Bringing the Brugnetti Model C up to date.

Phuture1

Hi. I got this 2001 Brugnetti model C about 3 months ago. I got it for a song and a dance of you know what I mean. This thing is a beast. It makes great espresso and steam galore. When I got it it had been sitting in storage for a few years. After some cleaning and gasket replacements it was good as new. Now that it's been running for a few months I have decided to update the looks a bit. The plan is to remove the keypad end replace it with 5 individual push buttons with built in led's. I'm also going to be installing an automatic shot timer that starts when the brew starts. One other thing that I already did was remove the brass rails from the cup warmer and replaced it with one made from wood that I had laying around. I'll post pics of that now. Before and after. As I get the rest of my parts I will post photos of the process of each upgrade. I hope you guys enjoy what I'm doing and I welcome all the feedback.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Phuture1

These are the switches I ordered Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Brett_H

WOW... very exciting upgrades. Those push-buttons look amazing. Is the shot timer able to relay to the volumetric controls?

Phuture1

If I'm understanding you correctly, yes. Once you press a brew button it will start counting and stop when the shot stops pulling. The only thing I haven't figured out yet is if I'm going to put a separate button to reset the timer or have it reset once the shot is done. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk Yep... Pretty much! Surely the latter option for ease of operation.

LeroyC

Great looking machine. I had a Brugnetti Simona for a while and it was a pleasure to own. I’ll be interested to see how you replace the touch pad. Are you planning on replacing the whole front panel or have you worked out a way to get the new buttons into the space where the current control pad is? And will you need a new Gicar unit or will the existing one work?

Phuture1

There's enough room where the original touchpad is for the new switches so I figured I'd use it. I dont want to alter the machine too much from stock. As far as the Gicar goes I will be able to use it without any modifications or replacement. I did some testing and was able to figure out which pins perform what functions on the ribbon cable connecting the touchpad to the Gicar. Actually very simple. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

LeroyC

Phuture1 wrote:

There's enough room where the original touchpad is for the new switches so I figured I'd use it. I dont want to alter the machine too much from stock. As far as the Gicar goes I will be able to use it without any modifications or replacement. I did some testing and was able to figure out which pins perform what functions on the ribbon cable connecting the touchpad to the Gicar. Actually very simple. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Cool! Look forward to seeing it.

Phuture1

So I made the replacement control panel mounted all the switches gave it a test run and BAM! epic fail. For whatever reason the Gicar is not liking the lighted switches. Without the LEDs connected... no problem. With them connected... the thing goes nuts. Back to the drawing board. Perhaps separate indicator LEDs. Tomorrow is another day. I'll grab a few shots of the new control panel tomorrow as well. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Phuture1

Here are some pics of the new control panel after a slight re design. I added individual LEDs for each button and powered the ring LEDs from a separate power source, a 9volt battery ( temporary of course). When I add the shot timer I'll grab power from that for the button LEDs. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Koffee_Kosmo

I like the machine and the upgrades As long as you know the buttons functions 😉 Are you considering some labels :question: KK

Brett_H

Whoa... slick!! Love it!

Phuture1

Thanks guys. As far as labels are concerned I may or may not add them. Depends on what I can find that's not going to look "cheesy". Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Phuture1

Hi guys. I finally got the rest of my parts for my automatic shot timer. I was able to get it all put together in a temporary enclosure. I figured I'd test it out before I start cutting holes in the machine and mount it permanently. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Phuture1

Here are a few shots of it in the temporary enclosure. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

LeroyC

Looking good.