Hello,
I've been collecting parts for the last two months for my Brewtus, to direct plumb it and also switch to an external Procon rotary pump and electric motor.
So far, I understand that a 1/4 hp, 1/3 hp, and 1/2 hp motor would do the job.Although for home use only, I am not concerned about the price difference between horsepowers.
This setup will involve extending the wire harness from the vibe pump inside the machine about six feet to the external pump/motor.I think this is powered thru my "controller", and wonder if the new motors horsepower will "tax" the amps required for the stock vibe pump?
What horsepower motor would be the best choice?(I would lean towards the 1/2 hp)
The pump is a Procon series two, 60 gpm,set at 130 psi., and all lines are 3/8"ID.
Thanks, Dennis

Hey Dennis,

I've been running a rotary on my machine (home made) for the last several weeks. I'm using a 1/3 horse motor, but only because there happened to be one in my garage. If I had to buy one, it would have been the smallest available.

As you've noted standard US motors with the carbonator pump mount (the type that procons use) are available in 1/4 - 1/2 HP. If you go thru an espresso parts source, you can get an Italian made motor that are available in other sizes. I dunno how they are rated, but some of them are significantly smaller -- the one in the Bricoletta, for instance.

In terms of what you need, I'd have to say, very little. 1/4 HP would likely be more than enough.

Regarding the switch, mine was rated at 15A (but I chose it). I don't know how the Brewtus switches the vibe, but I suspect that it is with a sufficiently heavy duty switch to run the rotary.

Both Sean and Abe have converted to rotary on the Brewtus, perhaps they can weigh in on the switch?

I saw the motor that Abe is using on his pump, and if memory serves, it's the larger of the two(?) Italian motors.

Hope that helps a little...

ciao

lino

lino wrote:Hey Dennis,

Both Sean and Abe have converted to rotary on the Brewtus, perhaps they can weigh in on the switch?

I changed my switch to a 20amp. The original that came with the Brewtus was already fried when I did the rotary conversion.

I saw the motor that Abe is using on his pump, and if memory serves, it's the larger of the two(?) Italian motors.

Mine is a Procon pump with a 1/5 HP motor. Plenty of power for a home espresso machine, and as quiet as a church mouse. I discovered that raising the line pressure with a booster pump actually reduces the pump's noise. I put an adjustable Watts pressure regulator on the connection to the pump, and I can now preinfuse using the middle lever position. Preinfusion pressure can be adjusted using the regulator, which gives me another brew variable to play with. Will there ever be an end to this game?

P.S. Lino, is the F.B.I. on your ass? Where've you been hiding for so long?

Thanks, Lino,
I have been waiting for Procon to ship me a pump and 1/2 hp GE motor since Nov 16th!
They finally shipped the pump only this week, leaving me to shop for a motor and clamp.
I will probably choose smaller than 1/2 hp. I should check into an Italian motor? OK. I was thinking a smart place to buy from would be Graingers (GE brand)
Dennis

Hi Abe,
Gee, did you come thru Denver on your birthday? Good snow this year.
My house line pressure is 60 psi. After water filters,I installed a Watts beverage pressure regulator (0-50 lbs) and gage. I figured setting this to 20 lbs psi. Then into my pump, and out to the machine.Will that enable preinfusion at the middle lever position without the pump running?
Also, I thought the relay for actuating the motor was built into the control box, not the main power switch.
Oh yeah, what was your impression of the Versalab Packer?
Dennis

denniskeating wrote:Hi Abe,
Gee, did you come thru Denver on your birthday? Good snow this year.

Oh yes, I did. No snow to be seen in Denver, but Winter Park was packed powder. I carved the slopes for 2 days, half a day in Sulphur Springs, and then Versalab.

My house line pressure is 60 psi. After water filters,I installed a Watts beverage pressure regulator (0-50 lbs) and gage. I figured setting this to 20 lbs psi. Then into my pump, and out to the machine.Will that enable preinfusion at the middle lever position without the pump running?

20 PSI will do pre-infusion in the middle position, though it may take about 9-10 seconds to preinfuse. With such high line pressure you should experiment which pressure works best for you in preinfusion. I'm settled on 50 PSI now, which gives me about 6-7 seconds of preinfusion. But my whole setup was to allow me to change that pressure so I plan to play with that variable.

Also, I thought the relay for actuating the motor was built into the control box, not the main power switch.
Oh yeah, what was your impression of the Versalab Packer?
Dennis

Yes, it is built into the control box. It is activated using the same wires which currently activate the vibe pump. There is a slight difference in the connection, and you should talk to Sean about hooking it up electrically.

Oh yeah, what was your impression of the Versalab Packer?

The packer is a convenient device and will ensure 30 lbs of level pressure. I'm not sure if it comes in any piston other than 58mm. If it doesn't, you won't be able to use a L/M double basket with it.

Abe Carmeli wrote:The packer is a convenient device and will ensure 30 lbs of level pressure. I'm not sure if it comes in any piston other than 58mm. If it doesn't, you won't be able to use a L/M double basket with it.

why not?

barry wrote:why not?

Unless you updose it, the L/M basket requires a 57mm piston.

Abe Carmeli wrote:Unless you updose it, the L/M basket requires a 57mm piston.

hmmm... i've always considered the 'waist' to be the proper dose in a LM double, and using a 58mm tamper is a quick way to verify that there's enough coffee in there. too much more and the pf can't be locked in the group.


--barry "maybe 'normal' to me is 'updose' to you?"

barry wrote:hmmm... i've always considered the 'waist' to be the proper dose in a LM double, and using a 58mm tamper is a quick way to verify that there's enough coffee in there. too much more and the pf can't be locked in the group.


--barry "maybe 'normal' to me is 'updose' to you?"

Yes, I know professionals frequently fill it above the groove, I rarely do it. It usually ends up as 18-19.5 grams. Most of my shots are 16-17 grams. As a side note, TerryZ and others list the 57 mm piston as the one fitting the L/M double. If you dose Schomer style, that is at or below the groove, the 58 mm will be too big.