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In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

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  • #16
    Re: In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

    Originally posted by 5D4D5A4B4B0D0C0F07080C3F0 link=1259100626/13#13 date=1259187337
    I actually found that with Silvia if I pulled 60ml into a cup to warm it while I ground the beans, then that would produce a great shot just as consistently as when I went to the trouble of Temp Surfing (which I became lazy about and gave up).  I just wasnt seeing a huge difference in the shot (which I thought was fabulous) irrespective of the technique.  So the mantra keep it simple became the solution.  Just ensure that 30 minutes warm up.  I loved my Silvia and only traded up to a HX to live the dream!
    I tend to agree with you Brett, after using a Silvia for a few years it all becomes pretty easy, good shots were the norm, like you say let it warm up, and as far as being too hot, you pick it instinctively after a while and run some water through the group too cool things down a little.
    Its a simple well made machine that produces consistently good results.
    Ive seen these same questions and answers doing the rounds for the past 8 years, guess we all like to feel weve discovered something new, in point of fact I think the operation of the Silvia has been dissected and mulled over that many time there is very little left to discover.
    A Google search for Silvia http://www.google.com.au/#hl=en&sour...23657aecaa0d97 will return almost 41000 hits, reckon its a legend in its own time.  :

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    • #17
      Re: In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

      Thanks for you tip Jon, I think you could very well be right. I might have over complicated what should be a reasonably simple in essence. I will see how I go having that in mind over the next few pours.

      Cheers
      Carloz

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      • #18
        Re: In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

        Hi Carloz,

        I found initially that the easiest method was to attach a thermocouple to the top of the boiler and monitor boiler temp with a digital multimeter, this technique is covered in some detail under the Gronk thread as noted above. The cost is a lot less than a PID, but it does work, cos that is how a PID controller gets its temperature, and is relatively simple.

        If boiler was a bit hot, flush it briefly (soon get a feel for it with some practice), if boiler was a bit cool, hit the steam switch briefly to heat it.

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        • #19
          Re: In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

          Bullitt,
          I would have to agree with you. That is what I currently do. Its another use for the Coffesnobs Temperature data logger/multimeter  ;D Using the old foam cup/thermocouple technique I found out the approx. temp that the meter needs to be reading in order to get the right brew temp. By no means exact of course, but I still find it much better than watching the light go on and off. If the light is off, just switch on the steam switch for a while, let the temp rise above the optimum level then let it cool down to the right temp and pull the shot. Works well for me. The meter also is very good for judging the best time for the steam. Note at what temp the light goes off when the steam switch is on. Mines around 140. So bleed the wand around 120, then when it reaches about 135, I start steaming. This keeps the steam going without the thermostat cutting out and the steam supply dwindling until it cuts back in. Nothing new I know, but it really does work well.

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          • #20
            Re: In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

            Thanks All, My printer certainly got a work out today copying all the info so I can read them again .Just when I thought PID was the way to go the gronk appears to complicate matters. Its all good fun.

            Cheers
            Carloz

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            • #21
              Re: In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

              PID is the way to go but one can only do what one can afford at the time, monitoring boiler temp with a t/c will give good enough consistency to allow you to focus on other aspects. If a PID is fitted at a later date the t/c can be stuck on the group to monitor the warm up and cool down cycle so it wont go to waste.
              Enjoy your Silvia

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              • #22
                Re: In need of some Rancilio Silvia Tips

                I will add yet another voice in support of Gronks thermometer system.  It is simple, accurate, and inexpensive.

                A PID adds another dimension, that is the ability to control the temperature, rather than only observe it.

                But compared to temperature surfing with a stopwatch, the thermometer wins hands down.

                Jim

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