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  • espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

    Subject: espresso machine controller transformer failure  B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group - a.k.a. GRIMAC VITTORIA One Group - a.k.a. DIADEMA 1GV EL


    The chances of this helping anyone is very remote since I expect not many people will have the same controller in their espresso machine - with the same fault - and also be willing to open up the controller and solder in new components. But you never know so I will post this in case it helps someone - and for my own future reference.

    My espresso machine is a B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group as described here: http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1238685253/0#0
    A while ago my espresso machine had started failing. After being powered on for about 40 minutes, the element would power off and it would start beeping and the hot water tap button would start flashing. I had always assumed this meant that its water sensor was not detecting water in the boiler - even though the boiler had the correct amount of water. So I thought there was some problem with the wire that connects to the sensor - but I couldnt find anything wrong with that wire or anything near it really.

    I was able to get a coffee out of it within the 40 minutes so I didnt worry too much but after a while the 40 minutes started dropping down to 30 minutes and less until it got down to 13 minutes before dying - no where near long enough for the machine to heat up for a decent espresso. Rather than trying to find somewhere to get it repaired I kind of just stopped using it for ages and made plunger coffee instead.

    Anyway on the weekend I got curious and opened up the coffee brain - a "30 MICRO Z R/E". I might post a picture of its insides sometime. I noticed one main capacitor and I knew that one of the main things that often breaks in electronics is capacitors so I thought I would have a go at replacing that to see if it would fix the problem. Ive had the same fix work fixing a computer power supply. The original capacitor looked fine (not bulging or leaking) but it was worth a go changing it.

    The capacitor was a RUS 35v 330uF (M) 105c (4Q) brown with white stripe. I found an awesome online supplier for electronic bits that sold quality japanese capacitors and ordered the following:

    Manufacturer:
    RUBYCON
    Manufacturer Part No:
    35RX30330MEFG10X16
    RoHS : Yes
    Description
    CAPACITOR, 330UF, 35V
    Capacitor Dielectric Type:Aluminium Electrolytic
    Capacitance:330µF
    Capacitance Tolerance:± 20%
    Voltage Rating:35V DC
    Series:RX30
    Life Time @ Temperature:2000 hours @ 130°C
    Height:16mm
    Outer Diameter:10mm
    Capacitor Case Style:Radial Leaded
    No. of Pins:2
    Mounting Type:Through Hole
    Lead Spacing:5mm
    Operating Temperature Range:-40°C to +130°C
    AC Ripple Current:800mA
    Applications:High Temperature
    Body Diameter:10mm
    External Length / Height:16mm
    Operating Lifetime:4000h
    Operating Temperature Max:130°C
    Package / Case:Radial
    Temperature Operating Min:-40°C
    Terminal Type:Wire Ended
    Tolerance +:20%
    Tolerance -:20%
    Voltage DC:35V



    After replacing the capacitor I still had the same problem

    When ordering the capacitor I was very surprised to find that the same supplier also had the same model sealed transformer that I had in the controller for only $11 so I picked one of those up as well - not thinking that I would need it. When I replaced the transformer with the new one I noticed that the controller did not heat up very much any more. It used to be so hot it was uncomfortable to touch but now it is cool. I didnt realise it was not supposed to be hot so I didnt realise the transformer was the problem. Seems that the transformer must have developed a fault that caused it to go out of spec and made it heat up way too much. Replacement transformer is:

    Manufacturer:
    MYRRA
    Manufacturer Part No:
    44123
    RoHS : Yes
    Description
    TRANSFORMER 2VA 12V
    Transformer Type:Encapsulated
    Input Voltage:230V
    Output Voltage Fixed:12V
    Current Rating:167mA
    Power Rating:2VA
    Mounting Type:
    Primary Voltages:230V
    Secondary Current Nom:167mA
    Secondary Power:2VA
    Secondary Voltages:12V

    So now it is all fixed and it only cost me less than $20. I am guessing if I just ordered a new controller it would have cost $300+ and I would not have been sure if that was what the problem was until it was replaced - an expensive experiment. Also I am not really sure where to buy one - maybe direct from BFC in Italy? I also guess that if I got the machine repaired professionally I would have been looking at maybe $500+ for parts and labour? So for a $20 fix that I did myself I am very happy!

    disclaimer - dont try this unless you are safe at working with 240v electronics - it is dangerous!

    fabcat

  • #2
    Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

    I own this machine so thanks for posting that up!

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

      Hi,

      thanks for the info. Can I ask where you bought the transformer from? I have a machine where I changed capacitors, and it worked well for a few months, but unfortunately have problems again (works fine when cold, but as soon as it gets a little heat from the machine stops working til it cools down again). I know the capacitors are ok, and the relay is fine. The transformer gets super hot, so wondering if I have the same problem as you. Mine is MYRRA 44950. I figure it is worth a go!

      Thanks!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

        Originally posted by 393C30343C336C5D0 link=1288097756/2#2 date=1289622590
        Hi,

        thanks for the info.  Can I ask where you bought the transformer from?  I have a machine where I changed capacitors, and it worked well for a few months, but unfortunately have problems again (works fine when cold, but as soon as it gets a little heat from the machine stops working til it cools down again).  I know the capacitors are ok, and the relay is fine.  The transformer gets super hot, so wondering if I have the same problem as you.  Mine is MYRRA 44950.  I figure it is worth a go!

        Thanks!  
        most of the MYRRA units are sold by Farnell and they are usually available and I have got all of mine from here..

        However some times, the older ones are no longer current and you might have to look at the specs and see which is now suitable.

        Always be aware of size and pin placement...   These are the two items that catch most people out....  I have had to re wire the pinout, but that is usually not a problem...

        Remember the primary is 240V and thus if ya not qualified then NO NOT TOUCH.

        Farnell and then search by the specks / type or manufacturer...

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

          Thanks AM.

          Originally posted by 012E2725320D212E2127252D252E34400 link=1288097756/3#3 date=1289637961
          However some times, the older ones are no longer current and you might have to look at the specs and see which is now suitable.
          I dont seem to be getting many hits for my 44950. Maybe this wont be as easy as I thought!

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

            well not much progress for me!  cant locate the 44950, and the voltages seem unusual (15v and 20v) so not sure I will find a replacement.  In desperation, had the relay changed over (just in case!) but still exactly the same behaviour.  Lucky, found online my control box for 26 euros so i think I will go that way.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

              Originally posted by 4D484440484718290 link=1288097756/5#5 date=1289723536
              well not much progress for me!  cant locate the 44950, and the voltages seem unusual (15v and 20v) so not sure I will find a replacement.  In desperation, had the relay changed over (just in case!) but still exactly the same behaviour.  Lucky, found online my control box for 26 euros so i think I will go that way.
              PM me the specs as printed on the unit...

              Maybe two heads are better than one :-)

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

                Originally posted by 7A555C5E49765A555A5C5E565E554F3B0 link=1288097756/6#6 date=1289724098
                Maybe two heads are better than one
                or maybe just yours because mine isnt helping much!

                pmd details, thanks.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

                  Originally posted by 4045494D454A15240 link=1288097756/7#7 date=1289726014
                  Originally posted by 7A555C5E49765A555A5C5E565E554F3B0 link=1288097756/6#6 date=1289724098
                  Maybe two heads are better than one
                  or maybe just yours because mine isnt helping much!

                  pmd details, thanks.
                  Never seen too many transformers like this !!!

                  Myrra, 44950, 240V 50/60hz, 15v 5ma, 20v 60 ma, to 70/b.

                  Implies separate secondary voltages and at vastly different I ratings !!!!

                  Unless a very special; have never seen before in this sort of transformer. Yes with lots of tapings you can do lots, but off the shelf ????

                  Need to see teh pin outs as that could also show what sort of winding / config is being used ?

                  PIC please ;D

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

                    Originally posted by 624D4446516E424D4244464E464D57230 link=1288097756/8#8 date=1289727723
                    Need to see the pin outs as that could also show what sort of winding / config is being used ?
                    Looks like this:

                    o o

                    oo oo

                    Pins 1 and 5 240V, pins 6-7 15v, pins 9-10 20.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

                      I think transformers on imported machines and things running warm are an issue in alot of machines, but unseen. As most transformers would be 220 or 230V, the secondary would be higher, so more current is drawn (I=V/R), by unregulated devices, and even regulators run warmer. 220 and 230 are within spec, but just not spot on :-).

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: espresso machine controller transformer failure B.F.C. ALA di VITTORIA 1GV EL 1 group

                        Originally posted by 7C7B6A6A7B6C7F6A7671737B1E0 link=1288097756/10#10 date=1299696234
                        I think transformers on imported machines and things running warm are an issue in alot of machines, but unseen. As most transformers would be 220 or 230V, the secondary would be higher, so more current is drawn (I=V/R), by unregulated devices, and even regulators run warmer. 220 and 230 are within spec, but just not spot on :-).
                        You sure about that mate.... :-?

                        Mal.

                        Comment

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