I’ve watched a few videos on how to do this. I really like the clean look of doing it this way. I just finished doing this myself and I’m very pleased with the irl results. Very quick, simple, and clean. It took me longer to get my tools out than it did to complete this project. Thanks for the video.
Hi Sam, thanks for this. I really like this dimmer and how you have it mounted. When I saw Lances dimmer I thought I couldnt do that to my GCP. I will look into this one. Love my machine and have modded it a bit but have not pulled the trigger n a PID yet. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks! I ended up installing something similar and am happy with the result. During install I noticed how close the dimmer chip is to the boiler! Do you worry about the dimmer components overheating being mounted inside the machine near the boiler? I’ve noticed many kits place the dimmer outside the machine in some sort of housing
@@dbak629 With my placement I wasn’t too worried about it, especially since it’s so cheap and can be replaced easily with my having used wire nuts instead of soldering to attach the wires. You can definitely do that though if it’s a concern! I think the main reason some people do it in a separate housing is so that they don’t have to drill a hole in the Gaggia case more than anything.
Nice vid and really digging the compact sized dimmer switch compared to all the large size ones that I saw out there! Would love to see your 'float' auto refill water tank setup! Please do a video soon :)
Hmm I have a 2010 model, comes with 1 red wire and 2 gray from the pump. With that said, I think you mentioned you want to cut the wire coming from the solenoid to the pump? I was initially going to punt on the red one..
Yes. You want the dimmer in after the solenoid. If you go before it, it’ll shut the solenoid off when you turn the pump off, which will let the pressure off your puck before you want that to happen
Yep! Here you go: Espresso Shot Glass 3-Ounce Triple Pitcher Barista Double Spouts With Pouring Handle (2 Pack) smile.amazon.com/dp/B07R1LWZ7S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BT85NNPEMXA4H57Q6897?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I think I remember it being a lot cheaper when I ordered it a long time ago, but the price of everything’s gone up since then
I have an interesting problem, is that after I installed dimmer I'm not longer able to achieve 9 bar pressure. The first few shots after the dimmer were OK and I was at 9 bar, however afterwards the pressure was at best 8 bars and often 7 bars. Its not I don't like the 8 bar express but just curious why it would have such change. I understand the pressure is built up mainly by the coffee, and I did kep everything the same, same coffee bean, same grind size and same dose.
I haven’t heard of this happening before, I’m not sure what the cause is. Is there a chance that the dimmer you used is lower voltage than the pump? Or maybe the dimmer is adding some impedance to the circuit?
Hey I really enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing, and it's great to see what you can do with this mod. I really like also how you have the PID mounted to the top of the machine instead of the side. I'm looking into doing this myself now, thanks to you, and I was wondering if you could share how you accomplished this?
hey great vid. The mods look pretty neat. I just got a new EU version and was hesitant to mod it before warranty and your encouragement definitely nudges me into it :) For starters I first want to understand how everything works but havent been able to make sense out of the wiring diagrams floating around. Would be great if you could point me to something with some hints or make a video on this.
Awesome! That was my hope. Why do we get so scared to do extra things to the stuff we love that would make it even MORE enjoyable to us? After doing all I have to my machine, making espresso drinks is more fun, and easier than ever before. Plus it gives me the control I need to follow crazy recipes that other people recommend
Definitely. I’ve been enjoying playing with it like a lever machine with no gauge, and have been pulling some pretty amazing shots. But it would be easier to copy other people’s profiles if it had a pressure gauge for sure
I did this, gauge, dimmer, all of it! It’s neat. Sam was an inspiration, among others. The dimmer is the single most significant mod. Here’s how it all works - ua-cam.com/video/val-K-Z_YCM/v-deo.html
Hello, nice dimmer mod, i bought the same dimmer and want to install on my gcp. Did you pay attention to the line in and line out cables on the dimmer? Does it matter which one goes where? Thank you
Is there any point in adjusting the pressure valve if you are putting the dimmer switch in? It seems that the pressure is going up as you increase the voltage so if i leave my gaggia set with its 14 bar pressure valve then i just only need to turn up the dimmer as high as optimal for the extraction?
I guess there really isn’t that I can think of off the top of my head🤔. The dimmer mod though only slows the pump down, it doesn’t limit your max pressure. So the pump will still “pump up to” 14 bars if there is enough resistance in your coffee puck to support it. I think I’d still limit the max pressure to 9 bars, but it’s probably not absolutely necessary
Followed your advice and threw in this dimmer on my Anniversary model! There was enough room to move the dimmer switch to line up on center with the steam knob (less noticeable and out of the way of the anniversary artwork) but it won't be centered on that flat side like yours. I didn't want a random knob on the artwork anyway. This is such a clean mod and works tremendously. I notices much drier pucks, better extraction, and less water waste than the steam knob trick (I still use that trick to make americanos since its faster. Kudos and thanks for taking the time to help make this machine better! I don't comment much or subscribe but I'm a fan of yours. Looking forward to if/when you may add a pressure gauge :)
Awesome! I’d love to see it if you’d consider sending me a picture of it. I’m so glad you found it so useful😊. I’ve noticed drier pucks too! Besides that, it’s made “dialing in” so much easier. I get my grind “close enough” now, and then adjust my pressure to get it the rest of the way there. I almost always get a perfect shot these days since doing the mod, and it’s made making espresso so much more fun
hey buds, just did this to my pre 2015 GC, followed sam's video / used this dimmer, but wiring is a little different for our non pros, you wanna tap the red wire coming from the pump switch fyi (on mine the red actually went to a connector and then to a skinny white wire that connected to pump) see this video for example of red wire ua-cam.com/video/DhBAAV4Xt_g/v-deo.html see schematic for non pro GC here: wiki.wholelattelove.com/images/a/aa/CLASSIC_Electrical_Diagram.pdf
@@Thangtri I never have measured it. But it’s just a drip. With the portafilter full of coffee on it doesn’t make enough pressure to full soak the puck. I have to turn it up from the lowest to get a good pre-infusion
@@Thangtri Oh wow, yeah I’d change it to a lower wattage one and see what happens. I’m guessing, and this is just a guess, that mine starts at 1-2 bars
You’re right. 3 way’s not what you want. They must’ve changed the listing. After a quick search, this (www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQFZFHR/ref=aod_recommendations_asins_pageSource_mobile_gp_customers-who-viewed-also-viewed_5809_5) is the closest thing I found to what you need. You may be able to find something similar or better (lower wattage) on another site, maybe radio shack? Anyways, I hope this helps! I’ll delete the broken link
It was the PID kit from Shades of Coffee. I freaking LOVE IT. I thought it would be hard to install or use, but if you just go step by step and double check yourself, then follow the instructions to learn how to change settings, it’s super easy and very nice. If I had to do it over again a hundred times I’d still pay the same money for the same kit. Very pleased
Nice! I love my PID. The dimmer allows me to pressure profile:). Look up espresso pressure profiling. It allows me to do a real preinfusion by shutting the pump off a few seconds into the brew, essentially giving it a “bloom” phase. And it REALLY reduces channeling
@@samburchard1778 how can I make that sure. Thats exactly my problem :D. Short google revealed they can only handle 1w or so. I guess they are not intended to be used at 220v. Which made me wonder if this this must "burn" all power which the pump does not use. This means turning on the pump switch but keep the dimmer shut would heat up the dimmer (45w). If this is the case I wonder how long it would last if you don't open the dimmer. Also you can find several burned dimmers online. I guess it happens when they have to handle to much power.
Good question! The reason I wait that long is because while the boiler is up to temp, the rest of the machine is still relatively cold. If you just go right away, all your parts cool down your shot as you’re pulling it. If you want perfect consistency though, you need to let it get fully thermally saturated, which takes roughly 20 minutes depending on how hot you have it set
this is badass and I want to do all the things... but I want to have them connected to a raspberry pi with a custom coded interface on a touchscreen display =]
@@samburchard1778 I'm 99% sure I can pull off the coding and ML model building required if I had the data to work with... also I've never actually worked with a rasp pi or arduino before, but I do understand OOP so I'd imagine I'd figure it out pretty quick. tbh getting this far down the rabbit hole, I've almost been considering trying to entirely build a machine from scratch, cause I mean, what even is a machine really. I've even been tinkering with the idea of an "automatic manual lever" machine... in that there is a piston activated chamber in the group, but using a motor and gearing and a feedback loop control "all the things" just like a manual shot on something like the flair 58 lol but I would have to imagine doing 'all the things' for the gaggia couldn't be that complex
not gonna lie... just had the idea..... why are we still making esPRESSo..... why not esPULLo ..... using a vacuum to suck through with pressure rather than pushing thru!!
Look for “shot mirror” on etsy! I was going to put a link, but that doesn’t seem to be working for whatever reason. Mine’s homemade, but there are much better options now I’ve discovered
Just a single pole dimmer switch. I’d go for one that can handle at least 100w just to be on the safe side. I’m in the US, so I don’t have any good knowledge on where to shop for one for the EU, but good luck! I hope I was able to help:)
FYI, my pump had its power rating on its label, it is 45W.
Thank you for letting us know! That means a 100w dimmer switch is MORE than sufficient
I’ve watched a few videos on how to do this. I really like the clean look of doing it this way.
I just finished doing this myself and I’m very pleased with the irl results. Very quick, simple, and clean. It took me longer to get my tools out than it did to complete this project.
Thanks for the video.
Absolutely! I’m so glad you had as good an experience as I did. And love yours just as much!
Hi Sam, thanks for this. I really like this dimmer and how you have it mounted. When I saw Lances dimmer I thought I couldnt do that to my GCP. I will look into this one. Love my machine and have modded it a bit but have not pulled the trigger n a PID yet. Looking forward to the next video.
lance's dimmer was ugly af lol
Brilliant demo! Makes the gaggia look and function like a machine 5 x the price! Thanks very much
Some good shit right there! Greetings from the Netherlands
Thanks! I ended up installing something similar and am happy with the result. During install I noticed how close the dimmer chip is to the boiler! Do you worry about the dimmer components overheating being mounted inside the machine near the boiler? I’ve noticed many kits place the dimmer outside the machine in some sort of housing
@@dbak629 With my placement I wasn’t too worried about it, especially since it’s so cheap and can be replaced easily with my having used wire nuts instead of soldering to attach the wires. You can definitely do that though if it’s a concern! I think the main reason some people do it in a separate housing is so that they don’t have to drill a hole in the Gaggia case more than anything.
Did this exact mod on a Saeco ViaVenezia. Takes it to the next level.
Awesome!! I agree, completely different machine after the mod
Really nicely done!! Perfect device and installation.
Nice vid and really digging the compact sized dimmer switch compared to all the large size ones that I saw out there! Would love to see your 'float' auto refill water tank setup! Please do a video soon :)
I will man! No worries. Just been super busy at work lately
It's up now! ua-cam.com/video/vgV9vEuHIOk/v-deo.html
@@samburchard1778 Nice!
Hmm I have a 2010 model, comes with 1 red wire and 2 gray from the pump.
With that said, I think you mentioned you want to cut the wire coming from the solenoid to the pump?
I was initially going to punt on the red one..
Yes. You want the dimmer in after the solenoid. If you go before it, it’ll shut the solenoid off when you turn the pump off, which will let the pressure off your puck before you want that to happen
Thanks works great and looks clean
Looks good, looking forward to doing this mod myself and chaining up this video with your autofill video that seems out already. Subed and liked!
Nice vid...do u have link to measuring cup u brewed into?
Yep! Here you go: Espresso Shot Glass 3-Ounce Triple Pitcher Barista Double Spouts With Pouring Handle (2 Pack) smile.amazon.com/dp/B07R1LWZ7S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BT85NNPEMXA4H57Q6897?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I think I remember it being a lot cheaper when I ordered it a long time ago, but the price of everything’s gone up since then
Ulka pump usually draws 45-48w.
Looking forward to more of your mods
I have an interesting problem, is that after I installed dimmer I'm not longer able to achieve 9 bar pressure. The first few shots after the dimmer were OK and I was at 9 bar, however afterwards the pressure was at best 8 bars and often 7 bars. Its not I don't like the 8 bar express but just curious why it would have such change. I understand the pressure is built up mainly by the coffee, and I did kep everything the same, same coffee bean, same grind size and same dose.
I haven’t heard of this happening before, I’m not sure what the cause is. Is there a chance that the dimmer you used is lower voltage than the pump? Or maybe the dimmer is adding some impedance to the circuit?
Hey I really enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing, and it's great to see what you can do with this mod. I really like also how you have the PID mounted to the top of the machine instead of the side. I'm looking into doing this myself now, thanks to you, and I was wondering if you could share how you accomplished this?
Sure! I just used double sided tape to stick it on:). My Mr. Shades kit came with it. I’m so glad the video helped!!
Thanks for sharing this!
Sure!
hey great vid. The mods look pretty neat. I just got a new EU version and was hesitant to mod it before warranty and your encouragement definitely nudges me into it :) For starters I first want to understand how everything works but havent been able to make sense out of the wiring diagrams floating around. Would be great if you could point me to something with some hints or make a video on this.
Awesome! That was my hope. Why do we get so scared to do extra things to the stuff we love that would make it even MORE enjoyable to us? After doing all I have to my machine, making espresso drinks is more fun, and easier than ever before. Plus it gives me the control I need to follow crazy recipes that other people recommend
After 6 months, is this still working well? Have you had any problems with your pump?
Working perfectly! No problems whatsoever
Wouldn't pairing this the pressure gauge be nice? Seems like if your pressure profiling you would like to see the pressure it's at.
Definitely. I’ve been enjoying playing with it like a lever machine with no gauge, and have been pulling some pretty amazing shots. But it would be easier to copy other people’s profiles if it had a pressure gauge for sure
I did this, gauge, dimmer, all of it! It’s neat. Sam was an inspiration, among others. The dimmer is the single most significant mod. Here’s how it all works - ua-cam.com/video/val-K-Z_YCM/v-deo.html
Hello, nice dimmer mod, i bought the same dimmer and want to install on my gcp. Did you pay attention to the line in and line out cables on the dimmer? Does it matter which one goes where? Thank you
It doesn’t matter which end connects to which wire on the dimmer:)
@@samburchard1778 thanks a lot.
Is there any point in adjusting the pressure valve if you are putting the dimmer switch in? It seems that the pressure is going up as you increase the voltage so if i leave my gaggia set with its 14 bar pressure valve then i just only need to turn up the dimmer as high as optimal for the extraction?
I guess there really isn’t that I can think of off the top of my head🤔. The dimmer mod though only slows the pump down, it doesn’t limit your max pressure. So the pump will still “pump up to” 14 bars if there is enough resistance in your coffee puck to support it. I think I’d still limit the max pressure to 9 bars, but it’s probably not absolutely necessary
Followed your advice and threw in this dimmer on my Anniversary model! There was enough room to move the dimmer switch to line up on center with the steam knob (less noticeable and out of the way of the anniversary artwork) but it won't be centered on that flat side like yours. I didn't want a random knob on the artwork anyway. This is such a clean mod and works tremendously. I notices much drier pucks, better extraction, and less water waste than the steam knob trick (I still use that trick to make americanos since its faster. Kudos and thanks for taking the time to help make this machine better! I don't comment much or subscribe but I'm a fan of yours. Looking forward to if/when you may add a pressure gauge :)
Awesome! I’d love to see it if you’d consider sending me a picture of it. I’m so glad you found it so useful😊. I’ve noticed drier pucks too! Besides that, it’s made “dialing in” so much easier. I get my grind “close enough” now, and then adjust my pressure to get it the rest of the way there. I almost always get a perfect shot these days since doing the mod, and it’s made making espresso so much more fun
Hey Sam, curious about drilling into the gcp. Any tips on how you made the hole for the dimmer?
Yep! I’d use a step drill bit if you have one, or start with a small bit and work your way up to the right size if not (that’s what I did)
Thank you for sharing!
Can’t find your link to purchase that dimmer. What can I search for on Amazon?
I would search for “lamp dimmer switch replacement” or something like that. And look for one that’s rated for 60-200 watts
Hey great vid want to try this on my pre 2015 gaggia classic, any wiring guide on that? I also have the shades pid
hey buds, just did this to my pre 2015 GC, followed sam's video / used this dimmer, but wiring is a little different for our non pros, you wanna tap the red wire coming from the pump switch fyi (on mine the red actually went to a connector and then to a skinny white wire that connected to pump) see this video for example of red wire ua-cam.com/video/DhBAAV4Xt_g/v-deo.html see schematic for non pro GC here: wiki.wholelattelove.com/images/a/aa/CLASSIC_Electrical_Diagram.pdf
did this to My gcp thanks to this video. I also have the notte grinder. my espresso is 100% better. thanks, sam. :)
Nice would like to see pid and your pid mount
I used the Mr. Shades kit! It included double sided tape. I used that to stick it to the lid. It’s perfect there
Do you know anything about using a potentiometer instead of a dimmer. Like how to wire it and if a you need to use a capacitor?
I don’t, no. But I’m open to learning about it!
after 6 months, is your machine still working ok?
Using dimmer mod will affect the life of the pump?
Yes, it’s working great. I pull about 6 shots a week give or take, and not a single problem
At the lowest setting, how many grams of water per second does your machine flow?
@@Thangtri I never have measured it. But it’s just a drip. With the portafilter full of coffee on it doesn’t make enough pressure to full soak the puck. I have to turn it up from the lowest to get a good pre-infusion
mine it's at the lowest it hit 6-7 bar. maybe i should change to another dimmer.
@@Thangtri Oh wow, yeah I’d change it to a lower wattage one and see what happens. I’m guessing, and this is just a guess, that mine starts at 1-2 bars
link to parts?
The Amazon link for this switch says it’s a 3-way switch.
Is that mislabeled on Amazon or is it an incorrect link?
You’re right. 3 way’s not what you want. They must’ve changed the listing. After a quick search, this (www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQFZFHR/ref=aod_recommendations_asins_pageSource_mobile_gp_customers-who-viewed-also-viewed_5809_5) is the closest thing I found to what you need. You may be able to find something similar or better (lower wattage) on another site, maybe radio shack? Anyways, I hope this helps! I’ll delete the broken link
@@samburchard1778 link doesn't work
What pid did you install? Mrshades? Auber? Any thoughts?
It was the PID kit from Shades of Coffee. I freaking LOVE IT. I thought it would be hard to install or use, but if you just go step by step and double check yourself, then follow the instructions to learn how to change settings, it’s super easy and very nice. If I had to do it over again a hundred times I’d still pay the same money for the same kit. Very pleased
@@samburchard1778 lol i ordered it moments ago.
@@chookchack Awesome!!
Nice video
I have this machine, with the same unit on top to see the temp. Whats the dimmer for??
Nice! I love my PID. The dimmer allows me to pressure profile:). Look up espresso pressure profiling. It allows me to do a real preinfusion by shutting the pump off a few seconds into the brew, essentially giving it a “bloom” phase. And it REALLY reduces channeling
@@samburchard1778 Thanks 🙏!
@@Paul-xh6ri Absolutely!
Hi. I didn't catch your PID manufacturer name on the video. Can you please share the make/model, etc. Also, is this part of a kit?
@@jnleduc It was a kit, yes. It’s by Mr. Shades. You can find it on the shades of coffee website:)
If i have a dimmer that comes with no wires, just an input and output, can i just splice the wire and connect it straight into the dimmer box?
Yup! That’ll work fine:)
@@samburchard1778 thank you! looking forward to the water mod😅
@@RicardoM28 It's live now brother:) ua-cam.com/video/vgV9vEuHIOk/v-deo.html
Sam when are you gonna release some more videos of mods on you gaggia
I haven’t thought of any more to do to it yet. Been pulling amazing shots:)
Hey. Can I use a guitar poti as this switch/dimmer?
I would imagine so. Just make sure it can handle around 60 watts of power running through it:)
@@samburchard1778 how can I make that sure. Thats exactly my problem :D.
Short google revealed they can only handle 1w or so. I guess they are not intended to be used at 220v.
Which made me wonder if this this must "burn" all power which the pump does not use. This means turning on the pump switch but keep the dimmer shut would heat up the dimmer (45w).
If this is the case I wonder how long it would last if you don't open the dimmer.
Also you can find several burned dimmers online. I guess it happens when they have to handle to much power.
@@hoqpus I gotcha. Probably better to stick to something made to control a light bulb then. Something for a lamp
Why do you say after 20 min temperature is perfect? It gets up to temp like in 5 min ?
Good question! The reason I wait that long is because while the boiler is up to temp, the rest of the machine is still relatively cold. If you just go right away, all your parts cool down your shot as you’re pulling it. If you want perfect consistency though, you need to let it get fully thermally saturated, which takes roughly 20 minutes depending on how hot you have it set
5min lol
this is badass and I want to do all the things... but I want to have them connected to a raspberry pi with a custom coded interface on a touchscreen display =]
Duuuuude! That would be amazing! Send me a video if you do it... I would LOVE to automate my Gaggia. Turn it into a "Decent" Gaggia ;)
@@samburchard1778 I'm 99% sure I can pull off the coding and ML model building required if I had the data to work with... also I've never actually worked with a rasp pi or arduino before, but I do understand OOP so I'd imagine I'd figure it out pretty quick.
tbh getting this far down the rabbit hole, I've almost been considering trying to entirely build a machine from scratch, cause I mean, what even is a machine really.
I've even been tinkering with the idea of an "automatic manual lever" machine... in that there is a piston activated chamber in the group, but using a motor and gearing and a feedback loop control "all the things" just like a manual shot on something like the flair 58 lol
but I would have to imagine doing 'all the things' for the gaggia couldn't be that complex
not gonna lie... just had the idea..... why are we still making esPRESSo..... why not esPULLo ..... using a vacuum to suck through with pressure rather than pushing thru!!
@@chadgregory9037 Fantastic idea! I’d love to see a concept drawing!
Link to that mirror??👀👀
Look for “shot mirror” on etsy! I was going to put a link, but that doesn’t seem to be working for whatever reason. Mine’s homemade, but there are much better options now I’ve discovered
what kind of dimmer to get, specwise? im from the netherlands so any europeans out here with a good link😁?
Just a single pole dimmer switch. I’d go for one that can handle at least 100w just to be on the safe side. I’m in the US, so I don’t have any good knowledge on where to shop for one for the EU, but good luck! I hope I was able to help:)
Filtro grinder?
Nope! It’s the eureka mignon notte. Sorry for the late reply
@@samburchard1778 same grinder
@@Stevesbe I think you’re right… Just a Seattle coffee gear rebrand. I’ve got the Niche Zero now and am loving it