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Main
Date: 23 Jul 2006 07:23:14
From:
Subject: more silvia
|
So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
what the stock machine was doing for you?
These are just some questions floating around my head.
I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 17:46:30
From: Ken Wilson
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
The PID adjustment was only invented, what, 4 yrs ago - before that
everyone had brilliant coffee. :-) and the silvia/rocky was the greatest
thing that's come out of Italy.
Not much recommended anymore since PID became all the rage (and that daveb
sells them - v annoyingly - which is why he will push the benefits :-) )
is temperature surfing. If you want consistent Silvia temperatures it will
cycle between on and off on a regular basis so you can try various
temperatures to decide which you like and whether the benefits are worth it
simply by pulling shots at a fixed interval after the thermostat clicks on
(or off).
It may also be argued that your level of skill/height of the bar is pretty
low compared with what us load of nerds aspire to - few of us can drink
coffee in caf's anymore becuase the standard is so poor - "so bitter that
only a sherbert lemon's mother would love it". But you may have worked
for Schomer etc......
Ken
<tom5000@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:1153664594.728944.195280@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> what the stock machine was doing for you?
> These are just some questions floating around my head.
> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
>
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 20:06:56
From: Brian Colwell
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"Ken Wilson" <ken@kwilsonDEDUCT.fsnet.co.uk > wrote in message
news:ea0946$7kj$1@nntp.aioe.org...
> The PID adjustment was only invented, what, 4 yrs ago - before that
> everyone had brilliant coffee. :-) and the silvia/rocky was the greatest
> thing that's come out of Italy.
>
> Not much recommended anymore since PID became all the rage (and that
> daveb sells them - v annoyingly - which is why he will push the benefits
> :-) ) is temperature surfing. If you want consistent Silvia temperatures
> it will cycle between on and off on a regular basis so you can try various
> temperatures to decide which you like and whether the benefits are worth
> it simply by pulling shots at a fixed interval after the thermostat clicks
> on (or off).
>
> It may also be argued that your level of skill/height of the bar is pretty
> low compared with what us load of nerds aspire to - few of us can drink
> coffee in caf's anymore becuase the standard is so poor - "so bitter that
> only a sherbert lemon's mother would love it". But you may have worked
> for Schomer etc......
>
> Ken
>
I would be interested to know, if any blind testing of Silvia's with and
without the modification, have been carried out ?
BMC
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Date: 25 Jul 2006 08:00:28
From: St. John Smythe
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Brian Colwell wrote:
> I would be interested to know, if any blind testing of Silvia's with and
> without the modification, have been carried out ?
As someone who takes a back seat to no one in always insisting on the
scientific method, I can tell you that in this case, it's not necessary.
All you need to do is take a PID-controlled Silvia, and serve up shots
in -- even as coarse as 5-degree -- increments from 185 to 230 degrees,
and you'll achieve immediate enlightenment as to why.
--
St. John
Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even
where there is no river.
-Nikita Khrushchev
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 09:05:20
From: Phil Paintin
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> what the stock machine was doing for you?
> These are just some questions floating around my head.
> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
Hi,
I think you must be either very lucky or have a fairly low expectation
for what constitutes good espresso. IME, using Silvia with no form of
brew temperature control results in something like one in three shots
being undrinkably bitter. (Admittedly that's with a 1300-watt Silvia,
which seem to suffer worse temperature overshoot.)
Anyway, if you're happy, don't sweat it ;)
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| | |
Date: 23 Jul 2006 12:26:57
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"Phil Paintin" <charneybarn@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1153670720.933408.187850@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
>> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all
>> the
>> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
>> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling
>> amazing
>> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
>> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
>> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and
>> I
>> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the
>> world
>> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
>> what the stock machine was doing for you?
>> These are just some questions floating around my head.
>> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it
>> as-is.
>> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
>
> Hi,
> I think you must be either very lucky or have a fairly low expectation
> for what constitutes good espresso. IME, using Silvia with no form of
> brew temperature control results in something like one in three shots
> being undrinkably bitter. (Admittedly that's with a 1300-watt Silvia,
> which seem to suffer worse temperature overshoot.)
>
> Anyway, if you're happy, don't sweat it ;)
>
a.. Power supply: 120V 60Hz 1100W Maximum
a.. UL APPROVED
a.. 800W Heating Element - When bench testing this unit, we were
surprised of the performance of this powerful 800 watt heating element
(800 Watts is the correct wattage for all 110V United States units, and
1100 watts is the correct wattage for the 230V European units.) Rancilio
sales literature, which was intended for the European market, does not
state the wattage for the 110V units, but the actual units do)
For the NA market, the wattage is 800 watts.
http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/rancilio/silvia.htm
Craig.
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 08:36:02
From: daveb
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
You have a great rig, Floyd.
The 'pid' makes it easier to get great consistent shots, by controlling
the idle temp. to exactly where you set it. typeically +/- 1 degree F.
Here's one comment out of dozens:
"The espresso machine arrived safely and works a dream. We have been
astonished at how much difference temperature makes in the taste of the
coffee."
I've done over 90 of them -- people are really happy with the results.
But first and foremost -- it is about the coffee! If you are happy,
then that is ALL that counts. NO snobbery here.
Dave
www.hitechespresso.com
tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> what the stock machine was doing for you?
> These are just some questions floating around my head.
> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 11:52:56
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"daveb" <davebobblane@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1153668962.466137.272490@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> You have a great rig, Floyd.
>
> The 'pid' makes it easier to get great consistent shots, by
> controlling
> the idle temp. to exactly where you set it. typeically +/- 1 degree F.
> Here's one comment out of dozens:
>
> "The espresso machine arrived safely and works a dream. We have been
> astonished at how much difference temperature makes in the taste of
> the
> coffee."
>
> I've done over 90 of them -- people are really happy with the
> results.
>
> But first and foremost -- it is about the coffee! If you are happy,
> then that is ALL that counts. NO snobbery here.
>
> Dave
> www.hitechespresso.com
>
> tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
>> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all
>> the
>> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
>> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling
>> amazing
>> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
>> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
>> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and
>> I
>> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the
>> world
>> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
>> what the stock machine was doing for you?
>> These are just some questions floating around my head.
>> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it
>> as-is.
>> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
>
Exactly what Dave said {:-), & for example., Malabar Gold likes a very
hot brewing temp of between 205F - 209F.., other espresso blends will
taste better between 195F - 204F. The PID allows you to custom tune your
temp for the sweet spot for each particular espresso blend/s.
Craig.
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 11:54:32
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"Craig Andrews" <alt.coffee@deletethis.rogers.com > wrote in message
news:4ihkaoF3s2k5U1@individual.net...
>
> "daveb" <davebobblane@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1153668962.466137.272490@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>> You have a great rig, Floyd.
>>
>> The 'pid' makes it easier to get great consistent shots, by
>> controlling
>> the idle temp. to exactly where you set it. typeically +/- 1 degree
>> F.
>> Here's one comment out of dozens:
>>
>> "The espresso machine arrived safely and works a dream. We have been
>> astonished at how much difference temperature makes in the taste of
>> the
>> coffee."
>>
>> I've done over 90 of them -- people are really happy with the
>> results.
>>
>> But first and foremost -- it is about the coffee! If you are happy,
>> then that is ALL that counts. NO snobbery here.
>>
>> Dave
>> www.hitechespresso.com
>>
>> tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
>>> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all
>>> the
>>> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
>>> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling
>>> amazing
>>> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my
>>> years
>>> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
>>> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness
>>> and I
>>> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the
>>> world
>>> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
>>> what the stock machine was doing for you?
>>> These are just some questions floating around my head.
>>> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it
>>> as-is.
>>> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
>>
>
>
> Exactly what Dave said {:-), & for example., Malabar Gold likes a very
> hot brewing temp of between 205F - 209F.., other espresso blends will
> taste better between 195F - 204F. The PID allows you to custom tune
> your temp for the sweet spot for each particular espresso blend/s.
> Craig.
Forgot to add the URL.. {;-D
http://www.josuma.com/documents/espresso_testing.pdf
Craig.
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 10:19:21
From: notbob
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
On 2006-07-23, tom5000@hotmail.com <tom5000@hotmail.com > wrote:
> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
Just make noises like you're going to PID it as soon as you get your
Katrina check.
nb
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 19:05:17
From: Marshall
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
On 23 Jul 2006 07:23:14 -0700, tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
>So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
>posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
>wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
>shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
>in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
>what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
>guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
>of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
>what the stock machine was doing for you?
>These are just some questions floating around my head.
>I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
>happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
People's definitions of "amazing" and "godshot" change with
experience. Years spent in cafes on either side of the counter don't
count for much on this score, unless they were really excellent cafes.
Most cafes teach bad habits to their staff (if they teach any habits
at all) and serve bad espresso to their customers.
A stock Silvia with a good grinder will, in the hands of a truly
skilled barista, outperform 99% of the cafes in the U.S. Adding PID
just makes life easier (no temperature surfing) and improves the
percentage of excellent shots.
Marshall
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 12:02:39
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Randy- Thanks for picking up on the Floyd thing and not thinking my
name was floyd like the other guy.
Anyway...first, I hope I didn't insult anyone by calling them a nerd.
Second, I guess I was just suprised at the shots that were coming out
because everything I had read made it sound like a borderline disaster,
shot by shot. Besides that, I guess ignorance is bliss or I have a
churlish palate. I of course have looked into the PIDing and all that
but I just got this setup 3 days ago so I'm in no rush. Maybe if
someone is in NYC and wants to invite me over for some PID espresso one
of these days I'll rush home and buy one for myself!
Also, since I'm new I'd just like to tell all you nerds you're great
and it's great reading your posts.
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 12:34:02
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
On 23 Jul 2006 12:02:39 -0700, "fixedgear" <tom5000@hotmail.com >
wrote:
>Second, I guess I was just suprised at the shots that were coming out
>because everything I had read made it sound like a borderline disaster,
>shot by shot.
>
Everything is, indeed, relative.
>Besides that, I guess ignorance is bliss or I have a
>churlish palate.
Well... I wasn't going to say anything... ;-)
>I of course have looked into the PIDing and all that
>but I just got this setup 3 days ago so I'm in no rush.
>
There are those that say that you should hone your skills first before
PID'ing, but logic would indicate that you should control all
variables as closely as possible, and that would seem to apply to new
users MORE than the experienced. Why? Let's say your are a newbie and
pull a really great shot, and the next one is bitter and poor.. Why?
Was it your tamping? Dosing? Or was it brew temperature? With a two
degree shift in temp being noticeable in the cup, it is not difficult
to see why new users have difficulty honing the process for
consistency. The dead band with the stock thermostat is what? 15
degrees? 20? I haven't had one on my machine for so long I don't even
remember...
On the other hand, so many people have been drinking really bad coffee
in the US for so long that any improvement is dramatic, and just using
coffee beans that are less than a month old would do that!
I gave my MD (who served in the Military all the back in WWII as well
as in Viet Nam) a jar of coffee- a blend of Brazilian, Indonesian and
Costa Rican I think). He said it was the best coffee he has ever had.
it was only so because it was fresh- a bout two days out of the
roaster.
Randy "one degree" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
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Date: 23 Jul 2006 11:13:57
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
>So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
>posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
>wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
>shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
>in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
>what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
>guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
>of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
>what the stock machine was doing for you?
>These are just some questions floating around my head.
>I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
>happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
>
8 straight years - US victory in the Tour! Never thought I would see
it..
With your experience you know that there are many factors that all
just come together to make great espresso- water quality, water
pressure, flow rate, grind, coffee quality, roast, freshness, tamping,
dosing, and more.
When speaking of Rocky and Silvia, some of the factors can be easily
controlled. Coffee freshness, roast level, and quality are one. The
water quality is another. Your level of experience would seem to
indicate that many of the others are un de control. The one thing that
is not is water temperature. The stock brew thermostat in a Silvia has
a very wide dead band. it allows a very wide range of starting
temperatures in the boiler. As I have said,
-Just 'using' Silvia is like standing on the tracks, blindfold in
place, waiting for the train.
-Time surfing (light on, wait 45 seconds, pull shot) is like standing
on the tracks, running a stopwatch, and stepping off the tracks to see
if the train is there, and hoping you got the timing correct.
-Temp surfing with the digital readout was like trying to jump on a
train as it ran through the station at speed.
-PID is a leisurely boarding onto a stopped train with champagne
served at the door by a very gracious porter..
Beyond the convenience, and even beyond the accurate control of brew
temperature, a PID allows user-adjustability of the brew temp and that
is one factor that is often overlooked. The ability to easily match a
brew temp to your coffee and taste is quite important.
Along with many others here, there have been more than a few times
when I have made a one or two degree change in brew temp and it has
made a dramatic difference in the cup.
If you are considering it, MLG has a really great kit to allow just
about anyone with basic ability to use simple hand tools to install a
PID kit in their Silvia. I have a review of this excellent and well
thought out kit on my website at:
http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/MLGpid.html
It includes every single thing you need (down to the last wire) and an
easy to follow, step by step set of instructions. The entire kit is
easily removed from the machine if need be.
I have a number of other chapters on PID control as well. I had done
the time surfing (light comes on, wait "X" seconds, pull shot), and
temp surfing (using a digital thermometer with sensor on the boiler),
and combinations of same. In all the experiments and trials I did, no
single factor in the process had as much benefit as when I added the
PID.
You can read more about the early experiments done by the pioneers of
this on the Google archives:
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
Finally, if it helps, no one has reported any regrets and all report
improved quality in their espresso after PIDing their machine. Do you
NEED to add PID to get good espresso? No. Does it help? Yes. Why?
Because brew temperature control and accuracy is (IMO) the one factor
left out of the equation in Silvia's design.
Randy "works for me" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| |
Date: 23 Jul 2006 10:40:27
From: Phil Paintin
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Craig Andrews wrote:
> "Phil Paintin" <charneybarn@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1153670720.933408.187850@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> >
> > tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
> >> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all
> >> the
> >> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> >> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling
> >> amazing
> >> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> >> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> >> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and
> >> I
> >> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the
> >> world
> >> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> >> what the stock machine was doing for you?
> >> These are just some questions floating around my head.
> >> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it
> >> as-is.
> >> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
> >
> > Hi,
> > I think you must be either very lucky or have a fairly low expectation
> > for what constitutes good espresso. IME, using Silvia with no form of
> > brew temperature control results in something like one in three shots
> > being undrinkably bitter. (Admittedly that's with a 1300-watt Silvia,
> > which seem to suffer worse temperature overshoot.)
> >
> > Anyway, if you're happy, don't sweat it ;)
> >
>
>
> a.. Power supply: 120V 60Hz 1100W Maximum
> a.. UL APPROVED
> a.. 800W Heating Element - When bench testing this unit, we were
> surprised of the performance of this powerful 800 watt heating element
> (800 Watts is the correct wattage for all 110V United States units, and
> 1100 watts is the correct wattage for the 230V European units.) Rancilio
> sales literature, which was intended for the European market, does not
> state the wattage for the 110V units, but the actual units do)
>
> For the NA market, the wattage is 800 watts.
> http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/rancilio/silvia.htm
> Craig.
Yes the specs seem to vary -- I've heard of 960 watts @ 120V too which
seems reasonable. In the 240 volt markets, Rancilio appear to use the
same element as for the 220V European spec and so it runs at a higher
power. I put a calibrated wattmeter on mine and found it was usually
around 1310W, but occasionally up to 1360W due to fluctuations in the
mains voltage.
|
| |
Date: 24 Jul 2006 05:20:29
From: Omniryx@gmail.com
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
This would be exceedingly hard to do with any real validity and
reliability. Too many variables. Just taste and see.
Will
> I would be interested to know, if any blind testing of Silvia's with and
> without the modification, have been carried out ?
>
> BMC
|
| | |
Date: 24 Jul 2006 22:11:03
From: Brian Colwell
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
<Omniryx@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1153743628.971688.240560@s13g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> This would be exceedingly hard to do with any real validity and
> reliability. Too many variables. Just taste and see.
>
> Will
>
>> I would be interested to know, if any blind testing of Silvia's with and
>> without the modification, have been carried out ?
>>
>> BMC
>
I kind of thought, the same thing !
Brian
|
| |
Date: 24 Jul 2006 18:52:33
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
really do?? :)
|
| | |
Date: 25 Jul 2006 15:49:36
From: Brent
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
You are welcome to pop round to my place for a coffee :)
(But I don't have a silvia)
Brent
> No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
> really do?? :)
>
|
| | | |
Date: 25 Jul 2006 21:25:34
From: Rob van Loenhout
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
You need to give him the address Brent ;-)
"Brent" <me@privacy.net > wrote in message
news:4ilhqdF491qsU1@individual.net...
> You are welcome to pop round to my place for a coffee :)
>
> (But I don't have a silvia)
>
> Brent
>
> > No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
> > really do?? :)
> >
>
>
|
| | | | |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 17:37:20
From: Brent
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Oh yeah, ooops
Clarks Beach, Auckland - the black building on the corner...
:)
Brent
>"Rob van Loenhout" wrote in message
> You need to give him the address Brent ;-)
>
>> You are welcome to pop round to my place for a coffee :)
>>
>> (But I don't have a silvia)
>>
>> Brent
>>
>> > No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
>> > really do?? :)
>> >
>>
>>
>
>
|
| | |
Date: 25 Jul 2006 07:06:36
From: GeeDubb
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"fixedgear" <tom5000@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:1153792353.873053.209400@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
> really do?? :)
>
You're more than welcome to come to my place....
1390 County Road Z60
San Miguel County, Colorado
You may have to change planes a few times...........or just drive
Gary (see what a Silvia can do at 9100 feet)
|
| | | |
Date: 25 Jul 2006 08:21:29
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
I appreciate the invitation, next time I'm in CO i'll let you know.
GeeDubb wrote:
> "fixedgear" <tom5000@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1153792353.873053.209400@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> > No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
> > really do?? :)
> >
>
> You're more than welcome to come to my place....
>
> 1390 County Road Z60
> San Miguel County, Colorado
>
> You may have to change planes a few times...........or just drive
>
> Gary (see what a Silvia can do at 9100 feet)
|
| |
Date: 25 Jul 2006 17:28:18
From: John Frank
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Brian Colwell wrote:
> I would be interested to know, if any blind testing of Silvia's with and
> without the modification, have been carried out ?
>
> BMC
I know a way that could be used to test whether or not the PID really
makes a difference: you could blind test shots from a PID'd machine
that differ by a couple of degrees and see if the flavor varies. If one
can detect a difference in flavor due to small change in temperature,
then it follows that a device that holds the temperature close to a
given setting is really an improvement.
I have recently PID'd my Silvia with the Gallt kit and I don't need to
do any testing, however--the flavor difference is significant.
I like Randy's comparison to hopping on a moving train versus having
the train stop at the station for you and wait to get on, and I would
like to offer another one. Watching my PID at work reminds me of what
it would be like to try and make a car travel at 226 mph if all I had
was a gas pedal that I could either floor or completely disengage, and
I could only put my foot back on when the car's speed fell back to 200
or so. Taking this approach, I would only be at 226 or so for very
brief periods of time. From a cold start the PID "floors" the heating
element until it reaches 200 or so, and then it starts pulsing at a
varying rate until the temperature reaches my given setting... and it
never goes more than a degree past or below, and it's usually right on.
It does exactly what one does when getting on the freeway, it
accelerates to the desired speed and then it keeps an eye on the guage
and makes small adjustments as needed.
A PID'd Silvia is a MUCH better tool for making espresso than a stock
Silvia. I loved my Silvia pre-PID, but I'd never consent to going
back... just like I'd be very frustrated by anything other than the DSL
speeds to which I have become accustomed.
John
|
| |
Date: 26 Jul 2006 07:03:26
From: gscace
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Depends on where you live and what fixed gear really means.
-Greg "Lives in Maryland" Scace
fixedgear wrote:
> No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
> really do?? :)
|
| | |
Date: 26 Jul 2006 14:28:55
From: GeeDubb
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
fixie or single speed?
I ride one but not the other, the other one is for masochists.....
similar to drinking robusta
to bring it back on topic
Gary
"gscace" <gregory.scace@nist.gov > wrote in message
news:1153922606.401550.154490@75g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Depends on where you live and what fixed gear really means.
>
> -Greg "Lives in Maryland" Scace
>
>
>
> fixedgear wrote:
>> No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
>> really do?? :)
>
|
| |
Date: 26 Jul 2006 07:00:29
From: gscace
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Yep. Floyd Landis ROX!! Man that was a gritty performance!!!!!
-Greg
tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> what the stock machine was doing for you?
> These are just some questions floating around my head.
> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
|
| |
Date: 26 Jul 2006 15:18:47
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
I guess fixedgear means I'm a masochist since I ride a fixie to
commute. But I'm pretty nice otherwise.
Fixed "Brooklyn is too far from Maryland" gear
gscace wrote:
> Depends on where you live and what fixed gear really means.
>
> -Greg "Lives in Maryland" Scace
>
>
>
> fixedgear wrote:
> > No one wants to have me over for coffee so I can see what a Silvia can
> > really do?? :)
|
| |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 16:08:08
From: Bertie Doe
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
<tom5000@hotmail.com > wrote in message
> These are just some questions floating around my head.
> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
two more words : test osterone
BD
|
| |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 18:39:59
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
I need to get a group brush.
I also need to find some people to hang out with that drink espresso,
or are at least willing to humor me. It sucks making one double every
morning and that being it.
On topic.
|
| | |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 10:56:35
From: Bertie Doe
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"fixedgear" wrote in message
>I need to get a group brush.
> I also need to find some people to hang out with that drink espresso,
> or are at least willing to humor me. It sucks making one double every
> morning and that being it.
> On topic.
>
I limit myself to 3 doubles each day, which is a bit of a bore. However, I
hear that the taste of decaff is improving, so I could try 50/50 with my
usual. Mind you, it's hard enough to get 2 regular SO's to match in a blend.
On topic option - take Silvia out for a meal (and risk divorce)
BD
|
| |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 14:03:29
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Exactly, as far as we know. Which is disapointing.
Karl wrote:
> As far as we know, Lance raced clean. Its still possible to win without
> cheating.
>
> Karl Rice
>
> fixedgear wrote:
> > I know, I saw that too. I'd love to think that someone is racing clean
> > but I made peace with the fact that they all are doing something.
> > Either way, I'd much rather watch a cyclist who's on something ride a
> > race like that, than to watch a bseball player on steroids hit a ball.
> > Someone riding the TDF almost should be able to take something to
> > recover. ANyway, it sucks. I would love for someone like Landis to win
> > it clean but I don't think that's possible anymore.
> >
> > How 'bout that coffee?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Bertie Doe wrote:
> > > "Karl" < wrote in message
> > > > Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
> > > > - he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
> > > >
> > > > Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
> > > >
> > > I doubt wether he took it intentionly as this stuff is more useful to short
> > > distance sprint runners. The problem with the TourDF is policing unofficial
> > > drink stations over a distance of 100k etc. Gambling syndicates 'noble'
> > > horse races, so why not the 'Tour'.
> > > BD
|
| |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 13:20:48
From: Karl
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
As far as we know, Lance raced clean. Its still possible to win without
cheating.
Karl Rice
fixedgear wrote:
> I know, I saw that too. I'd love to think that someone is racing clean
> but I made peace with the fact that they all are doing something.
> Either way, I'd much rather watch a cyclist who's on something ride a
> race like that, than to watch a bseball player on steroids hit a ball.
> Someone riding the TDF almost should be able to take something to
> recover. ANyway, it sucks. I would love for someone like Landis to win
> it clean but I don't think that's possible anymore.
>
> How 'bout that coffee?
>
>
>
>
> Bertie Doe wrote:
> > "Karl" < wrote in message
> > > Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
> > > - he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
> > >
> > > Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
> > >
> > I doubt wether he took it intentionly as this stuff is more useful to short
> > distance sprint runners. The problem with the TourDF is policing unofficial
> > drink stations over a distance of 100k etc. Gambling syndicates 'noble'
> > horse races, so why not the 'Tour'.
> > BD
|
| |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 13:18:24
From: Karl
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
I doubt he got testosterone in his blood from an unofficial drink
station; he gets his bottles (70 of them on Stage 17) from the team
car. The days when riders at that level accepted drinks from the fans
are long gone. We'll have to wait for the B sample results. I'd hate to
think he doped, but we'll just have to wait and see.
Karl
Bertie Doe wrote:
> "Karl" < wrote in message
> > Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
> > - he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
> >
> > Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
> >
> I doubt wether he took it intentionly as this stuff is more useful to short
> distance sprint runners. The problem with the TourDF is policing unofficial
> drink stations over a distance of 100k etc. Gambling syndicates 'noble'
> horse races, so why not the 'Tour'.
> BD
|
| | |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 18:00:26
From: GeeDubb
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"Karl" <karlmiltonrice@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1154031504.112510.307430@75g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>I doubt he got testosterone in his blood from an unofficial drink
> station; he gets his bottles (70 of them on Stage 17) from the team
> car. The days when riders at that level accepted drinks from the fans
> are long gone. We'll have to wait for the B sample results. I'd hate to
> think he doped, but we'll just have to wait and see.
>
> Karl
Plus the test results should have been positive for the next three stages as
well.
soon caffiene will be disallowed so those poor suckers will have to go w/o
coffee (and the motorcycle Coke vendors)
back on topic?
>
> Bertie Doe wrote:
>> "Karl" < wrote in message
>> > Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
>> > - he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
>> >
>> > Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
>> >
>> I doubt wether he took it intentionly as this stuff is more useful to
>> short
>> distance sprint runners. The problem with the TourDF is policing
>> unofficial
>> drink stations over a distance of 100k etc. Gambling syndicates 'noble'
>> horse races, so why not the 'Tour'.
>> BD
>
|
| |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 11:37:40
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
I know, I saw that too. I'd love to think that someone is racing clean
but I made peace with the fact that they all are doing something.
Either way, I'd much rather watch a cyclist who's on something ride a
race like that, than to watch a bseball player on steroids hit a ball.
Someone riding the TDF almost should be able to take something to
recover. ANyway, it sucks. I would love for someone like Landis to win
it clean but I don't think that's possible anymore.
How 'bout that coffee?
Bertie Doe wrote:
> "Karl" < wrote in message
> > Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
> > - he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
> >
> > Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
> >
> I doubt wether he took it intentionly as this stuff is more useful to short
> distance sprint runners. The problem with the TourDF is policing unofficial
> drink stations over a distance of 100k etc. Gambling syndicates 'noble'
> horse races, so why not the 'Tour'.
> BD
|
| |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 10:33:32
From: Karl
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
- he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
gscace wrote:
> Yep. Floyd Landis ROX!! Man that was a gritty performance!!!!!
>
> -Greg
>
>
> tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
> > So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
> > posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> > wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
> > shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> > in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> > what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
> > guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
> > of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> > what the stock machine was doing for you?
> > These are just some questions floating around my head.
> > I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> > happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
|
| | |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 19:06:48
From: Bertie Doe
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"Karl" < wrote in message
> Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
> - he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
>
> Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
>
I doubt wether he took it intentionly as this stuff is more useful to short
distance sprint runners. The problem with the TourDF is policing unofficial
drink stations over a distance of 100k etc. Gambling syndicates 'noble'
horse races, so why not the 'Tour'.
BD
|
| |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 08:09:09
From:
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> what the stock machine was doing for you?
> These are just some questions floating around my head.
> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
Hi Floyd,
I started on a Silvia/Rocky set up without any previous barista
experience. I've gotten passionate about good espresso since and did a
great deal of reading on espresso, barista techniques and the Silvia
and Rocky.
The only thing I did to my Silvia is strip the metal probe sheathing
off a $20 thermocouple type kitchen thermometer and attach it under a
thermostat screw at the top of the Silvia' boiler. I also got a cheap
k type thermocouple and looped in the back of the gh at what I figured
was the hottest point. Both thermometers gave me the feed back I
needed to temp surf accurately enough to get excellent shots.
I've just ugraded to a Quickmill Vetrano/Macap M4 stepless and while
the shots are deeper in character and consistently better than the
Silvia they're not that much better.
I would say the important thing with a Silvia is knowing where she is
temp wise. A PID makes it easier but thermocouples are just as good if
you don't mind the time lag as the Silvia drops into pulling range.
|
| | |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 12:30:00
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
<mrgnomer@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:1154099349.373796.208930@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
>> So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all
>> the
>> posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
>> wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling
>> amazing
>> shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
>> in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
>> what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and
>> I
>> guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the
>> world
>> of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
>> what the stock machine was doing for you?
>> These are just some questions floating around my head.
>> I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it
>> as-is.
>> happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
>
> Hi Floyd,
>
> I started on a Silvia/Rocky set up without any previous barista
> experience. I've gotten passionate about good espresso since and did
> a
> great deal of reading on espresso, barista techniques and the Silvia
> and Rocky.
>
> The only thing I did to my Silvia is strip the metal probe sheathing
> off a $20 thermocouple type kitchen thermometer and attach it under a
> thermostat screw at the top of the Silvia' boiler. I also got a cheap
> k type thermocouple and looped in the back of the gh at what I figured
> was the hottest point. Both thermometers gave me the feed back I
> needed to temp surf accurately enough to get excellent shots.
>
> I've just ugraded to a Quickmill Vetrano/Macap M4 stepless and while
> the shots are deeper in character and consistently better than the
> Silvia they're not that much better.
>
> I would say the important thing with a Silvia is knowing where she is
> temp wise. A PID makes it easier but thermocouples are just as good
> if
> you don't mind the time lag as the Silvia drops into pulling range.
>
Hi Kirk, I never got an answer back from you (I sent the email to you on
July Thurs 13th) on the new (LNC) Jim Gallt PID I have & offered you 1st
crack at it., Haha, a joke there! {;-).., so I'll probably be putting it
up for sale on the Coffeegeek members forum, "Buy Sell and Trade".
Craig.
|
| | |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 17:33:45
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Randy -
I think you might be my new best friend.
Randy G. wrote:
> "fixedgear" <tom5000@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >One of these days I'll make it out to Kissena. I've been trying to get
> >on the track for years and things just keep coming up. It's no fun
> >being 200lbs and chasing people up hills so I think I belong on the
> >track. Today however was just a regular road ride. All my fixed riding
> >at the moment is commuting in the city. IT's so much fun. It's like
> >whitewater rafting.
> >
> >
>
> I got to take a class at the Dominguez Hills Olympic velodrome with
> Ron Skarin(sp?) as the teacher (Pan Am Games medalist). I raced a
> season at the Encino Velodrome. The announcer was the guy who played
> the nasty Italian in "Breaking Away." Nothing like 35mph, wheel to
> wheel, and no brakes for a good time! ;-)
>
>
> Randy "Heck, YA, I'm crazy!" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 07:22:43
From: gscace
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Actually, caffeine is on the WADA list of banned substances. But you
have to drink a ton of coffee - several pots worth at a time.
As an athlete one has to be very careful in order not to test positive
for banned substances. A few years ago my wife and I were subject to
USADA drug testing when we were on the US Sailing Team. We had to
submit our anticipated life schedule to the USADA every three months so
that they could find us at any time for random drug testing. Our
coaches were constantly harping on us to avoid taking any
over-the-counter meds and NO supplements. Turns out that many pills
are manufactured using machinery that also manufactures pills
containing banned substances. Supplements in particular are
susceptable to this. There are many cases of athletes testing positive
for banned substances after taking supplements. Some things end up
being a real pain in the yass. You can't take pseudofed for a cold if
you are subject to drug testing, which really sucks. But you can take
Tylenol with codeine.
-Greg
GeeDubb wrote:
> "Karl" <karlmiltonrice@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1154031504.112510.307430@75g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> >I doubt he got testosterone in his blood from an unofficial drink
> > station; he gets his bottles (70 of them on Stage 17) from the team
> > car. The days when riders at that level accepted drinks from the fans
> > are long gone. We'll have to wait for the B sample results. I'd hate to
> > think he doped, but we'll just have to wait and see.
> >
> > Karl
>
>
> Plus the test results should have been positive for the next three stages as
> well.
>
> soon caffiene will be disallowed so those poor suckers will have to go w/o
> coffee (and the motorcycle Coke vendors)
>
> back on topic?
>
>
>
> >
> > Bertie Doe wrote:
> >> "Karl" < wrote in message
> >> > Looks like his A sample tested positive for high levels of testosterone
> >> > - he's been suspended by Phonak pending the tests on his B sample.
> >> >
> >> > Karl "say it ain't so" Rice
> >> >
> >> I doubt wether he took it intentionly as this stuff is more useful to
> >> short
> >> distance sprint runners. The problem with the TourDF is policing
> >> unofficial
> >> drink stations over a distance of 100k etc. Gambling syndicates 'noble'
> >> horse races, so why not the 'Tour'.
> >> BD
> >
|
| |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 04:58:02
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
I guess dinner is the next logical step after putting Silvia in a
skirt.
Bertie Doe wrote:
> "fixedgear" wrote in message
> >I need to get a group brush.
> > I also need to find some people to hang out with that drink espresso,
> > or are at least willing to humor me. It sucks making one double every
> > morning and that being it.
> > On topic.
> >
> I limit myself to 3 doubles each day, which is a bit of a bore. However, I
> hear that the taste of decaff is improving, so I could try 50/50 with my
> usual. Mind you, it's hard enough to get 2 regular SO's to match in a blend.
> On topic option - take Silvia out for a meal (and risk divorce)
> BD
|
| |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 20:53:18
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
The thing about this whole coffee thing is (as far as I can tell)
you're always making good coffee. Some people strive for perfection,
and I just don't want to go to some crappy coffee shope and pay $3.50
for nasty espresso. I finally decided to get a machine to get away from
that. There's very few decent places to buy a cup of coffee in NYC
which is suprising.
Now this isn't to say I don't want to make the perfect shot, I totally
do and I'm sure I'll get into it as far as everyone else has. Really
all I want though is a good cup of coffee whenever I want it. The
Silvia is a great machine for what you spend on it and so far it's
doing it's thing and we get along well. When it comes time for me to
get more involved with it I'm sure I will. Right now I have things to
buy for my bikes. Bikes are every bit as consuming as a coffee habit
and then some.
Yeah yeah yeah.
> Right on, have fun. The Silvia's easy to modify. Very straight forward
> and can handle a lot of abuse. Silvia slammers say she's too much
> bother to get good on- get a more forgiving machine if you want good
> shots- but I can tell you the things the Silvia forced me to learn are
> paying off big time now with the Vetrano. I can say too that while the
> great shots weren't always consistent for me with the Silvia when they
> were on they were as good or better than anything I've tasted including
> the Vetrano.
>
> Too bad about Floyd. I hear he's denying everything and claiming to
> have naturally high testosterone levels. Maybe he had a bad horse
> steak in France, thinking it was beef ;)
>
>
> >
|
| |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 19:00:42
From:
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
fixedgear wrote:
> Hey there. You brought us right back to topic, and I appreciate your
> insight. I think that sounds like something I could try this weekend,
> all I have to do is take our thermometer apart.
>
> And my name isn't Floyd, Floyd won the tour and now floyd is in trouble
> and working his way out. Random reference to Floyd Landis in my first
> post because I was happy he won.
> Now we have to option for on, or off-topic.
> >
> Sorry about that, fixedgear,
Right on, have fun. The Silvia's easy to modify. Very straight forward
and can handle a lot of abuse. Silvia slammers say she's too much
bother to get good on- get a more forgiving machine if you want good
shots- but I can tell you the things the Silvia forced me to learn are
paying off big time now with the Vetrano. I can say too that while the
great shots weren't always consistent for me with the Silvia when they
were on they were as good or better than anything I've tasted including
the Vetrano.
Too bad about Floyd. I hear he's denying everything and claiming to
have naturally high testosterone levels. Maybe he had a bad horse
steak in France, thinking it was beef ;)
>
|
| |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 18:48:04
From:
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Craig Andrews wrote:
> Hi Kirk, I never got an answer back from you (I sent the email to
you on
> July Thurs 13th) on the new (LNC) Jim Gallt PID I have & offered you 1st
> crack at it., Haha, a joke there! {;-).., so I'll probably be putting it
> up for sale on the Coffeegeek members forum, "Buy Sell and Trade".
> Craig.
Hi Craig,
I got your e mails. Sorry about not getting back to you. The new set
up is great. Even the singles are excellent.
My sister and brother in law still have to come over so I can pass them
the old set up so I haven't had the chance to ask them if they'd be
interested in a PID and it's why I haven't gotten back to you. Thanks
for holding on to it, I appreciate it. Go ahead and sell it off. My
sister and brother in law should be coming over next week so I'll ask
them then and if they're interested I'll get back to you. If they're
interested but you've sold the PID by then, no problem. I may get in
touch with you for help on getting a PID for them.
Thanks again, Craig.
Kirk
|
| | |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 15:33:34
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
<mrgnomer@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:1154137683.936456.90410@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Craig Andrews wrote:
> > Hi Kirk, I never got an answer back from you (I sent the email to
> you on
>> July Thurs 13th) on the new (LNC) Jim Gallt PID I have & offered you
>> 1st
>> crack at it., Haha, a joke there! {;-).., so I'll probably be putting
>> it
>> up for sale on the Coffeegeek members forum, "Buy Sell and Trade".
>> Craig.
>
> Hi Craig,
>
> I got your e mails. Sorry about not getting back to you. The new set
> up is great. Even the singles are excellent.
>
> My sister and brother in law still have to come over so I can pass
> them
> the old set up so I haven't had the chance to ask them if they'd be
> interested in a PID and it's why I haven't gotten back to you. Thanks
> for holding on to it, I appreciate it. Go ahead and sell it off. My
> sister and brother in law should be coming over next week so I'll ask
> them then and if they're interested I'll get back to you. If they're
> interested but you've sold the PID by then, no problem. I may get in
> touch with you for help on getting a PID for them.
>
> Thanks again, Craig.
>
> Kirk
>
Hi Kirk, no pressure or sweat here. {:-)
I'll hold on to it for you & wait before I post it on the Buy & Sell
forum on CG then. I have the links to Jim Gallt's excellent PID kits on
my website, then you can check out the various models.
http://www.andrewsgreenbeans.com/about.html
As I said to you in my email I got the one line display at a very low
price that you will not see again, & I'll sell it to you or whoever
wants it for my Canadian cost & zero profit.
Cheers!
Sincerely,
Craig.
|
| |
Date: 28 Jul 2006 15:14:29
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Hey there. You brought us right back to topic, and I appreciate your
insight. I think that sounds like something I could try this weekend,
all I have to do is take our thermometer apart.
And my name isn't Floyd, Floyd won the tour and now floyd is in trouble
and working his way out. Random reference to Floyd Landis in my first
post because I was happy he won.
Now we have to option for on, or off-topic.
Hi Floyd,
>
> I started on a Silvia/Rocky set up without any previous barista
> experience. I've gotten passionate about good espresso since and did a
> great deal of reading on espresso, barista techniques and the Silvia
> and Rocky.
>
> The only thing I did to my Silvia is strip the metal probe sheathing
> off a $20 thermocouple type kitchen thermometer and attach it under a
> thermostat screw at the top of the Silvia' boiler. I also got a cheap
> k type thermocouple and looped in the back of the gh at what I figured
> was the hottest point. Both thermometers gave me the feed back I
> needed to temp surf accurately enough to get excellent shots.
>
> I've just ugraded to a Quickmill Vetrano/Macap M4 stepless and while
> the shots are deeper in character and consistently better than the
> Silvia they're not that much better.
>
> I would say the important thing with a Silvia is knowing where she is
> temp wise. A PID makes it easier but thermocouples are just as good if
> you don't mind the time lag as the Silvia drops into pulling range.
|
| |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 08:59:45
From: jggall01
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
fixedgear wrote:
> I agree. There's so much that has to do with your shot that if you're
> only making one or 2 pours a day you don't want to make somethign,
> throw it out, re-adjust, make another....I'm having great luck and I've
> found the silvia very easy to use. I'm really thinking about taking my
> kitchen thermometer apart (hopefully my wife won't notice) and using it
> like you mentioned. Then if I feel then need, late one night when I'm
> bored and online, maybe I"ll order a PID kit.
> And since it's a wonderful hot-as-hell day, there's nothing like
> drinking a ton of coffee and going for a ride.
If you don't feel like taking apart the kitchen thermometer, you might
consider this instead:
http://www.web-tronics.com/digtherwkpro1.html
-- JGG
|
| |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 06:07:56
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
I agree. There's so much that has to do with your shot that if you're
only making one or 2 pours a day you don't want to make somethign,
throw it out, re-adjust, make another....I'm having great luck and I've
found the silvia very easy to use. I'm really thinking about taking my
kitchen thermometer apart (hopefully my wife won't notice) and using it
like you mentioned. Then if I feel then need, late one night when I'm
bored and online, maybe I"ll order a PID kit.
And since it's a wonderful hot-as-hell day, there's nothing like
drinking a ton of coffee and going for a ride.
|
| | |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 11:02:38
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"fixedgear" <tom5000@hotmail.com > wrote:
>And since it's a wonderful hot-as-hell day, there's nothing like
>drinking a ton of coffee and going for a ride.
ride? fixedgear? velodrome rider?
Randy "was once as well" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 05:14:21
From:
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
fixedgear wrote:
> The thing about this whole coffee thing is (as far as I can tell)
> you're always making good coffee. Some people strive for perfection,
> and I just don't want to go to some crappy coffee shope and pay $3.50
> for nasty espresso. I finally decided to get a machine to get away from
> that. There's very few decent places to buy a cup of coffee in NYC
> which is suprising.
> Now this isn't to say I don't want to make the perfect shot, I totally
> do and I'm sure I'll get into it as far as everyone else has. Really
> all I want though is a good cup of coffee whenever I want it. The
> Silvia is a great machine for what you spend on it and so far it's
> doing it's thing and we get along well. When it comes time for me to
> get more involved with it I'm sure I will. Right now I have things to
> buy for my bikes. Bikes are every bit as consuming as a coffee habit
> and then some.
> Yeah yeah yeah.
Must be nice to having something to live for other than coffee. Coffee
is addictive when you get into it especially when you start pushing for
the best quality you can get.
Perfect shots will drive you crazy anyway. I think on Home Barista
there's a rate you shot poll thread. On a scale, I believe, from 1-6
even good baristas judge themselves around a 3, 4. The variables are
really hard to nail and even if you've got the equipment finely
adjusted and controlled there's the roast and hand of the operator to
consider. So much can affect a pull that to line everything up is hard
to do even if you know what you're doing.
With experimentation, practice and experience you get to know what to
look for. It comes with time but even your o.k. shots should be miles
above the chain cafe's.
The Silvia is like a stripped down hot rod. She's got the build and
guts of a real performer but no frills. Control is all up to the
driver and I think she'll out run and last anything in her price range
but don't expect a smooth or easy ride. Great machine to learn on.
Great machine to mod.
|
| |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 11:51:45
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
One of these days I'll make it out to Kissena. I've been trying to get
on the track for years and things just keep coming up. It's no fun
being 200lbs and chasing people up hills so I think I belong on the
track. Today however was just a regular road ride. All my fixed riding
at the moment is commuting in the city. IT's so much fun. It's like
whitewater rafting.
Randy G. wrote:
> "fixedgear" <tom5000@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >And since it's a wonderful hot-as-hell day, there's nothing like
> >drinking a ton of coffee and going for a ride.
>
> ride? fixedgear? velodrome rider?
>
>
> Randy "was once as well" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| | |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 16:44:28
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
"fixedgear" <tom5000@hotmail.com > wrote:
>One of these days I'll make it out to Kissena. I've been trying to get
>on the track for years and things just keep coming up. It's no fun
>being 200lbs and chasing people up hills so I think I belong on the
>track. Today however was just a regular road ride. All my fixed riding
>at the moment is commuting in the city. IT's so much fun. It's like
>whitewater rafting.
>
>
I got to take a class at the Dominguez Hills Olympic velodrome with
Ron Skarin(sp?) as the teacher (Pan Am Games medalist). I raced a
season at the Encino Velodrome. The announcer was the guy who played
the nasty Italian in "Breaking Away." Nothing like 35mph, wheel to
wheel, and no brakes for a good time! ;-)
Randy "Heck, YA, I'm crazy!" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| | | |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 17:34:18
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com > wrote:
>I got to take a class at the Dominguez Hills Olympic velodrome with
>Ron Skarin(sp?)
For details about Ron see:
http://www.coafunride.com/celebrity_profile.html
Ron began his cycling career in 1968 at the age of 16 and finished
fifth in the Junior Omnium at his first National Championship in
Detroit in 1969. He went on to win a total of ten national titles as a
senior racer over a span of eleven years: Team Pursuit 1971, 1972,
1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977, Individual Pursuit 1975, Ten mile 1976,
Points Race 1978 and Madison 1981. In 1975 Ron was the Gold Medalist
in the Team Pursuit event at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. He
was a member of the 1973 World Championship Team as well as the 1972 &
1976 Olympic Teams. He was a two time winner of the prestigious "Tour
of Somerville" NJ, and won the USCF National Prestige Classic race
series in 1974. Ron was Director of the USCF in 1979-80, and was an
assistant coach of the U.S. Cycling Team at the 1984 Olympic Games in
Los Angeles. He conducted introductory Track cycling classes at the
7-11 Olympic Velodrome and the Encino Velodrome from 1981 through
1986.
Randy "" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| |
Date: 29 Jul 2006 11:04:29
From: fixedgear
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
Why did they choose the screen to show 666 on the product description?
jggall01 wrote:
> fixedgear wrote:
> > I agree. There's so much that has to do with your shot that if you're
> > only making one or 2 pours a day you don't want to make somethign,
> > throw it out, re-adjust, make another....I'm having great luck and I've
> > found the silvia very easy to use. I'm really thinking about taking my
> > kitchen thermometer apart (hopefully my wife won't notice) and using it
> > like you mentioned. Then if I feel then need, late one night when I'm
> > bored and online, maybe I"ll order a PID kit.
> > And since it's a wonderful hot-as-hell day, there's nothing like
> > drinking a ton of coffee and going for a ride.
>
> If you don't feel like taking apart the kitchen thermometer, you might
> consider this instead:
>
> http://www.web-tronics.com/digtherwkpro1.html
>
> -- JGG
|
| |
Date: 30 Jul 2006 04:01:32
From:
Subject: Re: more silvia
|
fixedgear wrote:
> I agree. There's so much that has to do with your shot that if you're
> only making one or 2 pours a day you don't want to make somethign,
> throw it out, re-adjust, make another....I'm having great luck and I've
> found the silvia very easy to use. I'm really thinking about taking my
> kitchen thermometer apart (hopefully my wife won't notice) and using it
> like you mentioned. Then if I feel then need, late one night when I'm
> bored and online, maybe I"ll order a PID kit.
> And since it's a wonderful hot-as-hell day, there's nothing like
> drinking a ton of coffee and going for a ride.
Right on! You must have a good touch. The Silvia kicked my butt for
months. At the start a firm puck instead of soup was a god shot for
me.
Pulling the probe off is pretty easy. They're mostly crimped on so
taking out the crimp and sliding off the sheath is not hard. You can
always slide the probe back on after messing with it and put it back
before you wife finds out ;) There's gaps in the body, one just at the
right front side of the machine opposite the steam wand that you can
snake the wire through. Good luck. I found knowing the water temp
even at just the top of the boiler really helped with shot consistency.
|
| |
Date: 04 Aug 2006 10:12:36
From: daveb
Subject: Re: RG, does he keep the free stuff he writes up / raves about?
|
OR!
I'll do it for you. WITH A WARRANTY -- on all of it.
P.S. did Randy G get to KEEP all of the parts for the 'pid' kit he was
sent??
Hmmmm?
Randy G. wrote:
> tom5000@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> >So I just got a silvia and rocky (of course). I've been reading all the
> >posting and whatnot about PID's and temp and temp surfing. I'm
> >wondering how much of a difference does this make? I'm pulling amazing
> >shots every time with this machine. I've been around and put my years
> >in cafe's and coffee shops that actaully had good espresso so I know
> >what I'm doing, however I'm new to this level of coffee-nerdiness and I
> >guess I just want to know what pushed you over the edge into the world
> >of PID's and everythign else? When were you no longer satisfied with
> >what the stock machine was doing for you?
> >These are just some questions floating around my head.
> >I hope I can be in the Silvia club even if I continue to use it as-is.
> >happy sunday. two more words: Floyd Landis.
> >
>
> 8 straight years - US victory in the Tour! Never thought I would see
> it..
>
> With your experience you know that there are many factors that all
> just come together to make great espresso- water quality, water
> pressure, flow rate, grind, coffee quality, roast, freshness, tamping,
> dosing, and more.
>
> When speaking of Rocky and Silvia, some of the factors can be easily
> controlled. Coffee freshness, roast level, and quality are one. The
> water quality is another. Your level of experience would seem to
> indicate that many of the others are un de control. The one thing that
> is not is water temperature. The stock brew thermostat in a Silvia has
> a very wide dead band. it allows a very wide range of starting
> temperatures in the boiler. As I have said,
>
> -Just 'using' Silvia is like standing on the tracks, blindfold in
> place, waiting for the train.
>
> -Time surfing (light on, wait 45 seconds, pull shot) is like standing
> on the tracks, running a stopwatch, and stepping off the tracks to see
> if the train is there, and hoping you got the timing correct.
>
> -Temp surfing with the digital readout was like trying to jump on a
> train as it ran through the station at speed.
>
> -PID is a leisurely boarding onto a stopped train with champagne
> served at the door by a very gracious porter..
>
> Beyond the convenience, and even beyond the accurate control of brew
> temperature, a PID allows user-adjustability of the brew temp and that
> is one factor that is often overlooked. The ability to easily match a
> brew temp to your coffee and taste is quite important.
>
> Along with many others here, there have been more than a few times
> when I have made a one or two degree change in brew temp and it has
> made a dramatic difference in the cup.
>
> If you are considering it, MLG has a really great kit to allow just
> about anyone with basic ability to use simple hand tools to install a
> PID kit in their Silvia. I have a review of this excellent and well
> thought out kit on my website at:
>
> http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/MLGpid.html
>
> It includes every single thing you need (down to the last wire) and an
> easy to follow, step by step set of instructions. The entire kit is
> easily removed from the machine if need be.
>
> I have a number of other chapters on PID control as well. I had done
> the time surfing (light comes on, wait "X" seconds, pull shot), and
> temp surfing (using a digital thermometer with sensor on the boiler),
> and combinations of same. In all the experiments and trials I did, no
> single factor in the process had as much benefit as when I added the
> PID.
>
> You can read more about the early experiments done by the pioneers of
> this on the Google archives:
>
> 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
>
> Finally, if it helps, no one has reported any regrets and all report
> improved quality in their espresso after PIDing their machine. Do you
> NEED to add PID to get good espresso? No. Does it help? Yes. Why?
> Because brew temperature control and accuracy is (IMO) the one factor
> left out of the equation in Silvia's design.
>
>
> Randy "works for me" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| | |
Date: 04 Aug 2006 19:51:27
From: Steve
Subject: Re: RG, does he keep the free stuff he writes up / raves about?
|
On 4 Aug 2006 10:12:36 -0700, "daveb" <davebobblane@gmail.com > wrote:
>OR!
>
>I'll do it for you. WITH A WARRANTY -- on all of it.
>
>P.S. did Randy G get to KEEP all of the parts for the 'pid' kit he was
>sent??
Look Dave, your kit contains no precut wiring, no connectors, no
mounting system, and no enclosure. Considering the time-consuming
process of trimming and soldering the wires and leads, your offering
seems overpriced, at best. Why would one buy a kit that only provides
the easiest to source parts and leaves out critical and tedious to
create parts?
http://www.mlgp-llc.com/PID/index.php has every single needed part
with a PDF of step-by-step instructions, well written and well
illustrated.
I wouldn't have even mentioned it, I would assume that your potential
clients would do a little research, but since you've decided to be
such a jerk as to dredge up a month old post in an impotent attempt to
attack a contributor to the group and shill your product I thought I'd
share.
BTW, I hope Randy kept the parts, it's a very nice offering from
http://www.mlgp-llc.com/PID/index.php and has a 7 day return policy
along with a 90 day warranty.
Have a great day.
|
| |
Date: 04 Aug 2006 21:10:58
From: daveb
Subject: Re: RG, does he keep the free stuff he writes up / raves about?
|
you are right of course, Steve, I should have started a new topic.
No, Steve my lil' kit is a fine value. -- please, oh please, tell me
where you will get a NEW 'pid' controller (NOT chinese, but Cal, made
in the UK) a NEW SSR, and a NEW TC.
for about $100, shipped?? http://tinyurl.com/rjqwl
This contains NO salvage parts whatsoever, bought on eBay under another
name. No giant 1/16 DIN controllers sold as a benefit and bought cheap
-- used.
Who needs a homemade enclosure and all that velcro? dangling wire
looms? 120 volts AC inside a velcro mounted doodad?? what happens when
it gets knocked off? Are there any appliance mfrs. in the WORLD
attaching shit to the sides of their units with VELCRO? so the owners
can detach it for warranty work???
The three people this week who have bought brand new silvias from me
with the mod (and one of the kits) apparently do not!
I offer a one year warranty -- P&L -- on the whole thing, Steve. the
silvia AND THE enhancement! Do you?? Does RG?? ( I guess they will
have to explain what's up with all the Velcro and glue that remains on
the side of the unit.)
Who needs all those instructions when they are out there for free
- use google. you HAVE heard of it?
in 3 weeks I've sold 5 of my kits,
to the US, Sweden and Australia, to rave comments I might add.
apparently you've never cut and terminated wires -- minimal time and
effort at worst. "critical and tedious parts" Oh my aching ass!
http://stores.ebay.com/HITECHESPRESSO-COM-since-1991_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm
Thank you. Have a nice day.
Dave
96
www.hitechespresso.com
|
| |
Date: 04 Aug 2006 21:10:41
From: daveb
Subject: Re: RG, does he keep the free stuff he writes up / raves about?
|
you are right of course, Steve, I should have started a new topic.
No, Steve my lil' kit is a fine value. -- please, oh please, tell me
where you will get a NEW 'pid' controller (NOT chinese, but Cal, made
in the UK) a NEW SSR, and a NEW TC.
for about $100, shipped?? http://tinyurl.com/rjqwl
This contains NO salvage parts whatsoever, bought on eBay under another
name. No giant 1/16 DIN controllers sold as a benefit and bought cheap
-- used.
Who needs a homemade enclosure and all that velcro? dangling wire
looms? 120 volts AC inside a velcro mounted doodad?? what happens when
it gets knocked off? Are there any appliance mfrs. in the WORLD
attaching shit to the sides of their units with VELCRO? so the owners
can detach it for warranty work???
The three people this week who have bought brand new silvias from me
with the mod (and one of the kits) apparently do not!
I offer a one year warranty -- P&L -- on the whole thing, Steve. the
silvia AND THE enhancement! Do you?? Does RG?? ( I guess they will
have to explain what's up with all the Velcro and glue that remains on
the side of the unit.)
Who needs all those instructions when they are out there for free
- use google. you HAVE heard of it?
in 3 weeks I've sold 5 of my kits,
to the US, Sweden and Australia, to rave comments I might add.
apparently you've never cut and terminated wires -- minimal time and
effort at worst. "critical and tedious parts" Oh my aching ass!
http://stores.ebay.com/HITECHESPRESSO-COM-since-1991_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm
Thank you. Have a nice day.
Dave
96
www.hitechespresso.com
Steve wrote:
> On 4 Aug 2006 10:12:36 -0700, "daveb" <davebobblane@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >OR!
> >
> >I'll do it for you. WITH A WARRANTY -- on all of it.
> >
> >P.S. did Randy G get to KEEP all of the parts for the 'pid' kit he was
> >sent??
>
> Look Dave, your kit contains no precut wiring, no connectors, no
> mounting system, and no enclosure. Considering the time-consuming
> process of trimming and soldering the wires and leads, your offering
> seems overpriced, at best. Why would one buy a kit that only provides
> the easiest to source parts and leaves out critical and tedious to
> create parts?
> http://www.mlgp-llc.com/PID/index.php has every single needed part
> with a PDF of step-by-step instructions, well written and well
> illustrated.
> I wouldn't have even mentioned it, I would assume that your potential
> clients would do a little research, but since you've decided to be
> such a jerk as to dredge up a month old post in an impotent attempt to
> attack a contributor to the group and shill your product I thought I'd
> share.
> BTW, I hope Randy kept the parts, it's a very nice offering from
> http://www.mlgp-llc.com/PID/index.php and has a 7 day return policy
> along with a 90 day warranty.
> Have a great day.
|
| | |
Date: 05 Aug 2006 15:07:38
From: Steve
Subject: Re: RG, does he keep the free stuff he writes up / raves about?
|
On 4 Aug 2006 21:10:41 -0700, "daveb" <davebobblane@gmail.com > wrote:
>you are right of course, Steve, I should have started a new topic.
No, Bertie Doe was right.
"Dave needs to 'advertise' his PID work and there's no such thing as
bad advertising and his comment about 112 posts proves the point. To
capture the maximum audience, he has 2 choices. 1] Write gripping
edge-of-the-seat, hi tech posts about espresso, or 2] Troll up a
couple of fish and titillate regulars and lurkers alike, throw a few
pies and scream 'victim' if there's return fire.
If the two fish stop taking the bait (when Hell freezes over) he'll
have to go a-trolling afresh. Shouldn't be too difficult - breaking
netiquet rules, throw a few pies etc, always guarantees results. It
ain't new or original, but you must admit ......it works!!"
I'm through being suckered by your tactics.
Buh bye.
|
| |
Date: 05 Aug 2006 10:13:09
From: daveb
Subject: Re: g'bye, steve.
|
look at the pot calling . . . well you know the rest, Stevie.
And I think a parts kit to do a 'pid' for $95.00 IS a gripping edge of
the seat drama!
To quote rg: "Buh-bye", stevie.
mwaaahhh!
Dave
96
|
|
