1. 58mm baskets will work for the portafilter, but many seem to favor the LM style double ridgeless basket such as the one at espressoparts.
   
2. I haven't tried the machine yet, but I'm seeing reports of the two-hole tip providing better control for microfoaming.
   
3. bottomless portafilter - since NS has supplied two, one can be shipped to an online retailer for modification at smaller expense than purchasing a new one.
   
   

e53er Said:

I'm also a new Oscar owner. I'll piggyback off of this post to ask some comments/questions that might benefit other new owners.

Based on various online threads, here's a list of possible aftermarket upgrades:...

Posted September 20, 2007 link

e53er Said:

Here are my questions:

What's the customary procedure to clean the pf and basket? Soak the pf and basket overnight? It certainly would be a hassle to pry off the basket every night when only 2-3 shots are pulled. I was told the ridgeless basket makes it possible to pry off with bare hands.

Some leave the machine on 24/7 to avoid having to release false pressure. Is it consensus that leaving it on prolongs the longetivity of the machine, even if one pulls an average of 2-3 shots per day? I'm also worried about a high electric bill in this case.

For those who place the unit under kitchen cabinets, are there any clever solutions to delivering water into the reservoir instead of manually pulling the unit out for refill?

TIA.

Posted September 20, 2007 link

cdienzo Said:

I've spent the last few hours "calibrating" Oscar2 & let me just say that Sirai PStat is freakin' HUUUGE!  Also noteworthy is the fact that it take about 5 turns of the adjustment screw before a temp. change is seen- definitely NOT like the Mater & CEME pstats that I've become so familiar with.

Out of the box, brew temps were around 180*-185* F.  I currently have it set at a relatively stable 194*-202* F  (measured via multimeter w/ K-type TC in the filter basket).

"Stock" brew pressure pegged my PF gauge to 15 bar.  Adjusted the OPV & brew pressure is now a more reasonable 9 bar.

Regards,
-cd

Posted September 18, 2007 link

I was recently doing a group search for Oscar information and came
across discussion of incorrect factory settings of pump pressure.  I
checked my machine and, sure enough, the pressure relief adjustment
screw was turned in all the way and there was no water flow through it
with a blind filter in the handle.

I did not see in any previous Oscar discussion how to properly set the
relief valve, so I came up with a simple, inexpensive method that
anybody can duplicate w/o special tools or know-how.  My total cost for
parts was $16.38 plus tax.  Time is less than an hour after you get the
parts.   Here is a description:


Below is a list of the parts I purchased.  I got them from Ace Hardware
and have included the part numbers in case you have an Ace near you.


1 - 3/8" female x 3/8" female brass pipe coupler (Lasco 17-9225)
1 -  3/8" male x 1/4" female brass bushing (Lasco 17-9245)
1 - 0-200 psi pressure gauge (Lasco 13-1917)


If you can find a reducing coupler that goes from 3/8" female to 1/4"
female, you can replace the first two parts, above, with a single part.


In order to find the adjusting screw on the Oscar, look up the previous
discussions between Jack Denver and others.


I attached the pressure gauge to my (unused) single spout portafilter
using the brass coupler, brass bushing, and Teflon tape.  To do this I
unscrewed the spout from the portafilter and screwed on the assembly
consisting of the gauge, the bushing and the coupler.  Note that I
assembled the three parts, and then screwed the assembly to the
portafilter.  Note, also,  that there is a thread mismatch at the
portafilter due to different thread styles.  If you use a brass (not
steel) coupler and generous amount of Teflon tape, and don't screw the
gauge assembly on too tightly - just tight enough to hold the
pressure - you will do no damage whatsoever to the porafilter
threads.


Remove the portafilter basket from the portafilter and lock the
portafilter gauge into place just as you would if you were going to
make espresso.  If you don't remove the basket, water will flow out
around it and you will not build up pressure.  You will get an
excellent seal w/o the basket in place.


Loosen up the adjustment screw.  To do this, remove the plastic drain
tube from the nipple at the end of the valve.  Then, use a couple of
3/4" end wrenches to crack the adjustment screw loose.  Then, loosen
the adjuster about 1-1/2 turns BEFORE you take any measurement -
count nine or so flats on the adjuster.  The reason for doing this is
that, if your machine is like mine, the pressure on the gauge is going
to be more than 200 psi if you leave the adjuster at the factory
setting, and this will peg the needle - not good practice.


Turn the machine on and observe the meter.  Adjust to about 135 psi.
The needle will be a blur due to pressure fluctuations, but you will
see it well enough to get it close.  Put the plastic hose and keeper
back on the nipple.  Done.

e53er Said:

caeffe, are you using the "beer bong" to fill your water tank?

Posted September 26, 2007 link