Posted Mon Dec 31, 2012, 9:42am Subject: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
I recently purchased a 2nd hand Silvia and I am loving it. I may consider installing a PID to enhance the machine but I would like to know how hard it is to install as well as the best PID kit. I have read that some malfunction after a while and I want Pre infusion as well as brew & steam temp change. I am looking for a kit that is more of a plug and play in case I decide to sell my machine in the future and I don't need to do a lot to reverse the install.
That shows typical reversible connectors. It is mostly "plug in" and soldering or crimping is done on the added wires. I had a great experience with Auber on my Gaggia. I made my own wiring and bought the PID. I am not using pre-infusion. I found it fairly easy to install using various diagrams and a DMM.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,761 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Mon Dec 31, 2012, 9:18pm Subject: Re: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
I just did this and documented it here "full Silvia rebuild and minor mod with pics." The paid install is on the last page. I used the Auber kit without preinfusion but as said above there is a kit with it. It is an easy plug and play install.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
coffeeee Senior Member Joined: 30 May 2011 Posts: 52 Location: over the rainbow Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Jan 1, 2013, 12:06am Subject: Re: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
welcome to PID
As far as I know Auber and PidSilvia offer kits that includes all you'll need for 'easy' assembly. 'easy' still means some technical and electrical skills are needed as it involves altering Silvia.
If you have the skills you might also look at other solutions that involves creating your own setup that's what I did and documented here With custom PIDing you might end up cheaper and with much more fun...
Preinfusion is somehow not delivering its expectations on Silvia, I have it on my Silvia but I personally didn't find any taste improvement when using it, so I don't use it anymore ;-(
Good luck
Coffee is not a drink...it is an adventure... Author of Rancilio Silvia Mega-Mod and Rocky Timer Mod (see my website)
Posted Tue Jan 1, 2013, 6:36am Subject: Re: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
Thanks everyone!
I know I can find a regular PID on ebay for next to nothing as well as an SSR and the connectors are also easy to get. I just figured that if I wanted the ramp/soak/timer options those PID's cost at least $100+ so whynot go all out and make it easy on myself. Is it true that if I found a pid that would allow for me to gain steam control it will increase steam power?
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,223 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Tue Jan 1, 2013, 10:38am Subject: Re: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
Burner0000 Said:
I know I can find a regular PID on ebay for next to nothing as well as an SSR and the connectors are also easy to get. I just figured that if I wanted the ramp/soak/timer options those PID's cost at least $100+ so whynot go all out and make it easy on myself. Is it true that if I found a pid that would allow for me to gain steam control it will increase steam power?
A PID with PID algorithm controlled output and one alarm output will allow for steam control. Steam control is a convenience that allows you to set the on-off temperature and keep it in a fairly narrow range. You can do the same with the steam switch by guessing temperature or measuring boiler temperature. Steam is temperature/pressure dependent, so "power" is up to you to control temperature, or with PID.
Posted Tue Jan 1, 2013, 11:29am Subject: Re: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
To be honest not really. I was going to buy a CC1 before buying my Silvia and I am looking to see if a PID will give me the same bells and whistles. I guess if I could choose being able to set temp range for both brew and temp and save to the PID would be nice. Shot timer would be a plus. Pre infuion I can do myself. I am looking for a cheaper option than $200 range. Not worth it if it's that much. Regular shots are pretty good so far.
For example. Can I only set one high low limit temp with this?
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,223 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Tue Jan 1, 2013, 11:41am Subject: Re: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
Auber PID for about $40 depending on which and RTD sensor for about $25, or K thermocouple for about $5. If you do not feel the need to use a box, then save some money there. Auber fitted box is about $25 and then SSR. I got the SSR from Auber because it was quick and on same shipping, but you can Ebay it.
The typical wiring photo that I sent earlier will give you a good idea of the wiring. You should fairly easily do a PID for brew and steam for under $100. The amount of savings depends somewhat on your shopping and savings.
Tasseloff did some of the supply track down and install here, only a few months ago. He is Canada as far as his supply options.
Posted Tue Jan 1, 2013, 11:54am Subject: Re: Advise on the best PID kit for Silvia V3
OK cool. I would just like to make sure That a regular PID will allow for set temps for both brew and temp so I don't have to set every time. I keep seeing deals like this that incl all but the wires for 15A which I have.
Many, not all of the units allow for a PID function and an alarm function, or two. The PID function is for brew-idle and the alarm for steam. The alarm has to allow high low limits to set so that it turns off at the low limit and off at the high limit IIRC. You are using a fucntion that normally triggers an alarm to turn on and off the heater and want control between the temperatures not outside of the tempertures. Some inexpensive units seem to allow alarm/on-off or PID function, not both. The Auber 1/32 din worked fine and I used it initially and then switched to their 1/16 din for PID function and 2 alarms, both with the limits that I wanted. Auber has several 1/16 din units including ramp soak. I learned from reading the different Auber specs and then tried to compare to those as you show. I could not always tell what what I would get off Ebay, though I thought that they might work.
I believe that what you show has PID and Alarm both available, I an not sure of the alarm type and limits.
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