Buyer's Guide to the Quick Mill Alexia - Page 5

[jesawdy]

I think it is time to interrupt all my "gear" talk with some drink pictures.

One my personal favorite drinks is still the Cafe Americano... Here's some kinda fun pictures of one, Cafe Ambrosia from Tony at Caffe Fresco. I usually pour into a much narrower cup (a mug); for this one the finished drink wasn't too pretty as it didn't all sit on top, but it was fun to watch early on. (Side note - I've noticed that I seem to have a harder time keeping the espresso on top of an Americano when I use boiler water as the base; I usually microwave my cup and water. Anybody else experienced this?)


Cool...


Still interesting...


Falling apart on me.... the finished drink wasn't too pretty so no pic

And here is a cappuccino (er, uhm, latte) from this evening.... Everything was pretty much on except I should have dumped some milk first to finish with more foam in the drink. I was nowhere near a "drink of thirds" in the cup. This was also the first use of the double spout portafilter that came with the machine.


Caffe Fresco Ambrosia, early on...


Pretty tight...


Need some milk skillz...


I love this Intelly cup!

[jesawdy]

Quick Mill Alexia - Heater-cutoff Relay Kit Installation

Late last week, I had a chance to install the heater-cutoff relay kit that Jim Gallt put together for the Alexia. Dan has had this installed in his review Alexia machine for quite some time. The relay kit prevents the heater element from being powered on when the vibratory pump is activated.

This relay kit was something that Jim put together at Dan's request. Initially, the intent was to eliminate the rise of the shot temperature over time that Dan was casually observing. In hindsight, this temperature increase may have been quite small and perhaps nothing to fret about (see my previous posts showing the "original" PID kit performance, link, link). But, that said, one artifact that is seen with the "original" PID kit is fluctuation of the brew pressure as the PID cuts the heater on and off every second of the shot, and the accompanying "aaaa-eeee-aaaa-eeee" sound of the pump as the load changes with current draw from the heater. Whether any of this current/pressure fluctuation is detrimental to the espresso shot is questionable, but for some, it may detract from the experience.

Installation of the relay kit was a breeze. Total installation time was about 15 minutes. My 5-year old son helped me and we had some fun playing with espresso machines and parts in the basement (he helped me doctor up Silvia afterwards). The case is removed, a few wires swapped from the "original" kit and the new heater-cutoff relay is affixed atop the low-water relay (see picture below).


Quick Mill Alexia - PID kit - heater cutoff relay (top)

After the relay kit is installed, anytime the pump is activated, power to the heating element drops out. The "aaaa-eeee-aaaa-eeee" sound of the pump during a shot pull is gone, as is the visible brew pressure gauge fluctuation of the "original" kit.

Coming up, I will duplicate the previous PID intershot performance tests and see what affect the relay may have.

[NOTE - It is my understanding that this additional relay will be included with all future Alexia PID kits. Knowing that Chris Nachtrieb and Chris' Coffee Service takes pride in their customer service reputation, current Alexia owners (with the MLG Industries PID kit already installed) may find it worth asking Chris very nicely if he'd be willing to part with the second relay plus installation instructions at negligible cost. ]

[jesawdy]

Quick Mill Alexia - PID Use, Part 3 - Intershot Performance with the Heater-cutoff Relay

Here are graphs showing intrashot and intershot performance with the new Alexia PID kit heater-cutoff relay installed.

This procedure was used:

• Warmed machine with portafilter and Scace thermofilter installed for 60 minutes minimum,
• Portafilter removed and pulled a warming flush of ~3 ounces,
• 2 minute recovery and then pulled a "garbage" simulated shot (data captured this time as Shot A)
• Pulled 5 shots with 2 minute recovery between shots, start dump of thermofilter for each shot (Shots B-F),
• 2 minute recovery and pulled a long shot (60 seconds, Shot G),
• Pulled two subsequent long shots with 3 minute recovery times between (Shots H and I)

The first graph below shows the 6 shots (Shots A-F) with two minute recovery times. The PID SV this go around is 221°F. Shot A, the "garbage shot" was a bit cooler, but not by much. I still see a slight dip in the middle, but my goodness that's pretty stable. Here are the maximum temperatures for shots A-F: 198.3, 198.6, 198.8, 198.5, 198.3, 198.0

Quick Mill Alexia, 6 shots, no heat intrashot; Click for full size

OK, this next graph is a bit busy, but it shows a few things. I have plotted 10 shots of the "original" PID configuration (PID is still controlling heat intrashot) at SV=223°F; five at 30 seconds long with only a start dump (SD), two at 60 seconds long, and three with a spritz before pulling the shot. Also plotted, are Shots A-I at PID SV=221°F from the procedure given above.

This graphs shows that 5 or 6 normal shots in either configuration are very similar, even with only a 2 minute recovery. For the longer 60 second shots, under PID control I see a small rise in the temperature profile, but there is a much flatter profile in that last 30 seconds with the new relay installed. I also see that the 3 minute recovery between those long shots wasn't adequate, as each one is 1 or 2 degrees cooler. None of this is a big deal, we shouldn't be pulling 150ml, 60 second shots, and anything from 2-5 minutes recovery time should satisfy most any home barista.

Quick Mill Alexia, PID performance, heater relay before and after; Click for full size

In summary, I believe that under normal operating conditions, the new PID kit heater-cutoff relay does not make a drastic difference to the temperature profile. It may lengthen the minimum recovery time needed, but probably not by much. For those folks that already have a PID-controlled Alexia, I wouldn't feel cheated. However, as mentioned in the last post, the pressure fluctuations and noises associated with the simultaneous vibe pump and heater load are a thing of the past.

(Data available on request)

[jesawdy]

I don't think we should let these quotes from Dan slip away without being referenced in this Bench Thread. Since Dan has MUCH more experience than myself (with many E61 and other prosumer HX machines), I don't like to over step my experience and make claims I can't personally support.

from Quickmill Alexia with PID vs. HX espresso machine

I evaluated the Amica / Zaffiro (link), and like the Alexia, it's an easy machine to use, which I believe accounts for a lot of the praise it garnered. I PID'd the Amica and must say, Jim Gallt's conversion is much better than mine. The Alexia has no troubles with overshoot and the intrashot temperature stability is excellent. HX machines are capable of similar performance, but require much more attention to brew temperature management.

from Fiorenzato Bricoletta Rotary VS. Vibe

When operated correctly, the E61 prosumer espresso machines, in general, produce very similar results. Or at least the difference is so small, it could be attributed to preference. That said, the PID'd Alexia beats any HX espresso machine that I've used on ease of brew temperature control. Getting the brew temperature right is a big contributor to the realized espresso shot quality, especially for those new to making espresso at home.

[jesawdy]

I want to withhold comments on my comparison of Silvia and Alexia until I have some other coffees in hand, especially with respect to taste. The other weekend when I had both the Silvia and the Alexia on the counter, the coffee I had on hand was Caffe Fresco Ambrosia. As Jim said in the TGP (link):

It pays to do equipment testing with a prima-donna-ish blend or SO that can be taken all over the map; rather than something that is always consistent. I'm using Ambrosia for the first round of extraction tests, and this blend is much too consistent for taste testing. The differences between the shots from assorted doses and grinders are small enough that I'm thinking they are probably due to auto-suggestion.

I will get the solubles yield data at least; but as far as the taste goes, here's my ad for Caffe Fresco's Ambrosia:

"Don't want to mess with a lot of temperatures. pressures, distributions and all the rest of the malarkey? Use Ambrosia, it pours thick and tastes fat no matter how, or on what, you pull the shot."

I did find that I wasn't going to get away with the same grind setting at doses other than 14g (I tried 14g, 15g and 16g). Oddly, at the higher doses the Silvia was pulling a bit slower, I might have expected it to go the other way. At 14g however, I was seeing nearly identical beading and pour times between the two machines. I had no trouble with the "harsh mistress" Silvia, but I was also being increasingly retentive about the whole shot building approach; grinding into an empty basket, weighing the dose, adjusting the weight, WDT, and tamping out of the portafilter.

I have some more coffees on order, so I will revisit the comparison when I have those in hand.

[jesawdy]

Eric Svendson and I exchanged e-mails recently regarding his thermometer adapter. Eric had this humorous response he has allowed me to share:

I sense that Alexia has you wrapped around her little finger - as well she should. The only time users are going to "get into trouble" with Alexia is when they encounter something like this:

"Sweetie, would you like a cappy? - I think I'm going to make one for myself right now."

"No, honey, not now. I think I'll wait until later on but thanks anyway."

Sweetie's SO makes the cappy and is licking his chops because its so good. In passing, he mentions this "goodness" to Sweetie.

Now Sweetie begins to sorta lick her chops and says, "Honey, I think I will have one now - that's a great idea."

And now, with an overheated grouphead(?), Sweetie's SO makes Sweetie a cappy that she would soon like to forget.

Perhaps I should see how much flushing and waiting is needed to get back to reasonable brew temps after a steaming session?

[jesawdy]

Quick Mill Alexia - My "Nits"

After having the Alexia for only a few days, I privately posted my "nits" with the Alexia, shown below. After two months use, I want to revisit them and see what, if anything, still bothers me.

My nits on the machine (and these are truly nitpicking):

The steam wand tip nylon washer seems too large a diameter and the tip wants to come off all the time. The tip actually fell off this AM when I was backflushing, after a prior steam session. It also wants to unscrew while cleaning the steam wand.... I'm going to use some Teflon tape and lose the washer.

The cup tray has to be removed to fill the reservoir and it doesn't seem to warm the cups too much. I guess all that heat is sinking out the group! This is a moot point since you can warm the cup in the group warm-up shot.

If you have overhead cabinets, you are going to have to pull out the machine to fill it. There is not enough clearance to do it any other way short of a funnel and hose. I'm thinking some Teflon or felt pads would help here, but it is not hard to pull out as it is. I'm hoping if you put the pads on the rear feet only, the machine will stick to the counter enough to lock in with out sliding about.

Plan on a two minute wait before steaming, I always backflush right after I hit the steam switch, and this likely slows it down a bit. This is where I miss the PID readout the most, I would prefer to start steaming when I know the boiler is hot enough to start steaming but the element is still on. I'll have to try a 90 second wait and see if I hit it.

Steam Wand Tip - The issue of the tip falling off has pretty much gone away with use. I never did add the Teflon tape, and the tip stopped wanting to work its way off. The tip is still easy to remove for cleaning. The nylon washer is easily centered, and the washer doesn't want to fall off the wand when the steam tip is removed (which is a good thing).

Cool Cup Tray - The cup tray is indeed a bit cool in comparison to some other machines, I've measured about 120-125°F (I think Dave measured 140°F on the VBM). I always warm my espresso cups via the warm up flush, and for anything else (i.e. Americano, cappuccino), I warm a full cup in the microwave while I start the drink preparation. I always did the same with Silvia.

Filling the Pourover - Yes, you've got to remove the cups each time if you use the warming tray. For the a long time, I would drag the Alexia out from under the overhead cabinets, and fill the pour over reservoir that way. More recently, I've taken to using a tall 1 quart Rubbermaid container that is about 3.5 inches square. Something like a thermos, or a Nalgene water bottle should also work. With a little care, I can fill the Alexia without having to remove it from under the cabinets. I may have a bit more clearance under my cabinets than some others, almost 18.25 inches at the front edge, plus the added inch or more under the cabinet.


Quick Mill Alexia - Filling the pour over reservoir, cup tray removed and machine pulled out. Note that I have taken to NOT pulling the machine out and filling it in place.

Waiting on the Steam Mode - Well, yeah, it's a single boiler machine, so you have to wait to steam. The steam wait is about 2 minutes, and now that I have the PID display, I rely solely on that to know when to start steaming. I especially like this because I can go ahead and do my "wiggle" rinse and/or water backflush and not worry about repeatability or watching the time. For my review machine, the steam thermostat cuts out the heating element at about 288-290°F (via the PID readout) and coasts up to about 294°F (FYI, The boiler gauge reads about 3.5 bar when the thermostat cuts out when first going into steam mode). The heating element kicks back on in the 260-264°F range. I will start steaming around 280°F but sometimes bit sooner if I'm feeling a bit impatient. The steam is maybe a bit wetter than some HX machines.

Water Usage and Temp Surfing - The only "nit" I will add is that you will use a fair amount of water (for a single boiler machine) if you flush the group to force the heater on for temperature surfing. Fortunately the drip tray is very large (holds a liter or so!), but it's no fun filling and dumping water. This is not an issue if you do not temperature surf by flushing, or if you have the PID kit installed.

Well, nothing surprising or not easily overcome. Soon to be followed by all the things I like about Alexia.

[IMAWriter]

My review machine just came out of the box late last night, so we are just getting started. I want to log some time with the machine before I say too much, but my first impressions are encouraging (only three shots pulled). Also, in an effort to assist all potential buyers, we want to give the standard configuration with the stock thermostat sufficient time to be reviewed. I figure three weeks or so without the PID controller, then the PID controller installation and further review.

yeah, yeah...3 weeks....and then, maybe a couple months more JUST to make certain....around these here parts, they call it A FREE ESPRESSO MACHINE FOR 3 MONTHS!!!...haha...just kidding...
In fact, I've posted numerous times on CG my disappointment with folks who post machine reviews after a couple of weeks of ownership...leaks can develop, etc....and as we all know, each machine has it's own quirks, and the user needs some time to
suss all this out...so y'all just take your sweet time...Chris won't mind

[cpl593h]

I'm sorry to stray off topic, but I'm surprised to see the setpoint so high on the Alexia. it's a single boiler machine, but the setpoint is well above boiling - can you offer any insight into that, Dan?

[HB]

I'm sorry to stray off topic...

To keep the discussion together, I merged your post from the Stockfleth's Move for Dummies thread.

...I'm surprised to see the setpoint so high on the Alexia.

There's always a delta between the boiler thermocouple reading and the grouphead's brew temperature. The trick is to balance the heat loss from boiler to grouphead and the effects of the incoming water. IIRC, the offset is around 3 degrees F for the La Marzocco GS3 and about double that for the Expobar Brewtus (you can adjust the Brewtus offset so the displayed reading matches the actual brew temperature). The PID'd Silvias that are talked about so much have even a larger offset (typical setpoint is ~229F).

I expected the Alexia's brew temperature to trend upward shot-to-shot because of this difference, just as Abe reported in his Expobar Brewtus review, but evidently Alexia's thermosyphon re-establishes itself quickly enough to compensate, if the shots are spaced at least two minutes apart. Bottom line: Quickmill Alexia's intrashot and intershot temperature stability is the best I've measured in a prosumer class machine. That's a neat trick.

[cpl593h]

Sure, I'm aware of the intrinsic delta between boiler temperature and group temperature... I have a Zaffiro with a TC right in the boiler. Once the machine is up and running and the group temp is stabilized, the setpoint is kept well below zero. I was just wondering if there was something about the design of the Alexia that caused such a wide discrepancy.

Marshall notes on his Bionic Zaffiro page that his setpoint is kept at 103-104C.

Not a vital question, just a curiosity.

edit: I haven't been following this thread, but now reading more about the Alexia, I understand better.

[HB]

Marshall notes on his Bionic Zaffiro page that his setpoint is kept at 103-104C.

The full quote excerpted below...

An indicated boiler temperature from 103 to 104C, seems to work best for Supreme Bean's Bella Luna, Norte and Organic, three of my favorite blends. Measurement in a filled filter with a K-type probe inserted over the lip, attached to a cheap, but calibrated, multimeter suggests the temperature drop from boiler to portafilter is 10-11C.

Sounds like Marshall and I are on the same page, since that maps to around 218F, or around 93C / 200F at the grouphead. Lately I've been pulling most blends in the 198-200F range with good results. I don't worry too much about the number on the display since it will vary unit to unit because of a number of factors like probe placement, probe calibration, and quality of the thermal contact. It would be nice to program in an offset once the machine was calibrated. I haven't read through the PID manual to know if it's an option.

[DJ]

More, please

[jggall01]

If you have a means of measuring the actual brew temperature at the puck, like with a Scace device and a good thermometer, then it is pretty straightforward to calculate and program an offset into the SD3C controller.

To determine the value of the offset, simply subtract the current PID setpoint (SV) from the brew temperature that you measure:

OFFSET = BREW TEMPERATURE - SV

(example: OFFSET = 200F - 224F = -24F)

This will be a negative number, somewhere around -24F. No cause for concern if your reading is different by a few degrees. This is normal and depends on many factors.

Once you know the value of the offset you wish to use, follow this procedure to change the controller programming:

Leftmost key, teal colored = ADVance key (circular arrows printed on the key)
Key immediately to its right = HOME key (has a little infinity symbol)

To program in an offset, you need to change the CAL parameter in the controller. Reach this parameter by pressing the ADV key until you see CAL in the display (4 presses, in most cases).

Use the arrow keys to increase or decrease the value of CAL. The controller will then add this new number to whatever it is reading from the thermocouple (e.g. the PV). So you will want to program in a number around -24F to get it to display a PV that is representative of your desired brew temperature, rather than display a PV that is the actual boiler temperature reading.

If there is already a sensor calibration (typically no more than ± 1F) programmed into your controller, then this value should be added directly to the offset you measured, and the sum of the two values should become the new value for CAL:

NEW CAL = OLD CAL + OFFSET (remember, OFFSET is a negative number and OLD CAL may be negative or positive)

(example 1: NEW CAL = +1F + (-24F) = -23F if OLD CAL was +1F originally)

(example 2: NEW CAL = -1F + (-24F) = -25F if OLD CAL was -1F originally)

When you have the CAL value set where you want it, the quickest way back to the normal display is to press the HOME key once. Alternatively, you could continue to press the ADV key and scroll through the remaining menu items until you reached the normal display again.

Be sure and also reduce the SV right away. If you have properly measured the offset value for your machine, you may change the SV to equal the temperature of the brew water you desire, usually between 198F and 203F. (The SV is changed by pressing the arrow keys while at the normal operating display).

There are circumstances where the offset value can change (with the seasons, for instance, if the ambient temperature in the room changes by several degrees). Although this degree of refinement is probably not necessary, checking the offset value periodically will allow you to keep up with the changes.

In addition, after you have programmed an offset into the controller, you will have to re-learn the temperature at which you begin steaming since all temperature readings displayed are first adjusted by the offset. (For example, if you are now starting to steam when the PV is 280F, then after programming a -24F value for CAL, you would start steaming at 256F).

Personally, I find it just as easy to think in terms of 224F or 226F for my SV. So even though I have temperature readings out the yazoo for my Alexia, and I know that it is *very* close to 24F difference between PV and brew temp, I do not use an offset. Just personal preference I suppose.

If you do decide to make this programming change, be very careful not to change other parameters. Also make sure that you input a negative value for CAL, and that you remember to also change the SV to a value near 200F instead of near 225F.

Jim

[jesawdy]

More, please

Indeed... I'm a bit late on my next post. I have family in town and have had a slew of family and school commitments this last week.

The Alexia is still churning out some great espressos. This last week, I have been using Paradise Roaster's Espresso Classico... I'm finding it just a bit more acidic or brighter than most blends I usually have, but it is quite enjoyable.

As Chris' (HB Member Psyd) signature reads, Espresso Sniper - One Shot, One Kill, the PID Alexia makes that a fairly simple endeavor.

Here's a shot from 2 nights ago:

And a pair of macchiatos from another evening:

[jesawdy]

Be sure and also reduce the SV right away.....

Personally, I find it just as easy to think in terms of 224F or 226F for my SV. So even though I have temperature readings out the yazoo for my Alexia, and I know that it is *very* close to 24F difference between PV and brew temp, I do not use an offset. Just personal preference I suppose.

I followed Jim's instructions the other day to change my PID readout. I currently have the CAL offset set to -23, the SV=199 and I am measuring brew temps via the thermofilter between 199 and 200°F. This is very simple to change, it only takes a few seconds. (You can see the SV at 199 in the pic in the prior post)

I would only add that you may wish to change your SV before you change the CAL offset value; this way the boiler will be cooling down, and will start to heat again after you set the CAL offset. If you set the CAL offset first, as soon as you make the change, the heater will go solid on attempting to reach the old higher setpoint. Not a big deal, unless you are getting ready to pull a shot.

[DJ]

Thank you

[jesawdy]

Quick Mill Alexia - My "Likes"


Espresso Classico from Paradise Roasters, 14g dose from Ken Fox, ACF Nero "Ristretto" cup from Great Infusions

While my intention was to make a list of my "likes" on the Quick Mill Alexia, this post has started to turn into a list of what makes it better/easier to use than the Rancilio Silvia. The Rancilio Silvia spent better than a year on my kitchen counter so that is my benchmark for a home machine.

E61 Grouphead - This review of the Quick Mill Alexia was my first encounter with the much discussed and hyped E61 grouphead. Does it live up to the hype? I think it does. I think the addition of the gicleur restriction and the E61 preinfusion chamber make this machine easier to use than a machine like the Rancilio Silvia. When I first received the machine and just ran some water from the group into an empty cup, I knew it was going to be easier to use than Silvia; it looked like it would baby the bed of coffee in comparison to being slammed by water from the Silvia grouphead.

Size - By my measurements, the Alexia is 9" W, 16" D and 15.75" H (the tallest point being the rear center). It is deeper and taller than some of the lower cost single boiler home machines (Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Coffee, etc), but it should be easily accommodated in almost ANY kitchen. While in a relatively small package, the Alexia still has plenty of heft (38 pounds) and does not scoot around the counter when you use it unlike some smaller machines (the rather heavy Silvia included).

PID Controller - While I think you can make good coffee with the stock thermostat, the addition of the PID Kit option makes brew temperature management a breeze. Personally, I do not want to have to "temperature surf" any espresso machine; it is inconvenient, takes time and water. I just want to walk up and use a machine, not sit around and wait on it. If you can afford it, I'd recommend that you spring for the PID kit upfront.

(BTW - I also want to say that Jim Gallt of MLG Properties, LLC, did an excellent job of putting the PID kit together. The PID controller is simple to use and well designed; the custom thermocouple, thermowell placement and PID programming allow the PID kit to perform very well under typical home setting use; the boiler gets insulated with the PID kit; and the kit is now complete with a heater cutoff relay that makes using the Alexia easier on the ears and prevents intrashot brew pressure fluctuation, not to mention the well documented installation manual.)

Steam Wand/Tip - While not a rockin' fast steamer, the fully articulated steam wand on the Alexia is nice and the tip is well matched to the steam output. Microfoam is easy to make but you still have plenty of time to finesse the milk.

Drip Tray - The drip tray design is great. Like the other Quick Mill machines, the drip tray slides out the front of the machine like a drawer, no need to remove the grate-style cover, it stays in place. The drip tray is also VERY large, it holds more than 1.1 liters (1.5 liters max) of drippage! In contrast, the Silvia only holds ~200 ml (~300 ml max); you have to remove the drip tray cover to access the drip tray; and, you must take care that you don't cut yourself on the sharp edges of the Silvia's drip tray.

Feel - I started to say "ergonomics" here, but that isn't quite the right word. Using the Alexia just "feels" right. At first I thought the brew lever may just be a novelty, but it does make for a nice experience; in one swift motion you can lock in the portafilter and lift the brew lever with the same hand. It is easy to hit the group, meaning there are no issues locking in on the first pass and no bending over to see the grouphead. The machine's heft, articulated steam wand and positive feel of the steam valve/knob all add to the "feel" of the machine. In contrast to Silvia, the Silvia grouphead is somewhat easier to miss and I often find myself reaching for the machine's case with my free hand to steady it as well; all the rocker switches on the Silvia look and feel the same; there is no "joy in use" of the limited range of motion steam wand; and, the Silvia steam valve knob feels somewhat squishy since the steam valve body is 2 or more inches away from the end of the knob.

"Quiet" Vibe - At least for my review machine, the vibratory pump is not terribly loud (by my standards of course). There are no loose panels that rattle or vibrate (including cups on the cup tray if you use it), and the heavy gauge steel panels do not seem to amplify the sound from the pump. In stark contrast, my older Silvia could wake the dead when running the pump .

I think there is a lot to like about the Quick Mill Alexia... so who is this machine a good fit for and why?... Next time.


Macchiato, "onion' pour, small cappuccino

[edna713]

On the 16 or so Alexias I've modded --

1) I immediately remove the tank float relay and related parts. This un-needed in a machine of this type, as it has NO autofill controller, and you will KNOW right away when the water is out. While this is an improvement over the microswitch of the Isomacs, etc. it still is a tiddly annoyance for owners. In other words, if the tank is slightly out of position the machine will NOT work even when full.

2) Accessing the boiler heater connectors through the bottom plate, I make certain that the connectors are in place -- very firmly. One or both almost always FALL off in shipment due to movement of the boiler, which is only suspended on 2 copper tubes. For more permanent security, I use the correct size of heat shrink tubing to secure.

So if your brand new Alexia is not heating up? This is the very first place to look.

dave

[greatinfusions]

After demonstrating the Alexia in my shop for the last 6 weeks -- & never had a relay tank issue as described by Dave.

I am leaving my unit intact.

The heater spades do tend to detach in shipping which I find mysterious because the fit of the connectors is tight. I think it's a sign of a good build that the shipping trauma (imagine dropping the box off the back of a UPS truck) can yank the connector off without actually damaging the machine!