This project upgrades a Gaggia espresso machine with smart controls to improve your coffee-making experience. By adding a display and custom electronics, you can monitor and control the machine more easily.
- Temperature Control: Monitor the boiler temperature to ensure optimal brewing conditions.
- Brew timer: Set a target duration and run the brewing for the specific time.
- Steam and Hot Water mode: Control the pump and valve to run the respective task.
- Safety Features: Automatic shutoff if the system becomes unresponsive or overheats.
- User Interface: Simple, intuitive display to control and monitor the machine.
AliExpress links provided are affiliate links and supporting the project.
The recommended way to build this machine is to use the PCB designed for this project. There's currently a group buy started for this.
https://forms.gle/KEXdpgJGCZbsFdKD7
If you do not want to use the PCB you can buy the components on their own:
- ESP-S3 DevKit https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EzXyAvP (N8R8)
- 2-Channel 5V Relay https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ExUVY9J (2 or 3 channel if you want the Grinder integration)
- MAX6675 Temperature sensor board https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EG1t3V7 (Module)
- LilyGo T-RGB 2.1" Display https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Eju6rYD (Full Circle)
- AC SSR https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EvPScvr (SSR-40DA)
- K-Type M4 Thermocouple https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Exzhqx7 (K-Type M4 0.5m)
The display allows you to control the espresso machine and see live temperature updates. If the machine becomes unresponsive or the temperature goes too high, it will automatically turn off for safety.
The installation process of this mod consists of purely electrical changes. You will have to wire up the 3-Way valve and pump to the relays provided on the board. The existing thermostats of your machine have to be removed and bridged while connecting the heater to the SSR instead. The M4 thermistor goes into the screw hole where the brew thermostat would usually sit.
I will soon update this with detailed instructions.
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
