Timer suggestions

Post by **zoey** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:00 pm

I will be taking possession of a Mini next Tuesday! YEA!! I've seen some white timers attached to the front of several members machines.

I know a basic timer would be just fine but, I am wondering if you could suggest a brand/type?

What's good about your timer and what would you change?

If you had your druthers, what would you own?

Post by **JohnB** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:35 pm

I may be wrong but I think only the factory option timer is compatible with these machines. Kind of pricey so I just turn it on in the morning & off in the evening.

Post by **zoey** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:38 pm

I was looking for the kitchen timer-like things stuck to the front of some of the members coffee machines. (for timing pulls)

I don't believe that they are the auto-on/off devices.

Post by **zoey** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:40 pm

Zzyzx has one on the front of his/her machine in this photo:

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/29 ... 3029sXCvNI

Post by **JohnB** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:50 pm

OK, sorry about that. I use a West Bend timer I got off Amazon for timing my shots. Like most of them it has a magnet on the back but be forewarned that every time it moves a little the magnet will scratch the finish. I had mine up there for one day & got several scratches so now I use the fold out stand on the back & leave it on the cup warmer.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYDL9

You may also want to consider one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006HYQA

Post by **zoey** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:56 pm

Ah yes! I definitely need a surge protector!

My dad's had a near lightning strike a few years ago and it took out all of the computers, oven, and the microwave oven.

Thanks for the link! I'll order one tonight.

Post by **zoey** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:02 pm

I see that the surge protector is a 20A to 15A connection. Therefore, wouldn't I be able to switch my machine over to the 20A setting and use it as such without changing out the wall outlet?

Post by **JohnB** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:16 pm

While it will accept a 15a plug on one side & 20a on the other I believe the actual connector portion of the surge protector is 20a style. Mine won't be here for a couple days but I'm pretty positive this will only plug into a 20a outlet. I doubt they could sell it as a 20a protector if it didn't.

Post by **jmcphail** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:07 pm

I'm using this timer:

http://www.espressoparts.com/product/40 ... Timer.html

It's fine, I guess, no problems so far, does what it's supposed to.

Post by **zoey** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 11:59 pm

Thank you!

Post by **Niko** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:49 am

And I use this timer on both my machines and they cover up the ugly S1 logo :D

Post by **JohnB** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:35 am

Niko wrote:And I use this timer on both my machines and they cover up the ugly S1 logo

You could just warm up the decal with a hair dryer & peel it off.

chas · Post by **chas** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:12 am

I have one of those CDN timers, too. You can get them here for 10 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/CDN-TM14-S-Digita ... 37&sr=1-13

This appears to have one of those rubber magnets. I've never had any scratch issues using it. I've had mine for at least 5 years and I'm still on the original battery.

Post by **JohnB** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:34 am

chas wrote:I have one of those CDN timers, too. You can get them here for 10 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/CDN-TM14-S-Digita ... 37&sr=1-13

This appears to have one of those rubber magnets. I've never had any scratch issues using it. I've had mine for at least 5 years and I'm still on the original battery.

5 reviews & the 2 that liked it both use it with their Espresso machine! Does it stay on the machine better then the fridge??

chas · Post by **chas** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:00 am

Where the magnet is in the middle of the timer's back surface is flat. However, the back then curves in going toward both the bottom and the top. So the timer start/stop button is over a part of the timer where there is a gap between the timer back and the S1 surface.

This means that if you push on the button too hard the timer rotates down, the magnet breaks contact, and timer lands on the counter in front of the S1. However, the level of force required to do this is considerably more than required to activate the button. So you quickly get trained to push the button and not smash it!

(You reset the timer by simultaneously pushing the two top buttons. So the same thing can happen in that direction as well.)

So I would be happier with it if the back was completely flat AND it had a rubber magnet, but I have no complaints. Of course, none of the ads tell you whether the magnet is metal or rubber. So I guess the best bet is to ask here as you have done.

chas · Post by **chas** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:02 am

JohnB wrote: You could just warm up the decal with a hair dryer & peel it off.

Sounds like a plan! Let me know how it goes.

Post by **Niko** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:27 am

...and then bust out the airbrush for some flame graphics :P

Post by **zoey** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:56 am

I've found that WD40 is excellent for removing stickers.

John~ Could you let me know about the surge protector when you get it?

I'm thinking that I can find a outlet-/style type of surge protector so I can kill two birds with one stone.

Post by **JohnB** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:44 pm

chas wrote:
JohnB wrote: You could just warm up the decal with a hair dryer & peel it off.
Sounds like a plan! Let me know how it goes.

Personally I like the way the decal breaks up the shiny area but I have used this method to remove decals on cars, motorcycles & machinery many times. Any glue left behind can be removed with undiluted citrus cleaner or 3M Adhesive Remover (my favorite).

Post by **Niko** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 6:37 pm

...and the timer breaks up the shiny area as well

Zoey, I have both styles of surge protectors - the massive black metal box version (built much better) and the one I pictured on another thread. I prefer the plastic one because of the room I save.

Post by **zoey** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:54 pm

Thanks Niko!

chas · Post by **chas** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:43 am

Is your Mini on schedule for delivery today?

Post by **zoey** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 11:31 am

Yep!!! I just checked UPS and it's on schedule. I think they are in my neighborhood around 5pm CST.

I'm so excited that I feel like going out and tracking down the truck.

Post by **JohnB** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:17 pm

zoey wrote:
John~ Could you let me know about the surge protector when you get it?

I'm thinking that I can find a outlet-/style type of surge protector so I can kill two birds with one stone.

Got the surge protector today & it definitely requires a 20A outlet to plug into. While the s/p will accept a standard 15a style plug or 20a plug on either side both sides are rated for 20a.

Post by **zoey** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:42 pm

Thanks! I'm going to ask one of my electrician buddies to get me a 20Amp surge protector outlet.

Yesterday I went to a few big box hardware stores but could only find a 15A.

Post by **Niko** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:52 pm

smarthome.com might have one of those surge protected outlets you're talking about. I've seen them elsewhere but can't recall at the moment - you shouldn't have to pay more than $30 or so. There's nothing fancy about them, I'd go for the heavier duty ones like the big black metal one if you have the space, otherwise they can be an eyesore in the wrong spot

Post by **zoey** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:46 pm

It will be hidden behind the machine so I don't really care what it looks like!

Thanks for the tip! I really appreciate all the help you guys have given me! Hopefully I can repay the favor some time.

Post by **Niko** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 2:17 pm

The large black (better made) surge protector is great but keep in mind that is sticks out far so your machine won't be able to sit far back against the wall. Unless the top of the outlet is just below cup-warmer level - you won't be able to push the machine further back. You can always get the plastic surge protector so you don't lose any space, I have two of them and I love how they don't take up space.

PBL · Post by **PBL** » Sun May 18, 2008 6:07 pm

Don't need a timer any more, sort of!

I have two boys age 10 and 12 who get up real early to play video games. My wife finally instructed them how to turn on the machine properly. Now by the time we get downstairs on the weekend the machine is all warmed up and ready to go. Now if only they can get up early on a school day.

Post by **blgros** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 4:55 pm

What is the "large black" surge protector that people mention?

The Panamax from amazon looks okay, if a little bulky.

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