Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

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Date: 10 Jul 2006 07:27:13
From: Randy G.
Subject: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Back on July 2 I participated in a link discussing the availability of
a do it yourself, Silvia PID kit that was purchased on eBay. As
mentioned therein, I contacted the company and yesterday I installed
the kit. A review of the kit and it's valuable set of step-by-step
instructions are now posted on my website (link below). The link is at
the top of the "REVIEW" section in the right-hand column.

Randy "check it out!" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 10 Jul 2006 17:16:23
From: John Frank
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Randy G. wrote:
> Back on July 2 I participated in a link discussing the availability of
> a do it yourself, Silvia PID kit that was purchased on eBay. As
> mentioned therein, I contacted the company and yesterday I installed
> the kit. A review of the kit and it's valuable set of step-by-step
> instructions are now posted on my website (link below). The link is at
> the top of the "REVIEW" section in the right-hand column.
>
> Randy "check it out!" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

I think that you mentioned just about every benefit of Jim's kit in
your review, Randy. Some minor additions to consider would be:

--for someone who doesn't work with electronic devices much, this kit
is might be cheaper than buying all of the parts myself because I don't
need to buy any wire or nuts and bolts other than that which is
supplied with the kit. Often these items are sold in packages or on
spools longer than I needed for the job.

--if the system didn't work for some reason I knew that it was my
installation that was at fault, not the particular parts that I
happened to buy when putting the system together.

--Jim's kit is safer for novices like me because all of the wires and
parts are the correct ones for the job, I didn't need to worry that I
was using the wrong kind of wire for example. The presoldered ends are
safer, too. I also don't have a feel for how long to cut the various
wires, and the precut lengths makes the job easier because everything
ends up just like in the photos.

--The box that Jim provides is really nice... I think that that's a
major factor in making the kit such a good value.

I am also glad that you put your review on your page rather than on
alt.coffee. I find it easier to look on your site first when I have an
issue with my Silvia (or Rocky), and I only search in alt.coffee or
elsewhere if I need to.

Thanks for the time that you put into these things, it is very helpful
and useful.

John

Date: 10 Jul 2006 21:09:10
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

"John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com > wrote:

>
>I think that you mentioned just about every benefit of Jim's kit in
>your review, Randy. Some minor additions to consider would be:
>
>--for someone who doesn't work with electronic devices much, this kit
>is might be cheaper than buying all of the parts myself because I don't
>need to buy any wire or nuts and bolts other than that which is
>supplied with the kit. Often these items are sold in packages or on
>spools longer than I needed for the job.
>
I suppose that one could somehow piece it together- maybe with wire
scraps from teh local surplus store, a used PID on ebay, and kludge
together a box, but as you state, the trouble to do so would only be
enjoyed by perople like me who have done it and many other things like
it as well. For the rest of the masses, his kit really is a time saver
if not a money saver as well.

>--if the system didn't work for some reason I knew that it was my
>installation that was at fault, not the particular parts that I
>happened to buy when putting the system together.
>
Definitely a plus

>--Jim's kit is safer for novices like me because all of the wires and
>parts are the correct ones for the job, I didn't need to worry that I
>was using the wrong kind of wire for example. The presoldered ends are
>safer, too. I also don't have a feel for how long to cut the various
>wires, and the precut lengths makes the job easier because everything
>ends up just like in the photos.
>
You can always just use heavier wire than you would think is needed,
but how heavy? And I was impressed with how close all the lengths were
in his kit with th pre-sldered ends and crimped conetcors it really
went together fast and easy.

>--The box that Jim provides is really nice... I think that that's a
>major factor in making the kit such a good value.
>
Anyone who has Dremeled out a Radio Shack box knows this for a fact!

>I am also glad that you put your review on your page rather than on
>alt.coffee. I find it easier to look on your site first when I have an
>issue with my Silvia (or Rocky), and I only search in alt.coffee or
>elsewhere if I need to.
>
:-)
>Thanks for the time that you put into these things, it is very helpful
>and useful.
>
You're welcome! It was fun, and talking to Jim was a delight and a
pleasure. He has put a lot of time and effort into it- nt only the kit
but the installation manual as well. As a graphic artist who has been
doing much the same for years I know what it takes to layout such a
document.

Randy "and it works!" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 10 Jul 2006 21:25:01
From: Danny
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Date: 10 Jul 2006 21:02:47
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Danny <danny@nospam.gaggia-espresso.com > wrote:

>Randy G. wrote:
>> Back on July 2 I participated in a link discussing the availability of
>> a do it yourself, Silvia PID kit that was purchased on eBay. As
>> mentioned therein, I contacted the company and yesterday I installed
>> the kit. A review of the kit and it's valuable set of step-by-step
>> instructions are now posted on my website (link below). The link is at
>> the top of the "REVIEW" section in the right-hand column.
>>
>> Randy "check it out!" G.
>> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
>>
>>
>
>I'm sure you have written a factual and unbiased review based on your
>purchase of the kit for evaluation purposes, but are you competing
>with CG now? Why not post your review here?
>
My website predates CoffeeGeek (but not CoffeeKid). How could I
possibly be in competition with CG? From a commercial standpoint, if
you didn't notice, my site has no ads, sells nothing, norr makes me
any money. it is a hobbiest's homepage which is totally
non-commercial. Yes, it has led me to money-making opportunities, but
these are separate from my site.

Why not post the entire review here?
-it was about 6 pages of text
-i can't include pictures here
-my website is viewed by folks who never come to alt.coffee
-my website can be viewed by people who come to alt.coffee and by
those who do not.
-I like my website. It gives me a warm fuzzy.

>Information spread in too many directions - I can't go round the
>internet all day, that's why alt.coffee is here.

You could save yourself a lot of time and just buy one good
dictionary- allt he words are int here, and if you put them int he
correct order you don't even need a computer! All the world's
literature in one place! ;-)

Randy "scratching head in wonderment" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 11 Jul 2006 11:31:46
From: Steve Ackman
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

In <va86b25pq6hcm5v8n2r2vpthjtrjl3e9mf@4ax.com >, on Mon, 10 Jul 2006
21:02:47 -0700, Randy G wrote:
> Danny <danny@nospam.gaggia-espresso.com> wrote:
>
>>I'm sure you have written a factual and unbiased review based on your
>>purchase of the kit for evaluation purposes, but are you competing
>>with CG now? Why not post your review here?
>>
> My website predates CoffeeGeek (but not CoffeeKid). How could I
> possibly be in competition with CG? From a commercial standpoint, if
> you didn't notice, my site has no ads, sells nothing, norr makes me
> any money. it is a hobbiest's homepage which is totally
> non-commercial. Yes, it has led me to money-making opportunities, but
> these are separate from my site.
>
> Why not post the entire review here?
> -it was about 6 pages of text
> -i can't include pictures here
> -my website is viewed by folks who never come to alt.coffee
> -my website can be viewed by people who come to alt.coffee and by
> those who do not.
> -I like my website. It gives me a warm fuzzy.

Danny didn't mean here instead of your site, but
here also.

If Danny had just put his "sitting in a field"
essays on his site and posted a link here, fewer
people would have enjoyed them.

Date: 11 Jul 2006 17:13:17
From: Danny
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Steve Ackman wrote:

> Danny didn't mean here instead of your site, but
> here also.
>
> If Danny had just put his "sitting in a field"
> essays on his site and posted a link here, fewer
> people would have enjoyed them.
>

Exactly ;) Whilst I get a few hits, I would rather as many people
read the stories, if they wish. Randy's article appeals predominantly
to AC readers, many of whom have Silvia and read the perennial PID
threads (who heard of PID outside of this group or CG?)

And I did look at the review, Randy. I see two pictures, neither of
which the absence of would compromise the text review. I also saw a
few grammatical and spelling errors :)

--
Regards, Danny

http://www.gaggia-espresso.com (a purely hobby site)
http://www.malabargold.co.uk (UK/EU ordering for Malabar Gold blend)

Date: 11 Jul 2006 10:53:21
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Danny <danny@nospam.gaggia-espresso.com > wrote:

>Exactly ;) Whilst I get a few hits, I would rather as many people
>read the stories, if they wish. Randy's article appeals predominantly
>to AC readers, many of whom have Silvia and read the perennial PID
>threads (who heard of PID outside of this group or CG?)
>
I do get letters from readers who do not frequent AC. The link here
that I post in my sig puts the review two clicks away. The only thing
I get for all my effort on my website is the hits it takes and the
letters I get from it.

>And I did look at the review, Randy. I see two pictures, neither of
>which the absence of would compromise the text review. I also saw a
>few grammatical and spelling errors :)
>
You only saw just a few!? Maybe the English do not command the
language as we have been led to believe! ;-)

Randy "soon enough we will all be posting not at all" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 10 Jul 2006 17:01:48
From: notbob
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

On 2006-07-10, Danny <danny@nospam.gaggia-espresso.com > wrote:

> I'm sure you have written a factual and unbiased review....

unbiased review == oxymoron

> Information spread in too many directions - I can't go round the
> internet all day, that's why alt.coffee is here.

So, read CG and not RG or vice versa or neither or both. It's your
choice. Amazing how that works. ;)

Goof: While sitting here reading, had Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of
the Heart playing in the background. About half way through I became
aware of a sound increasing in volume. Sounded just like milk being
steamed. Having just done so a few minutes earlier, my first thought
was my Solis is running amuck ...until I realized I'd already cleaned
and tucked it away for the day. It happens twice during song.
Freaky. :\

nb

Date: 10 Jul 2006 15:08:58
From: Ken Fox
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

"Danny" <danny@nospam.gaggia-espresso.com > wrote in message
news:4hfra6F1q7e37U1@individual.net...
> Randy G. wrote:
>> Back on July 2 I participated in a link discussing the availability of
>> a do it yourself, Silvia PID kit that was purchased on eBay. As
>> mentioned therein, I contacted the company and yesterday I installed
>> the kit. A review of the kit and it's valuable set of step-by-step
>> instructions are now posted on my website (link below). The link is at
>> the top of the "REVIEW" section in the right-hand column.
>>
>> Randy "check it out!" G.
>> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
>>
>
> I'm sure you have written a factual and unbiased review based on your
> purchase of the kit for evaluation purposes, but are you competing with CG
> now? Why not post your review here?
>
> Information spread in too many directions - I can't go round the internet
> all day, that's why alt.coffee is here.
>
> --
> Regards, Danny "doesn't check *everything* out" M
>
> http://www.gaggia-espresso.com (a purely hobby site)
> http://www.malabargold.co.uk (UK/EU ordering for Malabar Gold blend)
>

Danny,

A sad but true fact; not everything worth reading that is coffee-related is
found here on a.c. In truth, I'm finding more stuff worth a look elsewhere
these days. There are a number of very bright people out there who have a
lot to say about coffee who never post on a.c.; people like Dan Kehn, for
example. If you choose to limit yourself to stuff posted here you are going
to get a very limited selection of the material out there; of course that is
fine if that is your decision.

Randy can respond to the rest of your post should he so desire.

ken

Date: 10 Jul 2006 18:34:14
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

"Ken Fox" <morceaudemerdeThisMerdeGoes@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:4hftutF1rgvd8U1@individual.net...
> "Danny" <danny@nospam.gaggia-espresso.com> wrote in message
> news:4hfra6F1q7e37U1@individual.net...
>> Randy G. wrote:
>>> Back on July 2 I participated in a link discussing the availability
>>> of
>>> a do it yourself, Silvia PID kit that was purchased on eBay. As
>>> mentioned therein, I contacted the company and yesterday I installed
>>> the kit. A review of the kit and it's valuable set of step-by-step
>>> instructions are now posted on my website (link below). The link is
>>> at
>>> the top of the "REVIEW" section in the right-hand column.
>>>
>>> Randy "check it out!" G.
>>> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
>>>
>>
>> I'm sure you have written a factual and unbiased review based on your
>> purchase of the kit for evaluation purposes, but are you competing
>> with CG now? Why not post your review here?
>>
>> Information spread in too many directions - I can't go round the
>> internet all day, that's why alt.coffee is here.
>>
>> --
>> Regards, Danny "doesn't check *everything* out" M
>>
>> http://www.gaggia-espresso.com (a purely hobby site)
>> http://www.malabargold.co.uk (UK/EU ordering for Malabar Gold blend)
>>
>
> Danny,
>
> A sad but true fact; not everything worth reading that is
> coffee-related is found here on a.c. In truth, I'm finding more stuff
> worth a look elsewhere these days. There are a number of very bright
> people out there who have a lot to say about coffee who never post on
> a.c.; people like Dan Kehn, for example. If you choose to limit
> yourself to stuff posted here you are going to get a very limited
> selection of the material out there; of course that is fine if that is
> your decision.
>
> Randy can respond to the rest of your post should he so desire.
>
> ken
>
>

Yes, too busy with work like all of us I imagine., Dan's
http://www.home-barista.com/ & his/the forums..,
http://www.home-barista.com/forums/ ..., not to mention being a
moderator on the Coffeegeek forums also.. www.coffeegeek.com/forums
Craig.

Date: 11 Jul 2006 17:15:24
From: Danny
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Ken Fox wrote:

> Danny,
>
> A sad but true fact; not everything worth reading that is coffee-related is
> found here on a.c. In truth, I'm finding more stuff worth a look elsewhere
> these days. There are a number of very bright people out there who have a
> lot to say about coffee who never post on a.c.; people like Dan Kehn, for
> example. If you choose to limit yourself to stuff posted here you are going
> to get a very limited selection of the material out there; of course that is
> fine if that is your decision.
>
-snip-

I agree, especially since the quality of material here has dwindled in
recent months, but hey, it's my spiritual home. I do look at other
forums, limiting myself to those that are in my sphere of interest.

--
Regards, Danny

http://www.gaggia-espresso.com (a purely hobby site)
http://www.malabargold.co.uk (UK/EU ordering for Malabar Gold blend)

Date: 11 Jul 2006 13:12:29
From: Johnny
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

"Danny" <danny@nospam.gaggia-espresso.com > wrote in message
news:4hi124F1s1an4U2@individual.net...
> I agree, especially since the quality of material here has dwindled in
> recent months, but hey, it's my spiritual home.

The quality has only fallen due to the lack of your posts.... s/n ratio i
believe it's called.

Date: 10 Jul 2006 18:04:06
From: Steve
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

On Mon, 10 Jul 2006 07:27:13 -0700, Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com >
wrote:

>Back on July 2 I participated in a link discussing the availability of
>a do it yourself, Silvia PID kit that was purchased on eBay. As
>mentioned therein, I contacted the company and yesterday I installed
>the kit. A review of the kit and it's valuable set of step-by-step
>instructions are now posted on my website (link below). The link is at
>the top of the "REVIEW" section in the right-hand column.
>
> Randy "check it out!" G.
>http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
>
>

Nice review, Randy.

"Half (or more) of the benefit of this kit are the instructions" is
spot on. It took me longer to read most of the steps than to perform
the work, and not because I move my lips.

"The black and stainless enclosure looks very nice and blends well,
but the mounting done with a plastic bracket that is velcro'd to the
side of Silvia with the exposed wire harness does not look "factory.""
No, but it looks kinda cool in a lowered with tinted windows way and
not a fuzzy dice and white mud flaps way, IYKWIM. Plus, one doesn't
need to punch holes in Silvia.
Finally, I would like to add that Jim's personal one-on-one service is
exemplary.

Date: 10 Jul 2006 12:17:48
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

Steve <not@use.net > wrote:

>Nice review, Randy.
>
Thanks, Steve.

>"Half (or more) of the benefit of this kit are the instructions" is
>spot on. It took me longer to read most of the steps than to perform
>the work, and not because I move my lips.
>
I found much the same. I used the old computer and monitor I have next
to the TV in the living room (I have been digitizing my record
collection) and did the conversion on the dining table about 15 feet
away. I spent about an hour or a bit more removing the old PID
installation I had done, and then when I got to work there was time
spent walking back and forth to the computer to go through the steps,
as well as taking pictures, going out to the garage to get a tool or
two, and going to the other end of the house to jot some notes for the
review as well as some E-Mail notes to Jim on the other computer, and
I got all that done in 4 hours.

I don't want to make it sould like "anyone" could do it, but if you
know how to use a socket wrench, screwdriver, and needle nose pliers,
and have worked around electrical wires before (like changing a wall
outlet of a plug on an electrical cord) and have command of the
English language, you can probably install this kit with ease in three
hours.. maybe less.

>"The black and stainless enclosure looks very nice and blends well,
>but the mounting done with a plastic bracket that is velcro'd to the
>side of Silvia with the exposed wire harness does not look "factory.""
>No, but it looks kinda cool in a lowered with tinted windows way and
>not a fuzzy dice and white mud flaps way, IYKWIM. Plus, one doesn't
>need to punch holes in Silvia.
>
I wanted to make a point of how it looked specifically because some
folks are very picky, but the black "L" bracket is virtually
unnoticeable and it all looks really great. As I mention in the
review, an hour or two work and the entire thing can be easily removed
leaving not a trace behind - no added holes in Silvia and no modified
wires. The added benefit is that no special tools are needed- most
home toolboxes will most likely have everything you need and he will
even loan you the one you may not have (the deep socket) if you like.
He even tests and pre-tunes the PID so it works great as soon as you
turn on Silvia.

>Finally, I would like to add that Jim's personal one-on-one service is
>exemplary.
>
I have spoken to Jim on the phone as well as E-Mailing him many times
through the process, and I agree 100% with you on that one.

Randy "highly recommended" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 10 Jul 2006 21:12:52
From: Steve
Subject: Re: Review of MLG "Silvia PID Kit" available

On Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:17:48 -0700, Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com >
wrote:

>I don't want to make it sould like "anyone" could do it, but if you
>know how to use a socket wrench, screwdriver, and needle nose pliers,
>and have worked around electrical wires before (like changing a wall
>outlet of a plug on an electrical cord) and have command of the
>English language,

My only suggestion to Jim was to perhaps consider a note not to pull
the actual wires when wiggling loose the connections, but to only pull
the connectors.
That may sound pedantic, but Jim covered everything in such detail...

Date: 12 Jul 2006 07:44:38
From: daveb
Subject: Re: NON kit 'pid' install.

or I'll do the entire job.

with a real warranty.

scores of happy owners.

many delighted reviewers.
Thanks!

Dave
www.hitechespresso.com

Randy G. wrote:
> "John Frank" <johndfrank@excite.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >I think that you mentioned just about every benefit of Jim's kit in
> >your review, Randy. Some minor additions to consider would be:
> >
> >--for someone who doesn't work with electronic devices much, this kit
> >is might be cheaper than buying all of the parts myself because I don't
> >need to buy any wire or nuts and bolts other than that which is
> >supplied with the kit. Often these items are sold in packages or on
> >spools longer than I needed for the job.
> >
> I suppose that one could somehow piece it together- maybe with wire
> scraps from teh local surplus store, a used PID on ebay, and kludge
> together a box, but as you state, the trouble to do so would only be
> enjoyed by perople like me who have done it and many other things like
> it as well. For the rest of the masses, his kit really is a time saver
> if not a money saver as well.
>
> >--if the system didn't work for some reason I knew that it was my
> >installation that was at fault, not the particular parts that I
> >happened to buy when putting the system together.
> >
> Definitely a plus
>
> >--Jim's kit is safer for novices like me because all of the wires and
> >parts are the correct ones for the job, I didn't need to worry that I
> >was using the wrong kind of wire for example. The presoldered ends are
> >safer, too. I also don't have a feel for how long to cut the various
> >wires, and the precut lengths makes the job easier because everything
> >ends up just like in the photos.
> >
> You can always just use heavier wire than you would think is needed,
> but how heavy? And I was impressed with how close all the lengths were
> in his kit with th pre-sldered ends and crimped conetcors it really
> went together fast and easy.
>
> >--The box that Jim provides is really nice... I think that that's a
> >major factor in making the kit such a good value.
> >
> Anyone who has Dremeled out a Radio Shack box knows this for a fact!
>
> >I am also glad that you put your review on your page rather than on
> >alt.coffee. I find it easier to look on your site first when I have an
> >issue with my Silvia (or Rocky), and I only search in alt.coffee or
> >elsewhere if I need to.
> >
> :-)
> >Thanks for the time that you put into these things, it is very helpful
> >and useful.
> >
> You're welcome! It was fun, and talking to Jim was a delight and a
> pleasure. He has put a lot of time and effort into it- nt only the kit
> but the installation manual as well. As a graphic artist who has been
> doing much the same for years I know what it takes to layout such a
> document.
>
>
> Randy "and it works!" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com