I think I got it - there are two screwable parts on the thermostat knob - i managed to screw the part closest to the machine and that (and fiddeling with the two little screws that levers? the heating element) made it work. Sort of....
It is not consistent - it depends on how exactly i place the kettle -it can move a few milimeters and that is enough to change the thermostat setting. Probably not gonna use it as not consistent - but fine to use it as on/off button.

During my initial checking out the machine i removed the filter that sits with the portafilter gasket(What is this filter called?) - and put it back. Today i did it again - and this time I put the filter in the correct way I am out of espresso coffe - cant wait to get a package to test how the caravel works with the filter fitted correctly ......

I could not get the basket out of the PF - the "very thin tool" trick did not work and I almost gave up on it.
What did work was to push a very small philips screwdriver up the two holes towards the basket. Simple and effectively the basket came off.

Glad to hear you've got things working. A little more ifddling and you wil probably get something you are haoppy with.

There's also another Caravel thermostat thread that may be helpful. Particularly the pics of the older one. The comments about the influence of the on/off switch only half apply to yours because you obviously haven't got one (but you've got nicer build quality on yours) . However the business about the lower screw may be useful, also showing how you don;t have to remove the element mounting tray to fiddle.

That said, I doubt you will need this. It sounds as if you have enough range of adjustment with the knob.

The Caravel thermostat is hardly a precision device, but I find it works well enough if I time my grinding, filling tamping routine from just after it has switched out at a rolling boil...

Cheers

Mike

Welcome to the Nordic Caravel Club (2 members).

1) Just let the machine boil, and wait till it cools to 203-199 F (you'll need to do the math to convert to C). 2) Then pull a blank shot through the PF to warm it, and pull your shot.

For faster service turn the machine off at 204, and follow step 2.

The main thing is good freshly-ground beans. If you can't find good local roasts I've had goo luck with Musetti, Molinari, and Cafe August commercial Italian roasts, provided they maintain the factory seal on the bag when you get them.

PC