Step 1: Shopping List
WARNING: Before you get started, be aware that messing with electricity near water is very dangerous! Be sure you know what you are doing, take every precaution, consult an electrician, and be 100% sure you are using GFCI outlet.
Shopping:
I’ve put together a list of most of the items you will need to build this. To the extent possible, these are Amazon Prime items:
Step 2: Remove Top Panel
Remove the top panel by removing 4 screws holding on the top, and lifting the top. Remove the black reservoir lid and set aside. Pull hoses out of the way and remove water tank and set aside.
Step 3: Removing Front Panel
Remove front panel by removing two screws from the front panel, and slide it out laterally to the right, moving foam nozzle out of the way. Remove bottom grating and bottom tray.
Step 4: Remove Water Tank Heat Shield
Remove inner rear shield that forms the housing for the water tank. This is accomplished by unscrewing two screws holding on rear shield, holding the hoses out of the way, and wrestling that damn thing out of there.
Step 5: Mount Solid State Relays (SSR’s)
Mount Solid State Relays (SSR). Please note that although the pictures may show 25A SSR, you will need 40A SSRs for the Silvia V3. 25A did work on Silvia V1, but not on V3. Hold up SSR’s and mark holes with a screwdriver. Drill holes using quality Cobalt bits – the metal is extremely strong. Wear eye protection.
Step 6: Mounting SSR
Mount the SSR’s using screw & nut #8-32 x ½”
Step 7: Mounting Temp Sensor
Secure the 1-wire temp sensor to boiler. Using a 3-4” hose clamp (metal), affix the 1-wire temp sensor to the boiler. Use some thermal compound to help make a good contact for heat transfer.
Step 8: Wiring
Set the other end of the temp sensor wire aside where it will not get in the way, we will wire this up later
Before you mess with the wiring, have a look at the way things are currently wired (see diagram).
Step 9: Wiring Harnesses
Create some wiring harnesses using 14ga high voltage wire:
* Black wire – 10ga female connector with 3 wires
— short wire 4” ending in a 14ga male connector
— long wire 16” ending in a 14ga female connector
— long wire 16” ending in bare wire * Black wire – 12” bare wire one side, 14ga female connector other side * Red wires – 10ga female connector with 2 wires
— short wire 4” ending in 14ga male connector
— long wire 16” ending in a 14ga female connector * Blue wires (two alike)
— 12” bare wire one side, 14ga male connector other side
— 12” bare wire one side, 14ga male connector other side
For more detail: ISPRESSO: Remote Controlled, Raspberry Pi Powered Espresso Machine