Search found 3020 matches

by chas
Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:14 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Villiage Idiot of Espresso needs S1 assistance!
Replies: 40
Views: 25309

Susan, excellent advice from Cliff. Before getting our S1's most of us had cut our chops figuring out how to get drinkable espresso from the likes of Silvias and Isomacs, so we hit the ground running when we got our S1s. In your case you said that the S1 is your first machine. So you still have to g...
by chas
Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:07 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How to determine fine temp?
Replies: 8
Views: 8545

If what NEC said above doesn't make the lights come on for you, click on the Go to "S1 Web Site" at the top of this page and check out the section in the User's Manual which is linked down around the middle of that web page. Right under that is also a spreadsheet of temperature measurement...
by chas
Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:02 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: New S1 owner (Boston)
Replies: 2
Views: 3407

What I've always wondered about when I see these specs especially the presssure vs time specs; i.e. 9bar and 25sec is whether this is an absolute or mostly based on a 58mm PF. Does this apply equally to an S1 with it's narrower diameter and subsequently thicker coffee puck? It seems like at 9bar the...
by chas
Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:35 pm
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Milk Steaming
Replies: 69
Views: 68751

Re: Milk Steaming

I found this adapter http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/home/newitems/adaptor at ChrisCoffee, which also works for the S1. This enables you to use a wider range of steam tips, as there are plenty available for a 10mm thread; like this two-hole one: http://espressoparts.com/product/F_134_2 . I thin...
by chas
Sat Jan 14, 2006 9:10 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: Second round of VernaBaskets...
Replies: 43
Views: 40030

Lino is getting ready to order some baskets from Chris and make another batch of triples. He plans to sell them on e-Bay rather than through the forum as previously. However, he will give us a head's up here on this forum before he does so that you all can get first shot. Check back here periodicall...
by chas
Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:40 pm
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Milk Steaming
Replies: 69
Views: 68751

I guess every country has its different ways of labelling milk. I just got back from New Zealand and they have their ways, too. For example, what we call Skim Milk aka Non Fat here, they called Trim Milk there.
by chas
Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:50 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: PID the S1
Replies: 3
Views: 4429

Wolfgang: What's an RTD? That's a new one on me.
by chas
Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:17 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: Second round of VernaBaskets...
Replies: 43
Views: 40030

I ordered two springs and something else I could use at the same time in order to ease the shipping pain.
by chas
Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:31 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: 20 amp operation
Replies: 4
Views: 3777

Re: 20 amp operation

GentleGiant wrote: - Is this the way all the 20 amp machines run?
Yes
by chas
Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:21 pm
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: More secure mounting for steam arm
Replies: 3
Views: 8285

Interesting. This hasn't happened to me once in two years.
by chas
Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:20 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Loss of steam capacity
Replies: 5
Views: 9155

Figure it out yet?
by chas
Fri Dec 02, 2005 2:54 pm
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Milk Steaming
Replies: 69
Views: 68751

Have any of you "old timers" with first generation S1's ever gone back and revisited the original 4 hole steam tip? I recently did on a whim and was surprised by the excellent microfoam. Chris replaced our original 4 hole tips with the current 3 hole tips free of charge after receiving mut...
by chas
Sun Nov 27, 2005 8:27 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Drip from Steam Wand
Replies: 4
Views: 9539

The drip got pretty bad during the last week so I pulled the covers yesterday. The problem is that when you go to rotate the steam wand it will eventually loosen the connection where the steam wand screws into the upper fitting that goes into the ball joint. The result is that the steam wand rotates...
by chas
Sat Nov 19, 2005 11:03 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Temperature Measurements
Replies: 18
Views: 14032

There are a lot of variables to making great coffee: 1) Quality of the coffee including roast and age. 2) Tamp pressure 3) The approx. 25 second golden rule 4) Water temp and stability 5) Water pressure at the puck The above discussion - since I assume everyone spending the cash on an S1 is using go...
by chas
Sat Oct 29, 2005 1:38 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: 15 to 20
Replies: 7
Views: 5566

BTW: So long as you know the outlet you will plug into has a 20A breaker I do not believe there is really a need to replace the cord/plug with a 20A plug.
by chas
Sun Oct 16, 2005 10:49 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Temperature Measurements
Replies: 18
Views: 14032

In doing your measurements you (and Wolfgang) are already emulating reality more closely that I did. Other than sacrificing the single basket by drilling a hole in it to put the TC wire through, all I did was to cut out a cylindrical piece of sponge to emulate the coffee puck and stick the TC throug...
by chas
Sun Oct 16, 2005 9:20 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Boiler pressure / temperature adjustment?
Replies: 4
Views: 5750

This is not a topic that has been discussed here before. So I'm guessing no one has yet figured it out or tried it. From the very poor schematics that are included in the User's Manual, it appears that there are at least two potentiometers on the controller board. It is likely that one of them contr...
by chas
Sun Oct 16, 2005 9:08 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Temperature Measurements
Replies: 18
Views: 14032

Your test setup and methodology look fine to me. Have you checked out the measurements I took: http://www.rimpo.org/s1/S1Pix/S1TempMeasurementsNewBrd.pdf . Also Wolfgang Gaggl posted some he made here on the S1 Forum a couple of months back. You should be able to search and find them. I also saw a f...
by chas
Fri Oct 14, 2005 11:44 am
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam boiler alarm
Replies: 14
Views: 18494

Maybe he'll at least learn how to curse in Italian :roll:
by chas
Sun Oct 09, 2005 11:54 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Steam leak and pressure outside bounds (I think)
Replies: 3
Views: 4967

Robert. This is the pressure relief valve or perhaps a vacuum relieve valve. It alway seems to open when the boiler cools. On mine, as the boiler starts to come up to pressure, it closes. In the process it often spits a tiny bit of water and steam for a few seconds before it seats. I sounds like you...
by chas
Sat Oct 08, 2005 1:33 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam boiler alarm
Replies: 14
Views: 18494

Great documentation job. If you can't permanently keep this photos stored at their current location, let me know. I'll be glad to copy this entire post over to it's own page on the S1 Web Site. The inside of your boiler looks very clean, but then again this is a pretty new unit isn't it? I've been c...
by chas
Sat Oct 08, 2005 1:20 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Water spout solenoid doesn't stop
Replies: 12
Views: 17537

The only thing this reminds me of on my machne has been far more innocuous so far. I have only seen this maybe 3-4 times in almost two years but the trigger is the same everytime. If I pull a fair amount of hot water. Perhaps if I am fixing two Americanos and I fill the two cups with hot water back ...
by chas
Tue Oct 04, 2005 6:56 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Water Dripping from Steam Boiler (#2)
Replies: 8
Views: 9182

Ron:

The good news is that you'll probably enjoy a pretty good trouble free run now that's behind you.

BTW: Recognize this? That's a snowdrift I'm using for cooling :lol:

Image
by chas
Mon Oct 03, 2005 7:24 am
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Water spout solenoid doesn't stop
Replies: 12
Views: 17537

Re: water valve not shutting off

I had this same thing happen today Sat. 0ct. 3rd I've had the S1 for 3 days. It worked flawlessly untill today. I pulled some water from the water tap and when I pressed the button it did not stop. I had to turn the boiler off so it would not keep refilling. I tried it again later and this time whe...
by chas
Mon Oct 03, 2005 7:21 am
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam boiler alarm
Replies: 14
Views: 18494

Re: Steam boiler problem

sjseattle wrote:The heating element is being shipped. I anticipate installing it in about 2 weeks since I will be on vacation when it arrives. I will photo document the process as much as possible.

Steve
Any update on this?
by chas
Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:54 pm
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: We need some pics here
Replies: 5
Views: 6874

Zak42: You definitely need a better tamper. Those two pours on the left appear to exhibit severe channeling. The color of the pour on the upper right is more in the ballpark.
by chas
Wed Sep 28, 2005 8:36 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: The age old backflush question
Replies: 7
Views: 6730

Didn't I read a stated from La Spaziale *somewhere* that said that you didn't need to backflush (just change/clean the screens)?? Chris told me that when he was visiting the LaSpaz factory last year they showed him their preferred way of cleaning and recommended against detergent based backwashes b...
by chas
Wed Sep 28, 2005 7:50 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Newer S1 internals
Replies: 5
Views: 4784

Yes, when I purchased mine a jumper was used rather than a switch. The jumper is out for 20A mode so mine didn't even have the jumper there. One of the initial growing pains I went through as an earlier user was purchasing an S1 with a programming flaw in the board. This caused the LED temperature l...
by chas
Sun Sep 25, 2005 7:35 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Pressure REgulator
Replies: 1
Views: 3366

I think Chris recommended it at first as a possible way to stop the drip. That didn't stop my drip. It just mysteriously stopped on it's own a few months later. Then the regulator started dripping and, rather than fixing it by rewrapping the teflon tape around the connector, I just took it off and l...
by chas
Sun Sep 25, 2005 7:31 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Gasket
Replies: 3
Views: 4454

Maybe I ought to check mine again. I've had mine for 18 months and am still on the first gasket. Six or more months ago I took it out and inspected it and it still seemed soft so I just flipped it over and put it back. Thanks for the reminder to check. So did you get a little over a year out of it r...
by chas
Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:43 am
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: Second round of VernaBaskets...
Replies: 43
Views: 40030

I don't know how often lino checks in here when he's between basket batches. You might be better off finding one of his recent S1 Forum posts and clicking the "e-mail" icon at the bottom of the post to send him a personal inquiry.
by chas
Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:38 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: S1 fittings for a new owner
Replies: 9
Views: 7625

I believe Chris is the US Distributor for the S1 so even if you buy it from someone else Chris is making money on the deal! 8)
by chas
Sat Sep 24, 2005 10:59 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Tamper ?
Replies: 10
Views: 7962

The 48mm POS tamper lets you angle the edge of the tamper as you start a four quadrant tamp. You can correct better for cases where you haven't evenly spread the coffee prior to tamping that you can if you have a thick 53 of 53.5mm tamper which you can really only push straight down. That said, I do...
by chas
Sat Sep 24, 2005 10:05 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: S1 fittings for a new owner
Replies: 9
Views: 7625

Here are pix of the plumb-in installation for my previous Isomac Tea. It is the standard kit you can buy from Chris' Internet site and used 1/4" fittings. When I purchased the S1, Chris sent me all the 3/8' fittings and pipe I needed to convert the setup. However, the pictures still look the sa...
by chas
Thu Sep 22, 2005 7:09 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Tamper ?
Replies: 10
Views: 7962

It's only 48mm so it will always fit no matter what basket you use.
by chas
Thu Sep 22, 2005 7:35 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Tamper ?
Replies: 10
Views: 7962

In spite of the fact that we all like to style it up with our standard or custom Reg, Espro, and Thor tampers - and Lord knows I have a drawer full of them - I can get as good or often better results using a four quadrant tamp with that POS plastic jobber that comes with the S1. Four quadrant tamps ...
by chas
Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:06 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam boiler alarm
Replies: 14
Views: 18494

By all means photo document the replacement process when you do it and post here. Good luck.
by chas
Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:07 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Cost of Electricity to Operate the S1
Replies: 9
Views: 9853

yes
by chas
Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:04 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Cost of Electricity to Operate the S1
Replies: 9
Views: 9853

yes, S1 up to temp and no lamps blinking.
by chas
Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:36 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: Second round of VernaBaskets...
Replies: 43
Views: 40030

Lino, are they any easier to get out of the portafilter than the stock baskets, i.e. no screw driver needed? If so, put me down for at least two! Thanks, Barry Go to Espresso Parts or alternate source and purchase a stock LM PF spring. You'd think because the LM baskets are 58mm that they wouldn't ...
by chas
Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:40 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 "Triple" Basket Reviews
Replies: 17
Views: 22221

I concur about a richer taste and less likehood of channeling.

Since there is more ground coffee in the PF, which also absorbs more water, you end up with less espresso made from more coffee. What you end up with is a double ristretto. Yum!
by chas
Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:45 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

Got my triples today. First drink was my standard afternoon iced americano. Tasted pretty good. Will report back when I have a few more shots under my belt for comparison.
by chas
Sat Jul 09, 2005 6:09 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Cost of Electricity to Operate the S1
Replies: 9
Views: 9853

Cost of Electricity to Operate the S1

It's been asked - and I've often wondered - just how much electricity it takes to operate the S1 24x7. I finally took some measurements today. Here's what I came up with: Daily $0.30 Monthly $9.00 aka <2.5 Starbucks Grande Lattes Annually $108.00 I created a spreadsheet model that is posted at http:...
by chas
Sat Jul 09, 2005 5:51 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

Bob:

The first pilot production run of 10 units is already spoken for. You can be 2nd in line flying standby in case any of the pilot customers backs out when they find out the price. If lino sticks to schedule we should know in the next few days.
by chas
Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:21 am
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

Nope. lino has our contact info now. I suspect we should all hear directly from him.
by chas
Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:50 am
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

Derek, OK send me your contact info to the address noted in the above post and I'll add you and decrement Tim's quantity
by chas
Wed Jun 22, 2005 2:20 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

OK, all 10 are spoken for. However, some of the folks may back out once the price is known. So if anyone wants to "fly standby" let me know and I'll start a 2nd list.
by chas
Tue Jun 21, 2005 10:18 am
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

We still have 3 unspoken for. Any takers?

As previously noted this is an unbinding reservation. If the final price exceeds your budget, you can back out or only buy one instead of two (for those that requested 2).
by chas
Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:18 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

I've inquired with Lino as have a couple of others. (I've attached his note below.) The bottom line is that he plans to purchase 20 baskets from Chris and make 10 triples. He already has requests for 5. As soon as he gets 5 other requests via posting in the Forum, those folks will get a crack at the...
by chas
Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:39 am
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

Thanks for the info. I'll contact him directly. Maybe I can get Chris to drop ship a couple of baskets directly to him to expedite the process for me since I don't have two spare baskets lying around. I had also thought about the notion that Chris might want to sell these if there is enough groundsw...
by chas
Fri Jun 17, 2005 7:57 pm
Forum: Triple Baskets
Topic: S1 triple basket ?
Replies: 55
Views: 56275

So is this guy and/or you interested in going into business making some of these for other S1 users. If so, you can count tme in.
by chas
Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:39 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: What's that hissing noise?
Replies: 9
Views: 11288

There's that large brass drain nut which sticks though a hole in the bottom of the chassis. You can always remove that, drain the boiler, and see what kind of crap comes out.
by chas
Sun Jun 05, 2005 7:19 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: What's that hissing noise?
Replies: 9
Views: 11288

That was a thread from January. Here's the thread were he said he sent it back to Chris for repair. I think it was one of those machines that had metal shavings in the valve.

http://www.rimpo.org/wforum/viewtopic.php?t=96
by chas
Sat Jun 04, 2005 11:55 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: What's that hissing noise?
Replies: 9
Views: 11288

My machine is approximately 7 months old and as the steam boiler reaches optimal pressue, I hear the occasional sound of steam "venting". It last a couple of seconds, then stops. I am going to wait and see if it gets more persistent before I pull the machine apart again. Barry I think the...
by chas
Fri Jun 03, 2005 11:43 am
Forum: Tampers
Topic: 54mm Tamper
Replies: 19
Views: 23970

Barry wrote:I have a copy of Pro/E, a block of aluminum and a five access milling machine. The machine has incredible tolerances where a tenth of a millimeter is no problem. Do I go 53.5mm, 53.6mm or 53.7mm?

Barry
If you are lookinng at the tightest fit that still works you can try 53.7mm
by chas
Sun May 29, 2005 1:11 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: PF Dimensions
Replies: 11
Views: 9345

You can see photos of the S1 PF here:

http://www.rimpo.org/wforum/viewtopic.php?t=88
by chas
Fri May 27, 2005 2:53 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: PF Dimensions
Replies: 11
Views: 9345

On the other hand I believe you can directly order a bottomless PF from EPNW or even ship them one of yours and have them cut it for you.
by chas
Wed May 25, 2005 2:51 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: PF Dimensions
Replies: 11
Views: 9345

That's the right place, but for something like this you probably need to call:
1(800) 459-5594
by chas
Tue May 24, 2005 5:21 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: PF Dimensions
Replies: 11
Views: 9345

While your waiting for someone to breakout their micrometer and take some measurements for you, have you considered calling Espresso Parts NW. I'm pretty sure they carry PFs for both machines and can tell you if they are interchangeable.
by chas
Mon May 16, 2005 6:31 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Water spout solenoid doesn't stop
Replies: 12
Views: 17537

Sounds like you're going to find out how much fun it is to replace the control board. Let us know what Chris' the tech has to say about this.

Three months left on the warranty - good time to get a new board!
by chas
Tue May 10, 2005 9:00 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Water Dripping from Steam Boiler (#2)
Replies: 8
Views: 9182

Escher: I forwarded your entire thread to Chris. Here's his response: Thanks for sending me this email. I was aware of this but to tell the manufacturer of it is one thing but to forward a thread like this is much more effective for me and for La Spaziale. la Spaziale doesn't manufacture the valve a...
by chas
Tue May 10, 2005 6:37 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Water Dripping from Steam Boiler (#2)
Replies: 8
Views: 9182

Did any of the three people that this has happened to take any photos they could sent me? The process of disassembling the valve and cleaning it out seems like a valuable piece of info lacking on the S1 site all because that's the one thing that hasn't happened to me....yet :wink:
by chas
Sat May 07, 2005 11:11 am
Forum: Tampers
Topic: 54mm Tamper
Replies: 19
Views: 23970

If anyone has a Reg Barber tamper, wishes it was a slighly different size, but can't see springing for a whole new tamper, check out Reg's Web site: http://www.coffeetamper.com/cart_base.php You can now buy the bases and handles separately. The bases are available in stainless, aluminum, brass, or c...
by chas
Thu Apr 28, 2005 9:26 am
Forum: Tampers
Topic: 54mm Tamper
Replies: 19
Views: 23970

I have two Thor's, two Reg, and a EPNW handle with a couple of different size screw on disks. One of the Thor's is that custom "Chess Pawn" looking design that Chris sells. My favorite is the Mexican Cocobolo that Les of Thor tamper custom made for my S1 - with matching PF handle. If you h...
by chas
Tue Apr 26, 2005 1:40 pm
Forum: Tampers
Topic: 54mm Tamper
Replies: 19
Views: 23970

Tough choice but I'd have to give the edge to Yemen Mocca. There are several kinds you can find some better than others but all really good.
by chas
Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:51 am
Forum: Tampers
Topic: 54mm Tamper
Replies: 19
Views: 23970

I have a collection of 53mm, 53.5mm, and 54mm flat and convex from Reg, Thor, and Espresso Parts NW. Other than the fact that the 54mm is a little too big, I don't treally see much difference in the result with any of them. As a matter of fact I can do just as good or better a job with that little P...
by chas
Fri Apr 15, 2005 1:32 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Removing Side Panels
Replies: 9
Views: 11241

That reminds me of one additional important step. You can do this as part of the removal process but it's not absolutely necessary. However, it is definitely necessary to easy the side panel reinstallation process. Once you remove the warming tray, you will see four screws just under the panel - one...
by chas
Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:14 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Removing Side Panels
Replies: 9
Views: 11241

Going to paint some saguaros and cactus wrens on the side panels? Maybe you should buy those grey side panels from Rhinoevans so if you hate how it turns out you still have your black ones to put back on. Steps to remove side panels: Let unit cool down Remove screw from warming tray and remove tray ...
by chas
Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:12 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: steam control
Replies: 4
Views: 5444

Re: steam control

... Everything is tuned in and working great. The only oddity I have experienced is that my steam knob must be turned approx. 1/2 turn before it engages and then the another 3/4 turn for full steam power. Is this normal or is there an adjustment that can be made to eliminate the initial "dead ...
by chas
Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: steam control
Replies: 4
Views: 5444

I'm so used to the way my S1 works I'm not sure how far I have to turn the steam knob for a given amount of steam. I try to pay attention tomorrow. Welcome to the world of the Mazzer Mini. I traded up to the Mini-E several months ago so I don't have this problem any more though that's an expensive w...
by chas
Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:17 am
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: Thor PF Handles
Replies: 6
Views: 8849

Thor PF Handles

I had Les of Thor Tamper fame make wooden handles for my two S1 portafilters. If anyone is interested in something like this for their S1 his website is http://thortamper.com . He charged me $65 incl shipping for the pair. He has posted a photo he took of them on the home page of his site but here's...
by chas
Wed Mar 30, 2005 9:44 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Pre purchase questions
Replies: 6
Views: 7642

It's supposed to be 2200W but amps is the key part of the calculation when it comes to ensuring you won't trip a breaker. In that regard I am lucky to have high voltage at my house. My voltage runs a bit over 125V which lowers the amps. What I am doing should be a no-no in that the only other thing ...
by chas
Wed Mar 30, 2005 9:17 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Pre purchase questions
Replies: 6
Views: 7642

Re: Pre purchase questions

Hi, Just a few questions: 1. Has anyone plumbed-in the drip tray? Is it easy to do? Can it be done with quick detact fittings so the tray can be cleaned, or do you clean in place? If you use the search feature on this forum you will see several discussions of this topic. However, I've never seen a ...
by chas
Mon Mar 28, 2005 7:37 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Introduction
Replies: 10
Views: 10576

At this point a question for you, Chas: You have some temperature measurements at your web site, I would be really interested in a time course over a shot (not just some average/peak measure), collecting temperature samples every few seconds. Do you already have some data on that? Happy Easter, Wol...
by chas
Fri Mar 25, 2005 11:46 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Introduction
Replies: 10
Views: 10576

Any chance you'll make it 24 hours before the covers come off the 1st time? :twisted:
by chas
Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:15 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Introduction
Replies: 10
Views: 10576

I noticed yesterday that Chris has recently updated his web site and he says that he's sold 150 S1s. That's 10 per month. Not bad for a home machine in this class.
by chas
Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:04 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Introduction
Replies: 10
Views: 10576

Welcome. If you haven't already done so you may want to go to the S1 Web Site, download, and read the User's Manual while you're waiting.
by chas
Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:27 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Old brass diffuser disk
Replies: 22
Views: 20488

I'd give you a couple, but the cost of shipping... Probably better just to order some up. Assuming that New England Cliff lives in New England (I am in California), BoltDepot is in Maryland. This also explains why Chas got his last week and I am still waiting on UPS... Actually that would be Massac...
by chas
Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:26 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Old brass diffuser disk
Replies: 22
Views: 20488

The tip of the round screw is 3mm tall. The top of the original flat head bolt is 3.8mm. The biggest difference is that at the height where the grounds would leave a complete indentation of the entire head of the original bolt, the new bolt will either leave no impression or else just a small round ...
by chas
Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:25 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Splash rail--is it removable?
Replies: 4
Views: 5412

kdkrone wrote:
About how much extra space will it give me if the rail is removed?

Ken
7/8"
by chas
Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:19 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Splash rail--is it removable?
Replies: 4
Views: 5412

Sure. It just pulls right off. It's not screwed or attached in any way. I guess using the cup warner feature is out for you! Of course if your plates are in the cabinet right above you'll have a plate warmer!
by chas
Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:31 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How much of a hassle to de-scale the S1?
Replies: 5
Views: 7011

Another hint is that you'll need hardness test strips so that you'll know when you need to replace or recharge the softener cartridge. Here is an excellent source at a good price 50 strips for $7.00. Chris used to sell them in small quantities for a higher price, but I no longer see them on his web ...
by chas
Sat Mar 19, 2005 2:51 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Old brass diffuser disk
Replies: 22
Views: 20488

padillatim wrote:I am guessing 4, or 5mm. They shipped today, so I will know soon. They have the same button top that Cliff describes and should be at least 1mm shorter.
Turns out they require a 3mm hex wrench.
by chas
Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:20 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Old brass diffuser disk
Replies: 22
Views: 20488

Mine arrived today. They work great. It's nice to see a completely flat puck surface rather than one with a large hex bolt indentation on top.
by chas
Thu Mar 17, 2005 3:08 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: The Bottomless Portafilters Are In!
Replies: 7
Views: 8469

I got an e-mail from Chris last night. He was helping out in the warehouse. The PFs and Mazzer hoppers have resulted in a flood of orders! You should see it before too long. For some reason I was still up when the e-mail announcement came in at 1AM and placed my order immediately. UPS brown from NY ...
by chas
Wed Mar 16, 2005 8:41 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: The Bottomless Portafilters Are In!
Replies: 7
Views: 8469

Mine arrived today - both the PF and the Mazzer hopper. There seems to be a minor design flaw in the trap door slot which results in the trap door not being able to slide in as far as it does on the original. This leaves a gap large enough for the beans to fall through rendering the feature virtuall...
by chas
Wed Mar 16, 2005 6:22 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Old brass diffuser disk
Replies: 22
Views: 20488

Do you know what size allen wrench these take? I have dozens of normal ones, my luck these need metric allen wrenchs.
by chas
Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:54 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How much of a hassle to de-scale the S1?
Replies: 5
Views: 7011

The nice thing about the Chris Softener system - as he notes on his site - is the use of standard 10" cannisters. This actually allows you to replace the cartridges with different ones in case your specific needs are slightly different. In my case I just replaced the original 10micron carbon fi...
by chas
Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:52 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: The Bottomless Portafilters Are In!
Replies: 7
Views: 8469

Mine's on order, too and one of the Mazzer Mini short hoppers. Hopefully, most of the members of this forums are on Chris' mailing list and received the e-mail with the discount code for each. I swapped a few e-mails with Chris yesterday. It sounds like he's had hundreds of inquiries already between...
by chas
Tue Mar 08, 2005 6:37 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How much of a hassle to de-scale the S1?
Replies: 5
Views: 7011

Ken:

I'm not aware of anyone that's tried. I think most everyone has followed Chris Nachtrieb's advice and purchased his softener/carbon filter kit so that scaling does not occur.

http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/hom ... enersystem
by chas
Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:06 pm
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: Preinfusion
Replies: 13
Views: 20401

Good point. I retract my dumb idea.
by chas
Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:08 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: removing portafilter basket
Replies: 24
Views: 34874

I tried going springless many months ago, perhaps it was your recommendation. I didn't like it personally. I just received the new PF springs from EPNW and the result is superb. The basket still stays in place just fine but it's easy to grab and pop right out. The difference is that the spring wire ...
by chas
Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:35 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Dripping hot water dispenser
Replies: 4
Views: 6053

Time for a call to tech support.
by chas
Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:55 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: My new ebay S1
Replies: 7
Views: 8300

If you have a digital camera document your progress here. You probably have your S1 more torn down that most of us ever will. Sounds like your S1 had some hard commerical use. It's hard to believe a home user could get an S1 in that condition. I wonder how in the world that fuse bolt got snapped off?
by chas
Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:25 am
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: channeling
Replies: 55
Views: 64043

If you look back at the front photo of John's S1 in a previous post you will see the magnetic cheat sheet I sent him close to a year ago. Of course one adorns my S1 in the same location. This weekend I had to perform one of the functions I hadn't done in a while and found some of the wording on the ...
by chas
Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:19 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: My new ebay S1
Replies: 7
Views: 8300

Lou:

What's the status of your restoration?
by chas
Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:37 pm
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: How sweet it is!
Replies: 1
Views: 6947

How sweet it is!

Based on the beans and roast I prefer, I have settled in to 95C as my favorite temp. Last weekend I spaced out and nearly charbucked a pound of top quality espresso blends from Sweet Marias. At 95C the result was decidely bitter even in a Latte. I dropped the temp down to 92C and the result was exce...
by chas
Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:11 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: S1 Review on Coffegeek.com
Replies: 2
Views: 4431

Looks good. Nice job.
by chas
Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:20 pm
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Back Flush
Replies: 33
Views: 37859

You're in the right place, you just haven't looked around enough. At the very top of this (and every) page on this forum (under the title) is a link called "Go to S1 Website". Use it. Click the "FAQs" button at the top of that page. On the FAQs page read the answer to the questio...
by chas
Tue Feb 15, 2005 5:09 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: removing portafilter basket
Replies: 24
Views: 34874

I guess I'd better shop around on the EPNW site for other things I need or else I'll be paying 3x more for shipping than I will for the part! :shock:

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