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LUCCA Tempo: Calibrating the Flow Control

The Tempo accomplishes manual pressure profiling by adjusting the expansion valve. Here's how to calibrate the paddle to register a known pressure at a specific degree of rotation.

Tools required:

  1. Place your backflush blank in the portafilter and lock the portafilter into the grouphead
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  2. Press the shot button
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  3. The pressure will increase. Wait for it to stabilize.
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  4. Rotating the paddle to the left or right will decrease or increase the pressure respectively. Note the rotational position of the paddle that corresponds to the desired pressure. The recommended pressure for brewing espresso is between 8 - 10 bar, with 9 bar being the most common.
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  5. The paddle is attached magnetically. To change the physical position of the paddle while maintaining the same pressure, pull directly downwards to release the paddle from the expansion valve stem.
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  6. Next, reinstall the paddle in the desired orientation. Since the valve stem has octagonal sides, it may not be possible to achieve the exact desirable orientation, but you will still be able to get within 45 degrees.
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***Note that to preserve the health of your pump the shot button should be engaged for no longer than 60 seconds continuously. Vibratory pumps have a 1:1 duty cycle, meaning for every second they are used they require a second to cool down before being used again***