I Built an Endgame Rocket Espresso Machine | An Engineer's Rocket Appartamento Mods

[@LanceHedrick]

A MUCH needed channel. Coffee professional, engineer, and software designer. Not to mention solid video and audio quality out the gate AND solid dry humor and good presentation ability. Looking forward to your videos! Now do this to a saturated group machine because I can't stand HX 😅

[@lenovo7999]

Yes yes now your Reddit sheep will all bleat their disapproval of HX and relegate it with their snobbery to some dustbin. I think you and hoff are terrible monoculture shills.

[@setshootstrike6147]

I agree Lance. Love the online coffee community, for all its weird nuance and crazy price points, its still very inclusive and generous. So easy to learn from people that love what they do, thanks to all of you that pass on your knowledge, it is really appreciated. Lance and Tate you guys should team up for a video!

[@Caffeinatedtechnerd]

Yeah a saturated group machine would be awesome. Maybe turn a BBE into an end game machine with a rotary pump, wireless flow control and an extra boiler if that’s even possible by removing the included grinder.

[@dypitersu]

Where can i learn more about espresso machine? if machine turn on & the pressure gauge goes up to 15bars before it slowly come down 9 bars. How can i set it not goes to 15 bars. Just want max up to 12 bars? Is it this overpressure valve adjustment?

[@TheMartinChnnl]

So true, a HX is only a good deal if the output water that goes to the group head first passes through a smaller PID controlled 400ml boiler, like some Dalla Corte machines do... At the same time, a PID controlled smaller boiler assembled directly on top of the group head prevents the E61 stand-by overheating issue that even the Lelit Maras (which have a PID) have. ⬇ At the same time I was wondering, the voltage meter that sends its signal to the Arduino moves as the e61 internal valves are closing its water inlet, so I wonder if that's the wiser way to go about re-using the lever as the pump pressure controller. ⬇ Other than that, AMAZING PROJECT, my most heartfelt congratulations!! ⬇ PS: The E61 overheating issue could be fixed in machines like the Mara X, by placing a temperature sensor inside the E61 group and adding a valve that opens and closes recirculation of water from the boiler (into the group-head) according to the temperature reading. Also: we NEED more factory rotary pumps in smaller machines like the Appartamento and the Mara X.

[@mexicanhalloween]

it's always funny to see how comically large the EK43 is in a home setting

[@Shadowguy456234]

Not when the home is big enough 😉

[@greysuit17]

But worth it

[@stirfryjedi]

Early in the vid, "I bet he only got it in that godawful color because it was a great deal." 10:31, "I got a great deal on it."

[@DmitrijPaskevic]

@@greysuit17 not really :) Unless you're grinding 20kg+ a day.

[@greysuit17]

@@DmitrijPaskevic no its worth it, I have one. I use it daily and rarely grind 20kg …more like 12g -50g a day. But if I ever have to grind a ton its nice to have that option. Fantastic grinder for consistency and serving large groups of people. You might not think its feasible for you but to some it might be.

[@robertroy8542]

As an engineer, I’d love to see a deep dive on why you choose certain components, certain design considerations and the software youtube seems to be lacking in engineer work for coffee machines! great video!

[@schmiki9911]

Can you show how you changed the pressure gauge at the front? I think this would be an easy and helpful mod for a lot of people. Cheers

[@overthetopblues]

Yes, it would be great to see how he changed the pressure gauge out. Does anyone else know a video showing how to do this?

[@domingosvarelamarreiros7490]

As a Mechanical Engineer and a coffee lover, this was just amazing! And blew me away how this is your first video. Great quality video, audio, explanation and humour. Keep it up!!

[@tatemazer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kylebastien2575]

I don't know how to confirm this but I think this is probably the coolest espresso machine in the world. Linear potentiometer? Insane.

[@azza2575]

Love this, maybe mod one of the entry level machines Breville Barista Express or Gaggia Classic Pro - I know alot of people have done the GCP, however, I think your explanation and laid back approach will be appreciated a lot more

[@tatemazer]

Thanks that means a lot! I'm partial to the GCP since they're significantly more serviceable, so that's high on my list 🙏🙏

[@TheAS2609]

@@tatemazer check out the gaggiuino mod!

[@BBB_025]

@@tatemazer I am also voting for a GCP video. It's a machine I might actually buy if there is enough community support for modding it into something desirable for less money than buying a machine that is desirable out of the box (i.e. a decent or the Meticulous Brian just showcased). I am very curious about comparing your thoughts with the videos James and Lance did.

[@itssoaztek4592]

I loved everything in this video, and I am not even drinking espresso myself. I just love it when people are passionate about their profession/hobby/whatever and are willing to share their knowledge. On top of that I am absolutely thrilled when people do make/create something unique with their own hands (as opposed to people who only talk). So, I was in heaven watching your video! Subscribed!

[@ondrejhav]

Thanks!

[@zeropuckprep]

Wow I think we found a future Squid Espresso Machine Engineer. Concept is a $500 kickstarter espresso machine with a $1000 retail price. Still gotta launch Squid but we’re definitely interested in doing either grinders, roasters,and/or espresso machines. Great vid!! Love all these little mods. Just ordered my first e61 ECM Puristika.

[@justinbouchard]

ahahhaha

[@MichaelEntner]

100% Kickstart and I'm in!

[@avael2451]

Awesome video! Looking into finally upgrading from a cheap machine and was considering getting an appartmento and making similar upgrades myself. Would love to see a follow-up if you've done any more improvements to the machine, or even a video reflecting on ways to improve it.

[@Pekz00r]

I'm very happy that I found this channel! As an engineer, software developer and coffee nerd this really scratches my itch. I guess you already got many questions about this, but I would love a teardown of the Meticulous Espresso machine. This was a great video. I would like an ever deeper dive into how you built it, the hardware choices and the software.

[@grumpyoldguy4817]

As a coffee newb, I love how your personality (to me, at least) seems to fit in the middle between James and Lance. Great video. Subscribed and awaiting more content.

[@mkmnails]

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!! GREAT VIDEO TATE!

[@samanthakitchen5190]

HELL YEAH!!! Been waiting on the video for so long 🎉

[@cameronwressell]

i think you should tackle the breville barista series of machines - i notice that many people seem to have them and the older 870's are becoming very available at affordable price points to get into modding. The stock grinders are poor; but the machines are fairly capable

[@lars-sorensen]

Having tried different semi automatic machines, but aways returned to my La Pavoni (though I really liked the La Spaciale), but this nerdy and tech video really made me want to play with more technical machines again! Thanks for the great video!

[@lars-sorensen]

Also I really want to see more about that controller board!

[@Aa-ron01]

I have a gaggia classic pro that heats just fine, doesn't over do it or under do it(luckily, although I am a barista so temp surfing just comes with the territory, every machine has it's quirks no matter how good in my opinion, commercial asnd domestic alike), so I'm just after adding the dimmer mod, to drop it to 9bar. Can now do full pressure profiling for the cost of a 100w dimmer, like €4.50 with delivery, ran the wire out the top and it's magnetic so absolutely zero damage and completely reverable. I'm happy and probably too caffeinated.

[@kintarooe575]

Just five days into the new year and have already discovered my new favorite channel. Great content, Tate!

[@natehaiden]

I would recommend looking into thermosyphon restrictors for the Heat Exchanger thermosyphon. The reduced flow will lower the idle temp of the group and will require less flushing.

[@gooseberree4955]

very impressive to me. It would be awesome to see a series just, like, teaching this machine.

[@tatemazer]

Thanks! What sort of information are you hoping to learn?

[@jakobperkin7417]

Super cool video. Can't believe this is only the first video, im def subbing for more content

[@Tetsomina]

This amazing, looking forward to all kind of crazy modding videos that may come along the way. Best of luck on your journey!

[@caffeebenzina1347]

Would be awesome to get more details about the controller for the gear pump. I have this idea in my head to have the chance to “drive” Manual and to have the choose of 3 mods (lever, …)

[@dmgrk-9474]

Awesome, you could totally use the arduino to record the inputs of the potentiometer and parameterize different techniques and bind those to buttons/presets, less skill involved but should guarantee similar shots every pull.

[@SimonSchumann]

That's what came to my mind too. Just automatically record the profile every time, and when the shot turned out well mark the profile for permanent storage. You could have a list of profiles with different styles, and just replay which one you fancy

[@szehnder]

The Brewhob lives on! This video made me feel super nostalgic, incredible to see where you’ve taken the project. PID light flickering hit close to home lol

[@tatemazer]

Here here! Damn I guess it was long enough ago to feel nostalgia for 👴👴😅

[@palefire]

Brilliant! Wonderful presentation as well.

[@MikeBifulco]

Peeping that bag from B&W on your shelf - I just finished a bag of their anaerobic single origin roast, Esteban Zamora. Super good! This video is fantastic. You did a great job modifying your machine!

[@charlesdaigre1386]

Absoluty fantastic !!!! Iam curently adding upgrades on mine, and i woulk to install a dual pressure gauge like you did. How do yous install the pump pressure sensor ?

[@JonathanLeverkuhn]

This is absolutely fantastic. Aside from the temperature inconsistencies associated with the thermal coil boiler, you've addressed essentially every beef you could possibly have with this machine. How do you shield your electronics from errant water? For example, my vacuum prevention valve will occasionally blast a little steam into the interior of my machine when it's initially heating up. I can't imagine any amount of condensation would be great for an Arduino.

[@AndreY-ve8bc]

I just stumbled across your channel and did not understand like 30% of what you're saying because i'm not a barista or anything hahaha But, great video! Love the image quality, the way that you bring the information and explain things, I was really surprised to see that you only have 700 subscribers. Keep it up, lots of potential in your videos :) Subscribed to your channel and hope to se more soon!

[@whysgui7415]

Excellent video, I was sad to see that it is the only one you published so far :p . I would love to see other machine mods and maybe a step by step explanations. Keep up the good work

[@aaronfidelisrecine]

Fascinating. I'm wondering if you could somehow add a line of code that runs the pump with the group closed so it back flows out of a over pressure valve like a commercial espresso machine has to automatically bring the group temperature down automatically. It would likely need to be tapped in right before the valve on the group which would be a lot of custom work. That or it could auto cycle before loading the ground coffee. Really great work here.

[@lespieces]

I totally stole your transparent side panels idea (found a pair for 10$cad so like 7$usd on Amazon) and the result is GORGEOUS, I can't thank you enough. Can't believe how you're the only one that I saw do it. I even kept the metal bars, just 'installed' them more to the sides so it doesn't obstruct the holes. They aren't fixed with the screws, but it works. Next time I open the rocket, will use duct tape for reduced weight lol. ❤ Also, I just saw on aliexpress that you can buy a thermometer attached to the very top of the e61, on that mushroom cap/nut. That means you could put the pressure gauge in that hole where we have the thermometer and we'll end up having both dials on the machine. No one posted about it yet.

[@Ryezn5057]

Definitely need a tutorial or a build log on this!

[@wolfganglienbacher]

Oh I love this so much! I found another guy on github who put an AC light dimmer and a digital pressure sensor into a Mara X controlled by an ESP32 and some GUI to set pressure profiles. I might want to join that party soon!

[@ctpr4mnc403]

I fully expected to see the pump be PWM driven by a PID routine in the firmware for a programmed profile by time. Have you considered that?

[@oussamathedjfreeman]

The best machine for study the good coffe ,i like it, hoffman should see it

[@tatemazer]

Thanks! Let him know if you think so! 🙏😅

[@oussamathedjfreeman]

@@tatemazer cool things will be shown on his suggestion like your machine :)

[@Adam-vx6to]

With the last name Mazer it's no wonder you're in coffee. Fantastic video. Finally another KZbinr who knows what they're talking about.

[@brewbudsclub]

Amazing mods - Wish I had the knowledge to play around inside machines, but I'll leave it to people like you!

[@quaxie]

This has given me more ideas on modding my astoria argenta SAE-1J and its new external mounted water tank.

[@braxtonjens7839]

Wow so awesome! Thank you for the video! Would you be able to dig into the board/ programming/ set up?

[@frommyashesrisenrebornredemed]

Sweet build. Have you found any electronic pressure switches for espressos in the market ? Would be nice to have a digital indication and readings for more precission and controll of each brew.

[@overthetopblues]

Tate, great video some really good information. It would be super helpful if you could do a video on how you changed out the dual pressure gauge.

[@nickterzulli8912]

Great work Tate!

[@Krispykashew]

I know this video was while ago but you should be able to solve the flickering lights by telling the heater controller PWM cycle to run at the same frequency that your household power runs at IE 50 or 60hrz. Its a pretty common issue with 3d printers and the heated beds. I would assume the ardiuno based controller you have should have the ability to adjust that. Great mods!

[@surindhatalwatte8176]

Fabulous - you are what the industry needs!

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

I don't know how difficult these mods are but they look awesome. At the risk of offending people I'm going to say that you should probably mod the Breville dual boiler. I know there's things like the slayer mod etc but I think pushing the boundaries a bit more needs to be explored and you're probably the right person to do it.

[@jamesconnolly2061]

great video Tate, always impressed by your passion for coffee

[@cjattard83]

This video is awesome! ive been modding my 10 year old Appartamento in bits over years. initially two solenoids, a switch and a pressure regulator to build my own plumb kit, and changing the physical switch for a momentary toggle to IOT enable it and turn it on automatically when i get out of bed! looking at your other videos i'm now trying to figure out if i go full on rotary pump, or upgrade the 10 year old vibe pump with a marax silent pump and a pulsor. so many decisions!! would be well up for modding with your board when available!!

[@ozespresso]

Great video and a well-put-together Appartamento. Love the dual gauge, I think a lot of Appartamento owners will benefit just from this mod and the removal of those pesky side panels mounts.

[@tatemazer]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏🙏 Yes! Sad I didn't note how annoying those things are!

[@qwe7410]

I'm a little worried that the group lever is going to wear off in no time, check: 7:42 There's obstruction and my experience tells me it may wear off the brass. The Arduino regulator is something impressive and I will love to learn though, something new to me. I'm very concern of the exposed regulators and electronics on the right. Safety hose coming off, wet cups come into my mine. Not really a big fan of Rocket Appartamento, how can they skip placing a brew gauge on a prosumer machine and price themselves at a higher premium than most established Italian makers. The choice to remove the brew pressure gauge, is not due to any technical constraint, it is is something they have decided to do by choice. It could be easily attached to the overpressure valve. They have also cut short on the relay, full of flimsy thermostats, silly placement for the pump and solenoid. I prefer the safety valve directly planted onto the boiler, not another copper pipe. The way the heat exchanger is designed, the stability of temp isn't great. If one wants to get something similar, could simply go for the new Bezzera Aria. A 1.5L hx copper boiler with proper insulation, faster heat up and better temp range Nice and quiet rotary pump Flow control Dual gauge (pressure + boiler) Additional grouphead gauge pressure profiling. Good SSR relay Shot timer and PID Joystick wands Plumbable or switchable with internal tank. Most importantly, they are designed like Toyota and Honda, with service techs in mine. The build and choice of parts look pretty solid. They are much easier to service, electronics are shielded, meaning likely better longevity and lower cost for repairs.

[@freezingsunbreaka]

Lol. The troubles of hair, I get it :)! Part of your charm is your great personality. Can't wait to see more from your unique channel :)!

[@grimmsalem]

I love that you made your own PCB, I'm in the progress of making my own machine from scratch and its always fun to look at others projects for inspiration. Do you have a part number for the connector you use on the main board.

[@phillipzx3754]

As the old saying goes, "Ignorance is bliss." My cheap, non-pressurized, EC680 and a Eureka Facile make the most wonderful espresso I've ever tasted. I've always refused to drink espresso brewed from a better setup than I own. My taste buds will never know the difference. 🙂 The geek in me is jealous of your setup. I found a sweet Arduino mod for the Gaggia Classic/pro, which is a bit closer to my budget. Nothing like yours. But a big step up from my EC680.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I haven't even watched this and I love you already.

[@Bowser558]

What pump is that?

[@edwardwaterhouse7698]

Superb! I would have kept my Appartamento if it had all these features! Congratulations excellent work.

[@livedeliciously]

You ever heard of the Gaggiuino? It would be cool to see everything tied together with an LCD screen kinda like a Decent, but much cheaper.

[@nikowinter833]

Awesome first video! I also do have an appartamento and can confirm that the tempreture sensor is the most important thing. Mine also gets very very hot!

[@tatemazer]

Yes! Glad you have an eye on it 👀👀👀

[@travishookham]

This is super neat to see! It would be neat to see your take/mod on Gaggiaduino.

[@weissachturbo7574]

Incredible work, thanks so much for the video. I would love to see you mod a Breville Dual Boiler.

[@charleskenney3574]

Ayyyy love to see the black & white beans!!!

[@galagaev]

I’d love to see how to install these mods!

[@Rphelan]

Hi Tate, great project - any updates on your project being released? I see you have posted your code, however I couldn't find the schematic?

[@tatemazer]

Hi thanks so much! Sorry to say I'm still juggling that and a full time engineering job, but hoping to have something ready for you by SCA 2024

[@garrettprost895]

That was super informative and articulated very well! I feel like I learned a lot about a tech segment I know little about, awesome stuff man! It’s cool getting to see someone live out the overlap of passion and skill!

[@rconrad2k]

Great video. Amazing mods. Gotta be courageous to open the machine and tear it apart like that! I have a QM Silvano Evo that I love, but would never have the nerve to mod! I'll try simulating your Blooming Espresso by turning on the brew pump and then turning it off for a moment before turning it back on to finish.

[@exodusvelo]

beautiful machine, so much cooler than the current one.

[@piranhaa2]

Awesome video, thanks for showing how much more awesome you can make the Appartamento. Question - did you have to move the boiler when installing the dual gauge? There is essentially no room behind the OEM gauge.

[@tatemazer]

Thanks for the kind words! Good question. The replacement gauge is tight but fortunately fits. It's basically resting against the boiler

[@hamlulit]

Hi Tate. My machine will not stop heating until the point where the safety valve releases steam from the front center bottom round port. and the pressure gauge is way too high. Is there a quick fix? I can guess that some thermostat sensor is not working. it should shut off the heating once it has reached the correct temp and pressure.

[@robbchristensen1151]

Very impressive!🧐A couple of questions, one did you design the board or did you purchase it, it looks like a repurposed mash control board? Any chance of getting a copy of your code, and can you make a video about it and it's functionality? Subscribed and looking forward to you future vids!

[@harvey6850]

I've had the Rocket Appartamento for about three years and it has been a good first machine. I am a "closet" engineer and would love to take on a project like this but without your skills would find this mod a little too much to manage without more complete instructions. Ever consider selling a complete kit, all parts and instructions to do this? I could handle the sourcing of the parts, but being able to purchase a control board that was fully programmed along with a full wiring diagram and instructions would be awesome. I don't know what the full mod would cost, but my other choice would be an R58 for $3K and this upgraded Appartamento with the variable speed pump is actually better in my opinion. What about starting with a more basic mod of just converting this to a PID controller? that alone would be a huge improvement and probably not that difficult.

[@dennisseemann571]

Absolutely awesome! next step is a little ML/AI so you can replicate any profile over and over!

[@lionerramos1535]

I have a Bezzera Mitica top 2015 no PID. I was wondering if I can just add the PID from the new Mitica and it will work or do I need to changa or add something else.

[@81AbdullahKeles]

I am watching this video while drinking an espresso made with the Flair Pro 2. It's really a beautiful machine. If it were my electric espresso machine, I wouldn't be able to make as many modifications as you. It's a little easier to do all these things with Flair.

[@washableaxe]

Awesome build! For the Fluid-O-tech MG304, was the primary motivation to be able to change brew pressure electronically? I am looking at replacing my appartamento pump because I believe it is failing, but I was thinking about replacing it with the Lelit 4000040 silent pump, as I don't care about having the ability to adjust brew pressure on the fly. Thoughts?

[@mbnto3135]

GitHub page with code and details? Would be cool to have everything repeatable and open. Thanks for sharing!

[@MrHackclan]

Id wish i was an engineer to implement some of these upgrades too. It would be really awesome if you would give a tutorial for some sweet E61 Upgrades that everyone can manage.

[@MichaelEntner]

Fabulous work brother.

[@nathanhine286]

Please look into the Expobar Brewtus IV, Rotary pump PID controlled

[@AustinCoffeeTechnician]

I dig this! Any updates? Why are there 2 SSRs? How does this system work with a sensor and a pressure stat? I really like your mod!

[@chiragshekhar7404]

That was awesome Tate, you have another subscriber! More videos, please!

[@NolanGerald]

Here for the modding, great video! Might need to grab an espresso machine now

[@Markiller15]

You’ve probably been asked this question many times, but do you think it would be possible to have a dual probe at the brew head that would give us pressure and temperature at the same time? Thanks for sharing the incredible work you’ve done!

[@tatemazer]

Yes definitely possible! There are some gauges out there with both of those measurements, I just haven't found how to adapt the typical 1/4" npt fitting to the group's M6 fitting. That should be all it takes! Would love to know if someone finds/makes an adapter like that

[@philippberner]

Thanks for making this. Can you elaborate on the electronics components? Also the dual pressure valve shoes pump and boiler pressure, is that correct? What do you use for the controller? I love the idea of the analog measure for the lever. Would the controller allow you to save profiles so you can just reply a profile that you put in manually by pulling the lever on? Is that decoupled? I have a rancilio silver and a Sanremo cube. I think for the cube that be so awesome! Ps: I’ve got a tour from Ricardo on the belweather in Berkley. Cool stuff

[@d4rk_entityy]

Can u install the temp sensor on where one of the safety stat is

[@justinbouchard]

Thanks for all the work to make and put this video out. Any chance those circuit boards are consumer available?

[@Jonny9403]

As non engineeer I wondered whether I can add e.g. a shot timer to my espressomachine that easy and now I see this :D. I think a shottimer should work.

[@tatemazer]

Nice! Definitely possible!

[@deathkid411]

This is so cool. its a cross of craft e61 and a descent. Would love to see more.

[@fred-san]

I got a machine running also with gaz Unic Major of 1973 Crazy machines. Top cofee.

[@jackderloshon2848]

This is badass!

[@dimsler7934]

i need this lever setup, wow.

[@BroadLyte]

You’re an engineer and a combination of inventer/professional tinkerer. Spro looks great man❤

[@christopherjiongo58]

Damn! This is great. I’d pay to know how to install the pressure gauge.

[@ryanhimmelblau534]

Could you go over the code and app layout?

[@wakeawaken430]

You said it right about people bad using HX machines, without cooling flush, some are "famous" KZbinrs too, that lead many people to go crazy

[@tatemazer]

Transparency is everything!

[@s96822]

Great job. Any way to fix that old E61 problem of grouphead too hot needing a cooling flush first?

[@JusBThankful]

Instead of drill and tapping the boiler on the side, can the water level probe fitting be adapted to hold a temp sensor? I have a Giotto PP and would be willing to tackle this project if/when all the parts are available.

[@spruce1000]

Nice idea, or just boiler surface temperature? I mean 12 bar is not a joke. A guy in a barista forum had a grouphead temp exploded and a lot of skin burn

[@JusBThankful]

​@@spruce1000yeah, but then it would be hard to determine the differential, and I would think the metal will retain temperature more steadily than water.

[@tgirard123]

That was pretty cool. I'm curious, did you think about creating recordable presets? I know it kind of takes away from the artistic side but sometimes it is nice to push a button and get a cup. I did a lot of work with Nixie tubes and thought it might be a fun way to apply using one for presets that would look cool on the machine.

[@tatemazer]

You will see something like this in the next video 👀👀

[@tgirard123]

@@tatemazer brilliant minds...

[@Alisdairharden]

Hey mate does the rocket have a conventional e61 group head or is the lever just for show? Because if it’s a convention e61 you I think you should open the lever up the whole way and use a separate lever for pump pressure so that the valve in the head isn’t dependent on the pump pressure