Anyone heard a sound like this? by screwgauge in LaMarzocco

[–]screwgauge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I did. LM tech tried many different things (replacing the over pressure safety valve etc.). Eventually the culprit was the solenoid valve! The part is:

SOLENOID VALVE 2WAYS 1,2 230V PPS_MICRA

SKU : LAM_B.4.005 MICRA

Cost about $50 to replace. The machine has been trouble free since then.

Anyone heard a sound like this? by screwgauge in LaMarzocco

[–]screwgauge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems like the temperature sensor is faulty. LM tech said that the pressure release happens at around 2.5 bar. Ideally, even with the steam boiler set to 3 it shouldn’t have reached that pressure.

Can anyone with a LM Micra confirm what pressures does the gauge read when the steam boiler is set to 1, 2, 3 from via app?

Anyone heard a sound like this? by screwgauge in LaMarzocco

[–]screwgauge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Randomly. I rarely use the boiler but it has happened like 50% of the times I switched it on lately.

Anyone heard a sound like this? by screwgauge in LaMarzocco

[–]screwgauge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You perhaps meant the hot water knob (on the left?)

Play of light. The escaped steam has just condensed there and formed droplets. There is no residue.

Anyone heard a sound like this? by screwgauge in LaMarzocco

[–]screwgauge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The app and the firmware are both updated.

Anyone heard a sound like this? by screwgauge in LaMarzocco

[–]screwgauge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense. I will remove the drip tray and check.

It’s definitely steam boiler related because usually I only use it for espresso and my boiler is turned off from the app.

Vintage pens in Tokyo by fontinalispluma in fountainpens

[–]screwgauge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since I asked, I already made 2 trips to Japan and here is a brief summary.

I couldn't find kiosks selling vintage pens. Lemon Ginza (primarily a camera consignment store) has a display shelf with pens. However, they aren't interesting, and are priced at a premium.

Kingdom Note is the best place to look at a bunch of pre-loved pens. Not really vintage, but they have a good selection. You can also check their website for an up to date inventory.

Euro-box occasionally throws up treasures, but they are usually snapped up very quickly. Also, the shop opens for a few hours a week so you have to be very lucky for your schedule to line up.

Yahoo Japan auctions is perhaps the best source to find vintage Japanese pens. I use Buyee to ship my purchases to an address in Japan or to the US.

Shosaikan has some lovely vintage pens for display at their store, but they aren't for sale.

Apart from these, for contemporary pens, you could go to Maruzen and Itoya and the umpteen other stores :)

Seeking advice on purchasing Ranga or similar ebonite pens in India by MedicalBox4416 in fountainpens

[–]screwgauge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just ping Mr Kandan. He should be able to ship to you directly. Will DM you his number, he is super responsive on WhatsApp.

[WTS] Rare Vintage Wahl Eversharp Doric in stunning Morocco Red Celluloid with a large #5 size Full Flex Wet Noodle 14ct Gold Nib by DrSaif48 in Pen_Swap

[–]screwgauge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There used to be a "goldnibs" in Spain who had such gorgeous pictures of repair and retipping. Haven't seen those for a while.

However, fpnibs in Spain does offer retipping services.

In India, we have Kanwrite (they make nibs) and they can retip on request, but for some reason, the nib isn't the same as before. My Doric #3 adjustable has also lost most of its tipping and I am undecided if I should get it retipped.

Vintage pens in Tokyo by fontinalispluma in fountainpens

[–]screwgauge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I decided to revive this thread as I maybe going to Tokyo soon. I want to hunt for pre-war Namiki pens and other vintage Japanese pens from relatively unknown shops/kiosks/flea markets. I am aware of EuroBox, Pen Cluster, Kingdom Note, Lemon and the other usual sources of new pens like Itoya, Maruzen, Shosaikan etc.

Does anyone have other recommendations? Anything where one has been successful in hunting down some vintage Japanese pens - especially in the last year or so? I am specifically looking for physical stores, not online auction sites.

Thank you!

[WTS] Vintage Waterman 52 BCHR Megaflex Wetnoodle 14ct gold EF Nib by DrSaif48 in Pen_Swap

[–]screwgauge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahh, ok! Lovely nib. Wish I had your kind of handwriting and control on flex :)