randytsuch Senior Member Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 578 Location: LA, Ca Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Expobar Office with... Grinder: Baratza Vario Roaster: Customized Alpenrost,...
Posted Mon Apr 26, 2010, 1:07pm Subject: Re: Is anyone using voltage to control Vibe pump pressure instead of OPV?
I have an older Gaggia Classic.
Over the past few months, I added a light dimmer on the pump power,and use the dimmer to control the pump pressure. I also added a pressure gauge on the side of my Classic, so I can monitor the pressure.
My Classic has an Eaton pump, which is obsolete,so hasn't been used in a while.
BTW, the tubing in the Gaggia is 6mm. I bought some 6mm teflon tubing from Mcmaster, and the 6mm fittings from Mcmaster and Fastenel to do this. I have not had any leak problems so far.
mini Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 98 Location: Atlanta, GA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Le'Lit PL041 Grinder: Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: (Aerobie Aeropress)
Posted Tue Apr 27, 2010, 7:59am Subject: Re: Is anyone using voltage to control Vibe pump pressure instead of OPV?
I'm not exactly sure how your pump works, but I worried about using a simple lamp dimmer on my Ulka pump. Lamp dimmers reduce the overall power by chopping the AC wave form, which can occasionally cause extreme resistances in inductors (solenoids) due to the quickly changing voltage. They way I see it, adding pure resistance in line is the safest way to control output. But I may just be overly cautious.
I wish I could fit a pressure gauge onto my machine, but I'm not exactly sure how. I think I'll tackle the relatively easy electrical mod first before I start to pin down the plumbing ones.
randytsuch Senior Member Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 578 Location: LA, Ca Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Expobar Office with... Grinder: Baratza Vario Roaster: Customized Alpenrost,...
Posted Tue Apr 27, 2010, 5:00pm Subject: Re: Is anyone using voltage to control Vibe pump pressure instead of OPV?
My Eaton is a vibe pump, so I'm pretty sure it works basically the same as the newer Ulka pumps. I had the same concern over using a dimmer, but I figured I'd try it, and see what happens. I installed late last year (knock on wood), and no problems so far. I also picked up a old Classic chassis cheap,and it happens to also have an Eaton pump, so I have a backup in case my current one dies.
It is nice to be able to adjust, I've gotten used to having that capability, so it would be hard for me to give it up now.
Resistance is definitely safer. A rheostat would be nice, but they are usually large, so might be hard to install.
Someone mentioned to me once that they had tried a dimmer with the Ulka, but had trouble adjusting pressure with that setup. With the Eaton and a dimmer, I can pretty much adjust to anything I want.
mini Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 98 Location: Atlanta, GA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Le'Lit PL041 Grinder: Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: (Aerobie Aeropress)
Posted Tue Apr 27, 2010, 8:38pm Subject: Re: Is anyone using voltage to control Vibe pump pressure instead of OPV?
I found a 25Watt, 50 Ohm rheostat that looks about 1 inch in diameter. But I'll post more details when it arrives. =)
Hopefully your dimmer will be fine for a long time. I'm looking forward to similar capabilities. I think all voltage drops make the pump erratic towards the lower end of the power range. I've seen mixed reports about whether or not a pre-infusion pressure is above that voltage. We shall see.
chasemonster Senior Member Joined: 3 Jun 2010 Posts: 364 Location: Chicago Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Audrey Grinder: Hario Mini Mill Drip: V60
Posted Tue May 17, 2011, 9:33pm Subject: Re: Is anyone using voltage to control Vibe pump pressure instead of OPV?
sae Said:
I recently did the dimmer switch mod on my saeco starbucks barista and I documented the process in case anyone is interested in the future Click Here (samplett.com)
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