
Sat Mar 30, 2013 8:08 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: HG-One Grinder?
Replies: 71
Views: 79170

Re: HG-One Grinder?

Endo wrote:...throw out your old theories about what a good shot should look like and simply thrust your taste.
Now that is good wisdom! ;-)
by slo
Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:55 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Another new owner... thank you forum!
Replies: 2
Views: 4545

Re: Another new owner... thank you forum!

Congratulation and Welcome!
Bring it on! :grin:
by slo
Mon Mar 18, 2013 9:00 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: New grinder in the house. . . Compak K10 Fresh
Replies: 9
Views: 14005

Re: New grinder in the house. . . Compak K10 Fresh

Although I recognise his knowledge and ability to put it into word, Your "buddy" is no friend of mine... :twisted: I agree with your ideas 100%, but in the reality of day to day use, it's a non-issue (at least for me); what comes out each time is close enough to what goes in each time, and...
by slo
Sun Mar 17, 2013 9:36 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: New grinder in the house. . . Compak K10 Fresh
Replies: 9
Views: 14005

Re: New grinder in the house. . . Compak K10 Fresh

I can't say that the burr chamber on my WBC and a Fresh are identical because I haven't looked inside a Fresh, but on mine, the sweeper under the lower burr has very close tolerances to the burr chamber that there's .5g tops in there. I hate to disagree with you Peter, but this is not entirely true...
by slo
Sat Mar 09, 2013 7:46 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Noob Questions
Replies: 18
Views: 18774

Re: Noob Questions

Also for the springs, instead of buying new springs you can also just make more bends in the straight sections. This reduces the retaining force. The more bends the least force.
I remove the basket for preparation easily before each shot.
by slo
Sat Mar 09, 2013 7:41 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Noob Questions
Replies: 18
Views: 18774

Re: Noob Questions

A lot of post have been made over the years about alternate drain solutions Here is the one where I presented my own take on it: http://www.s1cafe.com/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=610 A lot of Italian machine have a drain kit with a small catch basin under the main drip tray to drain out. I have found t...
by slo
Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:13 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: New Owner
Replies: 6
Views: 8218

Re: New Owner

Welcome! Actually, the second switch is for the optional programmable timer. If you do not use the timer, the switch MUST be on OFF. If it is ON without the timer being installed it will make the electronic go crazy and play tricks on you. Just flick it back. No arm done. Enjoy the machine and the f...
by slo
Tue Feb 19, 2013 8:40 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Not Refilling
Replies: 16
Views: 19204

Re: Steam Boiler Not Refilling

There isn't a 'correct' setting, but he suggest taking the tube off the boiler and dispensing water into a cup, and looking for a steady stream. I tried that when the problem was going on, and it would have a very short spurt and then go down to a dribble. My steam boiler is filling in the normal a...
by slo
Tue Feb 19, 2013 7:04 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Not Refilling
Replies: 16
Views: 19204

Re: Steam Boiler Not Refilling

Hello Peter. Thank you for sharing the pain! And I mean that most sincerely! I have a very similar issue on the my Vivaldi. Since this is my daily workhorse, plumbed in and drained out through the counter just over the the dishwasher machine the access to the plumbing is very difficult and there is ...
by slo
Sat Feb 16, 2013 2:15 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

I have been following this saga with interest but with nothing helpful to add so I did not interrupt with annoying useless comments. But now that everything is resolved I am glad that everything is back in working order for Zzyzx. And thank you to Chas for educating all of us on trouble shooting the...
by slo
Sat Jan 19, 2013 7:19 am
Forum: Dream and Dream T Common Feature Discussions
Topic: Dream vs GS/3 Throwdown
Replies: 50
Views: 51529

Re: Dream vs GS/3 Throwdown

Thank you Chas for this. I am eagerly reading and waiting for more on this. The GS/3 has been an option in my home for a while because my wife likes the looks of the machine better! I didn't share any information on pricing! ;-) I was and still remain skeptical that the differences will ever be such...
by slo
Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:40 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Need A New Group Head Gasket
Replies: 16
Views: 16474

Re: Need A New Group Head Gasket

If you look at the La Spaziale parts catalog they indeed offer 2 different thickness. I believe that Chas is correct in assuming that it is because of P/F ears wear. What I do not understand is the different diameters available? There have been a number of reports of people having a hell of a time ...
by slo
Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:19 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Need A New Group Head Gasket
Replies: 16
Views: 16474

Re: Need A New Group Head Gasket

If you look at the La Spaziale parts catalog they indeed offer 2 different thickness. I believe that Chas is correct in assuming that it is because of P/F ears wear. What I do not understand is the different diameters available? There have been a number of reports of people having a hell of a time g...
by slo
Sun Jan 13, 2013 9:54 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Need A New Group Head Gasket
Replies: 16
Views: 16474

Re: Need A New Group Head Gasket

I have measured both spare gasket that I currently hold. They both come out at 64.3 x 52.7 x 6.3 mm. I would guess that the 64 x 52 x 6.3 are the closest one. These are the gasket from the manufacturer (Canadian distributor in Montreal) with a LS molded on the gasket and the 4 notches on the perimet...
by slo
Sun Jan 13, 2013 9:00 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Need A New Group Head Gasket
Replies: 16
Views: 16474

Re: Need A New Group Head Gasket

Just to help you decide on the quantity you should buy. My experience has been that, leaving the machine ON 24/7, the P/F gasket needs a replacement on average every 6 months. In a drawer away from the sunlight and heat the will last many years. So it is worth to order a few at a time. I usually ord...
by slo
Sun Dec 30, 2012 12:36 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: porta filter stand?
Replies: 1
Views: 3698

Re: porta filter stand?

Congratulation and welcome!

A hockey puck!!
Very stable, simple and cheap.
by slo
Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:54 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: HG-One Grinder?
Replies: 71
Views: 79170

Re: HG-One Grinder?

Endo, two things about what you wrote: 1- Shortening the shaft support length by almost half could have been an issue indeed because any misalignment of the bearing has a larger impact on the burr alignment but in fact, I noticed no issue in re-aligning the grinder after the mod. 2- The Voodoodaddy ...
by slo
Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:17 am
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: Basket Improvements
Replies: 114
Views: 127204

Re: Basket Improvements

Chris Coffee has been shipping all their machines with the thinner dispersion disk for about 5 1/2 years. The thicker disk, which is still shipped in other countries, has the holes in a star pattern. The thinner disk has its holes in a circular pattern. You can see a photo of both side by side at t...
by slo
Sun Dec 02, 2012 8:38 am
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: Basket Improvements
Replies: 114
Views: 127204

Re: Basket Improvements

Thank you for the feedback. This would be indicative of a basket that creates a higher restriction on the flow than the original basket. This in itself should not be a problem other than people needing to adjust the grind and dose. As such these basket WILL have an effect on taste. I am more than ev...
by slo
Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:49 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: HG-One Grinder?
Replies: 71
Views: 79170

Re: HG-One Grinder?

Already have one of those! Unless you are willing to take a hit on it, I'll have to pass on your offer. But for everyone else, the Pharos is a great Espresso grinder if you are willing to do the hand grinding and the spanking and the ... or cough up and get the Voodoodaddy mod kit which I did. Stock...
by slo
Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:06 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: HG-One Grinder?
Replies: 71
Views: 79170

Re: HG-One Grinder?

Hey Endo! I just saw on the HG site that someone that lives in your neck of the woods had placed an order. I was wondering if it was you. Congratulation. Let us know out it turns out. I think that you are very right in thinking that the 83mm will have a better resale value and will be in higher dema...
by slo
Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:19 am
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: Basket Improvements
Replies: 114
Views: 127204

Re: Basket Improvements

Thank you for the feedback Richard. I have been itching to place an order on these. More crema and wetter puck.... could it be that there is more restriction from the basket? Smaller holes and an overall area restriction? When running the pump with water is the basket creating a restriction? Did you...
by slo
Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:09 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Minimum Warmup Time?
Replies: 16
Views: 26126

Re: Minimum Warmup Time?

Thank you for posting this graph Endo. As you suggest, running water while the heater is on will speed up the group head warm-up of the group head and using the blind (backflush) basket and leaving the hot water in contact with the group head for a while at every shot (you must empty the basket befo...
by slo
Mon Nov 05, 2012 6:54 pm
Forum: VII Day One Problems
Topic: Water under the drip tray!
Replies: 2
Views: 7702

Re: Water under the drip tray!

Well done.
I can tell you that I also had to bend the tube a bit to ensure that there was no spill.
You are not alone. And I love the machine too! :grin:
Welcome.
by slo
Sat Nov 03, 2012 8:01 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Increasing Cup Height
Replies: 12
Views: 15769

Re: Increasing Cup Height

Oh! I have thought about a lot! Every morning, I prepare a monster latte for my wife and I have to use the bottomless and even have to tip some of her big cups because they just don't fit under... I just never found an easy enough mod that will not look bad. I think that flipping over the grid would...
by slo
Sun Oct 28, 2012 9:05 pm
Forum: Roaster Equipment and Use
Topic: Roaster Choices for 2012
Replies: 36
Views: 35511

Re: Roaster Choices for 2012

By all means, this was not a complete description and it was barely touching the surface of what must be considered when buying (or making) a roaster. I must say that for a few friends and family, I roast 3 or 4 batches of 850 g of various coffee on the Cafemino with some smaller batches on the modi...
by slo
Sun Oct 28, 2012 8:32 am
Forum: Roaster Equipment and Use
Topic: Roaster Choices for 2012
Replies: 36
Views: 35511

Re: Roaster Choices for 2012

I have started roasting using a Popcorn popper a few years back. I started with an out-of-the box basic popper, then another, and another. I then modified them and complexified the set-up progressively over the years to get more control. In the end I had, and still have, a setup that was really good...
by slo
Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:38 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Basic questions
Replies: 6
Views: 7772

Re: Basic questions

I am not a big fan of Illy. And not only because it is a bit "aged" before it gets to us in the Americas . Just not my favorite style of espresso blend. The course might be interesting nonetheless. The effect of tamping is one or two order of magnitude less than the grind setting. You shou...
by slo
Sun Oct 21, 2012 3:18 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Double and naked portafilter problem
Replies: 11
Views: 17113

Re: Double and naked portafilter problem

In a standard double basket, a loose but even coffee bed that is skimmed straight on the edge of the basket is about 16-17g with a "normal" espresso grind setting. With this dose, if you have a 6 seconds shot, the grind setting is certainly too coarse!! Have you set the Vario-W to the espr...
by slo
Sun Oct 21, 2012 3:08 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Basic questions
Replies: 6
Views: 7772

Re: Basic questions

1) While it is not "absolutely required", I strongly recommend using a scale that gives you at least 0.1g resolution. I use the very same as this one (more than a year and still going. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mini-Electronic-Digital-LCD-Balance-Weight-Weighing-Scale-1000-0-1g-/310471717251?...
by slo
Sun Oct 21, 2012 10:44 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Double and naked portafilter problem
Replies: 11
Views: 17113

Re: Double and naked portafilter problem

In the single PF with the single basket, I load it with 14.2 - 14.6 g, and the grinder is set pretty fine, both settings 2 - 3 clicks from the top. Tamping it with the spring loaded Espro, I can consistently get 22 - 25 second pulls. The dose that are quoted make absolutely no sense!!! Here is what...
by slo
Fri Oct 19, 2012 6:06 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: New LaSpaziale
Replies: 2
Views: 5022

Re: New LaSpaziale

It may have been only a dream but I believe that Endo had a thread going on this very subject yesterday! :drunken:
Why it was removed is a mystery to me... and may be part of a larger plan to take over the world from La Spaziale!!! ;-)
by slo
Sun Aug 26, 2012 8:02 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: 9 bar or 11 bar?
Replies: 14
Views: 19030

Re: 9 bar or 11 bar?

If a vibe pump can keep up the desired flow at 9 bar you don't need any more pressure. That might just be it. Maybe their pump cannot provide the proper flow when set at 9 bar but can when set at 11 bar. Nonetheless showing the pump and talking about the size of it as a reason is just ignorance or ...
by slo
Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:34 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: HG-One Grinder?
Replies: 71
Views: 79170

Re: HG-One Grinder?

I have been interested from the moment that it was announced!!! :grin: I am sure that, barring an outrageous pricing ( I mean even more outrageous that the pre-announced $850! :shock:), I will finally break and order a 83mm. This might just be the perfect single dosing grinder for me. The cradle wou...
by slo
Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:00 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: cost of 20 amp dedicated line
Replies: 8
Views: 10797

Re: cost of 20 amp dedicated line

If this can help, having recently installed a dedicated 240 Vac line in the garage for my coffee roaster, I consider the price tag that you received very resonnable. The 20 Amp wire, new breaker and wall outlet are well worth over $100.00 in material cost. Having a 20 Amp outlet in the kitchen may n...
by slo
Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:00 pm
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: Basket Improvements
Replies: 114
Views: 127204

Re: Basket Improvements

Will reserve final thanks until you give them a shot or 10 but preliminary thanks anyway.

How are the ridges, if any?
Pictures maybe?
by slo
Thu Jun 14, 2012 5:48 am
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: Basket Improvements
Replies: 114
Views: 127204

Re: Basket Improvements

I'll be very interested in the Astoria basket as well!
Make sure to keep us posted! :bounce:
by slo
Thu May 10, 2012 6:11 am
Forum: S1 General Q&A
Topic: Help.. need to adjust pressure valve on S1
Replies: 3
Views: 8895

Re: Help.. need to adjust pressure valve on S1

Adjusting the pump pressure is really easy. It just looks more than it is. All you need to do is remove the drip tray and remove the front panel. You now have full access to the pump adjustment. All you need to do is loosen the nut on the adjustment screw (hold the screw in place, to prevent it from...
by slo
Thu May 03, 2012 6:21 am
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Naked portafilter--how many grams
Replies: 4
Views: 11786

Re: Naked portafilter--how many grams

The bottomless portafilter seems to hold over 20 grams. The new Bottomless that CC sells now comes with a triple basket It can hold more than 20 grams without any contact with the screen bolt. I have used this basket a lot with oversize doses. By oversize, I mean anything above 15.5g, which is the ...
by slo
Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:19 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Back flush procedure
Replies: 22
Views: 17862

Re: Back flush procedure

... I wouldn't call turning a screw a "tear down". I didn't mean it in a major chore kind of way. It is no big deal to take the screw off. I should take the screen off and soak it every week but there is not much to be cleaned really that the weekly backflush does not take away. To each i...
by slo
Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:17 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivalde II fuse problem
Replies: 8
Views: 9441

Re: Vivalde II fuse problem

Although Endo's answer is pretty sharp, so is your problem. The short, if it is a short, may be just about anywhere.
You will ave to try to isolate the problem... I would not want to be in your shoes. :-(
by slo
Tue Apr 17, 2012 5:49 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Back flush procedure
Replies: 22
Views: 17862

Re: Back flush procedure

Although it cannot be ascertained scientifically, there has been a few instances where the 3 way valve started leaking and a (numerous) good soaking back flush has cleared the problem. So it seem to demonstrate that there is a benefit. For sure, back flushing with clean disk and diffuser is the most...
by slo
Sat Mar 24, 2012 4:01 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: compak K10WBC
Replies: 44
Views: 47538

Re: compak K10WBC

I keep trying various blends in my Major but I always switch back to the K10 next shot. The Major does make a kick ass Decaf grinder though. For me it is the B-Vario that is in Decaf duty now. If I were a single dose grinder I would probably settle on a conical for the ease of switching between dif...
by slo
Sat Mar 24, 2012 3:47 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Any possibility a ridgeless basket exists?
Replies: 7
Views: 10626

Re: Any possibility a ridgeless basket exists?

Same here, I bent the springs to allow easy removal.
But the triple baskets that I bought show very shallow ridging that could be almost be called ridgeless.
by slo
Sat Mar 24, 2012 3:43 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: I've joined the group
Replies: 17
Views: 15322

Re: I've joined the group

Maybe the US, but not Canada. I got my S1 V1 Mini from the long time LaSpaziale distributor in Montreal called "Cafe Union". This is accurate. Cafe Union still sell the S1 so are a few other La Spaziale distributors. I believe that the only exclusivity that Chris Coffee has on the S1 is t...
by slo
Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:38 pm
Forum: Green Beans & Their Roasting
Topic: Ordering from Sweet Marias from Canada
Replies: 7
Views: 10875

Re: Ordering from Sweet Marias from Canada

peter wrote:Sylvain, Whale, can vouch for the coffee as he helped us cup them.
As a side note, I am called SLO here, unlike just about every other coffee sites as for some reason I was permitted "Whale".
by slo
Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:02 am
Forum: Green Beans & Their Roasting
Topic: Ordering from Sweet Marias from Canada
Replies: 7
Views: 10875

Re: Ordering from Sweet Marias from Canada

:grin: I certainly encourage anyone that lives in Montreal to get the 3 Coffees that Miroslav is distributing. :grin: I pick the coffee directly at his place, in Boucherville, so there is no shipping cost for me. The quality of the coffee is far above the average from Greenbeanerie. The coffee is so...
by slo
Tue Feb 21, 2012 6:15 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: do you regularly drain water from steam boiler?
Replies: 12
Views: 12174

Re: do you regularly drain water from steam boiler?

MIne has one as well.
by slo
Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:10 pm
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: New toy
Replies: 16
Views: 16784

Re: New toy

Your machine does have no steam boiler fan...right? (That's the most significant change on the new machines). How is this a most significant change? How is it important? (Edit: although I do recognise that it is a an improvement). It would not difference to me what so ever! All the cosmetic change,...
by slo
Thu Feb 16, 2012 6:41 pm
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Drinking temperature
Replies: 10
Views: 14126

Re: Drinking temperature

Just curious. ..did you ever read brewing instructions on a bag of espresso (or website) where they actually recommend adding sugar? If so, how much? I can't remember ever reading anything, but I may be wrong. The Italians do not write brewing instruction on the bags of coffee in Italy (that I know...

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