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Main
Date: 02 Jul 2006 13:17:13
From: John Frank
Subject: Jim Gallt's PID kit
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I've been using a Silvia and Rocky combo for a few years now and have
wished to move up to a PID for quite a while. I don't know anyone in LA
that could help me with the job and I don't want to ship my machine,
however, so I've just been time surfing with decent results.
Then I read about people's experiences with Jim Gallt's kit via eBay
and I decided to go for it.
The quality of the parts, the system of attaching the device to the
side of the machine, and Jim's attention to detail with respect to the
packaging of the parts and the instructions are all as good as they can
be. The instructions are written with my exact set of parts in mind
(something that has kept me from buying the parts on my own) and I knew
throughout the process of putting the thing together that I was on
track. He was also unbelieveably prompt with his service and shipping.
Jim emailed me frequently before, during, and after I was done to offer
his help and to see how the coffee tasted afterwards... this guy is the
best.
I have learned that the benefit of the PID is not just its ability to
keep the temperature stable--I also can now take my time and give my
full focus to grinding, loading and tamping... I can see how the
temperature is moving when getting ready to steam and I can see how
fast the machine is coming back down to brew temperature when I am done
steaming... I can also tweak the temp a bit and see if I can detect
what hotter or cooler temps do to the taste. In short, it's a learning
tool as well as a way to get better tasting shots.
The look of the visible parts provided with the kit is really great, my
Silvia doesn't look like some hobbiest has been tinkering with it.
I know that there is a very high level of sensitivity with respect to
touting products and services in this group--and with that knowledge I
am still touting away to the best of my ability. This is the post that
I would have wanted to read if I didn't already know about Jim's kit,
so I'm sending this out in case there is anyone else out there that is
still waiting to PID because they don't have the access to an "expert"
or are intimidated by the prospect of doing it all by themselves. I
cannot remember a time when I have been more satisfied with a purchase.
John "I hate quotes and bumper stickers" Frank
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Date: 02 Jul 2006 15:34:26
From: John Frank
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
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And for those that don't have the know-how, acquaintance with a Greg or
an Andy, or confidence to do it on their own, there's Jim... everyone
knows he didn't invent or develop the application, he just made it
possible for me and others like me to enjoy the benefits of a PID'd
machine.
John
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Date: 02 Jul 2006 18:36:06
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
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"John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com > wrote in message
news:1151879666.456129.115210@j8g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> And for those that don't have the know-how, acquaintance with a Greg
> or
> an Andy, or confidence to do it on their own, there's Jim... everyone
> knows he didn't invent or develop the application, he just made it
> possible for me and others like me to enjoy the benefits of a PID'd
> machine.
>
> John
>
Amen to that brother! {;-)
Craig.
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Date: 02 Jul 2006 17:51:24
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
"John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com > wrote in message
news:1151871433.646577.241060@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
> I've been using a Silvia and Rocky combo for a few years now and have
> wished to move up to a PID for quite a while. I don't know anyone in
> LA
> that could help me with the job and I don't want to ship my machine,
> however, so I've just been time surfing with decent results.
>
> Then I read about people's experiences with Jim Gallt's kit via eBay
> and I decided to go for it.
>
> The quality of the parts, the system of attaching the device to the
> side of the machine, and Jim's attention to detail with respect to the
> packaging of the parts and the instructions are all as good as they
> can
> be. The instructions are written with my exact set of parts in mind
> (something that has kept me from buying the parts on my own) and I
> knew
> throughout the process of putting the thing together that I was on
> track. He was also unbelieveably prompt with his service and shipping.
> Jim emailed me frequently before, during, and after I was done to
> offer
> his help and to see how the coffee tasted afterwards... this guy is
> the
> best.
>
> I have learned that the benefit of the PID is not just its ability to
> keep the temperature stable--I also can now take my time and give my
> full focus to grinding, loading and tamping... I can see how the
> temperature is moving when getting ready to steam and I can see how
> fast the machine is coming back down to brew temperature when I am
> done
> steaming... I can also tweak the temp a bit and see if I can detect
> what hotter or cooler temps do to the taste. In short, it's a learning
> tool as well as a way to get better tasting shots.
>
> The look of the visible parts provided with the kit is really great,
> my
> Silvia doesn't look like some hobbiest has been tinkering with it.
>
> I know that there is a very high level of sensitivity with respect to
> touting products and services in this group--and with that knowledge I
> am still touting away to the best of my ability. This is the post that
> I would have wanted to read if I didn't already know about Jim's kit,
> so I'm sending this out in case there is anyone else out there that is
> still waiting to PID because they don't have the access to an "expert"
> or are intimidated by the prospect of doing it all by themselves. I
> cannot remember a time when I have been more satisfied with a
> purchase.
>
> John "I hate quotes and bumper stickers" Frank
>
Hi John, I'm so happy with my purchase for all the reasons that you've
stated & I myself have posted about in another thread, Re: Miss Silvia
has PID., that I added Jim Gallt's eBay links & a description to my
website! http://www.andrewsgreenbeans.com/about.html (Links to Other
Sites:)
Here's to excellent coffee,
Cheers!!
Sincerely,
Craig Andrews
www.andrewsgreenbeans.com
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Date: 02 Jul 2006 20:30:12
From: Marshall
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
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On 2 Jul 2006 13:17:13 -0700, "John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com >
wrote:
>I've been using a Silvia and Rocky combo for a few years now and have
>wished to move up to a PID for quite a while. I don't know anyone in LA
>that could help me with the job and I don't want to ship my machine,
>however, so I've just been time surfing with decent results.
>
>Then I read about people's experiences with Jim Gallt's kit via eBay
>and I decided to go for it
It seems Greg Scace and Andy Schecter gave birth to a mini-industry. I
hope coffee historians give them proper credit.
Marshall
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Date: 02 Jul 2006 14:17:06
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
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Marshall <mrfuss@ihatespamearthlink.net > wrote:
>On 2 Jul 2006 13:17:13 -0700, "John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com>
>wrote:
>
>>I've been using a Silvia and Rocky combo for a few years now and have
>>wished to move up to a PID for quite a while. I don't know anyone in LA
>>that could help me with the job and I don't want to ship my machine,
>>however, so I've just been time surfing with decent results.
>>
>>Then I read about people's experiences with Jim Gallt's kit via eBay
>>and I decided to go for it
>
>It seems Greg Scace and Andy Schecter gave birth to a mini-industry. I
>hope coffee historians give them proper credit.
>
>Marshall
And just for the record, for those who want to peruse history (the
"tinyURL"s go to the Google Groups for the named threads):
Tricked-out Silvia
Andy Schecter
Feb 4 2001, 12:43 am
http://tinyurl.com/78eos
Temperature study of my Sylvia (looong)
Greg Scace
Feb 5 2001, 12:50 pm
http://tinyurl.com/awhtp
Proportional Temperature Control for Sylvia
Greg Scace
Mar 5 2001, 6:32 am
http://tinyurl.com/7m43d
PI Sylvia Tempmeasurements (really)
Greg Scace
Mar 24 2001, 2:39 pm
http://tinyurl.com/d2rof
SCHOMER'S # 27
Prof. Brian L. GOMES da COSTA
May 21 2001, 5:41 pm
http://tinyurl.com/d4lud
Tricked-out Silvia part 3: Procon pump!
Andy Schecter
Apr 15 2001, 1:10 pm
http://tinyurl.com/8crek
Construction, Thermodynamics and heat transfer of espresso machines -
Ok I ranted a bit already
Greg Scace
Sep 20 2001, 1:03 pm
http://tinyurl.com/72omq
Tricked-out Silvia: heated brew head
Andy Schecter
Sep 16 2001, 4:26 am
http://tinyurl.com/ahvf8
Randy "old enough to have been there" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
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Date: 02 Jul 2006 16:56:09
From: bernie digman
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
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Randy G. wrote:
snips
>
>
> And just for the record, for those who want to peruse history (the
> "tinyURL"s go to the Google Groups for the named threads):
>
>
snips
This is great. It is important that track be kept (whuh?)..it is important that someone keep
track of who done what in this mini-geekdom. I appreciate the record being offered in a way that
shows clearly who is responsible for this substantial improvement in the world of espresso. Kudos to
the innovators and to the record-keepers. Thanks.
Bernie
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Date: 08 Jul 2006 14:11:05
From: John Frank
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
Hello, Steve (and Craig)--
I just had a nice shot of SO Harar before coming up to the computer,
the quality of my shots markedly improved since installing the PID but
I will be experimenting with levels of roast and all of the other
factors for a long time to come...
Thanks for the message, Steve--you are the kind of person that I had in
mind when I wrote my original post.
John
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Date: 09 Jul 2006 10:36:19
From: GeeDubb
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
"John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com > wrote in message news:1152393065.664391.176430@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Hello, Steve (and Craig)--
>
> I just had a nice shot of SO Harar before coming up to the computer,
> the quality of my shots markedly improved since installing the PID but
> I will be experimenting with levels of roast and all of the other
> factors for a long time to come...
>
> Thanks for the message, Steve--you are the kind of person that I had in
> mind when I wrote my original post.
>
> John
>
I just added one of Jim's kits to my Silvia (ebay win). I'm at 9100 feet and had a horrible time trying to get a good shot while
temp surfing. The two line PID has made the shots most wonderfull (as well as one can get at this altitude). Jim had emailed me to
start with a setting of 220 for this altitude. He was right on as 221 starts to produce steam (boiling temp of water is ~196F so
water in boiler flashes to steam at 221 or higher but not at 220). I tried various temperature settings and 220 for my Harrar works
best.
Just another positive note to Jim's kits. Well packaged and good instructions.
Gary
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Date: 09 Jul 2006 13:49:24
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
"GeeDubb" <geedubb@qwest.net > wrote in message
news:44b13e93$0$2819$882e0bbb@news.ThunderNews.com...
>
> "John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com> wrote in message
> news:1152393065.664391.176430@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>> Hello, Steve (and Craig)--
>>
>> I just had a nice shot of SO Harar before coming up to the computer,
>> the quality of my shots markedly improved since installing the PID
>> but
>> I will be experimenting with levels of roast and all of the other
>> factors for a long time to come...
>>
>> Thanks for the message, Steve--you are the kind of person that I had
>> in
>> mind when I wrote my original post.
>>
>> John
>>
>
> I just added one of Jim's kits to my Silvia (ebay win). I'm at 9100
> feet and had a horrible time trying to get a good shot while temp
> surfing. The two line PID has made the shots most wonderfull (as well
> as one can get at this altitude). Jim had emailed me to start with a
> setting of 220 for this altitude. He was right on as 221 starts to
> produce steam (boiling temp of water is ~196F so water in boiler
> flashes to steam at 221 or higher but not at 220). I tried various
> temperature settings and 220 for my Harrar works best.
>
> Just another positive note to Jim's kits. Well packaged and good
> instructions.
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>
>
Excellent Gary, great to hear! {:-)
Cheers!
Craig.
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Date: 08 Jul 2006 20:09:34
From: Steve
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
On 2 Jul 2006 13:17:13 -0700, "John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com >
wrote:
>The quality of the parts, the system of attaching the device to the
>side of the machine, and Jim's attention to detail with respect to the
>packaging of the parts and the instructions are all as good as they can
>be. The instructions are written with my exact set of parts in mind
>(something that has kept me from buying the parts on my own) and I knew
>throughout the process of putting the thing together that I was on
>track. He was also unbelieveably prompt with his service and shipping.
>Jim emailed me frequently before, during, and after I was done to offer
>his help and to see how the coffee tasted afterwards... this guy is the
>best.
>
>The look of the visible parts provided with the kit is really great, my
>Silvia doesn't look like some hobbiest has been tinkering with it.
>
>John "I hate quotes and bumper stickers" Frank
I just installed my kit from Jim, and wish to say thanks for your
(snipped) post above.
It was the deciding factor for me.
I lack the nerve/skill/nerve/knowledge/nerve to have done this on my
own.
Great product and Jim is a great guy to do business with.
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Date: 08 Jul 2006 16:33:15
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
"Steve" <not@use.net > wrote in message
news:mv30b2p5tgbc2iala6te66jmpnug1tka9n@4ax.com...
> On 2 Jul 2006 13:17:13 -0700, "John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com>
> wrote:
>
>>The quality of the parts, the system of attaching the device to the
>>side of the machine, and Jim's attention to detail with respect to the
>>packaging of the parts and the instructions are all as good as they
>>can
>>be. The instructions are written with my exact set of parts in mind
>>(something that has kept me from buying the parts on my own) and I
>>knew
>>throughout the process of putting the thing together that I was on
>>track. He was also unbelieveably prompt with his service and shipping.
>>Jim emailed me frequently before, during, and after I was done to
>>offer
>>his help and to see how the coffee tasted afterwards... this guy is
>>the
>>best.
>>
>>The look of the visible parts provided with the kit is really great,
>>my
>>Silvia doesn't look like some hobbiest has been tinkering with it.
>>
>>John "I hate quotes and bumper stickers" Frank
>
> I just installed my kit from Jim, and wish to say thanks for your
> (snipped) post above.
> It was the deciding factor for me.
> I lack the nerve/skill/nerve/knowledge/nerve to have done this on my
> own.
> Great product and Jim is a great guy to do business with.
Excellent Steve! {:-D
Do you have the one line or two line display? How do your shots taste
now, or haven't you had the time to experiment with it yet? {;-)
Cheers!
Craig.
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Date: 08 Jul 2006 20:54:04
From: Steve
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
On Sat, 8 Jul 2006 16:33:15 -0400, "Craig Andrews"
<alt.coffee@deletethis.rogers.com > wrote:
>Excellent Steve! {:-D
>Do you have the one line or two line display? How do your shots taste
>now, or haven't you had the time to experiment with it yet? {;-)
>Cheers!
>Craig.
I have the one line. No real reason other than it looked smaller and
less obtrusive.
I told Jim I really didn't care either way.
Two things became immediately apparent: I suck at temp surfing, and
I'm too impatient waiting for steam.
My first shots were surprisingly good, settings at Jim's 228 degrees,
but despite good crema volume they lacked any striping or flecks. I'm
typing this while I wait for the machine to get up to 230 degrees for
a second try.
Don't read me wrong, the espresso was better than my temp surf
espresso in both depth and character. Flavors that were only hinted at
became noticeable.
But heck, I wouldn't have bought this if I wasn't looking for
obsessio^H^H^H perfection.
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Date: 08 Jul 2006 17:18:19
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
"Steve" <not@use.net > wrote in message
news:e660b2hhillblhhtv2fdoo2houkdecvs3b@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 8 Jul 2006 16:33:15 -0400, "Craig Andrews"
> <alt.coffee@deletethis.rogers.com> wrote:
>
>>Excellent Steve! {:-D
>>Do you have the one line or two line display? How do your shots taste
>>now, or haven't you had the time to experiment with it yet? {;-)
>>Cheers!
>>Craig.
>
> I have the one line. No real reason other than it looked smaller and
> less obtrusive.
> I told Jim I really didn't care either way.
>
> Two things became immediately apparent: I suck at temp surfing, and
> I'm too impatient waiting for steam.
> My first shots were surprisingly good, settings at Jim's 228 degrees,
> but despite good crema volume they lacked any striping or flecks. I'm
> typing this while I wait for the machine to get up to 230 degrees for
> a second try.
> Don't read me wrong, the espresso was better than my temp surf
> espresso in both depth and character. Flavors that were only hinted at
> became noticeable.
> But heck, I wouldn't have bought this if I wasn't looking for
> obsessio^H^H^H perfection.
What espresso blend are you using Steve? One from Sweetmaria's or your
own blend? Depending on how dark the roast level & if the base is
primarly a soft sweet Brazil, you may want to lower the temp so as to
not burn the shot & produce a bitter shot. At a boiler temp of 228F, I
believe the temp to the shot in the basket is something like 203F., as
the drop is something like 25F from the indicated boiler temp.
Craig.
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Date: 08 Jul 2006 21:34:58
From: Steve
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
On Sat, 8 Jul 2006 17:18:19 -0400, "Craig Andrews"
<alt.coffee@deletethis.rogers.com > wrote:
>What espresso blend are you using Steve? One from Sweetmaria's or your
>own blend? Depending on how dark the roast level & if the base is
>primarly a soft sweet Brazil, you may want to lower the temp so as to
>not burn the shot & produce a bitter shot. At a boiler temp of 228F, I
>believe the temp to the shot in the basket is something like 203F., as
>the drop is something like 25F from the indicated boiler temp.
>Craig.
Hehehe.
You're right. At 230 the bitterness comes out.
The blend is SM's Classic Italian Espresso Blend which I roasted 10
seconds into second crack. I have their Liquid Amber, one of our
current favorites, resting.
Now the machine is cooling to 226.
The operator is getting a bit of a buzz... ;-) and might just sip and
spit the next try.
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Date: 14 Jul 2006 00:32:15
From: Aurora
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
Hi All,
Just for your info...... Jim's kits are starting to work their way into the
Oz coffee scene too and from first reports, have been very favourably
received and basically mimic the comments below. Definitely an asset to the
coffee community :).
Mal.
-- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MESSAGE BREAK ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Craig Andrews" <alt.coffee@deletethis.rogers.com > wrote in message
news:4haj4fF1qsf76U1@individual.net...
>
> "Steve" <not@use.net> wrote in message
> news:mv30b2p5tgbc2iala6te66jmpnug1tka9n@4ax.com...
>> On 2 Jul 2006 13:17:13 -0700, "John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>The quality of the parts, the system of attaching the device to the
>>>side of the machine, and Jim's attention to detail with respect to the
>>>packaging of the parts and the instructions are all as good as they can
>>>be. The instructions are written with my exact set of parts in mind
>>>(something that has kept me from buying the parts on my own) and I knew
>>>throughout the process of putting the thing together that I was on
>>>track. He was also unbelieveably prompt with his service and shipping.
>>>Jim emailed me frequently before, during, and after I was done to offer
>>>his help and to see how the coffee tasted afterwards... this guy is the
>>>best.
>>>
>>>The look of the visible parts provided with the kit is really great, my
>>>Silvia doesn't look like some hobbiest has been tinkering with it.
>>>
>>>John "I hate quotes and bumper stickers" Frank
>>
>> I just installed my kit from Jim, and wish to say thanks for your
>> (snipped) post above.
>> It was the deciding factor for me.
>> I lack the nerve/skill/nerve/knowledge/nerve to have done this on my
>> own.
>> Great product and Jim is a great guy to do business with.
>
>
> Excellent Steve! {:-D
> Do you have the one line or two line display? How do your shots taste now,
> or haven't you had the time to experiment with it yet? {;-)
> Cheers!
> Craig.
|
| | | | |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 08:42:34
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
If you missed the separate thread I posted, I have installed Jim's kit
and posted a review of my experience on my website. It is not a rview
of PID's but of the kit itself.
Randy "great shot this AM" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
"Aurora" <dimal5433@iprimus.com.au > wrote:
>
>Hi All,
>
>Just for your info...... Jim's kits are starting to work their way into the
>Oz coffee scene too and from first reports, have been very favourably
>received and basically mimic the comments below. Definitely an asset to the
>coffee community :).
>
>Mal.
>-- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MESSAGE BREAK ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
|
| | | | | |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 13:17:07
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Jim Gallt's PID kit
|
"Randy G." <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com > wrote in message
news:rcqcb29jc711fbiol9q4sd7pa0h866igbf@4ax.com...
> If you missed the separate thread I posted, I have installed Jim's kit
> and posted a review of my experience on my website. It is not a rview
> of PID's but of the kit itself.
>
> Randy "great shot this AM" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
>
It's a great review Randy! On my Canadian green coffee website, I don't
have a review, but a very positive recomendation for the kits (have 2,
installed the 2 line Watlow 965A kit) & 2 links that I posted on Sat
June 24/06. So I beat ya by approx 2 weeks. {:-P {;-)
Jim's certainly made a much & very needed sudden bright appearance on
the eBay market & alt here providing an excellent product/service @ a
great price & is a gentleman of conviction & integrity, a definitive
asset to the coffee community!
Cheers!
Craig.
www.andrewsgreenbeans.com
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Date: 13 Jul 2006 13:10:28
From: daveb
Subject: Re: MY non-kit pid
|
I'll do the entire job.
with a REAL one year warranty.
scores of happy owners.
MANY, many delighted reviewers.
Thanks!
Dave
www.hitechespresso.com
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|
