DaninMaryland Senior Member Joined: 3 Jan 2013 Posts: 79 Location: US Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: V2 Silvia Grinder: Vario-W
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 8:05am Subject: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
stuck in a dilema. i currently have a V2 Silvia. For the $200 i would spend to PID her, i could upgrade to a CC1. Which would you do?
i currently have no issues with the Silvia for the volume/types of drinks i make, so capacity or more steaming is not the issue. I just want to have a machine with PID and dont know if updating my current machine or buying a new CC1 is better.
I don't know if updating your current machine or buying a CC@ is better, either -- not without knowing why (despite having no issues) you want to change things.
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,225 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 9:14am Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
If you like DIY and can solder or crimp wires, then you can have PID brew temperature and steam control for about $100, perhaps $75 if you already have some supplies. That may not help solve your dilemma however :)
DaninMaryland Senior Member Joined: 3 Jan 2013 Posts: 79 Location: US Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: V2 Silvia Grinder: Vario-W
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 9:17am Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
D4F Said:
If you like DIY and can solder or crimp wires, then you can have PID brew temperature and steam control for about $100, perhaps $75 if you already have some supplies. That may not help solve your dilemma however :)
definetly interested, can you PM the link/source? i have only seen the PID kits and those are around $200 or so. definetly handy and can handle the job.
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,225 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 10:19am Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
Auber PID controller SYL 1512, RTD sensor for your Silvia check for year appropriate, and SSR. Decide what you want to do with the PID, cut a hole or mount in a box. I favor the Auber controller, but you can shop supplies otherwise. Auber has the best box also, if you want that. SSR available on Ebay and others, and you can do a cheap K thermocouple but attachment is not as easy. K thermocouple is about $2 - $3 vs $20= and you can save on the SSR. We can talk wire and connectors if you get that far :)
You can read this thread, mostly page 17 on. It is Gaggia and has different controller and an added function that you could do, but not tried that I know of on Silvia. The exchange between Brinal and I covers an install.
DaninMaryland Senior Member Joined: 3 Jan 2013 Posts: 79 Location: US Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: V2 Silvia Grinder: Vario-W
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 12:31pm Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
awesome, thanks! some solid DIY stuff there, thanks so much for taking the time to piece all that together. Will definetly be reading over that tonight or tomorrow!
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 1:14pm Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
Silvia wiring diagram in color: http://www.frcndigital.com/coffee/silviawire.html I also have an "interactive" Silvia wiring diagram showing how to wire a PID: http://www.frcndigital.com/coffee/Silvia/SilviaWorks.html
Be aware that over time Rancilio might have changed wire colors, but this should still give you a good start.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,803 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 1:56pm Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
DaninMaryland Said:
i currently have no issues with the Silvia for the volume/types of drinks i make, so capacity or more steaming is not the issue. I just want to have a machine with PID and dont know if updating my current machine or buying a new CC1 is better.
you just got the thing, right? Why don't you spend some time getting comfortable with technique, etc before ditching her for a new girl? Sure, put on the PID if you feel the need, but why waste money? If you PID Silvia, when you're ready to do a real upgrade into something more serious, you'll be able to sell her for more than you paid, even factoring the PID kit. People are selling PID Silvias for $500 or more. I'm not trying to kick the CC1. In fact, if I were in the market for a travel machine right now, it would be my prime target, but as you said, you're plenty happy with the Silvia, other than the PID.
CMIN Senior Member Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 566 Location: South FL Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Posted Tue Mar 12, 2013, 2:38pm Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
If you already own the Silvia, may as well PID it. CC1 is great, the built in PID and separate thermoblock for steaming which makes switching back ad forth fast are the two main advantages over the Silvia if looking at buying either "new" since having a company add the PID new puts it into entry H/X territory. But if you already own the Silvia no point in "upgrading" to the CC1 and going through the hassle of the selling the Silvia to do so.... if you were thinking of upgrading you may as well sell the Silvia, and budget for an entry H/X or used one which will be a way bigger upgrade then the CC1.
Since your brand new to it, if you feel comfortable doing it yourself, do the PID, get comfy with the machine and your use (shots/milk drinks) and then go from there and see if it'll suffice for your needs, or if you want to go to a more capable machine like an entry h/x.
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