First Mochaccino!

First Mochaccino!
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

My first mochaccino since my espresso machine went kaput. Thanks for MikeP and another Chicago coffeegeek, Scott, helped me fix my machine. The foam tastes better with cranked up steam pressure. I need to work on the pull and the pour...

Read My Mind BY The Killers.

Operation Espresso.

The eagle has landed, and the replacement is here. The swap has to wait because I managed to yank loose (don’t ask) the springs that support the plate which the water reservoir sits on. I will need to find some new springs and the heat sinking thermal compound paste this weekend before the “Operation Espresso”.

Forza Barista!

Just in case you want to know about the people who make your daily coffee, and the barista competition. (Thanks JimmyO for this find.)

Problem Solved!

I dragged my 50 plus pound espresso machine to Mike’s house yesterday with a hope to find the cause of my failed machine.

Scott, a local coffeegeek showed up to help. With two brilliant minds, they figured out the problem of my machine. They tugged and followed the wires, multimeter tested the components and they determined that the solid state relay (SSR), an electrical switch, had gone bad. It was a great feeling when I heard the heating element roared back to live with a temporary connection.

From my understanding of the issue is that the corrosion around the SSR caused it not able to dissipate heat properly and that ultimately fried the SSR. All I need now is to order a replacement and connecting the wires to the corresponding terminals.

I can smell and taste the sweet espresso already...Guys, thanks for your help...

Cautiously Bullish.

Teaser.
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

I am taking my busted machine to Mike’s place tomorrow and have an open troubleshoot session. Hopefully provided with these two pounds of great beans can entice some local talented coffeegeeks to come out and find just what the heck is wrong with my machine.

Western Regional Barista Competition.

Kyle at the WRBC
Originally uploaded by tonx.

One of my favorite baristi finished a close 2nd place at WRBC last weekend. Kyle G., everybody.

The Soundlovers - People

I enjoyed and still do listen to this particular eurodance mix CD from early 2000, and I never thought this music video exists...Good deal!

Nonplus!

No Coffee
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

Met up with Mike at Intelly during lunch. He came armed with a digital multimeter tester, and the thermal fuse turned out to be okay. I will have to test the heating element on my own per Mike's instructions (that should be comical). Pulling home espresso has to wait a bit longer...

I never thought I would get my hands on the innards of an espresso machine, that is for the hardcore coffeegeeks. I am being forced to do it, just because I don't want to pay the tall or venti shipping charges...I dunno...

Let Me See The Light.

I have been trying to locate the faulty part on my espresso machine for the last two days, the stupid part that mercilessly took away my daily espresso/cappuccino enjoyment.

From my friend Mike with his own experience, and somebody else who had the same nightmare, we think he thinks (I have no clue) the most likely culprit is the “Thermal Fuse”. I will disconnect this little menace and have Mike to give it a test.

Let Me Have My Espresso.

I am zeroing in on the possible trouble maker that fried my espresso machine. With the help from my fellow coffeegeek Mike, who thinks the faulty high-limit thermostat is the perpetrator.

I hope I’ll be able to replace the part without any major bloopers, because I am not good at this type of stuff. It has been too long and I can’t wait to try some tasty espresso.

SEXY!

SEXY!
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

How do you like me now?? I got my picture on display and to be admired by others...

The truth is that you can get yours from dumpr.net.

Steve-O!

Steve Fritzen
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

I had a quick chat with Steve from Coffee Hound a couple of days ago, also to congratulate his top finish at the 2007 Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition. Steve is helluva great guy and he always wears a smile. On the phone, he told me the point difference between 1st place and 3rd place finish is merely 23 points, and Steve’s 3rd place score almost matches the top score from last year’s United States Barista Championship (USBC). Matt, Amber, and Steve, this trio is going to be hard to beat at the 2007 USBC in Long Beach this May. I see one from Western Regional (Kyle G.) and 2 from Pacific North West join the hunt for the national title…

You Go Now ...

I enjoyed this guy's routine years ago, and I am happy to find this clip!