OK - the new (this one actually looks new) 2A561 has been in several days, and seems to be holding up. I've put a bit of insulation around it since it's only a couple of cms away from the boiler. I've got it set to 5 seconds delay, and compared with no delay (after the original relay died), extraction

Well, the 2A561 has died already, and the pump is now turning on without delay i.e the relay has failed "closed". Given the unit I received looked somewhat used, I've ordered a brand new one. If it too fails early, it'll be time to consider a stronger bit of kit

An update: the 2A561 and new 0.5mm gicleur arrived this morning... I have just installed both the above parts and they're working great (from a technical standpoint). The 2A561 make-on-delay relay is perfect for this 220-240VAC application and provides precise, adjustable 1-10 second control over wh...

Good thought, but it's not obvious where that relay is, and the wiring is pretty tightly loomed. I also think the group solenoid allowing water flow is controlled by the same relay. I'll have another look inside when the replacement relay arrives, but at this stage, having wired the icm102, the 2A56...

Update: the cheap ICM102 didn't work out, since the settable delay is either 2 seconds or 40 seconds, and nothing in between. I had expected 0.03 mins to 10 mins to be a little more linear! Not sure if this is due to a bad individual unit (not likely, as the Amazon reviews say similar), or cheap pot...

My OCD v2 arrived last week. It's a lovely, weighty piece of kit which feels great in the hand, with the knurled brass. I almost considered getting the slightly lighter 2017 WBC edition, which is brass with aluminium, but the weight actually helps settle the OCD on the basket, allowing an easy free ...

Thanks Jake. I'll do both mods, but instead of a manual on-off switch, I'll go for an adjustable "delay on make" relay. The adjustability of it means it's more automated, and around 5-6 seconds should be perfect. Hopefully the SPST relay I've ordered will do the trick ({link}). If not, there are mor...

TL;DR - I'm trying to add some pre-infusion / lower the water debit to see if improves espresso in the cup. First, some background: My main gear, purchased a number of years ago, is: 1) Wega Airy EPU 1-group commercial solenoid "E60.5" group. Rotary pump driven & not a lot of (apparent) pre-infusion...

I haven't purchased from that particular vendor, but living down here in little old isolated NZ, I have purchased many, many items from a variety of international vendors, from Greece to the USA. My most recent international coffee purchase is a Levtamp from Kafatek (yet to arrive)

I just ponied up for the OCD V2, so am hoping to get similarly positive results (it's yet to arrive). The Pullman Chisel also looked good, with possibly fewer grinds sticking to it