A few people have asked some questions about the EC155 tamper size, replacement frothing wands, etc. I’ll keep updating this page with answers to common questions.

Tamper Size

The EC155 uses a 52mm tamper (about 2 inches), and the guys over at coffeegeek recommend the RSVP Terry’s Tamper, which weighs in at a mere $6.95.

Frothing Wand

I’ve been looking around for a suitable replacement tip and/or wand for the EC155, and I’ve stumbled on a decent solution (thanks to people in this thread). Head over to your local hardware store or Home Depot and purchase a M6 x 1.0 acorn nut (stainless steel). Drill a 1/16″ hole in the tip, I drilled from the inside of the nut using a drill press and some 3-in-one. After drilling the hole, get a larger bit and drill from the other side  to remove burrs. Be sure to wash thoroughly before use! The tip seems to work quite well, although I think a smaller hole could improve performance.

Feel free to leave a comment if you’ve found a tip or wand that fits. For more information, check out this thread on coffeegeek.

Frothing Pitcher

I’ve found that a 12oz pitcher seems to work best size-wise with the EC155. The 12oz pitcher is also short enough to allow milk frothing with a acorn nut tip, without a steam wand extension. This pitcher (~$14)  is similar to the one I use. There are also cheaper options, but it’s nice to have a sturdy pitcher with a spout.

You can also get a cheap or more expensive frothing thermometer, or you can just use a cheap meat thermometer (which works well, although it won’t clip on your pitcher nicely).

Baskets

I’ve been unable to find much information regarding basket size of the EC155, but this thread looks promising. I’ll add the dimensions of the stock basket in the near future.

Shot Glasses/Carafes

Since the EC155 has very little clearance under the portafilter, you won’t be able to pull shots into a mug (unless you remove the drip tray, which is quite awkward). These double-walled thermo-glasses work very well, but any vessel shorter than the 2″ of space under the portafilter will work just fine.

This is a build log of my PID modification to my DeLonghi EC155 espresso machine. Currently, the machine uses an Arduino to drive a solid-state relay controlling the heating coil. The Arduino displays mode and temperature on a serial lcd, and also dumps status information over the serial port.

Update 1: I’ve ordered parts for a permanent install on protoboard, after I finish the install, I’ll update this post with build instructions and details. I will also provide a link to a mouser project where you can order most of the parts in one place.

Update 2: Parts are in, permanent install will begin shortly.

Update 3: Soldered up PCB, everything seems to work except for the serial bus that the MAX6675 chips are on. I’ll look into it over the weekend (8/13/10)

Update 4: Everything is assembled and functional, and I made an aluminum case thing for the LCD and rotary encoder. Photos to come soon. (8/25/10)

This post is one of a series of posts regarding mods I have done to my EC155

Required Parts:

• Thermocouple ($2, ebay)
• MAX6675 (maxim-ic) (now sold by sparkfun! 7/17/10)
• Arduino-bootloaded AVR  of some sort ($30, sparkfun)
• Solid-State Relay 25A+ ($7, ebay)
• Switch (any type will do)

Optional Parts:

• Serial LCD ($25, sparkfun)
• OSRAM SLR/SLG/SLO 2206 LED Display (driver coming to ZonCoffee soon, will require shift register)
• Screw Shield ($10, sparkfun)
• Rotary Encoder

My build is currently on a Arduino board with a screw shield, but I’m planning on making a PCB soon. I’ll update this page with links where you can purchase the PCB (probably through batchPCB) in the near future.

Software:

• Modified BBCC code (arduino sketch)
• Modified MAX6675 library
• BBCC plotter (processing sketch) [link]

Construction:

1. Installing the SSR and Thermocouple (coming soon)
2. Connecting the electronics (coming soon)
3. Editing and uploading the software (coming soon)
4. Calibrating the thermocouple (coming soon)

The DeLonghi EC155 is a fairly well-built consumer pump espresso machine. It ships with a pressurized portafilter of a non-standard diameter, so finding a non-pressurized replacement is challenging. Instead of purchasing a new portafilter, depressurizing the EC-155′s portafilter is extremely easy.

This post is one of a series of posts regarding mods I have done to my EC155

Non-permanent method:

1. Unscrew the plastic retaining knob on the bottom of the pressurized filter assembly

2. Push the plastic nozzle to remove the filter assembly

3. Remove the filter and plastic piece from the gasket

4. Re-assemble the gasket and filter, leaving out the black plastic pressurizer

5. Place the gasket and filter assembly back in the filter holder

6. Note that oils and grounds can become trapped in the filter holder, so be sure to wash it often. You’re done!

Permanent Method:

1.Disassemble the portafilter down to the plastic piece with the pressurized nozzle

2. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers or a flathead screwdriver, pry off the plastic ring holding the pressurization nozzle together and remove the pin and spring.

Warning: the spring might fly out and hit you. Don’t be pointing it at your face.

3. Re-assemble and use as normal. Save the plunger, plastic ring, and spring in case you want to repressurize it later.