ECM Synchronika II not retaining preinfusion settings

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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