Search found 70 matches
- Wed Jul 24, 2019 7:56 pm
- Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
- Topic: Vivaldi-II Group Heating Element
- Replies: 1
- Views: 16328
Vivaldi-II Group Heating Element
I've had my Vivaldi-II since 2006. Before last Saturday, the only failure has been the pump -- which was an easy replacement. But last Saturday morning the group heater finally died. Wouldn't heat up, and water coming out of group was "milky" looking. Turns out that was because the heating...
- Wed Jul 02, 2008 3:33 pm
- Forum: Pre-Roasted Beans
- Topic: vivace espresso
- Replies: 14
- Views: 14299
Re: vivace espresso
Are they referring to the caffeine content or something else? I don't know -- I was puzzled by that statement as well and wish the author had asked for a further explanation. Alves might be referring to the caffeine load, as you suggest. But using the common assertion that robusta's have 2x the caf...
- Wed Jul 02, 2008 2:56 pm
- Forum: Pre-Roasted Beans
- Topic: vivace espresso
- Replies: 14
- Views: 14299
Re: vivace espresso
Mm-hmm. As I wrote earlier, de gustibus non est disputandum . Yes, but that's also an over-simplification. Fortunately, MOST humans have similar tastes and that allows us to generally get value from the evaluations and opinions of expert tasters (or an arbiter elegantiarum , if you prefer), reviewe...
- Tue Jul 01, 2008 3:36 pm
- Forum: Pre-Roasted Beans
- Topic: vivace espresso
- Replies: 14
- Views: 14299
Re: vivace espresso
What are the flavors you notice with the Dolce? I would describe it as sweet, with a very slight chocolate aroma/flavor. Sometimes the latter is more noticeable than others, probably due to variations in my grind/tamp. My wife claims to taste caramel, especially when its roasted a little darker -- ...
- Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:36 am
- Forum: Pre-Roasted Beans
- Topic: vivace espresso
- Replies: 14
- Views: 14299
Re: vivace espresso
So the Dolce is mostly Robusta? High caffeine like the Liquid Amber? Absolutely not. It appears (looks and taste) to be mostly a monsooned malabar (arabica) with very little robusta. Certainly some people don't like Malabar, and they probably won't like Dolce either. But to say it has a lot of robu...
- Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:44 pm
- Forum: Pre-Roasted Beans
- Topic: vivace espresso
- Replies: 14
- Views: 14299
Re: vivace espresso
I was thinking of trying the Vivace Dolce now that the Toscano is gone. Anyone tried it recently? After trying a lot of blends from a lot of roasters, Vivace Dolce is about all I drink now. Haven't found anything I like better. I just ordered another 8lbs of the Vivace Dolce (green) -- it is a slig...
- Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:53 am
- Forum: Pride Page
- Topic: A mini-VII video
- Replies: 8
- Views: 9786
Re: A mini-VII video
Anyone recommend some awesome beans to buy in the West or better yet Northwest or best in Portland (besides Stumptown)? I know Black Cat is popular, but I would prefer something I can pick-up a day or two after roast. Tired of stale, light roasts! Maybe I'll have to break out my roaster again. Try ...
- Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:27 pm
- Forum: Accessories
- Topic: New S1 steam tip from Chris Coffee
- Replies: 43
- Views: 34827
Re: 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. I am very pleased and would highly recommend the new tip. For large amounts of milk, the speed of th...
- Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:04 pm
- Forum: Accessories
- Topic: New S1 steam tip from Chris Coffee
- Replies: 43
- Views: 34827
I tried the new tip for the first time this morning, with about 5oz of milk. Definitely much easier to control, a few seconds longer before reaching 140f and *markedly* better microfoam. The new tip is definitely a winner, certainly for small amounts of milk (which is all I ever steam). Looking at a...
- Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:57 pm
- Forum: Roaster Equipment and Use
- Topic: Voiding My Warranty
- Replies: 2
- Views: 5666
One reason it's dangerous is that someone could turn on the heater w/o the fan and melt-down the whole unit (and burn down your house). Could you swap out the fan switch for a double-pole, and run the power to the heater through both switches? That way, you could ensure that the heater can only get...
- Sat Jul 14, 2007 12:24 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Changing Filter and softener cartridges .....
- Replies: 45
- Views: 29356
Got my replacement softener and it's been a while since I saw the setup so I forgot how it went together. Ho do I get the new one in there?? Do I remove the screws from the bracket into the black top and the blue container pops off? Evan The blue housing should unscrew from the black top. A special...
- Fri Jul 13, 2007 11:40 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: good source for water hardness test strips
- Replies: 9
- Views: 9461
These are the ones I've been using -- 50 for $6.
http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Hardness-T ... 02C60.aspx
http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Hardness-T ... 02C60.aspx
- Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:33 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Timer lockup
- Replies: 39
- Views: 35754
- Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:09 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Timer lockup
- Replies: 39
- Views: 35754
...Only a matter of time. I just had an issue with my timer this morning. The machine never turned ON! The timer looked normal, it just failed to turn it on the machine so I woke up to a cold machine! Stupid electronic gizmos! Sorry to hear that, Niko! On one hand, this has only happened to me once...
- Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:42 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Changing Filter and softener cartridges .....
- Replies: 45
- Views: 29356
- Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:17 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Changing Filter and softener cartridges .....
- Replies: 45
- Views: 29356
- Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:15 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Hot Water Delivery
- Replies: 13
- Views: 9779
I've probably never drawn more than about 8oz at once, so I've not thought much about it. I remember seeing a photo of the element... It was in this thread: http://s1cafe.com/wforum/viewtopic.php?t=372 Most of the heat is going to be in the coil, and it appears it would be positioned at the very bot...
- Tue Jun 05, 2007 5:45 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Timer lockup
- Replies: 39
- Views: 35754
Timer lockup
I headed into the kitchen this morning and was greeted by a stone-cold V-II. Oh the horror... The timer didn't turn it on! :angryfire: I looked at the timer display, and the second line -- which normally alternates between showing the current time and the "next on/off" time -- was just sho...
- Tue Jun 05, 2007 5:28 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: S1 Portafilter Drip down handle
- Replies: 11
- Views: 9495
Try taking the group gasket out -- clean it AND carefully clean the groove in which it fits. If a bit of grunge gets in that channel, it can prevent a seal between the gasket and the group, and the pressure will find a way around the gasket. Other than that... Make sure the gasket still pliable with...
- Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:09 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: black cat espresso
- Replies: 41
- Views: 28992
Re: coffee choice
does the espro fit ok in the s 1 8) I use the Espro -- a quality and useful product -- but is exactly 53mm and leaves quite a bit of coffee on the sides of my baskets, which are about 53.3 at the ridge. Sounds like Niko has some smaller baskets, but mine are all 53.3mm at the ridge line. I was in t...
- Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:08 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Vivaldi II...sold out again!
- Replies: 38
- Views: 26314
- Mon Jun 04, 2007 1:39 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Vivaldi II...sold out again!
- Replies: 38
- Views: 26314
- Sun Jun 03, 2007 8:52 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Behaviour when backflushing
- Replies: 7
- Views: 7628
- Sun Jun 03, 2007 5:40 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Behaviour when backflushing
- Replies: 7
- Views: 7628
- Sat May 26, 2007 1:05 am
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Vivaldi II...sold out again!
- Replies: 38
- Views: 26314
- Sat May 26, 2007 1:01 am
- Forum: Suggested Improvements
- Topic: Vivaldi III, wishes...
- Replies: 42
- Views: 41295
It is so hard to make suggestions, because for my tastes the V2 is pretty close to perfect. I'm the kind of guy who is seldom satisfied with any appliance or mechanical contrivance -- but I find the V2 an absolute pleasure to use and it's tough to find much in the way of improvements that would sign...
- Sun May 20, 2007 5:36 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Pump sounds
- Replies: 33
- Views: 35312
I removed my regulator (since the adjustments are trashed anyway, getting a new one tomorrow) but my needle jumped to the 10 o'clock and the pump seemed quiter already. Makes me wonder why is the pump starved (slightly enough to annoy me) at a reasonable pressure? I have it set around the 25-30 psi...
- Sun May 20, 2007 3:58 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Pump sounds
- Replies: 33
- Views: 35312
Can someone please post a pic of their dual manometer while the machine is not in use? Do you mean turned off and cold? Or just when the pump is off? Here is a pic of mine, up to temp and waiting for action: http://s1cafe.com/wforum/userpix/162_Img_1046_2.jpg The group pressure when pump is off ind...
- Sun May 20, 2007 1:07 am
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Pump sounds
- Replies: 33
- Views: 35312
Whoa, Niko, time for some decaf. :blob6: Have you checked that it is getting enough supply pressure/flow? You could disconnect the supply line from the machine, and make sure there is good flow there. Maybe some more of that teflon tape is clogging up the works! I don't recall... Is there a screen a...
- Sat May 19, 2007 8:17 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Pump sounds
- Replies: 33
- Views: 35312
- Mon May 14, 2007 7:44 am
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Minor Steam Wand issue...
- Replies: 24
- Views: 25707
I already popped out the screen out on the water dispenser, it's pretty easy to remove. You can unscrew it just like a faucet head and pop it right out for cleaning. Good to know... I had tried to unscrew mine, but was not sure if that's how it came apart so was afraid to give it too much torque. I...
- Sun May 13, 2007 6:45 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Minor Steam Wand issue...
- Replies: 24
- Views: 25707
I'm wondering, is there any other internal parts assembled using Teflon Tape, such as valves and other internal connectors that LaSpaz would put together? Just guessing -- but most of the fittings in the Spaz are probably put together with some teflon tape. It is pretty standard technique for pipe ...
- Sun May 13, 2007 5:01 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Minor Steam Wand issue...
- Replies: 24
- Views: 25707
I wonder if this has anything to do with the pressure regulator problems I've been experiencing lately. Niko - Entirely possible. Did you use teflon tape when assembling? It's a pretty common problem to wrap the tape such that some of it goes beyond the threads. Like this (pretend the w's are threa...
- Sun May 13, 2007 3:18 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Minor Steam Wand issue...
- Replies: 24
- Views: 25707
- Sat May 12, 2007 5:06 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Special deal on S1
- Replies: 14
- Views: 9553
- Sat May 12, 2007 3:42 pm
- Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
- Topic: Pressure readings
- Replies: 4
- Views: 8133
EspressoParts in Seattle carries a blind basket for the S1:krus wrote:Where do you get a metal blind filter for a 53mm basket? I haven't been able to find one.
http://www.espressoparts.com/product/SP_11
- Sat May 12, 2007 2:30 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Special deal on S1
- Replies: 14
- Views: 9553
- Sat May 12, 2007 2:15 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Regulator
- Replies: 7
- Views: 9837
- Sat May 12, 2007 2:01 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Special deal on S1
- Replies: 14
- Views: 9553
Yep, grind quality is great and the adjustment is soooo precise. Could be a bit of a pain to go between drip grind and espresso, so I'm just keeping the Kitchenaid for the once or twice a week when I brew drip -- it does a good job there. That way I can keep the Macap tuned for espresso. It's also g...
- Sat May 12, 2007 12:11 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Special deal on S1
- Replies: 14
- Views: 9553
Macap Rocks
I've now had the Macap stepless for 8 days -- WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Not one sink shot in 8 days! With the Kitchenaid (always on the same setting), about 40% of the time I would get a good 25-30sec pour, 20% of the time it would choke the S1, and 30% of the time it would spray everywhere and run through...
- Sat May 12, 2007 11:50 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Regulator
- Replies: 7
- Views: 9837
- Tue May 08, 2007 10:08 am
- Forum: S1 Operational Problems
- Topic: Steam heater element no longer cuts off at right pressure
- Replies: 105
- Views: 109774
Re: I've also had the issue; can't tighten the new sensor!
Ideas on how to get the new sensor properly attached? Right now, it's barely finger tight, and I doubt it'd hold pressure... Maybe a crows foot wrench? As long as there is enough clearance around the sensor, a crows foot would allow you to access/tighten from directly above using a ratchet and exte...
- Tue May 01, 2007 3:37 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Noisy Pump over time?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 17450
If I recall correctly, the Blue stuff is supposed to have 150lb locking strength. The Red I'm not sure about, maybe that's a stronger version. I'll have to read the bottle when I get home. With Loctite brand, the bottles are red -- the liquid is blue for the removable line, and red for the permanen...
- Tue May 01, 2007 12:16 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Noisy Pump over time?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 17450
Only reason I said don't use thread locker is because I know someone with an S1 that needs to replace his capacitor. He'd be screwed (no pun intended) if there was thread lock on it. Uh, NO he wouldn't. The proper thread locker will NOT prevent removal. It fills the threads and dampens vibration to...
- Tue May 01, 2007 11:54 am
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Noisy Pump over time?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 17450
I would not use a thread locker of any type on that part. Just in case you ever need to change the capacitor, it would make it harder to remove it. That's sort of the whole point... to make it harder to remove, so it doesn't loosen from vibration. Properly applied, a true thread locker compound wil...
- Tue May 01, 2007 10:13 am
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Noisy Pump over time?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 17450
So if I am reading the other posing correctly, I can see this by just removing the front panel? Did you use any loctite or lock washer to keep it from backing out again? Yes - just remove the front panel, the bracket is attached to the front of the motor and should suspend the capacitor directly ab...
- Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:14 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Noisy Pump over time?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 17450
UGH!!! So I still have a rotary pump that is louder than my old FrancisFrancis X1. Carl B Mine suddenly got very noisy and I traced it down to the capacitor bracket. The bolt came loose and allowed the capacitor to swivel down and touch the motor, causing quite a loud noise. More description here: ...
- Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:05 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Minor Steam Wand issue...
- Replies: 24
- Views: 25707
After all, your timer might have cleared the error for you without you seeing it. I wouldn't have seen mine unless I went home for lunch that day because normally the timer would've fired up the machine before I got home that evening, therefore, clearing it up. That's exactly what I was trying to p...
- Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:33 am
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Lights still on...
- Replies: 65
- Views: 55208
This is all just a little computer error that easily gets cleared up but it's still annoying to find a machine this way when you walk into a room. I agree. And actually, it is *possible* this has happened on my machine before, and I just never noticed it. That is, it could have happened at 8:30pm w...
- Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:00 am
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Lights still on...
- Replies: 65
- Views: 55208
The strange lights phenomenon hit my S1 last night! The machine had been on all day, with the timer set to turn it off at 8:30pm. I walked by at 9:10pm, and found the following light combination: Boiler - off 91, 92, 93, 94 - on (solid) 95 - blinking On - blinking A single press of the on/off button...
- Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:50 am
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Fan noise
- Replies: 49
- Views: 36977
- Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:11 am
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Fan noise
- Replies: 49
- Views: 36977
Like Niko -- mine is nearly silent. I can hear it if I am standing next to the machine, but a few steps away and its gone. No explanation, its really wierd that there is so much difference being reported between machines.jonniewishbone wrote:Is this noisy fan thing a problem on all the Spaz II's?? Jon
...Scott
- Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:52 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Special deal on S1
- Replies: 14
- Views: 9553
Niko - I think you need an S1 for each room. Just think of all the travel time you'll save between the machines and your guests. The Kony is actually quite tempting. I was tempted.... I've been looking for a grinder upgrade, and finally placed an order last weekend for a black Macap stepless from Ch...
- Mon Apr 23, 2007 12:20 am
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: Special deal on S1
- Replies: 14
- Views: 9553
Special deal on S1
In case anyone is considering purchase of (another) S1 -- Chris' Coffee will be offering a special deal at the end of this month! La Spaziale Vivaldi II $1895 includes Timer $185 value, Softening System $105 value, Bottomless portafilter $59 value http://www.home-barista.com/forums/hb-second-anniver...
- Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:42 am
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Installing filter housing
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3971
Re: Installing filter housing
I am worried about the ability of drywall holding the filters. Are they heavy enough to pull loose? Is this something to be worried about? You would probably be OK using drywall anchors. There is some mechanical stress when removing/installing the filter housings, but I think anchors would hold up ...
- Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:04 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Lights still on...
- Replies: 65
- Views: 55208
Just another data point -- maybe a pattern will emerge. I setup my VII with the LaSpaziale timer last November. Since then, it has been turning on at 4:30am daily (6:30am weekends) and off at 8:30pm. I have turned it off manually, before the 8:30pm auto shutoff, about twice a week on average. So far...
- Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:08 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: New club member
- Replies: 28
- Views: 16323
I tried the de-caf from espresso vivace in Seattle and my wife and both thought it was good. I can recommend the Vivace decaf blend too. I drink almost exclusively decaf during the week and have settled on the Vivace; its quite good and they are local to me. I buy Vivace's Dolce blend for my wife, ...
- Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:01 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Timer and other extras?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4055
I'm with Niko - having a timer is a HUGE convenience, but you are correct about the price being out of line for the technology involved. There are plans elsewhere on this site for some home-brew solutions that are cheaper, so that is another option if you want a do-it-yourself solution. But I will s...
- Mon Mar 19, 2007 10:12 pm
- Forum: Pride Page
- Topic: My Vivaldi II Set-Up
- Replies: 14
- Views: 11907
- Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:21 pm
- Forum: General Q&A
- Topic: Will a Spaz fit under my Cabinet?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 6312
Does the machine have a stud to receive the feet w/ integral female threads? Or do the feet have the threaded stud? Why couldn't you fabricate some sort of replacement feet that are not as tall. It looks form the pictures that the feet are much thicker than necessary. Please clarify. Thanks- Eric Y...
- Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:52 pm
- Forum: Pride Page
- Topic: My Vivaldi II Set-Up
- Replies: 14
- Views: 11907
Re: My Vivaldi II Set-Up
I've been meaning to ask you, how do you like that knockbox? I want to order one because it looks like it holds quite a few pucks. So...how many pucks does that bucket hold? I can also recommend the Bumper knockbox. It looks big, but it really doesn't take up that much more footprint than the squar...
- Tue Mar 13, 2007 12:24 am
- Forum: S1 Operational Problems
- Topic: Steam heater element no longer cuts off at right pressure
- Replies: 105
- Views: 109774
As far as the pressure not dropping below 1.2 bar on you tells me that either you don't steam large quantities of milk or... That's true - I seldom do more than 6oz, and I have to really be careful not to overshoot the milk temp because the thermometer can't keep up with the fast rise! When I have ...
- Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:32 pm
- Forum: S1 Operational Problems
- Topic: Steam heater element no longer cuts off at right pressure
- Replies: 105
- Views: 109774
It does only go to about 1.2 bar, but it also doesn't dip below 1, so performance is much more predictable... Has anyone looked on their V1 controller board to see if there is some kind of adjustment? My V2 (with, obviously, a V2 temp sensor) comes right up to the 1.35 bar line, and seldom drops be...
- Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:35 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Noise when Pump running
- Replies: 3
- Views: 7495
Thanks for the info, I have to look into my VI that makes a similar noise. The only difference here is that my S1 always made that sound so I thought it was normal unitl I got the VII. Time has come to pop the covers off for some other things so I'll be taking a gander in the area that you mentione...
- Fri Feb 23, 2007 7:08 pm
- Forum: VII In Warranty Problems
- Topic: Noise when Pump running
- Replies: 3
- Views: 7495
Noise when Pump running
I have had my S1V2 almost 3 months. Today the pump's normal "hum" turned into a loud "vibration" noise. This noise was consistent, anytime the pump was running -- i.e., during a shot or boiler refill. I traced down the problem. There is short bracket that elevates a starting capa...
- Tue Feb 20, 2007 5:02 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: VII Timer Set-Up
- Replies: 23
- Views: 17915
- Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:20 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: VII Timer Set-Up
- Replies: 23
- Views: 17915
I do believe that as the vendor, Chris should be providing instructions with the timer. I received a printed timer manual with my S1v2 timer, and also was emailed a copy in MS-Word format. I have forwarded that to Chas so he can post on the web site if desired. Warning - It isn't a very good manual...
- Fri Feb 09, 2007 11:52 am
- Forum: Maintenance and Repair
- Topic: Fan Silencing Mod
- Replies: 23
- Views: 18373
I'm not sure about that, I don't have yours in front of me to compare but I think Chas has one of the 1st shipments like you but he didn't mention the fan silence. I'm sure. The fan in my VII is barely audible. If you're more than a few feet away, the only way you can tell it's on is by seeing the ...
- Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:16 pm
- Forum: VII General Q&A
- Topic: How do you to turn the VII on after the timer has shut off
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5416
Re: How do you to turn the VII on after the timer has shut o
[quote="fxdxt"]I tried to turn the VII on this AM after the timer shut off. When I hit the power button nothing happens.
If I hold it in for 3 seconds or more I go into program mode.
I tried changing the timer mode from
If I hold it in for 3 seconds or more I go into program mode.
I tried changing the timer mode from
- Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:13 pm
- Forum: Maintenance and Repair
- Topic: Fan Silencing Mod
- Replies: 23
- Views: 18373
The new shipment of VII's have been silenced. Not only the fan is nearly silent, but the unit as a whole is much quieter. I'm still scratching my head over what they've done so the covers will fly off soon to check the motor mounts and the rest of the stuff inside compared to my other S1. My VII wa...