Search found 637 matches

by aindfan
November 27th, 2017, 10:32 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 3
Views: 372

Chattering from new brain box when turning off Ponte Vecchio Lusso

Well, that preference didn't last very long. In the spirit of "Fool me twice, shame on me," I performed the brainectomy this morning after the new brain died (same symptoms as before: the machine just didn't heat). The operation was easy enough after I traced all of the wires, drew a diagram, and ad...
by aindfan
March 2nd, 2017, 7:36 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 3
Views: 372

Chattering from new brain box when turning off Ponte Vecchio Lusso

Thanks! I read up on some of the brainless Lusso threads, but I'd rather keep the level probe in the circuit so that I can protect myself from... myself. I think it's pretty clear where the problem is in the old brain box: {image} It looks like something between the relay that switches the element off
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by aindfan
March 1st, 2017, 1:17 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 3
Views: 372

Chattering from new brain box when turning off Ponte Vecchio Lusso

Hi everyone, I can't believe how long it's been since my last post here; a busier job downgraded me to a lurking-only HB membership for the past few years. However, a blown brain box on my Ponte Vecchio Lusso lead me to dust off my toolbox and multimeter and order a few new parts. Here's the damage:
by aindfan
October 13th, 2012, 1:18 pm
Forum: Cafes and Get-togethers
Replies: 13
Views: 1989

Espresso in NYC near Times Square

The closest good cafe to Times Square (in my personal experience) is "Culture Espresso Bar" at 38th St and 6th Ave, which currently uses Sightglass Coffee from San Francisco. "Blue Bottle" has an impressive setup at Rockefeller Center (two Strada and drip bars). Joe at Grand Central Terminal is anot...
by aindfan
August 2nd, 2012, 10:33 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 259
Views: 19274

Elektra (1988) Single Group Commercial Rebuild

And here I am, over a year later, with a follow up post: (almost) no complaints! The machine is working quite well! Note the "almost" above: whenever the pump is activated, the group pressure needle wiggles back and forth very fast through a 1-2 bar range. Anyone know if a motor replacement is in or...
by aindfan
August 2nd, 2012, 9:54 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 15
Views: 1837

Elektra 2-group restoration project

The project looks great so far! This is a two group version of the exact machine that I restored about a year ago - my thread on it is "here". Stefano was definitely a great resource in completing my rebuild - definitely email him if you need to order any parts. My only advice: don't force any of
by aindfan
April 19th, 2012, 11:40 am
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 17
Views: 838

Vietnamese Coffee

My personal experience while traveling in Vietnam was that the coffee was absolutely terrible. To my taste, it didn't even get much better when served nearly 1:1 with sweetened condensed milk. Again, this is just my personal experience. I probably didn't know where to look (though I did find a roast...
by aindfan
March 29th, 2012, 9:50 pm
Forum: Cafes and Get-togethers
Replies: 14
Views: 1117

First time in Paris - any coffee tips?

I strongly disagree! I was in Paris exactly a year ago and had a great coffee experience, but only because I knew where to look. My best coffee was at Coutume Café (near Museé Rodin) and Kooka Boora (near the Pigalle metro stop)
by aindfan
February 25th, 2012, 1:53 pm
Forum: Cafes and Get-togethers
Replies: 1
Views: 317

2012 NERBC returning to NYC Feb 25-26

Live from the NERBC: next on station 1, defending champion Phillip. If you stop by the competition today at 7 E 34th St, NYC, be sure to introduce yourself - I'm the guy in a beige sweater backflushing the competition machines after each round
by aindfan
February 17th, 2012, 1:40 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 13
Views: 1194

Do PID espresso machines require flushing water before shot?

On my Elektra HX, the boiler temperature is PID controlled, but I keep the set point such that a flush is required. I do, however, have the option to set the boiler temperature low such that a 1 oz flush would be sufficient to start pulling the shot. I think there was a thread titled "one