Posted Sat Apr 19, 2003, 9:34pm Subject: Modifying Rocky Doserless switch for continuous grind
As I mentioned in my post here, one of the disadvantages of the Rocky DL is its lack of a timer. Here's a simple modification that alleviates some of this inconvenience at very little cost.
DISCLAMER: ELECTRICITY CAN KILL YOU. IF YOU UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING, STOP HERE. YOU ALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. IF YOU CHOOSE TO CONTINUE, YOU ASSUME ALL RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY. REMEMBER TO DISCONNECT THE APPLIANCE FROM ITS POWER SOURCE BEFORE WORKING ON IT.
Additional caveat: The main on/off switch is a safety feature, as this grinder is nearly silent when running without beans in the hopper. If you make this modification, be careful that you do not inadvertently leave it on.
As manufactured, the Rocky DL has two switches. A white main on/off rocker switch is on the right-hand side. It doesn't start the grinder, but simply enables the front spring-loaded rocker switch. The front spring-loaded rocker switch actuates the grinder. As Thomas Gauperaa and others have pointed out, this requires that you hold the switch down for the 20-30 seconds that Rocky requires to grind a double-shot's worth. The situation is even more penible if you want to grind enough for several shots. This modification changes the main on/off switch to a continuous grind switch. The current grind switch continues to work as before, except that it can no longer be "disabled" by the main on/off switch.
These are not step-by-step instructions. If you need them, you should instead engage a qualified repair technician to do it for you. Thus this post is (a) an idea, (b) a diagram, and (c) a parts list. Refer to the diagram next to the attached photo of the bottom of the machine before modification.
All you need is little over one foot of 18AWG wire (or thicker), four female connectors (w/sleeves) and two male connectors. Fashion yourself two Y wires as shown in the diagram. Using the extra connectors avoids cutting any wires that were already there should you later want to restore it to original condition. Solder the Y connection and cover it with heat shrink tubing. Pay attention to the wire routing to avoid rub points and add extra protective tubing as necessary. Total cost is around $4.
When you're done, you'll have a leftover "original" wire that connected switch S1 to S2. Wrap it up tightly and stored it in the base, should you want to restore Rocky to his original condition in the future.
Hmm-m, I thought you returned yours. In any case, perhaps you'll find my rendition of a semi-Doserless Rocky interesting. As shown below, it sports four colorful 58mm dosing containers (they look suspiciously like my kids' snack cups). Now I premeasure the beans and line 'em up for successive pulls. I keep one cup in the portafilter holder since Rocky DL tends to "dribble" a little.
BTW, my measures have confirmed that just slightly less than one gram of grind hangs up. A little tilt forward/back drops the remainder. After a cleaning, more than three grams gets "lost" in there somewhere. Those nooks and crannies eventually fill after 4-5 shots; the loss drops to around 0.5 gram w/o encouraging Rocky to give it all up.
Posted Wed Nov 10, 2004, 9:45am Subject: Re: Modifying Rocky Doserless switch for continuous grind
I just completed this mod using a slightly different method that some might find helpful. I used tap splices pictured below (package of 4 for $.99 at Home Depot). I cut the wire between S1 and S2 in Dan's drawing. Using tap splices, I spliced the cut end to the wire on S2 to the "Power In" wire and I spliced the cut end of the wire on S1 to the "To Motor" wire. It took about 10 minutes.
Posted Mon Dec 27, 2004, 7:58pm Subject: Re: Modifying Rocky Doserless switch for continuous grind
Here is something that is even easier, plus there are no cut wires, or extra wires. Try using Radio Shack Crimp-On Quick-Disconnects Price- $1.69 Catalog #: 64-3064
I moved the switches so the main switch is in front and I put the jumper on one of the unused lugs of the momentary switch to keep it in place.
Posted Fri Dec 31, 2004, 1:17pm Subject: Re: Modifying Rocky Doserless switch for continuous grind
Just wanted to extend a hearty thanks to Dan for this excellent mod idea. Works like a champ.
The funny thing is that I've scanned over this post and diagram at least ten times, and thought, "It's a good idea, but too bad it wouldn't allow you to use both the rocker switch and the momentary switch..." Two days ago, I finally read the post and realized that it does!
A long time ago a friend of mine introduced me to the the idea of the "elegant" solution. A solution that not only provides an adequate outcome, but the ideal one. This a perfect example of an elegant solution. It adds functionality, without compromising any, and is totally reversible if you ever want to put it back to original condition.
Posted Tue Mar 15, 2005, 2:54pm Subject: Re: Modifying Rocky Doserless switch for continuous grind
uh, what about turning off the main switch, duct taping the grind switch in the "on" position, and using only the main switch to turn the grinder on and off? Totally reversible and no chance of electrocution. Ugly, though. (Use black duct tape).
Sandy www.sandyandina.com ------------------- Life's too short to drink lousy coffee, play crummy guitars and write with ballpoint pens.
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