Search found 3020 matches

by chas
Sat Jan 26, 2019 4:36 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Hiss from boiler pressure relief valve
Replies: 8
Views: 12312

Re: Hiss from boiler pressure relief valve

Glad to hear it. I've never had any problems with that part on the machines I have owned so I didn't know how repairable the OPV was.
by chas
Sat Jan 26, 2019 4:16 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26574

Re: water overflow s1

BTW: The top of the boiler has an Over Pressure Valve (OPV) and a Vacuum Breaker Valve (VBV). The way you decribe the "Pressure Valve" is the way the Vacuum Breaker Valve is supposed to work. So if you are really talking about the VBV you are OK. And since it doesn't close until the Boiler...
by chas
Sat Jan 26, 2019 4:07 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26574

Re: water overflow s1

There's a water level sensor that sticks down into the top of the boiler. When water hits the end of the sensor, a current flows through the water to the boiler sides which are grounded. The control board detects this current flow, and turns off the pump and the solenoid valve. Due to the way this w...
by chas
Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: How Much Teflon Tape To Use?
Replies: 1
Views: 4062

Re: How Much Teflon Tape To Use?

I would think 2 wraps should do it. Trying tightening the nuts first. If that doesn't work try 3 wraps.
by chas
Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Hiss from boiler pressure relief valve
Replies: 8
Views: 12312

Re: Hiss from boiler pressure relief valve

You need a new valve.
by chas
Mon Jan 21, 2019 9:43 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15741

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

Here are the next two things I did when I had solenoid problems. 1) Disconnect solenoid cable. Press the one-cup or two-cup button. Check the solenoid cable contacts using an AC voltmeter. You should see 115VAC across the leads. If not either the cable to the controller board is bad or else a relay ...
by chas
Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:18 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15741

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

There was another person on the forum that had a similar problem with their group solenoid. I gave him instructions on removing the power connector from the solenoid and checking for 110V AC on the connector leads while it was removed and one of the coffee buttons pressed. However, as soon as he rem...
by chas
Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:05 am
Forum: Coffee Beans, Grinders, & Roasters
Topic: Ethiopia Roasted there and packaged
Replies: 4
Views: 13150

Re: Ethiopia Roasted there and packaged

Looks good though I think they should remove the words "slow roasted" from the bag. This is usually not considered a good thing in coffee roasting.
by chas
Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:45 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26574

Re: water overflow s1

If you're still just trying to track down that leak, you only need to be removing a couple of fittings from the top of the boiler. Putting them back only requires Teflon tape wrapped around the threads. You should only need to remove the top of the boiler if you plan to descale. If you are planning ...
by chas
Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:49 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: automatic dosing not working
Replies: 7
Views: 8914

Re: automatic dosing not working

There was a period where the LaSpaziale folks were obviously not doing a good job cleaning out those metal shavings while they were drilling and tapping the holes in the various mechanisms during assembly. Around the time you got your machine a lot of S1 buyers were having this issue. LaSpaziale pro...
by chas
Wed Dec 26, 2018 9:48 am
Forum: WELCOME TO THE S1CAFE
Topic: V2 and V2 Mini Users Manual Updates
Replies: 0
Views: 15941

V2 and V2 Mini Users Manual Updates

Yesterday I uploaded new versions of the V2 and V2 Mini Manuals which include the ribbon cable pinouts between the controller board and the front panel. Click the "Other S1 Websites" link at upper left, then the "LaSpaziale S1V2 and V2 Mni Website" link on the next page. Then you...
by chas
Fri Dec 21, 2018 11:09 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini won't pump water...
Replies: 7
Views: 11050

Re: Mini won't pump water...

Here is my preferred method to descale - assuming you don't want to do the option where you remove the boilers for descaling. 1) Remove a fitting from the top of each boiler, inserting a thin vinyl tube, and siphoning the water out of each boiler. Best option for the group boiler is the threaded plu...
by chas
Fri Dec 21, 2018 10:39 am
Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
Topic: Steam boiler over pressureizing
Replies: 1
Views: 13692

Re: Steam boiler over pressureizing

Any luck with this yet? If not, does the steam boiler wait to start heating from cold until the group boiler has heated up or does it start heating immediately. Also did you completely disconnect the temp sensors before ohming them out? Neither reading sounds right for that temperature range. BTW: I...
by chas
Wed Dec 19, 2018 9:21 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini won't pump water...
Replies: 7
Views: 11050

Re: Mini won't pump water...

I couldn't help but notice that when either of the included links are clicked, the left side of the page that comes up includes additional "How to" links with descriptions and photos about doing most all common maintenance items. These cover probably 90% of the issues reported on this foru...
by chas
Tue Dec 18, 2018 8:42 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini won't pump water...
Replies: 7
Views: 11050

Re: Mini won't pump water...

Well the blinking Boiler light you got indicates that the Steam Boiler tried to refill itself and, when it wasn't done within 60 seconds, the machine shuts off. However, you are also having issues with getting water through the group . The only common parts of the hardware for both issues would seem...
by chas
Sun Dec 09, 2018 6:40 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26574

Re: water overflow s1

Have you been able to get a handle on your specific issue yet?
by chas
Fri Dec 07, 2018 6:06 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26574

Re: water overflow s1

There are 3 ways that water can escape the steam boiler. 1) Loose hose or fitting 2) Vacuum Breaker Valve 3) Pressure Release Valve. You can probably rule out #1 since that issue would likely leak continually. The VBV, assuming it is working correctly, can only leak before the water comes to a boil....
by chas
Tue Nov 27, 2018 11:55 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Modification Timer, Wifi, manual dose,...
Replies: 47
Views: 70348

Re: Modification Timer, Wifi, manual dose,...

What "image" are you talking about? I am not aware of any images in this entire thread. There is one link to a lengthy German Wiki which Google Translate does a pretty good job of converting. Then there is also a link entitled: http:/vivaldi:631 which is what you use to communicate with th...
by chas
Fri Nov 02, 2018 5:20 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi S1 - can’t maintain group pressure
Replies: 6
Views: 8366

Re: Mini Vivaldi S1 - can’t maintain group pressure

What's the point of "wheee"?
by chas
Wed Oct 31, 2018 8:25 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi S1 - can’t maintain group pressure
Replies: 6
Views: 8366

Re: Mini Vivaldi S1 - can’t maintain group pressure

Looks like you haven't gotten any responses. You might want to call tech support at Chris Coffee Service. Since they are the regional distributors for this machine, they really don't seem to care if you bought it from them. I've never owned a mini. I can usually help Mini owners anyway since 80% of ...
by chas
Wed Oct 31, 2018 8:10 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.
Replies: 7
Views: 10032

Re: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.

The pump doesn't provide the entire set pressure. It actually provides the boost needed to get from incoming line pressure up to the set pressure. So if you have the pressure set to 9bar and your house pressure is 5 bar, then the pump actually produces 4 bar on top of the 5 bar to get you up to 9 ba...
by chas
Tue Oct 30, 2018 10:42 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.
Replies: 7
Views: 10032

Re: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.

After you raised the pump pressure to set the expansion valve did you set it back down to 9 bar?
by chas
Tue Oct 30, 2018 9:34 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.
Replies: 7
Views: 10032

Re: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.

Give it a try. You may find that both boilers work fine with the temp sensors swapped. If the swapped one fails in the group boiler the effect will be that the expansion valve repeatedly opens up and dumps hot water into your drip tray, but it won't damage the boiler. Of course, should that happen, ...
by chas
Tue Oct 30, 2018 9:15 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.
Replies: 7
Views: 10032

Re: Rebuild... Vivaldi S1. Safety valve blowing off.

1) It's just a fluke that the steam boiler problem happened right after you adjusted the expansion valve since the expansion valve is an adjustment for the group boiler. There is no interaction between the two. 2) What you referred to as the contact thermostat LaSpaziale calls the thermal breaker. I...
by chas
Sun Oct 21, 2018 6:25 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)
Replies: 6
Views: 7735

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)

BTW: Someone a couple years back discovered an undocumented button combination that allows the user to make small adjustments in the steam pressure. This is documented in the latest VII User's Manual update. If you want to try that you can find the manual by first clicking on the "Other S1 Webs...
by chas
Sun Oct 21, 2018 6:16 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)
Replies: 6
Views: 7735

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)

There's Teflon collar around the water level rod. It compresses / shrinks with age and then the water pressure can slowly push the rod up. And your picture did make it look higher than it should have been. It doesn't take much.
by chas
Sun Oct 21, 2018 11:41 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)
Replies: 6
Views: 7735

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)

One other thing to check. The coffee boiler should come up to temp before the steam boiler even turns on. Is this happening or is the water leaking out of the steam boiler before the coffee boiler reaches temp? If the steam boiler starts heating right away before the coffee boiler is up to temp, you...
by chas
Sun Oct 21, 2018 11:37 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)
Replies: 6
Views: 7735

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - steam boiler issue (overflow)

The VBV sputtering and then pressure jumping up when it closes is normal. However, when everything is correct the pressure should never be higher than 1.6Bar. 1.3-1.6B is the range I've seen on all S1's. The Pressure Relief Valve should pop open around 4Bar. I know the pressure gauge for steam only ...
by chas
Tue Oct 16, 2018 4:54 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini vivaldi - Steam Boiler problem
Replies: 9
Views: 11381

Re: Mini vivaldi - Steam Boiler problem

In order to get to the area where you can access those locations, you need to remove the top, sides, and read cover in the order below. 1) Top warming tray - one screw, front middle 2) Side Panels - with top tray removed you can access the two top screws on each side, there is one knurled knob on th...
by chas
Tue Oct 09, 2018 10:54 am
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Pump gauge starting at 7bar
Replies: 3
Views: 6865

Re: Pump gauge starting at 7bar

I should have mentioned one other important item. Even though this may not have been the cause of your gauge failure, the #1 cause is dropping or excess jarring of the gauge. Since you don't know what the shipper has done with the gauge enroute to your house, always check that the new gauge is prope...
by chas
Sun Oct 07, 2018 1:04 pm
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Pump gauge starting at 7bar
Replies: 3
Views: 6865

Re: Pump gauge starting at 7bar

The way to "reset" the pressure gauge is to buy a new one! What you're describing is the typical failure mode of the pressure gauges.
by chas
Sat Sep 29, 2018 9:09 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Melting plastic from wiring at terminal block
Replies: 3
Views: 6179

Re: Melting plastic from wiring at terminal block

Yes, I've had this happen to the element connectors on top of the steam boiler multiple times but never in this location. Usually the cause is moisture getting into the copper strands between the crimp connector and where the insulation starts. This causes the wire resistance to increase which makes...
by chas
Mon Sep 17, 2018 11:01 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]

That shouldn't be a problem since the power cord was unplugged before measuring. However, the measurement does need to be made with the wire to the water level sensor disconnected. These days all semi-conductor inputs include a protection diode to prevent an external voltage from blowing out the inp...
by chas
Tue Sep 11, 2018 8:35 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gaskets Available for La Spaziale, Slayer, La Marzocco, Synesso, Mavam
Replies: 1
Views: 6152

Re: Silicone Gaskets Available for La Spaziale, Slayer, La Marzocco, Synesso, Mavam

Steve:

I'm a bit confused by these posts. Are you making different sizes for all these machines or just recommending to force fit the LaSpaziale gaskets on all machines?
by chas
Sat Sep 01, 2018 2:15 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Wood Steam Knobs for LaSpaziale???
Replies: 4
Views: 7190

Re: Wood Steam Knobs for LaSpaziale???

Have him make you a matching portafilter handle while you're at it.
by chas
Sat Sep 01, 2018 12:14 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Wood Steam Knobs for LaSpaziale???
Replies: 4
Views: 7190

Re: Wood Steam Knobs for LaSpaziale???

This post is over 9 years old but it might be worth checking to see if he's still doing this:
https://www.home-barista.com/marketplac ... 10642.html
by chas
Fri Aug 31, 2018 3:56 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]

Negative resistance is not possible. I assume you are taking all your ohm readings with the machine off and unplugged. Otherwise all bets are off. Have you tried filling the tank with tap water instead of running it through the Brita filter? Both the S1 Dream and my GS/3 have water level probe sensi...
by chas
Thu Aug 30, 2018 5:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]

The bolt should be to the boiler but I will check when I get home. Instead of running another wire, can I just move the water level ground wire so that it's connect to the same bolt as the boiler ground? I was thinking my way would be easier as a test before moving the wire. However, now that I loo...
by chas
Thu Aug 30, 2018 2:58 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]

More questions about the Mini since I don't own one.... 1) The first photo shows the ground wire from the water level probe bolted to the side chassis frame. 2) The second photo shows the main large ground wire bolted to the chassis on the front off the frame. Where does that bolt in the second phot...
by chas
Tue Aug 28, 2018 8:14 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]

I have no experience with a Mini. On the plumbed version, there are 8 bolts around the perimeter of the boiler lid that hold it on. Under one of those is a large ground wire that connects directly to the ground bolt at the rear left of the machine and also the smaller ground wire that is for the wat...
by chas
Sun Aug 26, 2018 9:12 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]

I don't have any other recommendations. The controller board is the only thing left that you have not tried. However, if it is the controller board, you will be the only person in almost 15 years on this forum that has had their controller board fail. Of course, there is a first time for everything....
by chas
Fri Aug 24, 2018 1:48 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]

You aren't using distilled or RO water are you? Too low mineral content in the water will cause the water level sensor to not work properly.
by chas
Sun Aug 19, 2018 9:57 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?
Replies: 8
Views: 10196

Re: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?

I wouldn't worry about using any kind of insulated O crimp connectors on the large green wire since it's just a ground wire, After all it just connects to the exposed metal shell of the steam boiler. I know what you mean about the skinny wire. It's much easier to find solid core insulated wired of t...
by chas
Sat Aug 18, 2018 1:21 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?
Replies: 8
Views: 10196

Re: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?

There are no specs. Your algorithm sounds good. You definitely don't want any of those bolts to break off. If after you are done you still hear the hiss of escaping steam around the boiler lid, don't tighten any of the bolts more than about 1/8th turn at a time. My lid was loose once and about 1/8th...
by chas
Sat Aug 18, 2018 8:43 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?
Replies: 8
Views: 10196

Re: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?

BTW: Are you missing a bolt on the left side or did you just temporarily remove it? Hopefully, it didn't break off. If so you probably need to tap it out and rethread the hole. If all the bolts aren't in place and tightened in a uniform manner you will end up with a steam leak even if the gasket und...
by chas
Sat Aug 18, 2018 8:40 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?
Replies: 8
Views: 10196

Re: [Electrical] La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi - Possible to save/repair this cable?

That's a new one. Usually it the main power leads to the boiler heater element that fry. I've never seen it happen to the ground wires. The fat green wire is the main boiler ground wire. It goes to the nut that terminates all the main ground wires at the left rear lower corner when looking at it fro...
by chas
Wed Aug 15, 2018 9:29 am
Forum: Dream T Day One Issues
Topic: New machine with a slight leak
Replies: 8
Views: 14264

Re: New machine with a slight leak

Unless LaSpaziale has changed the way the gauge connects in the last few years, there is a coil of very thin copper tubing that goes between one of the pipes from the group boiler over to the pressure gauge. I would first check to see if this tubing has been kinked. If so, you probably need to repla...
by chas
Wed Aug 08, 2018 9:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help.

You're right. There's not much that can fail with the sensor itself. The problem is usually: 1) Bad electrical connection at either end of the wire (unplugged, loose, oxidized contacts, etc.) 2) Mineral deposits on the sensor 3) Sensor not pushed down all the way 4) Mineral content of water, too low...
by chas
Wed Aug 08, 2018 6:16 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help.

yes and yes. Also I assume you are not using distilled or reverse osmosis water since that will not allow the water level sensor to work correctly.
by chas
Wed Aug 08, 2018 4:52 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38648

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help.

Sounds like a malfunctioning water level sensor to me. Since it worked right before you started messing with other things in its general vicinity, perhaps you partially or completely unplugged the sensor. You might try first to unplug it and then plug it back it to see if that fixes things. Also, th...
by chas
Thu Aug 02, 2018 12:34 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling (RESOLVED)
Replies: 8
Views: 11302

Re: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling (Unresolved Update)

Unscrew the end of the hot water outlet. It is just like a sink faucet where you unscrew the end and there is a filter screen there. WIth luck you just have a clogged screen. For grins you should try pulling hot water with that screen and screw on end completely removed. From there it is just a stra...
by chas
Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:58 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling (RESOLVED)
Replies: 8
Views: 11302

Re: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling (Unresolved Update)

Is the boiler heating up and producing steam? Do you ever hear the steam boiler refill solenoid click on? If not or if you're not sure, there are two things you can try to check it out? 1) With the S1 unplugged and an AC voltmeter in hand, remove the power connector from the solenoid. Turn on the ma...
by chas
Tue Jul 31, 2018 5:12 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling (RESOLVED)
Replies: 8
Views: 11302

Re: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling (Unresolved Update)

It sounds like the hot water dispense solenoid is coming on OK. However, water actually needs to flow out to the point that the boiler water sensor signals the need to refill the boiler. Then the refill solenoid should engage and the pump should turn on. While checking the water line into the boiler...
by chas
Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:20 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: crema, crema, crema
Replies: 7
Views: 11235

Re: crema, crema, crema

There are two other things that can affect crema. 1) If there is residual detergent in a machine that will kill crema since that breaks down the oils that get frothed into crema 2) The higher the machine pressure with all else constant, the more crema. So either your S1 is set too low or the other m...
by chas
Thu Jul 19, 2018 4:57 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: crema, crema, crema
Replies: 7
Views: 11235

Re: crema, crema, crema

The amount of crema is normally a function of how fresh your beans are.
by chas
Sat Jul 14, 2018 8:01 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini vivaldi - Steam Boiler problem
Replies: 9
Views: 11381

Re: Mini vivaldi - Steam Boiler problem

Yes, the photos will be different than your machine. They are of my machine and I've never owned a Mini. The Mini may not have a screen. At any rate it sounds like you've found the clog. I've never had to replace that plastic tubing so I don't know what size it is or who might carry it. The very ear...
by chas
Thu Jul 12, 2018 8:44 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini vivaldi - Steam Boiler problem
Replies: 9
Views: 11381

Re: Mini vivaldi - Steam Boiler problem

You have a water line blockage in the water refill path going into the boiler. The machine will not allow you to pump water out if new water doesn't flow in so that the heater element is not longer immersed in water. In that case the heater element would fry itself. Usually mineral blockage in this ...
by chas
Thu Jul 12, 2018 8:42 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling or Dispensing Water
Replies: 1
Views: 3692

Re: Mini Vivaldi II Steam Boiler Not Refilling or Dispensing Water

You have a water line blockage in the water refill path going into the boiler. The machine will not allow you to pump water out if new water doesn't flow in so that the heater element is not longer immersed in water. In that case the heater element would fry itself. Usually mineral blockage in this ...
by chas
Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:01 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Rotary Pump Rebuild; Finally did it.........Updated with step by step how to and photos & video
Replies: 33
Views: 208836

Re: Rotary Pump Rebuild; Finally did it.........Updated with step by step how to and photos & video

What standard tool that I might already have can be used in place of the internal bearing puller?
by chas
Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:52 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Nothing happens when I try to brew!
Replies: 3
Views: 5824

Re: Nothing happens when I try to brew!

Glad to hear it. Welcome back to the world of espresso.
by chas
Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:15 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Nothing happens when I try to brew!
Replies: 3
Views: 5824

Re: Nothing happens when I try to brew!

The controller board is designed to run in V1 or V2 mode. Three yellow lights when first plugged in indicates the controller board is in V2 mode. Three green lights indicates the board is in V1 mode. So three yellow lights is correct for your machine. The most likely cause, given you were in there r...
by chas
Sun Jun 17, 2018 12:07 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Hissing from the vacuum breaker - Dream
Replies: 2
Views: 4348

Re: Hissing from the vacuum breaker - Dream

I haven't had much luck cleaning mine. I usually end up buying a new one about once a year.
by chas
Tue Jun 05, 2018 7:29 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error
Replies: 13
Views: 25566

Re: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error

It's great to hear that you are back up and running. You had already done most of the troubleshooting work by eliminating everything it could be except the solenoid. You're additional troubleshooting yesterday made it clear that the problem had to be in the connector. And the fix ended up being free...
by chas
Tue Jun 05, 2018 7:25 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature
Replies: 9
Views: 10729

Re: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature

Actually for the first 5 minutes after turning on the machine (prior to the alarm occurring) you should have still had 118V on the coffee boiler leads even if the temp probe was bad. This is because it takes the controller board that long to figure out that something isn't working right. If you have...
by chas
Mon Jun 04, 2018 4:17 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error
Replies: 13
Views: 25566

Re: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error

I'm not saying this the way you should go, unless you have spare cash lying around, but I did find one website albeit in the UK that sells just the replacement covers. For your situation what that tells me is that this part does come off, hopefully easily, so that you can just bypass it as I noted i...
by chas
Mon Jun 04, 2018 4:07 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error
Replies: 13
Views: 25566

Re: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error

It's possible that one of the contacts in that connector was barely making contact and it finally arced and burned away the connector so that you aren't really making contact when plugged in or else a wire is broken somewhere in that connector. Alternately, perhaps whatever holds one of the connecto...
by chas
Mon Jun 04, 2018 11:03 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error
Replies: 13
Views: 25566

Re: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error

If you determine that the solenoid still works, it may be possible to disassemble and clean the valve itself. I have found that I need to complete remove the valve, stick it in a vise, and then really torque on the nut to get the valve loose from the body. But if you can get it free then there is no...
by chas
Mon Jun 04, 2018 10:13 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error
Replies: 13
Views: 25566

Re: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error

That's possible, if being stuck is the problem. BTW: I've never seen one so mucked up that the solenoid couldn't open it. The more frequent problem is that gunk in the valve prevents it from closing all the way and then it leaks constantly. But there's always a first time for everything!
by chas
Mon Jun 04, 2018 10:06 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature
Replies: 9
Views: 10729

Re: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature

In that case, this line from the alarm description is key: If the group water temperature does not exceed 60°C within 5 minutes of turning the unit on, this alarm will also occur. In other words you will also get this alarm if your coffee boiler's heater element has failed. With the power off and th...
by chas
Mon Jun 04, 2018 9:53 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error
Replies: 13
Views: 25566

Re: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error

Sounds like you've narrowed it down then. However, it could be 1) No voltage to the solenoid 2) solenoid dead 3) valve stuck really bad. Of these #2 is the most likely but it's worth checking the other two. The S1 has a screw on, covered electrical connector. With that screw removed, unplug the conn...
by chas
Sun Jun 03, 2018 10:21 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error
Replies: 13
Views: 25566

Re: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Flow error

Do you hear the 3-way valve solenoid click when you press the one-cup or two-cup buttons?
by chas
Fri Jun 01, 2018 9:42 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: sticky water tank!
Replies: 3
Views: 7117

Re: sticky water tank!

Glad you figured it out. I've never owned a Mini so I had no ideas for you.
by chas
Mon May 28, 2018 9:43 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available
Replies: 52
Views: 86051

Re: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available

In that case I guess this is the perferred contact method: steve96822@hotmail.com

I bought three several years back. I can't remember how much they cost but I remember them being cheaper than 3 regular gaskets plus shipping. Which is still the case based on CCS pricing.
by chas
Sat May 26, 2018 10:28 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available
Replies: 52
Views: 86051

Re: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available

Did you use the GMail address to contact him?
by chas
Wed May 16, 2018 10:47 am
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale Dream - issues Hot Water Solenoid valve
Replies: 2
Views: 8048

Re: La Spaziale Dream - issues Hot Water Solenoid valve

It sounds like the solenoid has an internal short circuit so cleaning it will not help. If you don't need hot water go ahead and leave the solenoid unplugged so that someone doesn't accidentally try to use it.
by chas
Tue May 15, 2018 10:12 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: sticky steam control
Replies: 1
Views: 5054

Re: sticky steam control

by chas
Tue May 15, 2018 8:11 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Dream Steam Boiler overfill - FIXED!
Replies: 8
Views: 13765

Re: Dream Steam Boiler overfill - FIXED!

The Vacuum Breaker Valve is the one you have labelled as "valve opens while heating up". Actually it opens while cooling down and closes again while heating when it is working correctly. True to it's name, it opens while cooling to prevent a partial vacuum from forming in the boiler. When ...
by chas
Mon Apr 23, 2018 10:42 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature
Replies: 9
Views: 10729

Re: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature

This doesn't sound like an issue that has been previously reported or resolved on this forum. The first thing you should do it take all the covers off and be sure that the cables between the controller box and the front panel are not loose. There seems to be an issue with either the controller or th...
by chas
Thu Apr 19, 2018 1:36 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature
Replies: 9
Views: 10729

Re: Machine not reaching temperature

On steady or blinking?
by chas
Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:39 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Mini Machine not reaching temperature
Replies: 9
Views: 10729

Re: Machine not reaching temperature

If the group boilers don't start heating within 5 minutes after turning the machine on you should be getting a specific alarm and it sounds like you aren't. Therefore, there's a chance that your controller board has gotten itself in a weird state and needs to be reset. The only way to do that is to ...
by chas
Fri Apr 06, 2018 10:36 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: water hardness & Phosphate
Replies: 12
Views: 12367

Re: water hardness & Phosphate

I can't help you there. You already know more about water softening than I do.
by chas
Fri Apr 06, 2018 10:35 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20283

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

I have no idea which test didn't pass. I also received more info from Chris. He only originally asked for certification on the plumbed S1 and therefore requested LaSpaziale to mod the plumbed version for 15A only. However, it appears they also made the Mini 15A only. Now he's waiting to find out if ...
by chas
Fri Apr 06, 2018 9:56 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Corroded Steam Boiler/Connectors
Replies: 6
Views: 8369

Re: Corroded Steam Boiler/Connectors

Had you already cleaned or replaced the Vacuum Breaker Valve on this machine? It's the only clean, shiny part on the whole boiler!
by chas
Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:24 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20283

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

Chris finally answered my email. He says that the only machine that he paid to have ETL/NSF certified was the plumbed Vivaldi 2 because he also rents and sells that machine to light commercial customers that require the certification. Recently they tightened the spec so that the Vivaldi 2 no longer ...
by chas
Thu Apr 05, 2018 6:56 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Corroded Steam Boiler/Connectors
Replies: 6
Views: 8369

Re: Corroded Steam Boiler/Connectors

I missed the fine print on Amazon. Even though $23.00 is 10x the cost of one terminal on the other website, you get a package of 50. Of course if you only need 3 at $2.30 from the other site so it may still be cheaper depending on their shipping cost. If you have Amazon Prime there is no shipping co...
by chas
Thu Apr 05, 2018 6:47 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Corroded Steam Boiler/Connectors
Replies: 6
Views: 8369

Re: Corroded Steam Boiler/Connectors

I can't tell from this photo if anything is actually corroded but it looks like you're trying to set a record for the dirtiest Mini boiler. :grin: Is the water leak you mentioned coming from the part in the lower left that is inset in the metal cup. If so, it is the Vacuum Breaker valve. It opens wh...
by chas
Thu Apr 05, 2018 11:27 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: water hardness & Phosphate
Replies: 12
Views: 12367

Re: water hardness & Phosphate

Supposedly, the hardness cut-off before softening is recommended as 3 grains or 50ppm. So it sounds like you should probably go with the standard softening cartridge followed by a carbon filter just to be safe. Here's my installation: http://rimpo.org/chas/softener-filter.html I test my hardness per...
by chas
Wed Apr 04, 2018 8:42 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly
Replies: 15
Views: 14981

Re: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly

Congratulations on your success. Now back to a couple issues you mentioned in your original message. 1) Fuse holder - Recently someone had a issue with their fuse and noticed that a 20A fuse was used in a fuseholder rated for 15A. Perhaps that's why yours is missing. At your convenience you should p...
by chas
Tue Apr 03, 2018 11:04 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly
Replies: 15
Views: 14981

Re: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly

I must have remembered wrong. I thought your group boiler was heating up which should not happen with that fuse blown. Hopefully I remembered wrong because if that fuse is blown AND the group boiler was still heating up that, could mean that the group boiler triac is shorted on. However, we'll cross...
by chas
Tue Apr 03, 2018 6:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly
Replies: 15
Views: 14981

Re: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly

Three blinking yellows means your controller board is in V2 mode, which is correct for your machine. For both timer installed/not installed and the 15/20A switch, there is just a two pin jumper connector for each on the controller board. In the early machines before they put the controller board ins...
by chas
Sun Apr 01, 2018 5:28 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly
Replies: 15
Views: 14981

Re: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly

Also, we may need to know more about your machine. If purchased in the US we could be sure it is an S1 V2 Mini. However, if you purchased it in Canada it could be an S1 Mini. Are the group boiler temperatures on the front panel in 1C or 5C increments? Do you have a single round steam boiler gauge or...
by chas
Sun Apr 01, 2018 5:14 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly
Replies: 15
Views: 14981

Re: Help with S1 VII Power Issues am I testing correctly

Any luck yet? It sounds like you might have several things that are in need of repair or replacement. I would have also gone with checking out the steam boiler triac as recommended by MDK, except for the fact that you say the pump isn't getting power either even when you do the two button press pump...
by chas
Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:47 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: water hardness & Phosphate
Replies: 12
Views: 12367

Re: water hardness & Phosphate

I've never heard of anyone needing to control phosphate to reduce boiler scale. If it was high enough in your house to be a real issue, I would think you'd need whole house treatment for the issue. Typically TDS measurements aren't used to determine treatment needs for espresso either. Calcium hardn...
by chas
Sun Mar 25, 2018 4:48 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Dream's back ordered forever
Replies: 2
Views: 5892

Re: Dream's back ordered forever

Hard to tell. There are a number of possible reasons. However, I see CCS says they will have them again at the end of April. Have you contacted them to see if you can get on a waiting list for preferred delivery when they do arrive or if they will cut you any extra deal for waiting?
by chas
Sat Mar 10, 2018 10:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Extreme difference in boiler valve price. Why?
Replies: 2
Views: 4611

Re: Extreme difference in boiler valve price. Why?

I'd definitely go for the $15 one. The Chris Coffee one is actually $48.50 which means you either have to buy another small item to get you over $50 so you qualify for free shipping or else you have to pay another $7.50 for shipping which puts the price at $56! CafeParts shipping for their version i...

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