Thanks for the measurement robusto! From what I've been reading that seems to be on the good end of whats expected. 12% looks like the higher end. I'm going not going to give up until I have 10%!
I've got the parts book for the machine, available here: https://www.1st-line.com/wp-content/...DEPM-Parts.pdf
I've measured the probes, and they the same length as in the parts manual (~70 and 80 mm).
The hot water and steam wands are in the same position as in the manual - so that's good! And, the hot water wand does just produce hot water...
From my understanding, the pump turns on (and fills the boiler) when the level drops below the longer probe. It turns off when it reaches the shorter probe. Therefore the level stays in the 10 mm range.
My reasoning for thinking that the water level is correct is:
* The probes match specifications.
* I've run the fill cycle until the pump turns off. I then measured the resistance on the shorter probe - it was measuring some resistance. I pulled the probe up slightly (around 1 mm) and it no longer measured resistance.
* I also used a wooden dowel and stuffed it down the steam hole to determine the level and it line up approximately where the end of the probe was (which was slightly higher than half way, but there was head room).
* Just for fun I stuck an endoscope down the hole - it didn't tell me much really. Just confirmed the boiler was full.
However, the difference between wet and dry steam is pretty small - so I'm not discounting bias in my measurements (and hope that they are right). It could still be overfilling!
I don't trust the pressure gauge as it's not zero'ing out when the machine is cold. I suspect the pressostat would have been calibrated against the gauge, and therefore a bit low.
I tried to get an adapted to attach an external gauge to the steam wand... but my 1/8" BSP adapted don't thread on! - plumbing fixtures are so frustrating....
I've been enjoying the coffees out the machine so far - the milk has been slightly disappointing. But I think I can live with it until I can get a replacement gauge.
Once I have the pressostat properly calibrated, and if the steam is still not correct, I'll relook at the water level.
I've got the parts book for the machine, available here: https://www.1st-line.com/wp-content/...DEPM-Parts.pdf
I've measured the probes, and they the same length as in the parts manual (~70 and 80 mm).
The hot water and steam wands are in the same position as in the manual - so that's good! And, the hot water wand does just produce hot water...
From my understanding, the pump turns on (and fills the boiler) when the level drops below the longer probe. It turns off when it reaches the shorter probe. Therefore the level stays in the 10 mm range.
My reasoning for thinking that the water level is correct is:
* The probes match specifications.
* I've run the fill cycle until the pump turns off. I then measured the resistance on the shorter probe - it was measuring some resistance. I pulled the probe up slightly (around 1 mm) and it no longer measured resistance.
* I also used a wooden dowel and stuffed it down the steam hole to determine the level and it line up approximately where the end of the probe was (which was slightly higher than half way, but there was head room).
* Just for fun I stuck an endoscope down the hole - it didn't tell me much really. Just confirmed the boiler was full.
However, the difference between wet and dry steam is pretty small - so I'm not discounting bias in my measurements (and hope that they are right). It could still be overfilling!
I don't trust the pressure gauge as it's not zero'ing out when the machine is cold. I suspect the pressostat would have been calibrated against the gauge, and therefore a bit low.
I tried to get an adapted to attach an external gauge to the steam wand... but my 1/8" BSP adapted don't thread on! - plumbing fixtures are so frustrating....
I've been enjoying the coffees out the machine so far - the milk has been slightly disappointing. But I think I can live with it until I can get a replacement gauge.
Once I have the pressostat properly calibrated, and if the steam is still not correct, I'll relook at the water level.


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