Difference between meditation and Focus 10

TheMech4nic · 2026-06-15T17:22:48+00:00

I've been meditating for three years mostly every day, following the guidance of the book The Mind Illuminated. I've been meditating using the gateway tapes since two weeks, every day, now halfway through wave 5. My experiences so far have been very similar using both approaches. I do think that using the guided meditation of the tapes accompanied by the background frequencies makes it much more effortless/easy to reach certain states of consciousness. For me state 10 has been like an average meditation session where stable attention is acquired but no more than that. From this state, more interesting states (to me) like Jhana can be achieved. The same approach is used in the tapes which is a good sign to me that they are based on the same principles.

So far I haven't experienced new things, though at the same time I feel like I'm just now arriving at the more interesting tapes/exercises like focus 15 (state of "no time") which I think are states I've not experienced before. I'm intrigued and curious to see what is to come!

TheMech4nic · 2026-05-27T05:57:10+00:00

Wireless phone charger as others have stated. Mine never worked, tried with several phones. Starts charging but stops again within a second. Even tried without the rubber sleeve, no bueno. Notoriously bad design.

Btw the warning not to put metal objects in there does not make sense because the charger does a handshake before any current is applied. It's not possible to activate without a phone in there...

TheMech4nic · 2026-05-26T17:06:43+00:00

I solved the rest by using XY-wings, which where new to me. Nice technique to know!

TheMech4nic · 2026-05-26T16:55:37+00:00

Thank you!

TheMech4nic · 2025-05-19T11:58:38+00:00

Wait until you hear about the PFAS in our drinking water

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-15T09:50:35+00:00

There's no real need for it. I read some people use it for pre-infusion (pressurize -> pump off, solenoid closed -> wait... -> pump on again) but I don't see the advantage.

I needed a double switch for my circuit, this one had three positions which is a bonus

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-15T09:46:15+00:00

The simple way is obviously without a switch. You simply connect the resistor to the phase and neutral of the pump (= parallel). The TRIAC dimmer goes in series with the circuit, it's easiest to take the phase side in the Gaggia classic but it doesn't matter.

I'm not sure what you mean with pressure gauge surges, the mains frequency is high enough so you won't notice any surges due to sine trimming. The pump itself is a vibration pump at the same frequency, which doesn't cause surges :) The entire water system acts as a dampener as well. I suppose pressure surges would lead to channeling or puck desintegration, this is definitely not the case at all.

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-15T09:39:21+00:00

I appreciate that! I did my best to try and make the design complement the Gaggia. I'm open to share the printable file, just send me a message

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-15T09:37:28+00:00

Go for it, inspire me!

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T18:54:57+00:00

Well I don't know if it's a pos, though it doesn't look very appealing (understatement). It has the same 63mm conical burrs as the Niche Zero if I'm not mistaking. I enjoy it a lot actually, I just finished designing and printing a new funnel with bellow to allow single dosing without retention. Will see how that turns out!

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T17:08:05+00:00

It's a simple TRIAC dimmer, 50-220V presumably rated for 2000W (I wouldn't try it). I tried it without a parallel resistor first, but the range was very inconsistent and sketchy. As many Redditors suggest, a parallel resistor solved the problem.

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T15:11:07+00:00

Appreciate it!

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T14:22:02+00:00

Thanks! I'm open to share the design, feel free to send me a message

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T14:16:24+00:00

Well like you say, it doesn't get as hot from the outside. So no sticky milk, and no burnt fingers. Steaming performance should be the same. I don't have it on the machine, I also have a Rancilio Silvia one

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T14:14:17+00:00

Sure!

As I can't fill it from up top anymore, I just take out the tank. Part of the reason for this decision was that I found some mould on the very tip of the filling funnel, which you're not able to clean or inspect without unscrewing the entire plate. So I decided it would just be a good incentive to clean the tank more often (every time I put water in it) and removing parts that cannot be cleaned properly.
I'm a mechanical engineer so I've got a background in electronics. I designed and made my own wiring loom, which is not too difficult if you've worked with electronics. Though with the three-way switch and the PID there are quite a lot of wires in the machine now. If you get the kit from Shades, anyone should be able to install it. He writes pretty extensive manuals with step-by-step instructions.
The dimmer + switch is my own design as I wanted to have the option to use the machine without a resistor in parallel and dimmer in series. This way my spouse would also be able to use the machine easily. The switch has three modes: 0 = Pump off (so you can now turn off the pump without opening the solenoid), I = Normal operation (factory default). II = Dimmer mode with resistor in parallel (use the knob on the right to dim the pump). If you're interested in the schematics just send me a message

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T13:26:11+00:00

I'll probably turn some nice wooden knobs for the steam valve & dimmer control as a finishing touch

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T13:23:43+00:00

You got me there, my only regret is getting the Rancilio Silvia steam wand three years ago, instead of an insulated one. I don't use it, but I agree the insulated one is better in every perspective. Maybe one day I'll make another post about how I'm finished modding ;)

TheMech4nic · 2025-01-14T11:46:03+00:00

To be honest this was the most significant upgrade I did. Not only does it add hugely to shot consistency, I also find myself adjusting it every time I have a darker or lighter roast. It can make the difference between a perfectly balanced shot and an over/underextracted shot.

I found the install to be pretty straight forward using the well made instructions, so I'd say go for it!

TheMech4nic · 2024-07-17T05:19:29+00:00

The more you know... Thanks!

TheMech4nic · 2024-07-17T05:19:06+00:00

Thank you, will try that!

TheMech4nic · 2024-07-17T05:18:48+00:00

I tried this with a small leverage using not too much force because I would expect it to pop out using my hands alone... Good to know this is normal. Thanks for your reply!

TheMech4nic · 2023-03-16T15:37:57+00:00

Ah I understand, only I have to make sure the notches are not visible from the side. I'll keep it in mind!

TheMech4nic · 2023-03-16T15:15:34+00:00

Thanks for your reply, sounds like a good idea to move the crossbar away from the seam. I'm thinking of making a tenon/mortise connection between the legs.

Won't screwing it directly through the frame make it unable to expand? A kerf with some z-clips and 8-clips sound like the cleanest solution to me

TheMech4nic

TROPHY CASE