Thanks so much for the linked to info and the thought on two possible linked wires. I'll have a look-see soon. I hope it's that easy!

So the replacement I got for this has seven wire connectors on it, but the existing one on the machine has eight. All the research I've done said that the Gicar part number beginning with NRL would work fine. Pics online of the Gicar box with the part number beginning with RL show it have seven wire...

You've got a pretty standard E61 group machine. There's a lot of info on the E61 on this forum, typing it into the Search will give you a good idea of what you have. See also heat exchanger or "HX" machine. Yours looks to be of average quality build and uses many non-proprietary parts, which makes i...

Congratulations, you now have a very real espresso machine. These Astoria/CMA/Rio machines are of a decent design, and are well manufactured. While not particularly innovative, they can still produce excellent results when used with skilled hands. Make sure you learn how to tune the pump and boiler ...

The focus required for this type of roasting is easy to underestimate. Maintaining a steady & effective stir with the whisk is important. Constructive criticism here is that the whisking/stirling was not done at a steady or efficient pace, based on the pics. Use weighed batches, and keep roasting th...

Thanks Stephen! I believe that was my first post in the roasting forum, so good to see positive feedback. I started home roasting because after working for four different roasters in my younger days, it's hard to pay retail prices for roasted beans. Turns out I really enjoy doing it. Am I belligeren...

You can do it without measurable scorching. It just takes good equipment & practice. Pictured are two different batches roasted on different days. Pictured both in the light above my kitchen table, and below the two halogens above my stove. I believe my stock pot is ten inches. I put my 58mm tamper ...

I just read the description of it on their site, and there's no real information given as to how they've used the technologies in this machine. I'd like to see bullet pointed specifications, diagrams, and lots of internal pics. It has undeniable visual appeal, but how is it to use? Is it satisfying?...

Very nice comparison, Turriga. Know that at least one of us understood the Porsche references. I sometimes compare old espresso machines to old Italian cars, as the panel fit on each is often so-so at best, the electrical components are often suspect, and the mating surfaces between the hardware com...

Got'r'done. Just needed a more thorough poke in the orifice