I've built something that I think you might like for your project.. It's an integrated, miniature scale which is already I2C compatible so it should plug right into your Arduino board (i think). If you're interested, I can send you one for free (it would be cool to see it used outside of my own project). The idea is with the scale, your machine can automatically stop brewing and more easily calculate flow rate.
By the way, I also love the RoboGaggia. I appreciate the detail you went into on the components and software. I plan on reading it in detail as I work on my next version. Great to have an alternative to the Gaggiudino BOM. It's really useful to me to see how you approached the problem.
You can remove scale in anything that boils water, by cutting one or more lemons in half and adding them to the water. The citric acid quickly removes the scale. Flush well before using to make coffee, unless you like lemon scented coffee.
Norm....I just received a used "Espresso" that is in wonderful shape. The plan is to replace the boiler, group with one from a Classic Pro, then add the Gaggiunio hardware that I was using on a Delonghi Dedica. I have all the parts for the conversion.
Edit:
Never mind. I managed to finally spot the small screw in the "filling" spout. :-)
Here's my problem...How did you get the top off? I'm afraid I'm going to break something. I see no screws? If you could send me a message on how to "pop off the top" via "phil1953@msn.com" I'd really appreciate it.
If you'd rather not do e-mail, you can post on my YouTube channel. I have some tossed together video's on YouTube (mostly goof off ham radio and flight sim stuff) if you want to have a laugh at my Delonghi "Dedicuino" project. It's listed under my ham radio callsign "K7JBL."
This is wonderful. I have all the "Gaggiuino" parts ready. I was going to buy a Classic Pro but when I saw your old rig, I changed my mind. I like that "Espresso Deluxe" body design. I've been able to purchase a new "Espresso Deluxe" body and boiler plate from "Whole Latte Love." I'm still hunting for a water tank and the "bottom body" but if I don't find them I can still use the machine. I'm using the boiler, group and solenoid from a Gaggia Classic Pro. Basically, an "Espresso Deluxe" with the pressure release valve.
Very interesting, just wanted to point out please be careful with your SSR it is most likely a fake and cannot hand the current that it says it is rated for. I do not know how many amp you are pushing through it for how long but please see:
Thanks for the links. I’m using 40 amp version, not the 25 amp version shown. it seems wise to assume the problem is more widespread than has been proven so far so I’ll continue to monitor and watch for issues. No overheating so far.
I took my time to build it. Total time including waiting for parts from china was around 3 months. It could be done much more quickly if you wanted to. A lot of the design was done during the build and that took time too.
Looks like I'll have to buy an old (broken) espresso machine and start diying .. amazing project. Looks totally awesome
Great, looking forward an update on this project
Norm, this is awesome! I love the exposed look of this beautiful monster! Great job with the cabling, construction quality, and 3D prints.
I've built a similar project (https://github.com/ndipatri/RoboGaggia)
I've built something that I think you might like for your project.. It's an integrated, miniature scale which is already I2C compatible so it should plug right into your Arduino board (i think). If you're interested, I can send you one for free (it would be cool to see it used outside of my own project). The idea is with the scale, your machine can automatically stop brewing and more easily calculate flow rate.
Here is the scale:
https://github.com/ndipatri/RoboScale
By the way, I also love the RoboGaggia. I appreciate the detail you went into on the components and software. I plan on reading it in detail as I work on my next version. Great to have an alternative to the Gaggiudino BOM. It's really useful to me to see how you approached the problem.
Great to hear. Keep us posted how your next version comes along... and let me know if I can help in any way.
Love the scale- great idea to make it usb friendly. If I had more control over my software I’d go that route.
Glad you liked it!
You can remove scale in anything that boils water, by cutting one or more lemons in half and adding them to the water. The citric acid quickly removes the scale. Flush well before using to make coffee, unless you like lemon scented coffee.
Norm....I just received a used "Espresso" that is in wonderful shape. The plan is to replace the boiler, group with one from a Classic Pro, then add the Gaggiunio hardware that I was using on a Delonghi Dedica. I have all the parts for the conversion.
Edit:
Never mind. I managed to finally spot the small screw in the "filling" spout. :-)
Here's my problem...How did you get the top off? I'm afraid I'm going to break something. I see no screws? If you could send me a message on how to "pop off the top" via "phil1953@msn.com" I'd really appreciate it.
If you'd rather not do e-mail, you can post on my YouTube channel. I have some tossed together video's on YouTube (mostly goof off ham radio and flight sim stuff) if you want to have a laugh at my Delonghi "Dedicuino" project. It's listed under my ham radio callsign "K7JBL."
Phil
This is wonderful. I have all the "Gaggiuino" parts ready. I was going to buy a Classic Pro but when I saw your old rig, I changed my mind. I like that "Espresso Deluxe" body design. I've been able to purchase a new "Espresso Deluxe" body and boiler plate from "Whole Latte Love." I'm still hunting for a water tank and the "bottom body" but if I don't find them I can still use the machine. I'm using the boiler, group and solenoid from a Gaggia Classic Pro. Basically, an "Espresso Deluxe" with the pressure release valve.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Very interesting, just wanted to point out please be careful with your SSR it is most likely a fake and cannot hand the current that it says it is rated for. I do not know how many amp you are pushing through it for how long but please see:
https://www.ul.com/news/ul-warns-solid-state-relay-counterfeit-ul-recognition-mark-release-13pn-52
and
https://protosupplies.com/inferior-counterfeit-fotek-ssr-25-solid-state-relays-on-the-market/
Thanks for the links. I’m using 40 amp version, not the 25 amp version shown. it seems wise to assume the problem is more widespread than has been proven so far so I’ll continue to monitor and watch for issues. No overheating so far.
This is really cool. Just curious, how long did this project take from start to v.0.1?
I took my time to build it. Total time including waiting for parts from china was around 3 months. It could be done much more quickly if you wanted to. A lot of the design was done during the build and that took time too.