I'm sipping a good espresso right now :) Can't say I notice a huge difference as compared to before, but i'll need to play a bit with temperatures and other settings. I'll update later on with a video or two!
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,192 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Thu Oct 11, 2012, 11:20am Subject: Re: Subject: Silvia - Leak on steam valve and PID upgrade
You used the machine for long enough to be easily able to adjust/surf the temperature before the PID, so the espresso may be the same. I like the ability to adjust the temperature by a degree or two for different coffees. You may notice some difference with steam as the temperature band is tighter, so better steam.
tasseloff Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 229 Location: Sherbrooke, Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Oct 12, 2012, 9:02am Subject: Re: Subject: Silvia - Leak on steam valve and PID upgrade
D4F Said:
You used the machine for long enough to be easily able to adjust/surf the temperature before the PID, so the espresso may be the same. I like the ability to adjust the temperature by a degree or two for different coffees. You may notice some difference with steam as the temperature band is tighter, so better steam.
Well, I had indeed gotten used to temp-surfing, however I must say that my impression is now that I have much more consistency between shots. Before, the taste would vary a bit even with temp-surfing, now however its always closer to be the same. This is great, it means I can see if I actually taste a difference at different temperatures. Steaming milk is also much more efficient.
Overall, if any other fellow Canadian wants to try it out, here are the average costs: he PID/PID case/RTD sensor/SSR from Auber cost me about $106 The AC SSR for steam control was (from ebay, but could've also used a power adapter instead) $6 The wires/connectors ran close to (silicon wire which I got from china on ebay) $ 20 The velcro to stick the PID in place was around $5 Tie-wraps 2$
Total: ~$140
So basically, not too bad, but not cheap either. It could be done for slightly less, by installing the PID directly in the machine (no need for velcro/tape or the external case). Some PID kits are also available for cheaper (one was ~$75 shipped on ebay), but possibly not the same in quality, and wires/connectors will still need to be bought.
Anyway, I'm off to pull another shot. I'll post a video later on if I have some time.
I want thank you D4F for all the help you provided, as well as other members, it was much easier with your first hand experiences!
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,192 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Fri Oct 12, 2012, 9:43am Subject: Re: Subject: Silvia - Leak on steam valve and PID upgrade
My pleasure helping.
For those who are looking at that price, that is a PID with brew and steam control, and the housing box, not just the basic kit. It is possible to mount it in the machine without the box, or set it on top of a machine without a housing case, if the wires are long enough.
Happy to hear that you like it and that it meets your expectation. It is actually difficult to realize how much a PID helps without actually seeing someone use it live, or getting to use one.
coffeeee Senior Member Joined: 30 May 2011 Posts: 52 Location: over the rainbow Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Oct 13, 2012, 4:03am Subject: Re: Silvia - Leak on steam valve and PID upgrade
seems you are doing very well
As to the leakage in the pump outlet, it is a known issue and you can find some articles on it. don't neglect it as it will increase the corrosion on the chassis. You can see my mod to this issue here
As to the electric wiring, in Silvia manual you can find the manufacturer electric scheme. you can also see images and diagrams in my mods page here
have fun
Coffee is not a drink...it is an adventure... Author of Rancilio Silvia Mega-Mod and Rocky Timer Mod (see my website)
tasseloff Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 229 Location: Sherbrooke, Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:37am Subject: Re: Silvia - Leak on steam valve and PID upgrade
coffeeee Said:
seems you are doing very well
As to the leakage in the pump outlet, it is a known issue and you can find some articles on it. don't neglect it as it will increase the corrosion on the chassis. You can see my mod to this issue here
As to the electric wiring, in Silvia manual you can find the manufacturer electric scheme. you can also see images and diagrams in my mods page here
Thanks for the link! I didn't know it was a common issue, and thought it was just me that didn't tighten the thing well enough last time when I changed the pump. Since I don't feel like taking the Silvia apart right now I will probably wait 1-2 weeks before doing it, plus I will be able to see if there are some new watermarks or if it doesn't leak anymore. Nonetheless I will probably try your mod, it seems simple and logic enough.
A very nice and detailed page you have there, you sure seem to have gone all the way as possible mods!
coffeeee Senior Member Joined: 30 May 2011 Posts: 52 Location: over the rainbow Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sun Oct 14, 2012, 5:44am Subject: Re: Silvia - Leak on steam valve and PID upgrade
tasseloff Said:
Thanks for the link! I didn't know it was a common issue, and thought it was just me that didn't tighten the thing well enough last time when I changed the pump. Since I don't feel like taking the Silvia apart right now I will probably wait 1-2 weeks before doing it, plus I will be able to see if there are some new watermarks or if it doesn't leak anymore. Nonetheless I will probably try your mod, it seems simple and logic enough.
A very nice and detailed page you have there, you sure seem to have gone all the way as possible mods!
My pleasure as for the leak I remember a site showing full chassis repair due to this kind of leak in this particular location where Rancilio neglected to add a small drain hole that could avoid it ;-(
Coffee is not a drink...it is an adventure... Author of Rancilio Silvia Mega-Mod and Rocky Timer Mod (see my website)
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