Whilst the idea is to mount this to the side maybe when creating the case maybe consider making it able to mount from different positions- top and on the face of the machine? This may simply be leaving space for people to glue their own magnets to suit their needs.
This would also mean there should be multiple ways for the wires to leave the unit. So if there is a backing plate there are 4 side notchs on the backplate to allow for different orientations.
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Universal Shot Timer/Clock Project
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The way this works is that it senses AC current flowing through a wire. Installation is as simple as passing the wire to be sensed through the current sensing transformer; no mains wiring is required.Originally posted by Coffeenobs View PostWhen you say an AC pump does this include vibratory and rotary?
It will turn on whenever there is current in the wire. In my case, the switch behind the E61 lever powers the pump directly, so I will install the sense transformer along that wire. This means that it will only turn on when the lever is operating the pump (not when the boiler is refilling itself).Originally posted by Coffeenobs View PostAwesome!
Does this turn on when the pump turns on or only when the lever is raised?
If need be, I could potentially add a hall effect sensor input also to interrupt the power when a magnetic field is detected (install the sensor next to the solenoid), but it isn't required on my machine; and I suspect most E61 lever machines will be exactly the same. Great question though; I'll add it to the design notes!
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Awesome!
When you say an AC pump does this include vibratory and rotary?
Does this turn on when the pump turns on or only when the lever is raised?
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OK, so got some progress to report. New resistors are much better, although might increase them a little more as the display is still super bright and less power usage is always a good thing. I've just assembled one of the displays and tested it on the bench with the control board wired up to a lamp to stand in as a pump. I'm experimenting with mirror film on the back of acrylic as a lens and I think it works out pretty good. Next step is to settle on an enclosure design for the display and then I can start to think about installing it. If anyone is interested, I shot a quick video of the bench test.
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Following!
The Alcafe Dot Shot and Shure Shot work with e61 groups. They're based in Sydney.
However you either need to drill the case or mount it on top of the machine which would block the cup tray in my case.
Very intereseted in one that stays on the side!
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I have Luminaire Shot Timer - https://alternativebrewing.com.au/pr...sso-shot-timer
Somewhat overpriced but it was the only one I could find on the market back then so bit the bullet. It is really to install, it sticks to the solenoid valve with a cord running to the timer. It starts timing when the machine starts extracts extracting and automatically stops when extraction is stopped.
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OK... looks like I ordered the wrong current limiting resistors, so will be another week until I get those (can't drive the displays properly). I can start to prototype the enclosure/shell design though while I'm waiting. Electronically; testing looks good though.Originally posted by aaron2 View PostA sneak peak ...
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Just an update if anyone is interested:- I am currently waiting for the display board PCB to be manufactured. I ended up settling on slightly bigger digits, so the overall size of the display will be roughly 27mm x 21mm (x 12mm high). The digits are 14mm high.
- I purchased a cheap current transformer and have paired it with a darlington array and it manges to switch on when it detects a 20W test load, so I imagine a pump will trigger it just fine.
- Will probably just prototype the control board and maybe design a PCB, but if it is a one off might not worry.
- Will wait until display is tested before designing an enclosure; At the moment I'm thinking a folded stainless might look nice, but not sure about how the edges would look. Other option is a 3d print.
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Probably as the timer is adjacent to where the coffee is as in I’m watching the pour, weight/volume and the timer is there also. I may glance at the timer in the pid but it is secondary. Of course the pid timer starts with the pump but I have the scale timer start at 1 gram…guess just my preference
and to add, it sounds like a great project and I love projects
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I don’t have any need as mine is built in but I applaud your line of thought…..there are a hell of a lot of machines out there without that feature but whether they would be bothered is the question. Even though mine is built in (ECM Sync) I tend to use the timer in my scales more…..
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Universal Shot Timer/Clock Project
Hi everyone! It has been a while since I last was around; I've just been enjoying my Minore II too much! After I rebuilt my coffee machine, I had plans to start a project to build a modded out grinder, but I was fortunate enough to come across a great deal on an awesome grinder, which put that project to bed.
The other day I was dialing in my grinder (new beans); for which I use a timer and a fixed volume; and realised how handy it would be to have a timer built into my machine that could automatically start when I begin extraction. I searched around but didn't find any products that would universally work and be as inconspicuous as I had hoped; so I'm looking to design one for myself.
I thought I'd pitch the idea here and see what other people thought / if there was any interest (should I look to order extra parts) or were there any other ideas for features that might be easily added 'for free'. If there is enough interest I'll document the process here (good or bad).
The idea is that you have a small 2 digit 7 segment display (20mm x 20mm) that attaches magnetically to the side of your machine; super minimalist and small. A thin cable runs into the machine (either underneath, or in my case through a slot in the back of the drip tray) into the coffee machine. There is a separate board inside the machine that leeches a small amount of power off the control module and a sensor attached to the lever switch (I'm planning on using a current transformer or hall effect sensor so there is no need to actually interface with the mains power; just route the wire through the sensor). This would make the install fairly universal for any machine. The internal board would turn on power to the display whenever it detects power flowing through the brew switch and the display immediately starts counting seconds from 0 up to 99 once it is energised.
Pretty simple idea, but it would free up a hand for me when dialing in; plus allow me to keep an eye on shot times when brewing batches (if steaming at the same time I find I get distracted enough not to notice the difference in timings of shots).

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