Just finished the same mods as Me2 bar the two gauges.
Ive just got the brew pressure gauge connected to a prtafilter. A more permanent solution some day but enjoying the goodness my revamped Oscar has to offer.
Just thought I would say what a great help Gianni from Elektra has been.
I bought the kits advertised for a good price. All up just over $100 posted. He posted it out via EMS and got here in less than a week.
I got a quote for a double fitting from a non sponsor here. He quoted $70. Gianni quoted about $30 delivered from Italy.
The service and quickness in emails is really great, both Pre and Post sales. If you need anything Oscar, by it from him.
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Oscar Owners Thread?
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Hi mate, I purchased a brita c150. Initially I thought it was a bit of an overkill, but figured I'd just get the best.
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Oscar Owners Thread?
Hi guys! I have just bought a s/h oscar and wondered what people are using to soften there water? I live in Perth so the water is pretty hard and I don't think my filtered water from my Samsung fridge water dispenser will be enough. I see you can buy a little canister to plug into your inlet hose for other espresso machines on the market but that doesn't help the Oscar with its water tank being how it is. Do most people use a under the sink type canister solution or is there an alternative?
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Hi me2, can you provide more information on the dual pressure gauge mod?
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I have a Oscar with a number of modifications which has turned out a really nice machine. Basically what I have now is a machine with Musica specifications but without all that being. Oh, and no doser.
The mods are :
OPV or over pressure valve, this allows the brew pressure to be set at a critical 9 bar.
Anti vacuum valve; this stops the boiler from creating a vacuum when it cools which means you no longer need to remember to open the steam valve when switching the machine on each morning. It also means I can set it on a timer so it is warmed up ready when you wake up.
Dual Pressure Gauge, this allows the operator to keep an eye on both the boiler and brew pressures. The adjustable boiler pressure dictates the water temperature so I have control.
Sound insulation, as the Oscar has a plastic body the vibrating water pump is noisy. I have installed sound insulation around the pump to quieten it down.
Giggluers , these are restricters in the thermo syphon pipes to the group head which slows down the flow of hot water to the coffee grounds. This helps to prevent channelling giving a more consistent brew.
Steam Wand; I have restricted two of the four steam holes which creates better microfoam in the smaller milk jugs used domestically.
[COLOR=#000000][FONT=sans-serif]I think the Oscar is a great machine for the serious home barista and with these modifications it is capable of producing espressos equal to far more expensive machines. It may not look as flash as the high bling stainless steel machines but is infinitely more practical and easy to clean. I've been making some very satisfying coffee with this machine but it no longer satisfies my need to fiddle so I'm now restoring an old La cimbali junior.
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Got it sorted Bames, bought 2 litres of milk and kept practicing till I got the positioning right.
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Cheers man, I thought it may have something to do with the wetter steam but yeah it is definitely a learning curve , going from silky milk at work to bubbly milk at home is kind of frustrating but I'll just keep working at itOriginally posted by Bames View PostSorry but there's no snake oil or silver bullet. Really it just comes down to practice and figuring out what works for the machine. When I had my Oscar it was a beast in terms of steam, and ended up getting a new tip for it but in the end it was just learning the machine. It wont steam as easily as big 3-groupers as they have drier more constant steam from the bigger boiler, and so the Oscar will be much more variable. It would definitely be worth getting yourself a new steam tip with smaller holes - around 0.9mm maybe, probably 4 hole - but in the end it's just trial and error till error become success!
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Sorry but there's no snake oil or silver bullet. Really it just comes down to practice and figuring out what works for the machine. When I had my Oscar it was a beast in terms of steam, and ended up getting a new tip for it but in the end it was just learning the machine. It wont steam as easily as big 3-groupers as they have drier more constant steam from the bigger boiler, and so the Oscar will be much more variable. It would definitely be worth getting yourself a new steam tip with smaller holes - around 0.9mm maybe, probably 4 hole - but in the end it's just trial and error till error become success!Originally posted by jakeyden View PostAny tips on getting some good micro foam from the oscar? I'm a barista and can handle the steam on a huge 3 group machine but I just can't get the knack for this oscar, any tips would be much appreciated
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Any tips on getting some good micro foam from the oscar? I'm a barista and can handle the steam on a huge 3 group machine but I just can't get the knack for this oscar, any tips would be much appreciated
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Hi All, sorry it's taken me so long to provide an update. I ended up getting my machine repaired under warranty.
The cause of the problem was a rusted plunger. I thought this was strange, but apparently it was because when the machines are tested, even though they are drained, a bit of water is still there and if the machine has been sitting there for a while it could cause rust.
Hope this helps others in future...
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Didn't realise it's a new machine. Might as well get them to fix it, if you tinker yourself they may deny any future warranty claims.
Cheers
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What has the retailer from whom you purchased the machine, had to say about the fault?
Mal.
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Hey artman, I imagine the Oscar is the same because, during the first week, I could hear it whooshing after I brewed the coffee. I was just hoping I could fix it without having to take it in for repair. I'll update this thread once I get it checked out. Hopefully it will help someone later down the line.
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Maybe a stuck/faulty solenoid?
Not sure on the oscar but on the other machines I dealt with the default state for the Solenoid that let's out pressure after brew is open. It closes during a brew to let pressure build up.
Cheers
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Thanks again for your reply iampivot. I'm going to try and get some help after the public holiday. I think it is a fault as the water purges through the tube if I unlock the portafilter a couple of seconds after I run the brew. I tried to back flush again and at one point I couldn't unlock the portafilter. I guess there was too much pressure. The force I had to use to unlock it was really scary...
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