Search found 328 matches

by MDL
Sun Jan 04, 2009 3:22 pm
Forum: S1 General Q&A
Topic: Boiler won't stop heating, some sparks.
Replies: 39
Views: 32950

Re: Boiler won't stop heating, some sparks.

This does not sound like the temp. probe. It sounds like your controller board is fried. On standby there should be no power to either of the heating elements. I suggest that you call service at Chris' Coffee tomorrow and they should be able to help you troubleshoot.
by MDL
Sun Jan 04, 2009 2:08 pm
Forum: S1 General Q&A
Topic: Boiler won't stop heating, some sparks.
Replies: 39
Views: 32950

Re: Boiler won't stop heating, some sparks.

The temperature setting is for the brew boiler, not the steam boiler. Does the machine work correctly if you turn the steam boiler off; i.e. do the brew boiler and related controls for the pump work correctly? You must have a short to generate the sparks. Unplug and look for fried wires and/or conne...
by MDL
Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:11 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Ungrounded Surge Protection?
Replies: 7
Views: 6042

Re: Ungrounded Surge Protection?

You can't just put a 20A receptacle onto a 15A circuit or you will risk burning your house down. However, I would urge you to check your circuit breakers to be sure about the circuit. My house has 20A circuits in the kitchen, but the builder used 15A receptacles to save a few cents. All I had to do ...
by MDL
Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:01 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Rotary Pump Mini
Replies: 11
Views: 8785

Re: Rotary Pump Mini

I thought that the rotary pumps had to have a pressure head to function correctly? When I purchased my machine I was also considering some of the Quickmill machines from Chris and the reason he says the Vetrano has to be plumbed in is just what I said. Pumps in espresso machines can fail, be they vi...
by MDL
Sat Dec 27, 2008 6:57 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Another pump/motor failure
Replies: 28
Views: 41128

Re: Another pump/motor failure

I am wondering if we should pull our pumps off every year to check for leaks? It would be better than having this kind of problem...My VII was purchased from Chris the first week of April 2007 so I'm thinking that I should take a look.
Mark
by MDL
Sat Dec 27, 2008 6:05 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: S1 is tripping ground fault
Replies: 27
Views: 29320

Re: S1 is tripping ground fault

I believe that the ground fault tripping suggests that you must have a short somewhere in your Vivaldi. Current is shorting to ground and that is the fault that is being sensed.
As to where to look for it I am afraid that I can't help out,
Mark
by MDL
Sat Dec 27, 2008 3:15 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Yearly Maintenance?
Replies: 13
Views: 10274

Re: Yearly Maintenance?

From my laboratory experience I can say that ion exchange resins tend to be hygroscopic and can grow nasty stuff (hence replacing the cartridge every year). I have had no issues with the cartridges that I have ordered from wateranywhere. There are other water treatment companies on the web that you ...
by MDL
Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:20 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Yearly Maintenance?
Replies: 13
Views: 10274

Re: Yearly Maintenance?

I believe that most folks replace the softener and carbon cartridges every year (regardless of the use). I also presume that you have been monitoring the hardness of the water entering your Vivaldi to assure the degree to which your softener is functioning as desired? Depending on the hardness of yo...
by MDL
Tue Dec 23, 2008 3:36 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Maintenance
Replies: 18
Views: 13241

Re: Mini Maintenance

I would urge you to check the hardness of your water and then to soften appropriately so that you can essentially avoid the need to descale. We have not seen a post stating the cost of a mini steam boiler, but I am going to guess that it costs enough that you want to avoid having to buy one. Since i...
by MDL
Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:02 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini-VI Dual Manometer Mod
Replies: 13
Views: 12887

Re: Mini-VI Dual Manometer Mod

My S1 VII (purchased from Chris in April '07) has the dual gauge held on a very flimsy metal bracket and a single screw. The gauge got bounced out of position in shipping to me in CA and I was told to bend the bracket back to get the gauge into a reasonable position. I think that the bracket was jus...
by MDL
Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:29 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Moving Stickers
Replies: 6
Views: 5704

Re: Moving Stickers

you might ask Chris or your dealer if you can buy replacement stickers that you could put in some acceptable location.
by MDL
Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:06 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Moving Stickers
Replies: 6
Views: 5704

Re: Moving Stickers

I would be very concerned about scratching the panel with a razor blade. Why do you care about preserving the stickers to move them? I would just consider removing them and having a clean panel (I say this but should make it clear that I have a machine that is 1.5 years old and has the stickers in p...
by MDL
Sun Dec 07, 2008 2:42 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Intermediate Steam Tip
Replies: 15
Views: 13061

Re: Intermediate Steam Tip

I believe that the standard VII tip that my machine has is stainless steel. I have no idea about the smaller hole tip.
Mark
by MDL
Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:06 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: What made you pick the Vivaldi (if even), and not an E61?
Replies: 42
Views: 39505

Re: What made you pick the Vivaldi (if even), and not an E61?

As someone else already asked, which E61 setup are you comparing (HX, double boiler)? I bought my Vivaldi in April of 2007 after long discussions with Chris and others at his business plus much lurking on the web. I was comparing to E61 HX machines and decided that I didn't want to bother with the t...
by MDL
Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:09 pm
Forum: Mini Day One Problems
Topic: No Steaming.....
Replies: 20
Views: 23080

Re: No Steaming.....

I think that you are probably hearing the fan which turns on when the steam boiler is heating.

I don't think that the pump "cycles"...
by MDL
Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:07 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: New York City???
Replies: 5
Views: 5627

Re: New York City???

I have never been there, but lots of folks say great things about Cafe Grumpy (or something close to that).
by MDL
Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:45 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Two things about my S1
Replies: 12
Views: 9018

Re: Two things about my S1

Glad to see you posting here. You need to do something about your water or you are going to have to remove scale; 400 ppm is much harder than you want to use regularly. I use the water softener/filter combo that I originally purchased from Chris. After the initial purchase, however I realized that I...
by MDL
Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:14 pm
Forum: Mini Day One Problems
Topic: Flow meter problem; can't pull shots
Replies: 4
Views: 8085

Re: Flow meter problem; can't pull shots

I'm glad that you got things sorted out, but to me this reflects poor understanding and preparation of the machine by the vendor. There is no excuse to sell/ship a machine that is configured so that it won't work. In addition, you would think that they would have a better understanding of what they ...
by MDL
Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:02 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: back flushing sounds
Replies: 6
Views: 6835

Re: back flushing sounds

I hear the same thing. My impression is that backflushing when there is air in the portafilter produces the loud noise (the air can compress and then makes the noise when it expands after the 3 way valve opens). If you unlock the portafilter to let some air in and then backflush the noise increases....
by MDL
Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:06 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Sell or Store My Viv II?
Replies: 5
Views: 4716

Re: Sell or Store My Viv II?

After my Gaggia died I lived with a stove top moka pot for almost a year and kicked myself for waiting so long to buy my Vivaldi. If you think that you will have adequate space in the apartment I would try to take the Vivaldi along. In the worst case you could use a flowjet and a jug to run it witho...
by MDL
Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:46 pm
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: Move the pressure gauge
Replies: 1
Views: 5784

Move the pressure gauge

I would kill two birds with one stone by shifting the control panel to the right (obliterating the "S1") to make room for the pressure gauges to be in line between the steam valve and the relocated control panel. The offending "S1" would be gone and the pressure gauges would be u...
by MDL
Sat Jun 14, 2008 4:13 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Vivaldi, or wait for Alex Duetto
Replies: 25
Views: 14942

Re: Vivaldi, or wait for Alex Duetto

I don't think you will have any problems with the length of plumbing. Use 3/8" John Guest tube (not 1/4"). My plumbing goes under the dishwasher and then along two cabinets to reach the end of the counter. The total length is on the order of 15 feet, or a bit more. I have never used the mi...
by MDL
Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:56 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Vivaldi, or wait for Alex Duetto
Replies: 25
Views: 14942

Re: Vivaldi, or wait for Alex Duetto

To me a large part of this is how much of a pioneer you are. I would not want to buy the first run of anything and therefore would buy a Vivaldi (although the Vivaldi is apparently going to have some upgrades later this year as well). I have had my VII since April '07 and love it. Plumbed in and rot...
by MDL
Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:35 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How long did your original brew group gasket last?
Replies: 34
Views: 25832

Re: How long did your original brew group gasket last?

I think that Chris suggest, and most people have, their resin cartridge before the carbon one. In this way any fragments of resin beads that may escape from the softener are removed by the carbon cartridge. The way you describe things (carbon 1st followed by resin) you are running a risk of having b...
by MDL
Wed May 14, 2008 10:25 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Boiler Pressure
Replies: 5
Views: 5012

I have not kept track of the pressure readings, but when you open the steam valve the pressure has to drop. In turn, there has to be a lag before the heater turns on to rebuild the pressure. To be honest, because I have always had more steam than I need so I haven't watched the pressure while I stea...
by MDL
Wed May 07, 2008 7:27 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: 15 amp vs 20 amp
Replies: 63
Views: 43121

I have been running my Vivaldi on a 20 amp circuit that is not dedicated for over a year. Now, I try to have nothing else on the circuit (actually the grinder is the only thing that is regularly plugged in). I have never had any trouble. I believe that some of the other posters to this forum have me...
by MDL
Fri May 02, 2008 7:57 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Buying decisions
Replies: 24
Views: 17310

Grinder: A better grinder would be great, but it is somewhat dependent on your budget; there are always ways to spend more money... Your electrician question has no simple answer. It depends on how handy you are, where your breaker box is relative to the place where you need the outlet, and how your...
by MDL
Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:38 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Help! Back to drinking lattes!
Replies: 81
Views: 43777

I find this completely unlike anything that I have ever seen. I would go back to square one and try changing one thing at a time. Set your volume so that it is large and play with stopping the shot manually. Then adjust the grind to get a pull that is the "ideal" volume in a reasonable tim...
by MDL
Sun Apr 27, 2008 6:12 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: 15 amp vs 20 amp
Replies: 63
Views: 43121

15 versus 20 amp mode: First, I have only run in 20 amp mode. However, my understanding is that when you first turn the machine on in 20 amp mode the brew boiler heats before the steam boiler starts. However, as soon as you get past the first heating of the brew boiler both can heat at the same time...
by MDL
Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:51 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Ready to pull the trigger, but:
Replies: 11
Views: 8427

I am glad that you love the machine. In time I think that you will also come to love the bumper knock box. Big is good, you don't have to worry about how you knock and the raised rear catches any splash. It is also really easy to clean because you can reach in so easily. I'm sure that you will enjoy...
by MDL
Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:50 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: power/voltage question
Replies: 10
Views: 6782

Perhaps I am just a chicken, but I think that it is foolish to put yourself in a situation where you are intentionally overloading a circuit. What if the breaker doesn't trip? Then you have a fire hazard as you overload the 15 amp wiring. Given that the Vivaldi can run in 15 amp mode I think that it...
by MDL
Thu Apr 17, 2008 4:42 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: power/voltage question
Replies: 10
Views: 6782

Never run a 20 amp device on a 15 amp circuit

It is foolish and dangerous to run any 20 amp device on a 15 amp circuit. 15 amp wiring is not heavy enough to handle 20 amps on a regular basis. That is why we have different gauge wires on different circuits to handle the loads. I think that the Vivaldi probaly doesn't draw 20 amps very often (you...
by MDL
Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:18 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Ready to pull the trigger, but:
Replies: 11
Views: 8427

In your situation the easiest thing to do would be to buy a mini and not worry about bottles... However, if you want to go all the way you will need a flowjet or get yourself some pressure and an accumulator between the flowjet and the vivaldi. As long as you are pulling wires go to 20 amp; why limi...
by MDL
Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:42 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: She made me take her clothes off!
Replies: 8
Views: 6901

Given how responsive Chris and his folks are and that your machine is new why would you think that you should cowboy into it instead of calling and having them help you out? Your machine has a warranty that you are potentially going to devalue. Just making arbitrary adjustments can potentially get y...
by MDL
Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:07 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Help! Backflush Problem
Replies: 3
Views: 3630

I am not sure that I can help, since I have never exactly had your problem. However, when you backflush the pressure is built up based upon the air that is in the portafilter. Each time you flush without dumping the water from the basket the pressure gets smaller because you have less air left in th...
by MDL
Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:26 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Help me diagnose my problem
Replies: 13
Views: 10136

I have never been able to get as good a shot with decaf as caf. I agree that the grind needs to be finer and that the crema (and the shot) have always been less rich for me with decaf. From my experience I would suggest starting with caf and then moving to decaf after you master the caf shots. Find ...
by MDL
Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:52 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Softener/filtration
Replies: 17
Views: 14591

I don't know if they ship internationally, but I have used the following:

http://www.wateranywhere.com/

I just did a google search for places that had these materials and found one close to me in Souther CA. You might do the same and see if you can find something closer to you?

Mark
by MDL
Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:16 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Does your VII hot water tap sputter?
Replies: 16
Views: 11869

Mine certainly sputters and I have just presumed that it was normal since the water is superheated in the boiler. This is the reason that the GS3 mixes water for the water tap so that you can control the temperature that you get out; now, this is not enough to make me want to spend $7500 on a GS3......
by MDL
Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:10 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Softener/filtration
Replies: 17
Views: 14591

If your water is hard you need to soften it for any machine that you care about. Putting in an under counter softener gives you the potential to have a tap for softened water to drink or cook with in addition to your mini. I have posted the details for very inexpensive components for a softener syst...
by MDL
Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:02 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: New owner confusion??
Replies: 30
Views: 17375

All that you should think about doing is pouring in some good water and dialing in your grind, tamp, pull. Check to be sure how many amps the circuit breaker is on the circuit you are using. Most modern kitchens use 20 amp breakers but cheap out and save a few pennies by using 15 amp outlets. If thi...
by MDL
Thu Feb 28, 2008 3:17 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: New tamper, blind basket
Replies: 30
Views: 26302

The blind basket that I have from Espresso parts looks like a deep double with no holes. The current picture on the site does not look the same as the one that I have. I agree with Niko; the backflush with the blind basket is much stronger than I ever achieved with the rubber disk and you don't have...
by MDL
Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:58 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: New tamper, blind basket
Replies: 30
Views: 26302

That is correct; although the LM springs are for a 58 mm portafilter they are smaller gauge wire and fit in without any issue. The baskets are held in place adequately but are also easy to remove and replace.
by MDL
Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:51 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: New tamper, blind basket
Replies: 30
Views: 26302

I have a blind basket that I bought from Espresso Parts that I love. It produces a complete backflush since no water can lead around the rubber disk. I ordered the blind basket and a set of the La Marzoco springs (to make removing the baskets from the Vivaldi portafilters easier) plus a second doubl...
by MDL
Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:10 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Headspace
Replies: 14
Views: 11960

I am afraid that I don't see how shaving the bolt head down does anything to help out. The area of coffee that you gain by shaving the bolt is insignificant compared to the total area of the basket.
by MDL
Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:57 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Dropping brew pressure while pulling a shot
Replies: 31
Views: 18753

"New" homes have 20 amp circuits in the kitchen but builders save a few cents by using standard 15 amp outlets. If you have a 20 amp breaker on the circuit you have 20 amp wiring and should just swap out the outlet for a 20 amp one (spend a few bucks more and buy a heavy duty one). It take...
by MDL
Sun Feb 17, 2008 10:28 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How to: Softener Recharge & how many refill?
Replies: 8
Views: 7304

I have a slightly modified installation that I think simplifies upkeep. I have an extra "T" and valve that allow me to flush cartridges and test the water without disconnecting anything. Install a "T" fitting between the cartridges and the valve/regulator. The extra valve goes ri...
by MDL
Sat Feb 16, 2008 11:31 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How to: Softener Recharge & how many refill?
Replies: 8
Views: 7304

I can't answer your question specifically for the cartridges that we all use in the system from Chris. However, I can tell you from experience with ion exchange resins in labs and also water systems in labs that the resin deteriorates through cycles of recharging and does not regenerate 100%. The ca...
by MDL
Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:55 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: VII vs. GS3
Replies: 26
Views: 18617

I have never seen or used the GS3, but I have to say that based upon my experience with the Vivaldi and what I have read about the GS3 I don't see any reason to consider the GS3. It is like buying a Ferrari. Do you get anywhere near a "value" for what you are paying? Absolutely not. You ge...
by MDL
Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:28 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: working surface
Replies: 6
Views: 4430

I don't think that you will fit in that space very well. I currently occupy about 38" of counter space and I have a small grinder than yours.
by MDL
Fri Feb 08, 2008 11:09 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: ACF cups info
Replies: 6
Views: 5688

The "stock" double spout is 1.25" by my account and the Espresso Parts spout is 15/16". In addition my stock double spout does not screw onto the portafilter as far as the Espresso Parts spout so for me the reduction is greater than just the size.
by MDL
Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:26 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: ACF cups info
Replies: 6
Views: 5688

I bought a double spout from Espresso Parts that is shorter than the stock spout and gives more room for the cup below. Here is the link:
http://www.espressoparts.com/category/0 ... rs_boiler/
The part is F-240.
Good luck,
Mark
by MDL
Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:54 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: General Mini Info
Replies: 24
Views: 16220

I have never used the mini or a flowjet so my comments are strictly based upon my experience with the VII since the first week of April 2007. Having the machine plumbed in is fantastic; no need to worry about filling or cleaning a tank! It is also great to have the rotary pump compared to the noisy ...
by MDL
Tue Jan 22, 2008 3:13 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Is it normal?
Replies: 31
Views: 16186

Everything that you describe is exactly what I see with my machine. I think that it is important to run a flush, and then wipe the screens after each shot to clean the screens. If you watch the Heather Perry videos she suggests flushing briefly after each shot. You don't want extracted grounds endin...
by MDL
Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:12 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Filter Changes and DeScale
Replies: 16
Views: 8081

Changing once per year (or more if your water is very hard) is probably a good idea. From an earlier post of mine, here is the information on inexpensive cartridges: I just ordered cartridges from wateranywhere.com (the web dealer for Applied Membranes). I ordered the following: HF-2510AC 2.5" ...
by MDL
Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:46 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Returning Vetrano for a V2
Replies: 13
Views: 7319

Welcome to the club. I went through the same thought process but made my decision without trying an HX machine. My VII arrived in April and I've loved it.
by MDL
Sun Dec 30, 2007 1:10 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Steaming Small Amounts of Milk
Replies: 3
Views: 4574

I use a Bumper pitcher for 2 caps. worth of milk. Keep the pitcher in the frig so that it is cold with the milk. I use 2% milk and fill the pitcher to just under the start of the spout. Stretch and then plunge to the bottom so that all of the milk is moving and you should not have any trouble. In my...
by MDL
Sat Dec 22, 2007 2:44 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Making a Decision or Just Switch to Tea?
Replies: 40
Views: 22809

Forgot to comment on buying from Chris. I had a series of telephone and email interactions with Chris as I considered various machines. He was fantastic and completely honest with me. When I decided to buy the VII I worked with Mary to place the order (the machines were on the boat at the time), dec...
by MDL
Sat Dec 22, 2007 2:39 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Making a Decision or Just Switch to Tea?
Replies: 40
Views: 22809

My VII is 16" to the top of the skirt. Since the overhead cabinets are not as deep as the counter below you can use the bulk of the warming tray with no restriction and the back for small cups. I have no experience with the Mini, but I can tell you that having a machine plumbed in compared to m...
by MDL
Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:27 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Making a Decision or Just Switch to Tea?
Replies: 40
Views: 22809

None of these machines have filters built into them. The braided hose running into the Vivaldi II is 3/8", therefore using 3/8" line to plumb the system is the most consistent way to go. My machine is plumbed that way and I can't comment on the potential to limit flow to the machine if you...
by MDL
Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:46 pm
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Broken plastic side panel
Replies: 17
Views: 20238

When I bought my machine in March of this year I asked Chris how much side panels cost because I was considering different colors. At that time the side panels cost about $85 each. If you have not contacted Chris I suggest that you check with him:

http://www.chriscoffee.com/

Take care,
Mark
by MDL
Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:11 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Impressions of my new Mini VII
Replies: 22
Views: 16610

I use a simple volumetric method to dose for a double: simply fill the single shot basket with beans so that it is a few beans below completely full. This results in a level fill of ground coffee into my double basket and a tamped double basket that is just at the bottom of the ridge of the basket. ...
by MDL
Mon Dec 17, 2007 10:36 am
Forum: VII Day One Problems
Topic: Difficult spouts
Replies: 12
Views: 14846

I wanted two double portafilters so I bought a double spout from Espresso Parts NW. The spout is shorter than the one that comes with the Vivaldi and is polished nicely. Chris may also sell it. It screws on further and looks much cleaner than the stock Vivaldi double spout. It is part F240 on this p...
by MDL
Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:45 pm
Forum: VII Day One Problems
Topic: Difficult spouts
Replies: 12
Views: 14846

Stop and don't hurt yourself; they only screw on part way.
Enjoy,
Mark
by MDL
Sat Dec 15, 2007 1:34 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: FOB! Need help to set up,break-in VII,grinder,Black cat,Illy
Replies: 3
Views: 4472

sounds like a great setup. Be sure to flush the water softener/filter setup before you connect it to the VII; you have to be sure that you dump carbon fines and or particulates down the drain instead of into your machine. I have some extra John Guest shutoff valves in my system so that I can flush c...
by MDL
Mon Dec 10, 2007 10:37 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: What PSI on a accumulator tank
Replies: 4
Views: 3615

All of the instructions for the Vivaldi suggest input pressure around 25 psi. Since you are going to have some variability (even with an accumulator) I don't see any reason to have the pressure set higher than the recommended. As Niko says, you are presumably not going to blow things up at 33 psi, b...
by MDL
Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:23 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Hard water, soft water, RO filter, other??
Replies: 15
Views: 11634

The only issue with the ice maker/water from your frig is the size of the line. Most ice makers use small lines and the Vivaldi comes with a 3/8" input line. Other people have posted asking if using a small line can starve the Vivaldi; I have no experience as my machine is plumbed with 3/8"...
by MDL
Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:00 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Hard water, soft water, RO filter, other??
Replies: 15
Views: 11634

I don't have a diagram but you are correct that at least a carbon filter should be used. I would do the following: Connector at the cold faucet under your sink to a John Guest female fitting. Shutoff valve at the source John Guest tubing to a 10" carbon filter cartridge John Guest "T"...
by MDL
Fri Dec 07, 2007 10:43 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Softener/filtration
Replies: 17
Views: 14591

You need to both 1. soften hard water (reduce the mineral content) to reduce scaling of the boilers (and improve taste of your coffee) and 2. have a filter to remove any solids and particulate material that could damage/interfere with the operation of your pump and valves in the machine. This is why...
by MDL
Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:04 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Pressure variation
Replies: 3
Views: 4587

I'm glad that I could help out. This community supports one and other and is really a valuable resource for those of us who enjoy coffee and the Vivaldi to make it. I actually think that using one of these can help out to even the pressure for those of us who are plumbed in as well, but I have not p...
by MDL
Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:02 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Where is the steam boiler?
Replies: 19
Views: 14199

I am curious to hear how the machine works out; it seems to me that the pull out tank is not very large compared to the combined size of the two boilers. It is probably OK for pulling a couple of shots and making some steam but I would imagine that you could rapidly deplete the tank pulling hot wate...
by MDL
Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:47 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: triple baskets
Replies: 81
Views: 58870

Does anyone know how many machines use 53 mm baskets that interchange with the Vivaldi? (i.e. is the market for triples larger than just Vivaldi owners, and if so how much)

I have friends who outsource fabrication to China and I will talk with them about the idea of having baskets produced in China.
by MDL
Sat Nov 10, 2007 12:01 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: triple baskets
Replies: 81
Views: 58870

There is a reason why every manufacturer stamps baskets out of stainless steel; this is the only economically viable way to make them out of an appropriate material. The approach that has been taken in the past (building triples out of two doubles) is a reasonable one given the current situation. Cl...
by MDL
Sun Nov 04, 2007 1:57 pm
Forum: VII Day One Problems
Topic: Boiler light flashing
Replies: 9
Views: 12413

If you have a leak where the braided tubing connects to the Vivaldi you probably have a damaged compression fitting. I don't believe that you can seal that without replacing the fitting.

Clearly you need to talk with Chris (presuming that you bought it from him).

Good luck and enjoy,
Mark
by MDL
Fri Nov 02, 2007 7:06 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Water filtration
Replies: 24
Views: 16734

To get started I bought the softener system from Chris when I bought my Vivaldi. It was simple and fast to put everything together. However, when I then went to look for replacement cartridges I realized that the parts are available for dramatically less than Chris charges. I give him credit for put...
by MDL
Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:22 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Water filtration
Replies: 24
Views: 16734

First, RO water has essentially no minerals and I believe tastes a bit flat. To my knowledge most people use a calcite filter after RO and before the espresso machine. I also have no experience with RO. In terms of Seattle water at 1.5 grains you are correct; if that is the real hardness and it stay...
by MDL
Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:43 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Water filtration
Replies: 24
Views: 16734

I don't know about wanting polyphosphates in your coffee. Based upon what I have seen here in the US units like the Everpure are much, much more expensive than what we have done using generic parts. I actually started by buying the water softener system from Chris but have since been purchasing repl...
by MDL
Wed Oct 31, 2007 7:54 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Water filtration
Replies: 24
Views: 16734

Of the everpure units I think that you would want the one for hot. In addition to removing particulates the hot unit has some sort of scale inhibitor. One way or another you need to reduce/prevent scale in your boilers on the Vivaldi. I have no idea what "scale inhibitor" is; this could me...
by MDL
Sun Oct 28, 2007 2:02 pm
Forum: Tampers
Topic: Are Espro tampers accurate?
Replies: 6
Views: 8976

I don't really think that you can expect much more than what you are getting. The "error" is only 6.67%. I think that the value of an Espro is the consistency that you get with it. I've used mine since April and love it. Feels good, tamps consistently and looks nice. Do you really think th...
by MDL
Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:14 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Group Gasket
Replies: 18
Views: 12966

Perhaps I am thinking about this wrong, but I have kept my portafilter off the machine when it is not turned on so that both the group and the portafilter can be dry. I have somehow thought that the screens and/or portafilter might get nasty if I left the portafilter on the machine when it wasn't ho...
by MDL
Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:31 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: New owner
Replies: 14
Views: 8595

Sounds like you have made good choices to get yourself off and running. I have an Espro tamper and really like it. It looks good, feels good in my hand and works well. Unless you have someone match a tamper to a basket for you I don't know that you ever get a better fit than I have with my Espro. (I...
by MDL
Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:40 pm
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: New VII owner
Replies: 23
Views: 18092

Great to hear that you are getting into things in a great way. I believe that the VII comes with fittings for 3/8" tubing (not 1/4"). I also believe that you should at least consider putting a filter holder with a calcite and carbon filter cartridge in line before the VII. This will insure...
by MDL
Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:26 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Pressure variation
Replies: 3
Views: 4587

Your input water pressure passes through the pump, so to speak. You will notice that the pressure is not zero when the pump is idle; this is a reflection of the input water pressure. If the flowjet is pumping and that alters the input pressure enough I presume that you will see it. I have never used...
by MDL
Sun Aug 26, 2007 1:28 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: New S1 steam tip from Chris Coffee
Replies: 43
Views: 34693

Unfortunately Trader Joe's doesn't sell their organic milk in quarts, and I don't use enough to go through 1/2 gallons when it is really fresh. However, the "regular" Trader Joe's milk (no BST) seems pretty good as a regular staple. It sounds like everyone who has tried the new tip wth sma...
by MDL
Sat Aug 25, 2007 12:34 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Is my 3-way valve working correctly?
Replies: 8
Views: 6254

Thanks everyone. I have done a hearty Cafiza backflush and will repear every few weeks instead of every month. Perhaps my low usage actually requires more frequent backflushing than I had thought; although I don't have high volume, I do use oily beans and they could generate oils that get stuck beca...
by MDL
Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:36 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Is my 3-way valve working correctly?
Replies: 8
Views: 6254

I use a level single basket worth of beans (Peet's Espresso Forte) tamped to 30 pounds with an Espro tamper to pull close to 2 ounces in about 25-30 seconds. In general lthe puck is pretty solid but moist. There is not a layer of water on top of the puck after the pull. I have never weighed the bean...
by MDL
Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:14 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Is my 3-way valve working correctly?
Replies: 8
Views: 6254

I routinely backflush with Cafiza every month (I only make 1 or 2 doubles per day). In addition, I backflush with water more frequently.
by MDL
Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:27 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Is my 3-way valve working correctly?
Replies: 8
Views: 6254

Is my 3-way valve working correctly?

I may be crazy, but I think that my 3-way valve may be sticking. I've had my VII since April and my recollection is that initially at the end of a shot there would be a clear release of pressure and the sound of water shooting into the drip tray (like backflushing, but less violent). Now, at the end...
by MDL
Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:03 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: New S1 steam tip from Chris Coffee
Replies: 43
Views: 34693

Further experience with the new tip?

I am curious to hear what folks think about the new steam tip after using it for a week or so.

Please let us know if you all remain as happy as you were when you first tried it and initially posted.

It sounds like a great way to go, but I'd like some confirmation.

Thanks very much,
Mark
by MDL
Sat Aug 18, 2007 5:00 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: good source for water hardness test strips
Replies: 9
Views: 9430

I have to disagree with you. If you are measuring 4-5 grains post softener I think that you may have an issue with your softener. My stock system from Chris's Coffee takes my 14-15 grain water down to 0 and I can distinguish it easily. Don't blame the measuring device before you assure yourself that...
by MDL
Fri Aug 17, 2007 7:37 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Water Hardenss
Replies: 2
Views: 2575

I agree with Niko. Although your water is not terrible it is not super soft and you will develop scale over time. You can assemble a system for very little money if you buy the parts directly from http://www.wateranywhere.com/. If you want to make life "easy" buy the filter/softener system...
by MDL
Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:38 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: good source for water hardness test strips
Replies: 9
Views: 9430

I figured that the individual packaging was worthwhile since the strips will be used over a relatively long period of time and I can afford $0.40 each. My water is very hard (about 15 grains) but the output from my softener is still perfect after 3.5 months of use feeding the VII. On the other hand,...
by MDL
Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:23 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: good source for water hardness test strips
Replies: 9
Views: 9430

good source for water hardness test strips

I just received a shipment of Hach Sofchek Water Hardness Test Strips. The colors are more distinct than the strips that Chris sells and they are comparable in cost, or less expensive. I purchased 50 individually packaged strips for $20, but a bottle of 50 strips is only $8.99 if you are willing to ...
by MDL
Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:24 pm
Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
Topic: More Teflon Pieces
Replies: 13
Views: 12241

I don't know if La Spaziale uses teflong tape inside the Vivaldi, but Chris certainly uses it outside. On my system there is teflon tape on all three connections to the pressure regulator (2 JG fittings and the pressure gauge) and also on the JG fitting that is on the end of the braided hose feeding...
by MDL
Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:53 pm
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: Setting up my new machine
Replies: 5
Views: 6958

Really cool!
I hope that you are enjoying the coffee...
by MDL
Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:51 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Changing Filter and softener cartridges .....
Replies: 45
Views: 29190

Chas: I placed my order on Tuesday afternoon (as posted) and received the package on Thursday afternoon. They seem very responsive and the cartridges look exactly like the ones that came from Chris. The shipping cost seems to get more reasonable as the order gets larger; I initially ordered 2 soften...
by MDL
Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:46 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: OPV pressure setting
Replies: 20
Views: 14707

The output pressure from the regulator is a function of the incoming pressure and the pressure exerted by the spring on the diaphragm. When you adjust the "pressure" you are adjusting the tension of the spring and therefore the pressure that you are setting relative to the incoming pressur...
by MDL
Fri Jul 06, 2007 1:19 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: OPV pressure setting
Replies: 20
Views: 14707

Niko: I don't know of any more sophisticated approach to pressure regulation. I am sure that there must be more sophisticated active regulators, but I have never seen them and I imagine that they would be very expensive. For example, I have a regulator on the main water line coming into my home that...
by MDL
Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:10 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: OPV pressure setting
Replies: 20
Views: 14707

I think that adding a pressure regulator and guage like the one that Chris sells iis both cheap insurance and a valuable addition to improve function. Remember that the regulator is simply a spring against which the water pushes. If your incoming pressure varies substantially you will see changes in...
by MDL
Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:05 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: Just got my S1 the other day
Replies: 11
Views: 8773

I ordered a double spout from Espresso Parts Inc. that is both snorter and narrower than the one that comes with the VII. The link is: http://www.espressoparts.com/category/03.01.la_spaziale.portafilters_boiler/ part F-240 is the shorter/narrower one, F-239 is the one that comes with the machine. In...
by MDL
Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:32 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Recommended settings for single/double cup buttons
Replies: 3
Views: 3361

I have my double button programmed to give me about 2 ounces of coffee and I can generally use the button without having to cut it off early. I have the single button set for 1 ounce of coffee with the single basket, but in reality I never use it for coffee; I use it to rinse the screen after each s...

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