Temp Gauge Sensor for Inside Grouphead?

Flat_Eric

I’ve seen several videos where a flexible probe has been placed over the edge of the portafilter and then inserted into the grouphead, the other end of the probe wire is connected to a digital temperature gauge to ascertain the temperature of the brew water. I have several temp gauges but all have a cylindrical probe and cannot find any for sale with the flat/flexible end.

My plan is to experiment with brew temperatures on my Europiccola. Anyone know where the temp gauges with the flexi end are available or if there is a way to modify the cylindrical sensor ends? Below is a pic of the type of gauge I have.

DavecUK

Flat_Eric I’ve seen several videos where a flexible probe has been placed over the edge of the portafilter and then inserted into the grouphead, the other end of the probe wire is connected to a digital temperature gauge to ascertain the temperature of the brew water. I have several temp gauges but all have a cylindrical probe and cannot find any for sale with the flat/flexible end.

I watched the video you put up and his probe is simply stripped back wires leading to the thermocouple junction. He has spread the wires slightly and wrapped kapton tape around them. I don’t much like the look of that blob of solder where the wires go back into the sheath, that may have set up a second junction….as would any short between the wires, or should the bare wire rub through onto the group portafilter holder.

You can easily make something like that yourself using a standard thermocouple….the actual junction is tiny…strip back any sheath/silicon tip material…you’re left with 2 very thin wires…then you just need some kapton tape..

MediumRoastSteam

Attach that some some Sugru to the group. I’ve tried and it works.

Personally, I’d just attach a fish tank temp strip to the group and that’s equally effective, less bulky and non-intrusive.

Flat_Eric

I currently have two probes already attached to the outside of the group, I was looking for one that would go inside. The video below shows what I’m looking for at 1:19. This guys ebay store is no longer available. I’ve tried emailing but no reply as yet.

MediumRoastSteam

I see. Personally, I think you are over complicating things. 👍 no matter what you do, you’ll never know really the temperature of the water heating the puck. Everything will always be wild guesses. If I were you, I’d just stick a temp strip to the group, get rid of all that wiring and enjoy the simplicity of the machine. (Speaking from experience with two La Pavonis) 😉

Flat_Eric

MediumRoastSteam I think you are over complicating things

You are probably right in what you say, but I need something to obsess over, to occupy my mind and keep me from the slippery slope of watching Loose Women on daytime tv. I’m pretty much housebound at the moment and can only go out with a carer.

Flat_Eric

Thank you Dave, I’ll have a go at that. I have several of these temp gauges to work with and they come in at less than £2 each.

I had an email back from the guy in the video, he has stuff for sale that he makes for the Pav. One of these temp gauges works out at almost £30 when converted from euros and the postage added, so I have nothing to loose and everything to gain having a go myself!

MediumRoastSteam

Flat_Eric - 👍- that will keep you busy for sure!

If your Pavoni has the teflon sleeve, try the “dry pump” method. You’ll see how fast it heats the group, without having to waste any water. It also helps in removing trapped air and you ending up with a “sponge pull”. I’m not sure if it works with the sleeveless groups, 49mm pre millennium. Anything, just ask away! 👍

Another thing to keep yourself occupied with is coffee roasting. A lot of fun, and sooooo much to take in.

Flat_Eric

MediumRoastSteam Thanks! My Pav is a post millennium so I’m presuming it has the teflon sleeve. I usually do a few dry pumps to bring the external GH temp up to the high 80s before pulling a shot. The temp will raise gradually to 94 or 95 before I finish. Anything less produces a sour shot!

As for roasting: Many years ago I used to work a few hundred yard from a coffee roaster. The smoke belched out across the pavement from the roasting drum in the shop front window. It was a heavenly aroma, but health and safety has long since done away with this. I have visions of someone calling the fire brigade when they see the plumes of smoke emanating from my little bungalow! 😆