There's no need for a flush routine with a PID e61. For 15 years on PID HX: * Flush ≈1s * Pull shot * Flush ≈1s to rinse & brush shower screen * PF wiggle w blind basket, leaving blind in the group * enjoy When pulling shots for a group, just skip the PF

If you buy a thermocouple, also purchase the adapter. It's a PITA to futz with the nylon seals on the thermo meter/couple exchanging them

A sensor in the group is a thermally a million miles away from the heating element in an HX. One might do better to model group thermal performance and install sensors for ambient temperature, air flow and direction - all of which impact an e61. Back in '08 I measured a VBM HX w PID with a Scace 1

You can speed up the process by removing the vac break to syphon out the boiler. Either use a spare/old pump or a bulb vacuum. {image}

If one is not a metrologist, the 'fiction' can be close enough to the truth. Once one has their machine under their fingers and is primarily interested in making fine espresso, knowing the exact group temperature is irrelevant. Either the espresso is stellar or it ain't. Make changes if it ain't. Do...

Without a schematic, use an ohm meter to suss out the wiring and make your own. Those tie wraps are TOO TIGHT around the wires. You run the risk of a meltdown and fire

The sensor will be in the boiler to ensure it does not overheat. The boiler will reach temperature in a few minutes, but the group won't be at brew temperature for about 45 minutes. You can speed up group heating to about 15 minutes by placing a folded tea towel over the group. Repeated flushing is ...

If the temperature is 200°F, it's the brew temperature. I ran an e61 HX boiler @ ≈227°F for mid 190's brew temperature

My heart rate was acting up on caffeinated coffee and decaf, regardless of brand. It still acts up even with all the 'good' stuff gone from my life, just not as violently

In a word, no.* Nor wine, whisky/ey, chocolate, or licorice. I upped my fish consumption to compensate for the Omega 3 in capsules. * I'm not sure there is one. It took three months at a pound a week to find a decaf that ticked all the espresso boxes. And I still had a racing heart waking me up