ECM Synchronika Espresso Machine Internal Components Tour, Overview & Identification
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- Detailed tour of internal components in the ECM Synchronika espresso machine. Learn to locate components and what they do. Get maintenance tips and more.
ECM Synchronika Espresso Machine: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Water Source Selector Valve
01:40 Reservoir and Level Sensor
03:00 In-Line Water Filter
03:38 Rotary Vane Pump
03:57 Capillary to Brew Pressure Guage
05:00 Brew Pressure Adjustment/OPV
06:23 Valve Tree
08:07 Non Return Valve
08:55 OPV
09:50 Thermal Limits Brew Boiler
10:58 NTC Temperature Probe
11:30 Water Flow to Group
12:15 Solenoid Valve
12:45 Service Boiler
13:00 Steam/Hot Water Lines
13:42 Safety Valve
14:10 Capillary to Steam Guage
15:02 Liquid Level Control
16:20 RO/Distllied Water
17:30 Thermal Limits Service Boiler
17:55 Vacuum Relief Valve
19:30 Pump and Motor
19:50 Start Capacitor
20:30 Electronics
21:03 Main Control Board/DC Power
21:13 Relays
23:05 Brew Switch
23:40 PID
24:44 Brew Boiler Drain
25:45 Lamps & Power Switch
Talk to our experts via chat or email: www.wholelattelove.com/contac...
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These new set of videos are great. I’ve had my Synchronika for 4 years and do all my own servicing and maintenance, your videos have added to my knowledge base, thanks
Hey Stephen, You’re welcome and thanks a whole latte for taking a moment to comment!
Marc
Thank you for these e61 videos no one's been doing videos like this the way you guys do it. Definitely helps a lot for home maintenance understanding the machine inside out.
Hey vk, You are welcome and thank you for taking a moment to leave a comment!
Marc
I can't thank you enough for this! Especially since I own that model :)
Perfectly detailed and understandable. Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks, will do!
Thank you very much for the video. I've had my synchronika for about two months now. It's always good to see where the value is in premium equipment, and this machine is just as gorgeous inside as it is on the outside!
Love all your reviews, how-to's and tips & tricks.
Hey Gman, You are welcome for the video and thanks a whole latte for taking a moment to share your impressions of the Synchronika - I totally agree!
Marc
Perfect videos! As an owner, I can’t wait for the “other segments”!
Hey B, You'll find a lot more here in our support center for the Synchronika: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000400302-ECM-Synchronika
And, we're adding more there all the time!
Marc
B/back for brew boiler - life saver!
Another very helpful tutorial. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
Great video! now I know the function of each component of my ECM, this provide a basic diagnosis knowledge in case of faults. Thank you!
Hi AS, You're welcome and thanks for the comment! Tons more DIY/self help and technique videos and articles available in our ECM Synchronika support section here - def worth a bookmark for Synchronika owners! support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000400302-ECM-Synchronika
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you so much, you are the best of the best! I have learned a lot from you.
Another excellent and informative video! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
nice and clear and easy to understand video. thanks!!
You are welcome!
Fantastic video again
For interest the capillary coils aid dampening of the pressure signal so the gauge pointer does not chatter. Many thanks for this video, as an engineer understanding the machine is most important to me. I have a Jura S9 and have kept that machine running for some 18 years self learning and odd clips. Always wished for a more hands on machine, you have just sold it to me. Be contacting you soon for purchase.
Thanks for the info!
Excellent!
Glad you liked it!
MORE LIKE THIS!
More on the way!
this is a top quality video. thanks for the detailed information! Anyway, I am looking for instructions on descaling for this machine. The manual says it should only be done by skilled professionals. I guess that is because the boilers cannot be emptied completely without unscrewing parts of the machine customers usually are not supposed to access. Maybe I can puzzle together my own way for descaling, but a video or other information on best practice for descaling would be much appreciated. Thanks for this video however! You are doing a great job!
Hi WW, Thanks for the kind comment. The reason manufacturers recommend professional descaling is the risk of scale breaking loose and plugging other parts of the machine. When our techs descale dual boilers the boiler are almost always removed from the machine before descaling. Doing that is beyond the capabilities of most home users. That said, it's possible but risky for someone with the right skills/knowledge to descale without removing the boilers if one is 100% certain there's only very minor scale deposits in the machine. More recent Synchronikas do have the internal drain on the brew boiler which makes emptying the boiler easier and descaling a bit less risky.
Gauges have a coil in their tubing to alleviate surges showing on the gauge. It provides a smoother interface for your gauge to read.
Hi Phil, Thanks for adding that nugget!
Yet another excellent video from WLL. Regarding the clear silicone hose that runs from the plastic tee down to the discharge nozzle below the grouphead: is that tubing replaceable without removing the brew boiler? Also, is there any downside to replacing the plastic tee with a brass one? Thanks again for the whole catalog of repair videos!
Thank you Brian and Marc. Excellent informative video would you please consider doing a video on removing the face panel on a prophet x700 in case it got scratched or damaged so that it can be replaced how we would do it ourselves
Hi mm, Tganks for the comment and request!
Marc
Hi! I love your detailed videos, thank you so much!! I replaced the solonoid valve and water pump, cleaned the liquid level gauge, and reset the little switches on top. However, it doesn’t seem to be filling the steam boiler. I don’t see an NTC probe and It will not make hot water or steam :( I have an illy Y2. Thank you so much for your advice ❤
Hi c, Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with with that machine so can only offer general advice for your situation. In machines with separate steam and brew boiler the steam boiler usually has a fill level probe which controls things. Those probes can go bad or have a bad connection. They typically use electrical conductivity of the water to sense water level in the boiler.
This is a fantastic video; glad I came across it. Just had to replace the plastic barbed tee fitting from the boilers' OPV tubes because it got brittle and broke (after about 2 years of daily use), leading to a puddle of water forming under the machine during its warm-up cycle because it was no longer discharging into the drain tray.
Ended up replacing the junction with a 1/4" stainless steel version I got from a local fitting store for under $4. Quite surprised ECM cheaped out on that part given it's subjected to constant heating and cooling. Otherwise, no complaints with the machine; been running great, but this video will be very handy if I have to diagnose any internal components next time!
Hi LD, Thanks for sharing. The Synchronika is an incredible machine. We have had a couple of reports of that T fitting leaking after long term use. Thankfully it's super easy to access and repair.
Thanks for the awesome video! I k kw this will come in handy at some point. I do have one question, how do you drain the brew boiler? I bought my Synchronika in July so I would assume mine has the updated drain on the side. Thanks again!
Hi AF, You are welcome! Yes, recent Synchronikas will have the brew boiler drain as seen in this video. Here's a video showing how to drain you boilers: ruclips.net/video/9D5Og5erQ_Y/видео.html It also shows how to drain boilers of older Synchronikas without the drain valve.
Marc
Hello how are the fittings on the boiler sealed??? If necessary, can these be loosened relatively easily and sealed again?
Great video, guys! All are parts that may need replacing available on you website? I have an older Synchronika. Bought from you guys with the ECM grinder about 4+ years ago. Working great but am noticing some slight anomalies. The pump will kick on (I’m guessing to fill the brew boiler with fresh water from reservoir) when I’m not brewing or doing anything else. Thoughts? I am going to look closely at drain to see if it’s shutting off completely after heating up. Thanks!
Hi J, Thanks for the question, your patronage and report on long term ownership. The pump kicking on is adding water to the steam boiler. Brew boiler only gets new water when the lever is raised. It's not unusual for the pump to kick on when the machine is idle. Brian pointed out the fill level probe on top of the steam (aka service) boiler in the video. It's a simple metal rod that sticks down into the boiler. When the water level drops below the tip of the probe the pump comes on to add water. This does not always happen when the machine is putting out hot water or steam. It may happen after the fact due to evaporation dropping water level or if you happened to be brewing when the probe indicated low water. Probes can get a little wierd in operation if the become scaled within the boiler. If that's the case the probe is easy to remove for cleaning.
Marc
Another nice video!
Are you guys going to have Synchronika II available anytime soon? Synchronika II sounds interesting with active heated group and very fast heat up time! Like Drive but maybe better?
Thanks for this overview of the Synchronika. Have you ever seen a failure on this particular model (client bringing in their machine for repair)? I've had mine since a couple years and just clean the brew head with some JoeGlo. Otherwise, it's been great. Hoping I never have to service it!
Hi PM, Thanks for the comment, question and sharing your experience with the Synchronika. It's a very well built and reliable machine. Problems are most often associated with poor maintenance or water causing internal scaling.
Thanks for the awesome overview! It hopefully helps to fix my Synchronika. When heated up and the pump is running no water is pumped out of the reservoir into the boiler. When the machine is cold or just turned on it usually works. I assume the electro magentic valve is the issue as neither the service nor the hot water boiler gets filled. It started few weeks after I descaled the machine.
I'd appreciate any thought on this 🙏
Hi CTS, You are welcome for the overview. Here's our video on diagnosing flow issues on the Synchronika: ruclips.net/video/xcze59LUg9E/видео.html
At 35 minutes long it covers just about everything! Video is chaptered so you can easily jump right to the Solenoid valve at ~24:40 in the video if you believe it's the issue. Sounds like residual scale plugging something up could be the problem.
Manufacturers generally recommend against end users descaling dual boiler machines due to the risk of problems like yours. You may want to consider filtering your water to prevent scale in the first place. You need some minerals in your water to prevent corrosion and enhance flavor but they need to be the right ones. Strongly recommend you check out BWT Water & More products. They have solutions for reservoir fed or plumbed in applications. They use calcium to magnesium ion-exchange which is far better than traditional sodium based water softening. When used as directed, BWT products leave water with no scale potential in your machine.
Marc
What size T would I need to replace the plastic one?
Great video, thanks.
I believe its 1/4 inch barbed T connector although someone said that was too small and 5/16 worked better. You can possibly get a food safe metal one from plumbing store not sure I'd that's gonna cause issues and need to be replaced anyway due to scale buildup.
Not specific to the sync but how often do you run into issues of failing rotary pumps? I’m curious about potential replament costs including the motor. Ideally in our future set up we’d l8ke a plumbed set up but wondering if the greater upfront and potential future costs warrant a machine with rvp. Thanks!!
Hi KD, Rotary pump failure is very unusual. They are commercial grade and most reliable pump type used in prosumer level machines.
Great video .. .. .. where do I find more videos on maintaining my Synchronika? Thank you again 🤗
Hey don, thanks for the comment! You can find a bunch of Synchronika specific videos in our support center: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000400302-ECM-Synchronika
I have this machine at home and this is very informative! Do you also have a video on how to properly descale this ecm?
Hi s, We do not have a video on descaling dual boiler machines. Best course is to use water that does not cause scale in the first place. You can use traditional sodium based water softening to reduce scale causing calcium levels or systmes like those from BWT Water & More which exchange magnesium for calcium in tap water.
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for the reply! I am using a BWT filter on my machine. I’ve put it on a fixed water supply since a bit more than a year now. In the first year I used the water tank with these small filters, but I think it got some scale in the machine form that. Maybe didn’t replace them often enough. There was some scale in the hot water tap endpace, so this will indicate it’s in the whole system right?
@@stevenvoskuilen1226 Scale in the hot water tap could indicate scale elsewhere. Also a chance what you saw there was not scale - perhaps other solids that accumulated. Using the BWT now you could be fine and what you saw maybe not concerning. If desired, you could take the mushroom out of the E61 group and check for scale and debris there. Here's a video covering how to take the mushroom apart to check its particle screen and jet. Those are areas where scale would be evident if a problem: ruclips.net/video/ELIwD40tsrs/видео.htmlsi=VfXsO4wVex0hQVf9&t=1366
I was listening to talk about the plastic T being near hear and possibly cracking after a while. Do they sell or make a metal one? Seems for 2 -3K machine this would be a more heavy duty part.
Hi charles, That fitting has been updated to brass in the latest models of the ECM Synchronika and Profitec Pro 700. You can see it in this video: ruclips.net/video/NTRA3ZeTwnM/видео.html
Thanks for the video how easy is to adjust the OPV I tried and it won't move.
Hi w, In the Synchronika the OPV is a safety valve and should not be adjusted. If you are trying to adjust brew pressure, do that by adjusting the bypass on the rotary pump. That's discussed at this point in the video: ruclips.net/video/g3IHsA_y1n8/видео.html
I've had this very machine for about 18 months, during the last two or three I've noticed a seemingly random 0.5 bar drop in steam pressure while steaming. I can somewhat mitigate it by opening the steam valve, closing it and letting the pressure build up to 1.5 bars before steaming any milk. Any idea where I should start troubleshooting?
Hi DO, So steam pressure will drop a bit while steaming but generally not in a random fashion. Are you noticing any moisture going to drip tray from discharge at rear when this happens? If so I'd have a look at the vacuum relief valve (aka vacuum breaker) on top of the service/steam boiler. Perhaps it's loosing its seal. Here's a video covering the valve and how to clean it: ruclips.net/video/vv-YDUfbnyU/видео.html
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Honestly I haven't checked for moisture going to the drip tray, but I'll do that next time. Lately it's been less random, happening every other time if not more. The vacuum relief valve needing service makes sense. I'll definitely check out the video on how to clean it. Thank you!
@@Wholelattelovepage I’ve opened up the valve and added some lubricant to the o-ring, which looked a bit dry. It might be too early to say for sure, but the results just now were beyond expectations. It steamed like new! I can’t thank you enough! Looking forward to more great videos. :)
Does the inline filter from the reservoir ever need cleaning and if so how do you do that?
Hi D, Thanks for the question. Filter may need cleaning if stuff gets in your reservoir. Coffee grounds are common. To clean just pull the connecting tubes off and run water through in reverse direction. When removed you can visually inspect for debris on the mesh screen within the filter.
Can you do this with Bezzera BZ16? Thanks!
Hi Victor, Thanks for the request - more videos like this coming for other machines!
Marc
So if there is little to no brew pressure. What part would need replaced?
Hi ML, A bunch of reasons you may have low brew pressure or flow. Here's our video covering them all: ruclips.net/video/xcze59LUg9E/видео.html
Hope that helps!
Marc
I'd like to see an equivalent video on the (new-ish) Cinquantotto.
Hi cobra, Thanks for the request. We do have this video which takes a look inside most rocket machines. Look for the Rocket R58 in the video which is the Cinquantotto. Between the model name change the exterior is a little different but internals are nearly identical: ruclips.net/video/xoDDusXK2e0/видео.html
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Yup I did watch that video earlier. Was wondering if the internals were reworked in any significant way. Sounds like they were not. Thanks for the fast reply. You guys rock!
How do i know if i need to descale the boilers ?and If i do, how would i do that ?
Hi YR, Manufacturers generally recommend dual boiler machines be professionally descaled. If a machine does have scale there's a risk of bits of scale plugging up other areas of the machine when descaling. Also, it's difficult to fully empty boiler of descaler unless you are willing to open up the machine and access the brew boiler drain. Best course is to use water in your machine which will not cause scale in the first place. You want some minerals in the water to prevent internal corrosion and over-extraction of the coffee. If your tap water is not out of the norm then filtering options from BWT Water and More are the way to go. The use ion-exchange to replace much of the scale causing calcium in water with magnesium. This gives you water with a good mineral level that will not cause scale. BWT has plumbed in options as well as in reservoir pad filters or the Penguin pitcher. Learn more about them here: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/bwt
A quick way to check if you currently have scale is to remove the E61 mushroom valve and check for signs of it.
Marc
I'd love to see this type of breakdown on the R9 One. I own one and the interior is a rats nest compared to the Synchronika.
How is it possible to set the pressure to 6-7 bars on this machine?
Hi a, underneath the rear of the machine there's an access hole to the rotary pump's bypass adjustment. With a blind (backflush) filter basket mounted in a portafilter, run the pump and turn the bypass adjustment until you have your desired pressure on the machine's brew pressure gauge. To access the adjustment screw carefully hang 1 rear foot of the machine over a counter edge to expose the access hole. Be very careful when hanging the machine off edge of counter. Highly recommend having a helper to make sure machine does not fall off counter!
Hope that helps!
So did I misunderstood in the video that with that screw the lowest pressure for the pump is around 9 bars? In case of some light roasts 6-7 bar pressure is beneficial. Is that sure that I can go down to that pressure level with the setting screw of the rotary pump? Many thanks!
Why is the opv valve joined to the drain valve instead of the capped line from the reservoir drain?
Hey AK, On a dual boiler machine like this ECM Synchronika the OPV is used as a safety valve only with pressure for release set well above typical brew pressures. It does not play a role in controlling brew pressure like it does on a single or heat-exchange boiler machines.
@@Wholelattelovepage I’m using a nuovo simonelli musica. If you open it up/see the service manual, the opv is after the pump and loops back. I was looking from a water conservation pov.
Thank you so much! ;-) Sorry, but I am just having some stupid questions…
(1) Is it technically possible to run a _Synchronika_ on DC power supply only? For example on a boat where you might be lacking an AC power line from the land side.
(2) What voltage is this DC running on internally?
(3) Could the heating of the boilers and the brew group be accomplished by a DC power supply only?
Don't worry, I am just curious, no intention to fiddle around with this… Thank you ;-)
Hi AGCS, In my limited yachting experience if you have a boat big enough to have a Synchronika (luck you!) on board you likely have generator to provide AC power and/or large battery bank and inverter for AC power. Given the Synchronika can draw up to 1400 watts it would require a relatively large battery/inverter capacity to keep it running. The major power consumers in the machine, the heating elements, run on AC power. Only the control circuits (which use very little power) like PID system run on DC.
@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you very much indeed ;-) Exactly, as I expected…
Well, then Rolls-Royce or Bentley will need to find a solution for that - once I will have won the EuroJackpot ;-)
Sorry, but my _Synchronica_ is a must…
Hello Whole Latte Love, I Really Like Your Videos about Espresso Machines specially design For Home Use Domestic Purpose machines .
One Request : Can You make a Video for Astoria Espresso Machine Model: Tanya .?
I am Facing problem In it Where it starts Giving Air Block in it due to not taking proper water filling in it, I Also Try to set it Rotatory Pump too but it's Not working well .
Due to Bubble making Problem During Espresso we change its Gasket too . But still it's pressure is not Reaching To 9 Bar,
Kindly Show Me a solution for It. Cz after its Holding time an Air Block Generates in it and then It's pressure Reaches 5 to 6 Bar only. I Also Rest it Motor pump pressure too but didn't help it due to its Boiler air Block Troubling Making a Better Espresso .
If Possible then Provide a Solution .
Hey sid, Thanks for the request. Unfortunately I do not have that machine available :(
@@Wholelattelovepage Okey.
Lelit Bianca or ECM Synchronika?
Two questions. 1. How do I adjust the pump pressure? 2. My Synchronika has flow control. The maximum pressure I ever read at my group-mounted gauge is just a hit over 8 bar. Should I try to adjust the system to deliver 9 bar at the group?
As always, thanks for your top-quality content. It’s why I keep coming back to WLL for equipment-and coffee! (Love both Crema Wave and Beamed Up!)
My profitec Pro 700 Hits 10 bars and I never adjusted it that's the way it came from the factory
I'm concerned I'm putting out too much pressure
@@mjmjersey That 10 bar that you're seeing-is that on the gauge at the front of your machine (the one labeled "Pompa"-Italian for pump)? For reasons I can't explain (unless it's because you're getting some flow through the puck; but I don't think that's it, because even when I grind too fine or tamp too tight, so that I get almost no flow, it still doesn't go much above 8 bar in the brew group)), that number typically *is* higher than the actual brew pressure, on my machine, by about 1 bar. I have a gauge *on my brew group* (because I installed flow control), and that one reads about 1 bar lower than the "Pompa" gauge on the front of the machine. If that's true for your machine, too, then a 10-bar reading on your Pompa gauge translates to about 9 bar of actual brew pressure. My guess is that you're fine as it is, and you don't want to change it.
Hope this helps...
--David
Hi David & Michael, Thanks for the comments and funny you should ask about adjusting the brew pressure. Just finished shooting a video on how to do that with our service manager Brian. I'll likely have that one posted tomorrow. Included in the video is an explanation of why the machine gauge and group gauge (on models equipped with flow control) will indicate different pressures. Look for that video to post tomorrow. FYI brew pressure adjustment procedure is identical on both the Synchronika and Pro 700.
When we setup those machines we adjust pressure to ~8.5 bar on the machine gauge - that's the gauge on the face of the machine. That gets you ~9 bar in the group on a plumbed to waterline machine. Pressure indicated on the group gauge (FC equipped models) will gently trend higher than the 8.5. Why that happens is explained in the video. The quick answer is the gauge on the face of the machine is measuring pressure very near the pump in cold water. In the valve tree after the tap for pressure measurement there is a one way valve. As the cooler water at 8 bar moves beyond the one way valve and into the hot boiler it expands increasing the pressure a bit so seeing 10 bar on the group gauge is normal as water in this part of the system is trapped on the other side of the one way valve.
To change pressure one uses the rotary pump's bypass adjustment which is located underneath the left rear of the machine. Look for the cutout opening on the base which allows access to the adjustment which is made using a flat blade screwdriver. To allow for adjustment with the machine running the pump we carefully hang the left rear leg of the machine off the counter. Insert a blind filter basket into a PF, mount in group and turn the pump on. Or, you can just close the flow control valve completely without a PF in place instead of using the blind filter basket. From there, turn the adjustment until you read 8.5 bar on the machine gauge. If uncomfortable running the machine with a leg hanging off the counter you can leave the pump off, make an adjustment and check the pressure by turning the pump on. Repeat the adjustments until you arrive at your desired pressure. To help guide your adjustments it's ~1/4 turn to increase/decrease pressure by 1 bar.
Hope that helps and look for the video posting tomorrow. It also cover the OPV inside the machine. That OPV might confuse those newer to working with a rotary pump machine. On your dual boiler rotaries it serves as a safety valve for max pressure in the system after the check valve and is not used to set brew pressure like it is in vibration pump machines.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Wow, Marc! Thanks so much for the detailed response. I will certainly be watching for the video you mention.
Have a nice evening!
I wonder why the top and bottom of the boilers are not insulated? The ends have a lot of thermal mass... seems odd given the focus on energy efficiency in todays home environments.
To become a coffee technician should i taka a course Electronic or mechanical thanks
Exposure to both would be good. Most techs learn on the job.
Thanks broo
Hello @wholelattelovepage
At the moment I'm working on a project in my apprenticeship as an sheet metal worker. I am building an ECM synchronica with my own design and construction. Now I'm almost finished with my project, but there's one last problem I have. However, perhaps you could help me. I'm currently having problems with the cable system of my Synchronika (it's 1 to 1 the same hardware), so would it be possible if you could send me a circuit diagram or pictures or a drawing of all the electronics? I would be eternally grateful if you could help me.
Looking forward to an early reply
kind regards
Nicola
Hi, Here's a link to pdf with circuit diagram: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/13619565108883
See page 18 for Synchronika.
@@Wholelattelovepage
Thank you very very much for your support. You are my salvation without you I would be lost.
Best regards Nicola
Using a sharp Phillips screwdriver as a close quarter pointer is asking to scratch something.
I got to tell you that wiring looks real cheap. Just saying
Hmmm ECM among the best compared to other manufacturers.
@@Wholelattelovepage I love ECM but I would think that the wiring would look better
Please let the host talk not the cameraman 👌
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Marc the not silent cameraman adding to the conversation :)
This machine is designed with out technical love🥹
Hmmm, thanks for the comment. I've been inside pretty much every machine of this type available in North America for the last 15 years. Synchronika is among the best in design.
@@Wholelattelovepage As an example, a large starting capacitor is attached with cable ties instead of the intended thread. Sorry, that‘s not so professional.🫤