where is the user manual for the argos?

Right here! It also has a link to a YouTube video of unboxing the Argos and First Time Setup!


Do i need a paypal account to order?

Most of the time PayPal will not require an account to complete an order. When you’re checking out enter your phone or email as prompted by the PayPal pop up window and click next. Then you can enter in your credit card details without creating or logging into an actual PayPal account. Unfortunately, PayPal has restrictions for certain countries that does not allow checking out without an account and we don’t have control over that. In the future we will change our payment processor to allow standard credit card payments. Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

How many shots can be pulled?

The Argos is designed to pull four 43g shots with steaming before refilling the boiler.



What scales are supported by your app?

Decent scale sitting on drip tray

Our app currently supports all Acaia scales, Decent, Hiroia Jimmy, and Skale 2.

 

Can the steam wand be moved after the machine has been assembled (left to right, right to left)?

Unfortunately the steam wand cannot be moved without significant disassembly.

 

Can other 58mm portafilters be used with the argos?

Unfortunately due to our compact group head size, we require a slightly modified 58 mm portafilter where the ears are smaller. So that means other standard 58 mm portafilters will likely not fit. You can still use standard 58 mm baskets, tampers, etc with our portafilter.

Plenum Labs is currently the only company that makes an Argos compatible portafilter. Check them out!

 

what is compatible with the argos?

All 58mm OR 58.5mm (precision) baskets, tampers, distributor/levelers, funnels, etc will work with the Argos portafilter. The Argos uses an E61 shower screen and gasket to keep maintenance simple and allow users to upgrade to IMS, VST, or other competition grade screens if desired. Piston o-rings and seals are standard off the shelf parts which can be purchased locally as replaceable wear items

 

Where is the argos manufactured?

Most of our parts manufacturers are in China in order to meet our price goal. We have some in Italy and here in the USA as well. Assembly, testing, packaging, and distribution will be in Denver, CO.

 

What is argos shot yield i.e. single vs double shot

The Argos is designed to support a double shot espresso (~43g max yield) by default. If you prefer to have a single shot, there are two options.

1. You can lower the dosage size and remove the cup when the desired output is reached.

2. You can keep the dosage size for a double shot and order our Double Spouted Portafilter and split the pull into two single shots.

 

What specification standard is the basket made to?

Our baskets are made to the same spec as the IMS competition basket.

 

Can i use both the pressure gauge and transducer?

If both the pressure gauge and transducer are purchased, a "Y" adapter will be included to mount both items together. For this situation, the gauge will be vertical and visible from the front of the machine and the transducer will be mounted angled behind the gauge. The transducer adapter and Y adapter are being manufactured and will be shown in photos soon.

 

Does/why the argos auto shut off?

Yes, the Argos will automatically shut off after 15 minutes of idle time. Keep in mind that it only takes about 5 minutes for the boiler to get up to temp. This is a combination of general safety if the machine is left on and forgotten about, energy efficiency, as well as general functionality. This machine performs best when cold. Our advanced algorithms and sensing do not require the portafilter to be as hot as the rest of the machine.

 

How long does it take TO GO FROM SHOT TEMP TO STEAM TEMP?

After the steam button is pressed when the boiler is ready to pull a shot, it takes about 30 seconds to reach appropriate steaming temperature (130C). It is recommend to pull all shots then steam as it can take up to a few minutes to cool down to brew temp after steaming unless purging via the steam valve.

 

What is the difference between the two spring options

We’re working on an in depth article explaining the differences but to sum it up briefly.

  • 8 bar spring is more traditional for espresso.

  • 6 bar spring allows easier pulls, less channeling, and ideal for low pressure turbo shots.

In the mean time here is a great article covering some of the differences.

 

Does the Argos support a direct plumb in option?

That will be a separate add on that will be available once it's been thoroughly tested. All machines will be capable but it will require a different control software along with an additional valve and fittings. This will add on will not be available before preorders start shipping but all machines will support this add on.

 

will there be a no steam wand configuration option?

We offer a steam wand block off plate that is easily installed at home. https://www.odysseyespresso.com/shop/argos-steam-wand-block-off

 

What materials are used in the Argos? What Materials come in contact with water?

304 stainless steel with silicone, PTFE, and Buna-N (Nitrile) o-rings and seals.

Currently our machine uses PTFE for the following parts

  • Heating element gasket

  • Fluid level probe insulating and sealing sleeves

  • Steam valve shaft crush seal

  • Steam wand gasket

  • Steam wand no-burn tube

  • Heating element gasket

Below are the only materials directly in contact with the water:

  • PTFE: Fluid level probe insulating sleeve

  • PTFE: Steam wand no-burn tube. This is a food grade plastic tube in the cool-touch steam wand which can be easily removed and operate just the same, but hotter.

  • 304 Stainless Steel and the boiler is passivated inside for extra corrosion resistance.

  • Lead Free Brass (standard commercial off the shelf espresso machine parts from Italy)

  • Tungsten Carbide Ball in the piston bleed valve (food safe)

The tube in the steam wand can easily be removed. The sleeve around the fluid level probe could in theory be replaced with an off-the-shelf silicone tube but one of the parts is machined PTFE which may not exist in other materials.

Odyssey Espresso is aware of and paying attention to the emerging science around PTFE/PFAs and health safety. We believe our use case of these materials is safe and are comfortable using this equipment every day. That said, we are also always working on improving our product and will continue working on ways to phase out PTFE in favor of a better alternative. We will include any of these updates in our regular newsletters.

 

Can the Argos be used one handed?

The lever can certainly be pulled with 1 hand since we've got small rubber pads on the bottom side which add friction.

Alternatively, all machines ship with an M10 threaded hole in the back of the base plate to allow people to secure the machine to their countertop or a large wooden block. You would just need the surface to have a drilled hole then purchase an M10 bolt long enough to reach the bottom of the base plate and you can secure the whole machine down which will allow 1 arm operation to be extremely easy.

Overall the 6 bar spring only needs about 15 lbs of force and the 8 bar takes about 20 lbs so both should work.

 

How do we manage to get air out of the grouphead?

We've implemented an air bleed valve into the piston. This works very similar to an anti-vacuum valve in that a metal ball is pushed up against an o-ring when pressurized water fills the group. The ball and passage are sized precisely such that air can pass without sealing the o-ring but the density of water is enough to raise the dense ball.

What safety certification does the Argos have?

We are proud to say that we have had third party labs test and certify the Argos for the following:

  • CE Certification ”Conformité Européenne" (European Conformity)

  • RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

  • REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)

  • FCC (Federal Register CFR 47, Part 15, subpart B)

  • IEC 60335-2-15 (Safety of household and similar electrical appliances)

We also have all the associated certifications for the countries that we ship to.

  • VCCI (Japan)

  • KS C (South Korea)

  • ASNZS CISPR 14 (Australia)

  • CNS (Taiwan)

  • UKCA (Great Britain)

  • ICES-003 (B) (Canada)