The Arrarex Caravel - Page 191

A haven dedicated to manual espresso machine aficionados.
IMAWriter
Posts: 3472
Joined: 19 years ago

#1901: Post by IMAWriter »

Eastsideloco wrote:I've found that the original baskets (with the nibs) only fit in one specific orientation. In this orientation, the basket snaps into place and stays reasonably round, good enough to fit the portafilter. If the basket gets snapped into place a quarter turn or so out of this optimal orientation, the basket is hopelessly out of round and pinches on the tamper. This suggests to me that the source of the deformation is the portafiler and not the basket.

To test this, pop the basket out of the portafilter and check the fit with your tamper. If you find the right orientation, it may work just fine for you. Basket orientation was a factor on both of the Arrarex machines I've pulled shots on. In both cases, the nibs wanted to be perpendicular to the handle.
David, the tamper I have is a few mm too small, IMO. I don't use it. It is definitely the basket, as I can see it visually.
My basket can snap in any which way. It's just easier to extricate if it's in the position intended (I'm guessing) by Dr Salati. David Garrett told me he saw a vertical line in the PF. Even with my reading glasses I haven't found it. Also, the single shot basket rotates perfectly in the PF, no visible out of round during rotation. (the single has no nubs.

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Eastsideloco
Posts: 1657
Joined: 13 years ago

#1902: Post by Eastsideloco »

Yes, because Arrarex uses nubs on the baskets rather than a spring in the portafilter, these baskets are susceptible to deformation. It's basically a design flaw part of the vintage charm. FWIW, my Brooks baskets don't seem to be out of round. They are a bit tighter, perhaps, than the OEM basket, but they don't seem deformed in any way.

IMAWriter
Posts: 3472
Joined: 19 years ago

#1903: Post by IMAWriter »

Well, considering how old some of this stuff is, it's cool that it still does what it's supposed to.

caravel
Posts: 39
Joined: 8 years ago

#1904: Post by caravel »

I am looking for a pid controller that doesn't require modifying the caravel but just needs plugging in and a probe to hang in the water. Can someone recommend something like this but cheaper? http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_ ... ucts_id=44

I've seen lots of Rex c100 on eBay for $20. Would that do the trick?

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aecletec
Posts: 1997
Joined: 13 years ago

#1905: Post by aecletec »

caravel wrote:I am looking for a pid controller that doesn't require modifying the caravel but just needs plugging in and a probe to hang in the water.
Found some cheap ones, particularly the Willhi temperature controllers for AUD30... I Ebayed one to see if it'd be an improvement on the inbuilt deadband.

caravel
Posts: 39
Joined: 8 years ago

#1906: Post by caravel replying to aecletec »

Which controller did you get?

I found this one which seems to be used for sous vide cooking, but didn't get great reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/Willhi-Wh1436PID ... B015G25HNQ

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aecletec
Posts: 1997
Joined: 13 years ago

#1907: Post by aecletec »

Yeah that one, but better reviews here https://www.amazon.com/Willhi-Wh1436-11 ... 00V4TJR00/
I'm not likely to be too worried if it doesn't work out given the price. I'll just buy some other Caravel bling to feel better ;)

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galumay
Posts: 341
Joined: 15 years ago

#1908: Post by galumay »

caravel wrote:I am looking for a pid controller that doesn't require modifying the caravel but just needs plugging in and a probe to hang in the water. Can someone recommend something like this but cheaper? http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_ ... ucts_id=44

I've seen lots of Rex c100 on eBay for $20. Would that do the trick?
Not sure how the cheapies go, but I have one of the Auberins on my Caravel and it works a treat.
LMWDP #322 i started with nothing.........i still have most of it.

caravel
Posts: 39
Joined: 8 years ago

#1909: Post by caravel replying to galumay »

Thanks for the feedback. Do you have the Auberins I linked or a different one?

Might be worth investing the extra $ after all if it works without problems. Just need to find a way to source the device in Europe.

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redbone
Posts: 3564
Joined: 12 years ago

#1910: Post by redbone »

You could build your own. If so I would suggest a PID with manual mode. If purchasing a unit I would not use one with a NTC sensor as they are much slower to react and not ideal for fast reacting temperature changes such as espresso machines. Make sure it uses a PT100 or Cu50 sensor.
I recently built and sold unit with a NTC sensor which will now be used for slow reacting cooling device such as a keezer.
Most espresso kits use thermocouple sensors which have been proven to be robust.
Between order and chaos there is espresso.
Semper discens.


Rob
LMWDP #549

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