Odyssey Argo

dfk41

I see over on HB, that a chap has just received his Odyssey. Be interesting to see how fast, or slowly, they can match them to orders. Has anyone here taken the plunge?

DavecUK

I’d love to hear more about it from any of our members who receive one…

Amberale

I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks now.
It is very solid and appears well made.
It heats up in about 5 minutes.
When heating up it runs the boiler hotter as the group head is still relatively cool. This means that the boiler is at a higher pressure which helps with pre-infusion and evacuating the air from the group.
I am still having some difficulties getting more than 30g from an 18g dose without a Fellini.
There is a new valve for the inlet coming soon which should make it easier to get larger shots.
I tried it initially as a direct lever and now have it with the 8bar spring.
It took around 5 minutes to change over(four cap screws and the pressure gauge had to be removed).
Mine came with 6,7 and 8 bar springs.
I have bolted mine to an old timber chopping board.
It isn’t unstable but for that first shot in the morning I prefer to not have to concentrate.
I have probably only pulled a dozen or so shots so far and need to do a bit more practice.
I sort of wish it was a smaller group and i am considering buying a Sworks billet portafilter but it seems ridiculous to spend 500bucks on a PF for a 2,000 dollar machine.
So far I am very happy with it.
Oh, the coffee is great.

MediumRoastSteam

Amberale When heating up it runs the boiler hotter as the group head is still relatively cool. This means that the boiler is at a higher pressure which helps with pre-infusion and evacuating the air from the group.

If the machine doesn’t have a pump, having the boiler under pressure is the only way to push water through to fill the group. So it’s not that it “helps” - it’s purely by design. 😊👍

Same principle for the La Pavoni or other dipper lever machines.

Nice machine. Keep us posted.

dfk41

Amberale I think it is a lovely looking machine and in a couple of years when you can buy them from stock, any issues are sorted out then I may buy one (if my wife lets me). I get terribly confused but is that a Strietman next to it? Would be interesting over the holidays if you get time, to pull a couple of shots on each whilst making a video. I think we ought to see more videos on this forum of either exotic or vintage kit. I know you have a Caravel as I do. I always enjoy using mine. I also have a La Pavoni and to be honest, I have never really used it properly. Perhaps I will start a thread for people to post photos and discuss the kit they own but do not use every day!

tompoland

MediumRoastSteam hadn’t thought of that so thanks for the insight.

I guess open boiler systems like the Strietman would be an exception? Lever is raised, water from the boiler goes under the piston, lever is lowered thus creating the pressure?

Or perhaps I’m missing your point regarding filling the group head initially.

Amberale

MediumRoastSteam

Yep, the difference being that the Argos monitors both temps and adjusts the boiler temp to achieve the desired brewing temperature.
So if the machine has only been on for five minutes the boiler is up around 2 bar, if it has been on for 20+ minutes (even though it goes into standby mode after ten minutes) then the group heats up and the boiler cools and sits around 2 bar.
It just makes it easier to purge the air at 2 bar.
The App makes it very easy to see what the temp situation is.

Amberale

dfk41

Yes, that is a CT1 with a Naked “Fork Handle” and pressure gauge.
It is a different beast.
Very simple and easy to use.
Similar to the Caravel but a lot sturdier.

I haven’t loaded any videos as I don’t have a YouTube account and couldn’t really be faffed creating one.
I don’t think I can load a video straight from my phone to this platform.

MediumRoastSteam

tompoland - not sure about the Strietman (can’t remember the design), but if it’s open boiler, then it cannot have pressure… so presumably it’s fed by gravity.

DavecUK

Amberale I haven’t loaded any videos as I don’t have a YouTube account and couldn’t really be faffed creating one.
I don’t think I can load a video straight from my phone to this platform.

Sadly no, although we have disk space, it would be eaten up in short order. It’s really easy to create a YT account.

Amberale

"DavecUK

Yeah but it is the first step to becoming a ’fluencer.
I fear the power going to my already planet sized head.
Before you could shout “Arabica!” I would have lip filler, butt cheek implants and have moved to an Island in the Caribbean where voluptuous millenials could cater to my every whim.
🤣
I’ll see what I can do.

dfk41

Amberale If you find a decent lip filler matey, be sure to share it!

Enea_

Amberale

Have you by any chance tried to change the shower screen? And if yes, how did you manage?

Amberale

Enea_

I had a bit of a go but gave up.
I think the easiest way is to remove the piston and tap it out with a piece of pvc/cardboard pipe from above.

Enea_

Thank you! That sounds like a good idea.