Search found 328 matches
- 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.
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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
Mark
- 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
As to where to look for it I am afraid that I can't help out,
Mark
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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
Mark
- 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...
- 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"...
I don't think that the pump "cycles"...
- 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).
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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....
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:38 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Help! Back to drinking lattes!
- Replies: 81
- Views: 43777
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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
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
- 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......
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:58 pm
- Forum: Accessories
- Topic: New tamper, blind basket
- Replies: 30
- Views: 26302
- 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...
- Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:10 pm
- Forum: Accessories
- Topic: Headspace
- Replies: 14
- Views: 11960
- Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:57 am
- Forum: Mini General Q&A
- Topic: Dropping brew pressure while pulling a shot
- Replies: 31
- Views: 18753
- Sun Feb 17, 2008 10:28 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: How to: Softener Recharge & how many refill?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 7304
- 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...
- Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:55 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: VII vs. GS3
- Replies: 26
- Views: 18617
- Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:28 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: working surface
- Replies: 6
- Views: 4430
- Fri Feb 08, 2008 11:09 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: ACF cups info
- Replies: 6
- Views: 5688
- 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
http://www.espressoparts.com/category/0 ... rs_boiler/
The part is F-240.
Good luck,
Mark
- 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 ...
- 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...
- Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:12 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Filter Changes and DeScale
- Replies: 16
- Views: 8081
- Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:46 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Returning Vetrano for a V2
- Replies: 13
- Views: 7319
- 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...
- 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...
- 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
- 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
- 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
http://www.chriscoffee.com/
Take care,
Mark
- 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. ...
- 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...
- Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:45 pm
- Forum: VII Day One Problems
- Topic: Difficult spouts
- Replies: 12
- Views: 14846
- 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...
- 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...
- Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:23 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Hard water, soft water, RO filter, other??
- Replies: 15
- Views: 11634
- Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:00 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Hard water, soft water, RO filter, other??
- Replies: 15
- Views: 11634
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.
I have friends who outsource fabrication to China and I will talk with them about the idea of having baskets produced in China.
- 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...
- Sun Nov 04, 2007 1:57 pm
- Forum: VII Day One Problems
- Topic: Boiler light flashing
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12413
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- Wed Oct 31, 2007 7:54 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Water filtration
- Replies: 24
- Views: 16734
- Sun Oct 28, 2007 2:02 pm
- Forum: Tampers
- Topic: Are Espro tampers accurate?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 8976
- 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...
- 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...
- Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:40 pm
- Forum: Pride Page
- Topic: New VII owner
- Replies: 23
- Views: 18092
- 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...
- Sun Aug 26, 2007 1:28 pm
- Forum: Accessories
- Topic: New S1 steam tip from Chris Coffee
- Replies: 43
- Views: 34693
- 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...
- 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...
- Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:14 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Is my 3-way valve working correctly?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 6254
- 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...
- 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
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
- 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...
- Fri Aug 17, 2007 7:37 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Water Hardenss
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2575
- 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,...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:53 pm
- Forum: Pride Page
- Topic: Setting up my new machine
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6958
- 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...
- Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:46 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: OPV pressure setting
- Replies: 20
- Views: 14707
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...