Search found 3020 matches

by chas
Tue Jan 28, 2020 8:05 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Group gauge not working
Replies: 5
Views: 6640

Re: Group gauge not working

Here's the one I got. It's from a place in Portland, OR (espressoparts.com) which is 3,000 miles from me and probably 7,000 miles from you. Hopefully you can find this part closer to home. One of the advantages in going this route is that the threads will fit on any portafilter. So if you buy a diff...
by chas
Tue Jan 28, 2020 7:47 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No water from mini vivaldi water dispenser
Replies: 6
Views: 7381

Re: No water from mini vivaldi water dispenser

During this one minute period before the machine shuts off. Is the pump running?
by chas
Tue Jan 28, 2020 2:26 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Group gauge not working
Replies: 5
Views: 6640

Re: Group gauge not working

If you have a spare portafilter see if you can just locate a pressure gauge to screw onto the bottom. It's a lot cheaper that way since the portafilters themselves are pretty pricey. That's what I did for my current PF pressure gauge. New S1's come with two PFs so you can use one for a double spout ...
by chas
Tue Jan 28, 2020 8:57 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Group gauge not working
Replies: 5
Views: 6640

Re: Group gauge not working

Unless your incoming water pressure is ~110psi, it sounds like the gauge is bad. If your incoming water pressure is high, it is recommended that you use a pressure regulator in the water line to your machine. It should ideally be around 3-3.5bar.
by chas
Fri Jan 24, 2020 10:25 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 spitting water from steam boiler vacuum breaker
Replies: 9
Views: 9672

Re: S1 spitting water from steam boiler vacuum breaker

If it's by the main ground post it must be under the group boiler (smaller one) rather than the steam boiler since the steam boiler is on the opposite side of the machine from the main ground post in all the machines I have seen. I've had three of these machines and I don't recall seeing that board ...
by chas
Fri Jan 24, 2020 9:14 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 spitting water from steam boiler vacuum breaker
Replies: 9
Views: 9672

Re: S1 spitting water from steam boiler vacuum breaker

Strange that it's not connected to anything. That board must be specific to the Mini. I don't believe my plumbed in model has this board.

Did you buy this machine new or used?
by chas
Tue Jan 07, 2020 11:06 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1V1 steam/hot water problem
Replies: 4
Views: 6016

Re: S1V1 steam/hot water problem

I actually mentioned two issues related to the water level probe and they should be the first things you check. It does sound like the boiler may be overfilling. Given how many years you ran hard water through it you should probably descale the boiler. Though at this point that would probably requir...
by chas
Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:07 am
Forum: Mini Day One Problems
Topic: Leak from Pressure Relief Valve
Replies: 9
Views: 35064

Re: Leak from Pressure Relief Valve

I've never owned a Mini, but from what I recall hearing and seeing in other's photos this is the over pressure valve. On the plumbed version this actually screws into the top of the boiler and point straight up rather than the one on the Mini that hangs down. On the plumbed version I have never seen...
by chas
Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:47 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steady red lights #'s 20 & 21
Replies: 22
Views: 12392

Re: Steady red lights #'s 20 & 21

Lights 20 and 21 on steady means that the coffee boiler temperature probe has failed. This is pretty easy to fix yourself once you have the part in hand. However, the best case option is that the wire just popped off which is unlikely but worth checking since this would be a "free" fix. In...
by chas
Tue Dec 17, 2019 11:06 am
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Dream pump not working
Replies: 8
Views: 12115

Re: Dream pump not working

More questions... 1) How long did it work right before it failed? i.e. is it still under warranty? 2) Can you pull hot water so that the pump runs to refill the steam boiler? if not, it's likely to be the pump motor or the pump has seized. 3) If you press the one-cup or two-cup buttons does the 3-wa...
by chas
Mon Dec 16, 2019 9:54 pm
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Dream pump not working
Replies: 8
Views: 12115

Re: Dream pump not working

What pressure shows on the gauge? Have you tried adjusting the pump pressure?
by chas
Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:39 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Group head water flow
Replies: 7
Views: 12059

Re: Group head water flow

BTW: If you find an alternate screen alignment that you really like, mark across the side of the two screens with a black magic marker so you can align then that way after every removal for cleaning.
by chas
Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:12 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Group head water flow
Replies: 7
Views: 12059

Re: Group head water flow

The water flow looks OK to me. If you want to change the flow you do have some options. There is a brass dispersion block with a row of holes and then two shower screens that bolt to the group head. You might try rotating the two screens relative to each other. They each have holes and rotating them...
by chas
Mon Nov 18, 2019 10:11 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Only steam from hot water spout
Replies: 5
Views: 7712

Re: Only steam from hot water spout

If you think you may have some items screwed into the wrong holes, you can use some of the photos in this thread to check yourself.

http://www.s1cafe.com/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2416
by chas
Sat Nov 16, 2019 12:58 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Only steam from hot water spout
Replies: 5
Views: 7712

Re: Only steam from hot water spout

The drawing below shows an extension tube that screws into the fitting that attaches the hot water plumbing to the boiler. The tube is supposed to go below the surface of the water so that you get hot water rather than steam. If it is missing or if the water level probe is so long that it extends fa...
by chas
Fri Nov 15, 2019 2:48 pm
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: weird high pressure after water pressure regulator install
Replies: 4
Views: 7098

Re: weird high pressure after water pressure regulator install

If I read your signature block correctly, your machine is running SW version 1.20. I have version 1.24 on mine but there may be an even later version. At any rate I think ver 1.24 addresses the issue you are seeing. You may want to contact your machine supplier to see if they have a newer version th...
by chas
Fri Nov 15, 2019 9:31 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Only steam from hot water spout
Replies: 5
Views: 7712

Re: Only steam from hot water spout

Does hot water come out of the steam wand or do you still get steam out of the steam wand?
by chas
Sun Nov 03, 2019 9:44 am
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Fan cycles on and off continuously
Replies: 3
Views: 25335

Re: Fan cycles on and off continuously

Any luck figuring this out?
by chas
Sat Oct 26, 2019 5:34 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Fan cycles on and off continuously
Replies: 3
Views: 25335

Re: Fan cycles on and off continuously

I assume you have an older system that uses a pair of triac boards to control power to each boiler, since the newer machines have a dual SSR module which I don't believe requires a fan. Both triac boards are identical even though only the steam boiler triac (the one closer to the front of the machin...
by chas
Sat Oct 26, 2019 5:25 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Fan cycles on and off continuously
Replies: 3
Views: 25335

Re: Fan cycles on and off continuously

The fan should come on whenever the steam boiler is On and it should go off as soon as the steam boiler turns off. Is the steam boiler turning on and off too often or is it just the fan? When the red Boiler light is on steady the boiler heater is off and the fan should be also off. When the red boil...
by chas
Fri Oct 25, 2019 5:46 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Drip tray filling up
Replies: 4
Views: 7398

Re: Drip tray filling up

If it's not debris or mineral deposits and it looks like the rubber seat itself needs replacement, the part is $4.95 plus shipping.

https://www.chriscoffee.com/collections ... ement-seat
by chas
Tue Oct 15, 2019 9:56 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Another Boiler Issue
Replies: 3
Views: 6828

Re: Another Boiler Issue

Spitting water in the steam is usually a sign that the boiler is overfilling but not overflowing. This usually happens if there is mineral build-up on the end of the water level probe or if the probe has gotten pushed up. There is a plastic sleeve around the water level probe to insulate it from the...
by chas
Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:45 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available
Replies: 52
Views: 85982

Re: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available

Just the other day someone asked in one of the other threads if anyone was still renting their Scace. Are you?
by chas
Mon Oct 07, 2019 5:18 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1- water box
Replies: 1
Views: 4256

Re: S1- water box

Read this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=1570
by chas
Thu Oct 03, 2019 6:43 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam boiler safety valve failure?
Replies: 6
Views: 9405

Re: Steam boiler safety valve failure?

Glad you got things sorted out. I didn't suggest replacing the triac becuase those symptoms were different from the normal triac failure mode. I guess something other than the normal failure occurred with the triac board.
by chas
Wed Sep 25, 2019 8:37 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Another Boiler Issue
Replies: 3
Views: 6828

Re: Another Boiler Issue

The deal with the Boiler light blinking, but the machine turning off, is a standard error situation. It occurs when the pump runs for longer than one minute without the controller board receiving a signal from the water level sensor indicating a boiler full condition. Many folks, myself included, ha...
by chas
Mon Sep 23, 2019 7:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam boiler safety valve failure?
Replies: 6
Views: 9405

Re: Steam boiler safety valve failure?

Those intermittent problems are a bitch. Out of curiosity did you try switching the boiler off and back on without also cycling power?
by chas
Fri Sep 20, 2019 9:59 pm
Forum: Dream and Dream T Common Feature Discussions
Topic: New Dream Firmware available V1.24
Replies: 4
Views: 16218

Re: New Dream Firmware available V1.24

Looks like Chris Coffee has totally redone their website. They no longer seem to have links to the software updates on their site.
by chas
Tue Sep 17, 2019 6:25 pm
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Help a newb out - uneven extraction?
Replies: 3
Views: 17271

Re: Help a newb out - uneven extraction?

The following experiments night be worthwhile. Do these one at a time and observe the results. Also be sure your machine is level first. 1) Leaving the orientation of the screen pair alone, rotate the diffuser block 180degrees 2) Rotate both screens together by 90 degrees 3) Rotate each screen in re...
by chas
Mon Sep 16, 2019 9:42 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam boiler safety valve failure?
Replies: 6
Views: 9405

Re: Steam boiler safety valve failure?

I'd run the machine with the covers off for a while and keep an eye on it to be sure it is the pressure valve opening early. It is also possible that the Vacuum Breaker Valve is not sealing correctly. On the other hand I've never heard the sound from either of these described as a barking noise. Aft...
by chas
Tue Sep 03, 2019 8:42 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler autofill issues
Replies: 5
Views: 9688

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler autofill issues

Unfortunately, if you have unplugged the water level sensor from the circuit board and the problem persists, the issue probably is on the controller board. Something on the board seems to be at least partially shorted to ground. There are actually 2 or more parts in-line with the sensor before the s...
by chas
Sat Aug 31, 2019 8:56 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler autofill issues
Replies: 5
Views: 9688

Re: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler autofill issues

You may want to check out this thread: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2416.This guy was having the opposite problem (overfill). However, the basic troubleshooting steps are the same.
by chas
Mon Aug 05, 2019 12:43 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini 17-18-19 and boiler shut off issue
Replies: 3
Views: 6747

Re: Mini 17-18-19 and boiler shut off issue

1) I've taken the lid off the flowmeter on several machines, but have never had one that was stuck. 2) Removing the valve from the machine is pretty easy and straight forward. Once it is out cleaning the inside should be enough. You can also disassemble the valve itself to check for minerals inside....
by chas
Mon Aug 05, 2019 10:50 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 Boiler Switch cannot be turn off
Replies: 3
Views: 8398

Re: Vivaldi S1 Boiler Switch cannot be turn off

A number of folks have had the steam boiler triac short out. What you are seeing are the classic symptoms of that failure. Here in the US, a new board is $36 plus shipping. Your Mileage May Vary. Here's what the replacement boards look like. I think the big heat sync is new but I may just be forgett...
by chas
Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:58 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini 17-18-19 and boiler shut off issue
Replies: 3
Views: 6747

Re: Mini 17-18-19 and boiler shut off issue

If both problems happened at the same time I'd say it was the pump since that is the common denominator. However, it actually sounds like you have two separate mineral clogs. 1) Steam Boiler This photo is from a plumbed in version. I am not sure if this part is in the exact same position in the tank...
by chas
Sun Jul 28, 2019 5:23 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam boiler loud pop sounds
Replies: 2
Views: 9044

Re: Steam boiler loud pop sounds

If you press the Boiler button to disable the Steam Boiler as soon as you start the machine, does it still do it? When you hear the noise it there any water or steam that comes out of the pressure relief valve?
by chas
Sat Jul 13, 2019 5:14 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Fuse (32v or 250v) (AGC or MDL)
Replies: 2
Views: 5669

Re: Fuse (32v or 250v) (AGC or MDL)

Definitely 250V and I'd go with the Slo-Blow since during brief periods when both boilers are on AND the pump is running, the current draw can theoretically hit 20A and it could spike higher when the heater elements or the pump switch on or off.
by chas
Fri Jul 05, 2019 9:13 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Female Flag Terminal Protector
Replies: 3
Views: 6681

Re: Female Flag Terminal Protector

You can get them from Amazon.com though you may have to buy 50!
by chas
Sun Jun 30, 2019 2:10 pm
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Weird pressure gauge or pump?
Replies: 8
Views: 12542

Re: Weird pressure gauge or pump?

Based on your earlier information, I am thinking it is likely that your pressure gauge is OK. The coffee boiler pressure only really matters while you are pulling a shot and it sounds like you are seeing a steady 9bar at that time. In between shots it is OK for the pressure to drift so long as it do...
by chas
Sat Jun 29, 2019 10:01 am
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Weird pressure gauge or pump?
Replies: 8
Views: 12542

Re: Weird pressure gauge or pump?

Have you adjusted the expansion valve as explained here: Adjust Expansion Valve?
by chas
Wed Jun 26, 2019 5:49 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Volumetric dosing
Replies: 3
Views: 8960

Re: Volumetric dosing

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a reasonably accurate dose. This is because the amount of water that gets absorbed by the grounds varies depending on type of coffee, level of roast freshness, amount of coffee, and grind. So even if the volumetric dosing does have some sort of default factor...
by chas
Wed Jun 26, 2019 9:11 am
Forum: Dream Day One Issues
Topic: La Spaziale S1 Dream first set up.
Replies: 3
Views: 31404

Re: La Spaziale S1 Dream first set up.

The input line water pressure will impact the pressure at the portafilter. The pump needs to be adjusted to produce 9 bar at the portafilter regardless.
by chas
Thu Jun 13, 2019 8:24 am
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Weird pressure gauge or pump?
Replies: 8
Views: 12542

Re: Weird pressure gauge or pump?

If you turn off the water supply and disconnect the water hose from the VII the pressure gauge should show zero. If it does not it probably is the gauge.
by chas
Fri May 24, 2019 5:11 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26552

Re: water overflow s1

Glad you were able to figure it out. BTW: I assume water was actually coming out of the Vacuum Breaker Valve and NOT the Over Pressure Valve???
by chas
Fri Apr 26, 2019 8:56 am
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Crema
Replies: 1
Views: 7460

Re: Crema

1) How long are your shot pulls?
2) Typically this is caused by using old beans. The crema is caused by frothing as the beans release C02 when the pressure is removed; i.e. as they exit the PF. However, unless the beans are fresh, the C02 has probably already out gassed.
by chas
Thu Apr 25, 2019 11:46 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Terminal Covers
Replies: 1
Views: 4915

Re: Steam Boiler Terminal Covers

I didn't replace the black plastic covers once they got all melty. However, I did find some crimp connectors via Google that have shrink tubing integrated in. These work great to keep moisture out of the wires and also cover the AC voltage on the connector. Admittedly I had to search around for a wh...
by chas
Mon Apr 22, 2019 7:50 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Machine tidy up...
Replies: 6
Views: 9604

Re: Machine tidy up...

The way the volumetric doser is supposed to work is as follows: Place in doser programming mode, turn water on, then off again when the desired amount has been dispensed. The control board counts the number of revolutions of the volumetric dosers internal vane and stores this number When a shot is p...
by chas
Fri Apr 19, 2019 11:44 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Machine tidy up...
Replies: 6
Views: 9604

Re: Machine tidy up...

There is a flowmeter error code that can be thrown. However, 99.9% of the time when this occured it's because the machine has been chokoed due to grinding the coffee too fine. On the other hand if you see this error code and the flow seems fine, then it could be a flowmeter problem. Should you ever ...
by chas
Fri Apr 19, 2019 11:40 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Machine tidy up...
Replies: 6
Views: 9604

Re: Machine tidy up...

As for the thumbscrews and other screws holding the sides on, I guess it does depend on the model and the year it was made...and in the USA whether it is one of the customized models built to Chris Coffee Service specifications. The volumetric doser is what it is. It has a rotating vain inside with ...
by chas
Thu Apr 18, 2019 11:14 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Machine tidy up...
Replies: 6
Views: 9604

Re: Machine tidy up...

Hi all, I'm hoping this forum might be more active than the date of the last post indicates! :-D I've just picked up an S1 Mini VII second hand which Im dead chuffed about as have wanted one for ages! Its pretty tidy and the previous owner(s) have looked after it but I i did a quick strip-down to h...
by chas
Mon Apr 15, 2019 12:21 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 - Grease for steam valve?
Replies: 1
Views: 4688

Re: Vivaldi S1 - Grease for steam valve?

The only lubricant you should use anywhere on an espresso machine is food grade silicone grease.
by chas
Wed Apr 03, 2019 9:10 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Pump + more
Replies: 4
Views: 7629

Re: Pump + more

In that case...are you sure it is the pump that is sticking versus the motor. Have you removed the pump to ensure that the seals on the motor side of the pump aren't leaking water and causing mineral buildup between the pump and the motor along with potential front bearing damage to the motor?
by chas
Mon Apr 01, 2019 1:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Pump + more
Replies: 4
Views: 7629

Re: Pump + more

Wish I could help but I've never owned a MIni. 90% of the both the Mini and the Plumped machines are identical. Unfortunately, your issue is in an area where they differ. Can you order parts directly from the factory in Milan, Italy from where you are? Whoops! Looks like they are in Bologna. LA SPAZ...
by chas
Sat Mar 30, 2019 10:12 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38570

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

Excellent troubleshooting and your saved yourself the $400 price of a new board to boot.
by chas
Tue Mar 26, 2019 5:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Leaking Steam wand
Replies: 14
Views: 12961

Re: Leaking Steam wand

Any progress?
by chas
Tue Mar 26, 2019 3:28 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

The more I think about it, if you disconnect the water level probe wire right at the controller board and the boiler refill doesn't work after doing that, then it pretty much has to be a short on the controller board in the ciruitry between that connector and the input that gets read on the CPU chip.
by chas
Tue Mar 26, 2019 3:24 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi steam boiler overfill, please help. [ISSUE REOPEN]
Replies: 37
Views: 38570

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

I also wish I had a schematic for the controller board. I have never seen one. As far as I can tell these are all the possible causes for overfilling. 1) Boiler water does not have enough minerals 2) Water level sensor has thick mineral deposits effectively acting like an insulator. 3) Boiler is not...
by chas
Sun Mar 24, 2019 12:02 pm
Forum: Dream and Dream T Common Feature Discussions
Topic: Dream Card reader does not work
Replies: 5
Views: 9692

Re: Dream Card reader does not work

There's an mportant thing to note and I don't see it anywhere in the documentation. It may be because they usually include a tiny ~256MB SD card which you can't buy anymore and which is already properly formatted. I know I have used larger SD Cards that I have formatted myself. However, as I recall ...
by chas
Thu Mar 21, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

Since the CCS reply was in a lengthy email with pix, I forwarded that email to the email address you used when you registered with the forum. Hopefully you got it. Let me know if not. If there is a different email address you need me to use, Private Message it to me here in the forum. Good luck with...
by chas
Wed Mar 20, 2019 3:12 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

OK, thanks. Now I'll check in with Chris Coffee Service to see if they have any ideas short of just replacing the controller board. I think there has to be a component between the sensor and the microprocessor that converts the signal into something the processor can read. I assume that part has fai...
by chas
Wed Mar 20, 2019 9:01 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Leaking Steam wand
Replies: 14
Views: 12961

Re: Leaking Steam wand

I would buy and replace all the washers. Even if just one of the washers is currently damaged and causing the leak some of the others may have gotten brittle with age and may break when you take the valve apart. There was a great post with photos on how to disassemble that valve which was posted 10 ...
by chas
Tue Mar 19, 2019 12:13 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Leaking Steam wand
Replies: 14
Views: 12961

Re: Leaking Steam wand

Yup. Same problem, same likely washers.
by chas
Tue Mar 19, 2019 8:16 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

I know the LaSpaz tech at Chris Coffee, I'll try to contact him sometime today to see if he has any ideas other than what we have already tried. Perhaps I should have you try one more thing first. If you have a short jumper wire with alligator clips on each end that would be ideal. Otherwise, do thi...
by chas
Mon Mar 18, 2019 11:19 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

There's a good reason why there are no instructions on this forum for troubleshooting the controller board. As far as I know there's never been a failure. The problems have always been something else. However, at this point it's worth checking out the board. First label all the wires and connectors ...
by chas
Thu Mar 14, 2019 4:03 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

That works. I meant any metal part of the boiler. However, on the mini, the boiler is bolted to the chassis so touching one probe to that nut in your photo should be the same point electrically as touching the boiler.
by chas
Thu Mar 14, 2019 3:13 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

ACor DC? The solenoids are all rated for 110VAC. I am guessing that when you turn on the machine and push the Boiler On button you will not see 110VAC applied to the solenoid assuming the water level in the boiler is low. The pump is obviously not getting its voltage switched on either. This indicat...
by chas
Thu Mar 14, 2019 2:47 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

In the middle photo is that a wad of stainless steel mesh being used as a filter? If so, you may want to take that out and see what happens. It could either be clogged or squashed down too much. Of course it's expecting the pump to be running and forcing water through. You still haven't indicated th...
by chas
Wed Mar 13, 2019 6:28 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

I've never owned a tank version and that looks a little different than in the plumbed version but that solenoid is in the same spot as the one in the plumbed models that refills the steam boiler. If that vinyl hose terminates at the lid of the steam boiler then that's definitely it.
by chas
Wed Mar 13, 2019 4:14 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

I guess the next easiest thing to try is to turn the machine on with the water level probe still out or, if you've already screwed it back in, with the wire discdonnected. If the solenoid clicks and the pump runs now, turn off the machine quickly since there is nothing to automatically turn it off a...
by chas
Wed Mar 13, 2019 3:48 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

Out of curiosity, how long is your current water level sensor rod vs. the height of the boiler? Replacement rods are very long since the same part is used in a number of different machines. The replacement purchaser has to cut it to the necessary length for their specific machine. If the previous ow...
by chas
Wed Mar 13, 2019 3:36 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Fuse stuck in machine
Replies: 10
Views: 13663

Re: Fuse stuck in machine

That's a great idea. Do you have manufacturer / part number / supplier for the part you used?
by chas
Tue Mar 12, 2019 10:42 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

Since the boiler seems to be empty, the pump should start running and the steam boiler solenoid should make a loud click sound right after turning the machine on. You haven't indicated that this is happening. If it is a water blockage then you should get the light #13 blinking shutdown alarm after 6...
by chas
Tue Mar 12, 2019 3:39 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

If you have to order from the US and can't find a less expensive source in Canada, try Clive Coffee in Portland, OR. It's closer so perhaps shipping would be cheaper. And their price is $50 vs $60 at Chris Coffee.

Temp Sensor at Clive
by chas
Tue Mar 12, 2019 2:41 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

You can't tell anything about the water level in the boiler based on the temp sensor because it doesn't touch the water at all. It detects temperature based on the air/steam temp above the water. To see where the water level is in your boiler, remove the water level probe and see if the end of it is...
by chas
Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:57 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

If it turns out that you need a new temp sensor, there are quite a few Canadians on this list that can probably point you to a Canadian parts vendor. You can probably order directly from Chris Coffee if you have to but the shipping and import taxes may be more than you want to pay. Here's the part y...
by chas
Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:09 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

You did circle the correct parts. However, it's obvious from the photos that you have the model with the old style sensor on the coffee boiler and the new style sensor on the steam boiler. So the next thing you should try instead is just to unscrew and inspect the temp sensor on the steam boiler. If...
by chas
Tue Mar 12, 2019 10:34 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

I just went back and dug out my original LaSpaziale S1 Mini Manual and it does show both the steam boiler triac/SSR and steam boiler temp probe failure alarms as being blocking alarms with 19-20-21 lit. I am OK with LaSpaziale changing the temp probe alarm to being a blocking one but they should hav...
by chas
Mon Mar 11, 2019 11:42 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

I'm glad to sent that photo. I have only had to fool with the triac boards. They are both mounted side-by-side horizontally whereas the two triacs in this module are stacked vertically so where to move which wires is different.
by chas
Mon Mar 11, 2019 10:13 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

Actually from your photo it looks like you need to switch the pairs vertically rather than horizontally. That is for the nearest two pair, switch the places of the ones labelled A to where B currently is and vice versa. Then vertically swap the back two pairs. The thin front wires are the low voltag...
by chas
Mon Mar 11, 2019 9:04 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

I just went back to the original S1 Manual which also indicates that 19-20-21 ON are used for both alarms. HOWEVER, the temp probe alarm is listed as non-blocking; i.e. the machine stays on and the SSR/Triac Alarm is blocking; i.e. the machine turns off. This is probably where I went wrong in the S2...
by chas
Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:49 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

FYI, I just noticed that the manual indicates the same alarm condition 19-20-21 On for both bad steam temp sensor and bad steam triac/SSR. THis can't be right. Must be a documentation error. I'll check with Chris Coffee and issue a correction. However, in your case the most likely problem is the tem...
by chas
Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:42 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working
Replies: 53
Views: 65959

Re: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Steam Wand not working

That alarm indicates that the temp sensor on the steam boiler has gone bad. On old and new machines both boilers use the same temp sensor on both boilers. In between LaSpaziale used the old style sensor on the coffee boiler and the new style on the steam boiler. If you are lucky enough to have the s...
by chas
Fri Mar 08, 2019 9:27 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Fuse stuck in machine
Replies: 10
Views: 13663

Re: Fuse stuck in machine

Is it actually stuck or is the problem just that you have no way to grab it? Have you tried grabbing the end of it with a small pair of needle nosed pliers? At any rate it does look like there is a problem with this fuse holder or else LaSpaziale has used a very cheap one. Usually those kind of fuse...
by chas
Wed Mar 06, 2019 5:47 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Steam Boiler Problems
Replies: 8
Views: 11611

Re: Steam Boiler Problems

BTW: I discovered a website the other day that at least shows how to adjust that pressure gauge. Bottom line, if you can use and have some metric wrenches or a small adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver you should be able to replace that gauge yourself. There is a water line from each boiler...
by chas
Wed Mar 06, 2019 5:32 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Steam Boiler Problems
Replies: 8
Views: 11611

Re: Steam Boiler Problems

If you have plenty of steam pressure, it still sounds like you have a gauge problem. The pressure needle should be in the blue but almost to the red; i.e. 1.2-1.3 bar. If the pressure is truly right on the blue-green border, you only have 0.5bar of steam pressure.
by chas
Wed Mar 06, 2019 10:48 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Steam Boiler Problems
Replies: 8
Views: 11611

Re: Steam Boiler Problems

This may be your only recourse.

New V2 Mini Gauge
by chas
Mon Mar 04, 2019 4:15 pm
Forum: Dream Day One Issues
Topic: La Spaziale S1 Dream first set up.
Replies: 3
Views: 31404

Re: La Spaziale S1 Dream first set up.

Only the tank models are designed to work from a non-pressurized water supply. Those that still want to use the plumbed-in version from a water bottle use them in conjunction with a flojet device. Then to even out the water pressure so you don't end up with a pulsating supply, they put a small "...
by chas
Mon Mar 04, 2019 4:03 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Steam Boiler Problems
Replies: 8
Views: 11611

Re: Steam Boiler Problems

What does the steam boiler gauge read when the boiler is cold? Is it right on zero or is the needle jammed against the peg below zero?

Is the pressure still fine for steaming in spite of the gauge?
by chas
Mon Feb 18, 2019 3:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No water at Brewhead
Replies: 1
Views: 4246

Re: No water at Brewhead

I suspect that water left inside the 3-way solenoid valve dried up and left mineral desposits. The first thing you should try is removing the valve and cleaning it out inside.
by chas
Mon Feb 04, 2019 11:00 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Brew Pressure Sometimes Gets Very High
Replies: 2
Views: 5945

Re: Brew Pressure Sometimes Gets Very High

It sounds like you have two problems: 1) The expansion valve should be adjusted to open at 12bar and dump water into the drip tray so you should never see a group boiler pressure higher than that. This is what prevents the boiler from exploding so you should be sure this is correctly adjusted. (See ...
by chas
Thu Jan 31, 2019 11:40 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15735

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

Great news. I should have thought of that right off the bat, but it's only happened before to those with new machines, so I wrongly discounted it as an issue in your case. BTW for future reference: IIRC: The S1 only reads the state of those switches once when it is first plugged in. So if you flip t...
by chas
Thu Jan 31, 2019 9:10 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15735

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

BTW: When you check the resistance of the 3-way solenoid it may be hard to tell if its off unless it's zero or infinity. The other two solenoids are identical. Pull the cable off one of the others and check it so you can compare. It's definitely better if you need a new solenoid to see if you can ju...
by chas
Wed Jan 30, 2019 5:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15735

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

Sounds like you should pick up a few spares. I am not at all certain that your 3-way valve solenoid is OK. Have you tried checking it's resistance yet? Previously, I was concerned that it might have failed open but now I am wondering if it has failed shorted. You could blow another fuse or two tryin...
by chas
Wed Jan 30, 2019 12:16 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15735

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

Does the pump come on now? BTW: The faint click you hear from the control board should be the relays swithing on 115VAC power to the pump and the 3-way solenoid valve. If it's still not working I'd unplug the solenoid cable now and see if you are getting 115VAC there. You should. Also, the pump shou...
by chas
Wed Jan 30, 2019 10:29 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15735

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

I have a few more things for you to check. 1) When you unplug the machine,then plug it back in you should see either the yellow or the green LEDs blink once. Which is it? You should see Yellow. If neither happens that is also OK. That would mean that your controller board does support this feature. ...
by chas
Mon Jan 28, 2019 6:33 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP
Replies: 15
Views: 15735

Re: Flowmeter alarm and no solenoid click. HELP

Here's a layout of the control board. Next you should probably check to see if you get voltage on the contacts labelled "PUMP" and "EV.GR". Both of these should have voltage when you press either the one-cup or the two-cup button. You should place the ground lead of your AC voltm...
by chas
Sat Jan 26, 2019 6:41 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26552

Re: water overflow s1

BTW: If you do end up buying a new one, you'll need to lay it side by side with the old one and cut it to the same length. This sensor is pretty universal across a number of machines. They are made long so they can be cut to the right length. It's just a metal rod; i.e. no wires inside.
by chas
Sat Jan 26, 2019 6:37 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: water overflow s1
Replies: 21
Views: 26552

Re: water overflow s1

You will notice an inner and an outer bolt on the water level sensor. The outer one connects the entire assembly to the boiler. The inner nut cinches a plastic insulated sleeve against the sensor. With time and heat the plastic sleeve shrinks a bit. This can allow the boiler pressure to push the wat...

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