Izzo Alex Leva

[1MAC]

G'day Snobberys. Got my espresso start via the Barista Pro and I reckon it's time to upgrade. Pretty keen on the ECM Synchronika and its flow profiling til I read about lever machines and read that the Alex Leva with the San Marco grouphead is one of the best if not the best of the levers. How's the espresso made from the Alex Leva and would you rate it as one of the best compared to other lever and non-lever machines? Once this lockdown is over I shall be paying Antony a visit.

[Peter42]

Today I had a very good phone call with my Izzo dealer. As I asked for support here, I want to share my new knowledge.
If the Alex does not heat the check sequence is as follows:

- If the display shows the temperature, the probe is working.

- The blue dot in the display indicates the PID signal "heating on".
If there is no blinking dot, (right side bottom of the display), the PID is probably defect.
In doubt, a PID reset is a good idea. Alex off; hold the arrow upward, start Alex, release button after the displays shows "PRG".

- Simultaneous to the blue dot, there should be a LED blinking red on the SSR inside the machine.
At the same time the heating should be on. If not, it is probably the SSR.
Or the heating itself, if there are volts, but no ampere at the outlet of the SSR.

For me, it is probably the PID, as the blue dot disappears, when the machine does not heat any more
and I can hear the water-in solenoid-valve after cold-start of the machine.
For the order I shall make a photo of the PID, to get the right version.
It will cost me around 100 Euro.

Maybe this is useful for somebody, at some time.
Peter

[Peter42]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the expert's names.
I am still hoping till weekend that my German dealer will answer the phone / email.

Meanwhile I take the chance to heat up my Europiccola and my Espressoforge, which are already a bit dusty, but can make fun and good espresso as well.
Cheers
Peter

[Dr_Dave]

Hi Peter, that's outside my area of expertise. Perhaps send a message to one of the experts e.g. Antony at Casa Expresso, caffinator or Rick Bond for advice?
cheers
Dave

[Peter42]

After 7 years of wonderful espresso, my Alex just stopped heating after an hour in STAND-BY and cooled down .

After off-on I missed the "knock" from the water valve.

The next 2 days it worked. Now it is the same trouble again.

Do you agree, that the valve is defect, or is there a risk of other electronic being broken down?

Peter