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Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

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SwingT
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Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Posts: 150
Location: GSP
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Sat Sep 19, 2009, 6:37pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

updating this thread. I ordered some LED's with adhesive backing prior to seeing the posts about temp rating for the wires. I've been able to route my wiring where it doesn't come into contact with hi temps and seems to be working fine. At this point, I'm considering wiring a switch for the LED's but haven't fully finalized the installation. I live in a Metro area of about 300K. No way you can find hi temperature wiring that size, and if someone had it that size, probably couldn't buy it by the foot. Also, did have a problem with the adhesive foam backing on the LED's not sticking well, and the individual units would fall down every other day or so. I appear to have solved that problem by using 3M weatherstripping adhesive from my neighborhood auto parts store. Bottom line - While I am going to be happy with mine in the end - it's really been too much hassle compared to Dana's installation with the IKEA units. and if Dana's adhesive on the IKEA units are still holding well, I _know_ that the path to follow. Dana, wondered if you have an update on how your install is doing?

dana_leighton
Moderator

Joined: 11 Jan 2002
Posts: 1,664
Location: Scranton, PA
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Isomac Relax; Caferina...
Grinder: Macap MXK; Baratza Vario-W;...
Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup
Drip: Technivorm; CCD; Melitta
Roaster: Poppery I w/PID controller

Posted Sat Sep 19, 2009, 11:49pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

SwingT Said: Bottom line - While I am going to be happy with mine in the end - it's really been too much hassle compared to Dana's installation with the IKEA units. Posted September 19, 2009 link Ken - thanks for updating the information, and the prompt to update mine. I did not want to be a naysayer when you suggested ordering the parts piecemeal, but I had a feeling it might be more hassle than it would have been worth. But at the time you were discussing it, we were thinking a waterproof transformer might be important. I believe in hindsight that it is not an issue. If you want to add fiberglass sleeving to your wires, search eBay for "fiberglass sleeving" -- seller "furryletters" sells lots of 15' of 1/4" sleeving for $5 shipped: http://tinyurl.com/l5b2yn . wondered if you have an update on how your install is doing? Yes. The unit is working flawlessly so far. No apparent issues with heat affecting the transformer. The adhesive has not shown any signs of giving up. I have the machine on about 3-5 hours per day, and the lights make a nice night light for the kitchen. The lights are mounted behind the portafilter on either side. This creates a slight reflection in the stream of espresso when I look at it, but not a big deal. Optimal placement would be above and in front of the portafilter I think, but on my machine that's impossible. Overall I am VERY happy with the price and ease of installation. - Dana

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

dana_leighton
Moderator

Posted Sat Sep 19, 2009, 11:54pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

SwingT Said: I live in a Metro area of about 300K. No way you can find hi temperature wiring that size, and if someone had it that size, probably couldn't buy it by the foot. Posted September 19, 2009 link BTW, I have about 10 feet of the 105C wire that I cut off the Ikea unit. It has a plug on one end, and a switch is embedded in it. If you want me to send it to you, send me an email at my public email address and include your mailing address.

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

SwingT
Senior Member

Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Posts: 150
Location: GSP
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Sun Sep 20, 2009, 6:55am
Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

dana_leighton Said:

BTW, I have about 10 feet of the 105C wire that I cut off the Ikea unit. It has a plug on one end, and a switch is embedded in it. If you want me to send it to you, send me an email at my public email address and include your mailing address.

Posted September 19, 2009 link

e-mail sent.

very gracious of you.

thanks

Ken

dana_leighton
Moderator

Posted Thu Mar 31, 2011, 5:48pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

I want to update this thread with the results of the LED installation after about 18 months. The transformer seems to handle the heat in the case just fine, with one possible caveat. I have noticed recently that occasionally the lights will start flashing or flickering at a very high frequency, and the flashing will gradually (over the course of a half hour or so) slow down so that it's quite noticeable. I have only noticed it a few times over the last month, but I am not staring at my machine all day either. The adhesive on the lights is holding fine, and the wiring is not as flexible as it once was, but not brittle or cracking. If the flickering problem gets more persistent, I may need to replace the transformer, but so far it's a very nice mod that has held up very well.

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

zircote
Senior Member

Joined: 10 Dec 2008
Posts: 59
Location: Valley Forge, PA
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: Fiorenzato Bricoletta
Grinder: Pro M
Roaster: Behmoor

Posted Fri Apr 1, 2011, 4:30pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

Dana The transformer- power supply- is sending you a message. The quality of the DC power it is delivering to the LEDs is breaking down, one or more of the components is almost cooked they produce a good deal of heat on their own with the ambient temp near 150 degrees there is no place for that additional heat to escape to My bet is that although the wire is rated for higher temp the power supply needs a little cool air Maybe mounted near the bottom of the machine frame would be enough The air convection should be enough to keep it cool

dana_leighton
Moderator

Posted Mon Apr 18, 2011, 9:31pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

I purchased a replacement transformer - it was from eBay, from a seller known as usapdi for $14 shipped. It is rated for 120°F and I moved the mounting to the area under the steam valve, in a place that runs between 105-115°F. We'll see how long this one lasts. :)

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

dana_leighton
Moderator

Posted Sun May 8, 2011, 6:42pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

Well, that power supply became flaky after 2 weeks; some days it worked, others it didn't. The eBay seller replaced it (even though it had no explicit warranty), and I mounted on the bottom of the case, just in front of the power block where the temperature is lower (93°F last time I measured it). This power supply is waterproof, so I felt comfortable mounting it where it might be subject to an occasional spill or water leak. Lets see if this one goes longer. :)

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

dana_leighton
Moderator

Posted Sat Jan 21, 2012, 9:58pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

Just an update as I recently re-read this thread. After 8 months the waterproof transformer mounted low in the case is doing fine. It looks like the eBay seller I referenced does not have them for sale at the moment.

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

dana_leighton
Moderator

Posted Sat Apr 20, 2013, 6:21pm Subject: Re: Adding LEDs to my Isomac - Electrical help?

Another update: The replacement power supply has been fine now for 2 years. The wiring and LED adhesive seems to be holding up fine after almost 4 years.

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

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