ECM Synchronika II not retaining preinfusion settings

MediumRoastSteam

giampiero - looks like the control unit was designed during the Oktoberfest… 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

More importantly, looks like ECM doesn’t have a clue themselves based on the reply asking the OP to return the machine to dealer to be “fixed”. 🤦 - unless there’s a new revision of the software.

ct4teepee

Thank you @giampiero for your suggestions. I have tried them all without success. Others who own the machine do not have the same experience with preinfusion; if the suggestion about Eco was the way to save a setting then it should be the case for 100% of users. It is not. Interestingly all other settings can be saved and are retained once the machine is switched back on which would indicate the microcontroller is not totally faulty. There may be just one logic gate that has failed??

What is also very interesting is that, now I have reset to factory defaults, Active is stuck at 4 seconds. So, clearly, the logic of writing to the NVM works fine otherwise the settings could not be reverted. So, I suspect, an error in coding somewhere.

The real issue for me, though, is that the design of the system does not allow a downloadable firmware to be flashed to fix an error. And of course no wifi or bluetooth so no remote upload of faults to ECM for diagnostic purposes.

My phone takes quite some time to auto focus, and I am using it one-handed, so apologies for the poor quality. Note the Active time (3 sec) compared to the same setting when I switch the machine back on (1 sec). Preinfusion

DavecUK

ct4teepee The real issue for me, though, is that the design of the system does not allow a downloadable firmware to be flashed to fix an error.

This is why I really like what ACS is doing.

ct4teepee

Yes but, the Vesuvius was out of my budget DavecUK

I’ll let you know should a fix be forthcoming

ct4teepee

DavecUK

This is why I really like what ACS is doing.

Does ACS support a downloadable firmware, Dave?

giampiero

As i wrote, i don’t own this machine so i’m trying to guess.

I saw in your video your preinfusion is OFF, maybe must to switch to ON to make the logic to save the values?????

ct4teepee

giampiero you’ve offered good ideas and I do appreciate it. Unfortunately the issue persists

ct4teepee

I’ve just discovered that the settings are retained if I change both Active AND Passive at the same time.

DavecUK

ct4teepee Does ACS support a downloadable firmware, Dave?

Yes, at the moment there is some on the Evo2 and Vostock via the little display, you can also put firmware into other parts of the machine via a usb port (using the Gicar display.

The Falcon I is their new machine using the SoC (System on a Chip Motherboard). This doesn’t really use any Gicar stuff. The mainboard is Wifi, BT capable, has ram video etc.. all on board and the power of a CPU as well supporting IO and Video IO, PID functionality RTC etc.. etc… They use standard easily available modern touch screens and connectors. The stuff is decades ahead of what Gicar still produce for the industry.

Firmware can be downloaded for the machine from a server, so software can always be updated. Although Falcon I is the first machine to have this full system, it will gradually roll out to all machines they make. It’s also a first in the industry to start using this approach and dump Gicar.

ct4teepee

DavecUK

Wow, very, VERY interesting. Thanks @DavecUK

matt123

I resolved this bug by changing both the ACTIVE and PASSIVE pre-infusion times to temporary values, then back to the different values I wanted to store as default. After doing this, my settings were correctly saved after a power cycle.

ct4teepee

matt123 I resolved this bug by changing both the ACTIVE and PASSIVE pre-infusion times to temporary values, then back to the different values I wanted to store as default. After doing this, my settings were correctly saved after a power cycle.

Yeah, that’s the temporary fix I noted 23rd Aug @matt123

Now I’m waiting for an update to the firmware that fixes this, and another bug ( loosing the cumulative water usage associated with the internal filter reminder). No doubt it will be forthcoming

DarkShadow

ct4teepee The fact that a user cannot do this without going to their dealer is bonkers. The Sync 2 has been on my list after selling my original one but I’m going to hang fire for a while.

ct4teepee

DarkShadow And of course, the problem gets worse as the dealer doesn’t know anything about the new firmware or have access to the most recent update. And, the firmware developer doesn’t have access to customer feedback from real-world use.

The situation is more 1980s than mid 2020s

DarkShadow

ct4teepee Where are you based, UK? Did you get it from Bella? Really surprised if that’s their response

ct4teepee

DarkShadow No, not in the UK. And, to be fair, my comments aren’t aimed at the resellers so I wouldn’t name them anyway.

The problem is that there has been decades of little innovation in machines. Until ACS, Lelit, and Decent started disrupting the space, Gicar had a pretty strong hold. I suspect, but can’t be certain, that this may have limited the innovation that would see the electronic controllers more serviceable by the owner. Certainly we should be able to track firmware revisions and know which addressed what. Also to report issues directly to the manufacturer or firmware maintainer. And, of course, to be able to upload new revisions as the are released. I guess these changes will come in time. Until then …

DavecUK

ct4teepee CAGAR had a pretty strong hold. I suspect, but can’t be certain, that this may have limited the innovation that would see the electronic controllers more serviceable by the owner.

Gicar has held back espresso machine development for decades…which is why ACS developed their SoC mainboard, out of the grip of expensive and dated Gicar tech.

DarkShadow

ct4teepee It seems we’re all in agreement with this. I’m still holding fire to see the next wave of innovation, esp users being able to service their own machines without getting bent over a barrel for certain parts

ct4teepee

DavecUK Oops, thanks for the nudge @DavecUK . I’ve edited my poor spelling (an unintentionally offensive word in Spanish)

DavecUK

DarkShadow without getting bent over a barrel for certain parts

I think the whole parts side is problematic for all makes of machines….there needs to be some innovation and change. this is because coffee machines as working devices using water/steam/seals etc.. will always need parts. Worse still sometimes a whole expensive part is sold rather than just an O ring or seal costing pennies.

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