Gaggia Cadorna and Velasca: Micro-Switches and Sensors

Learn the location of micro-switches and sensors on all Gaggia Cadorna and Gaggia Velasca models. By tricking the sensors, it's possible to trick the machine into continuing along with processes. Figure out when this might be a good idea with the information below! The machine will not operate if the machine does not sense the service door is closed. Alerts to empty based on an internal counter. Confirms proper placement of the brew group. Detects the presence of water in the reservoir, prompting users when refilling is necessary.Both switches are the same mechanism and are located in essentially the same area on your machine.Remove the dump box, open the service door, and locate the small slots inside the machine's compartment. The service door sensor can be seen where the service door closes and the dump box sensor can be seen in the bottom left corner when the dump box is removed.Inside these slots is a small arm or lever.To trick this switch, insert a thin screwdriver, rolled-up paper, or similar object gently into the slot. You should hear a faint click when successfully triggered. The machine being on with the alerts present will be helpful as well.The brew group micro-switch detects if the brew group is correctly seated. It's positioned behind a narrow, coin-slot-shaped opening inside the brew chamber.Locate the narrow, vertical opening near the back wall of the brew group chamber.Inside this opening is a small diagonal plastic arm.To safely activate this switch, insert your screwdriver or wedge starting at the top of the slot and gently slide downward, pushing the arm carefully without forcing it.Important Warning:Always slide downward gently—forcing upwards or sideways may damage or break the delicate plastic arm, requiring professional repair.Sometimes, the brew group gear can become misaligned, preventing proper reinstallation. This typically happens when the brew group is removed prematurely or incorrectly.Insert and fully seat the drip tray.Trick the door micro-switch (as previously described).Insert rolled-up paper or a wedge to trigger the brew group micro-switch (coin-slot-shaped opening as shown above).With both switches tricked, turn the machine on using the rear power switch.The machine will detect the brew group as installed and automatically move the gear back into the correct position. You can also just trick the brew unit sensor and close the door instead.After gear movement stops, remove the wedge from the brew group switch, withdraw the tricked door switch object, and partially remove the drip tray.Confirm the shark-fin-shaped flag on the back of the brew group is in the upright position, then reinsert the brew group.This process realigns the internal gears, allowing the brew group to fit easily back into place.The water level sensor detects water presence in the tank. Sometimes, you may need to bypass this sensor temporarily, especially if the pump becomes airlocked after long periods of inactivity.Fill a priming bulb (or turkey baster with rubber tubing) with water. An empty water bottle also works great!Attach this priming bulb firmly to the water inlet valve located inside the water tank compartment at the machine's base. Without the tubing, you may make a bit of a mess, but just wipe up any excess water after the pump has primed.Trick the water sensor to activate the pump:Place your fingers or a damp cloth inside the water reservoir area to trigger the sensor. Human fingers effectively trick the sensor due to the body's water content.Move your fingers around slightly until the machine recognizes water presence.With the sensor tricked, activate the machine’s pump. Simultaneously, squeeze the bulb gently to force water into the pump inlet.The pump sound will change as water flows, indicating successful priming.Once primed, remove your fingers or damp cloth. The machine will indicate "no water" again. Reinsert the filled water tank to resume normal operation.Beyond the processes detailed above, understanding these micro-switches and sensors provides valuable insights into troubleshooting other problems. For example: You can trick door switches to safely observe internal operation while the machine runs. Confirming micro-switch functionality can pinpoint specific mechanical or alignment problems. Ensuring sensors function correctly maintains your machine’s safety standards, protecting both the machine and user.Always exercise caution when tricking safety sensors.Keep fingers away from moving parts like grinders and brew group mechanisms.Do not force components excessively, especially small plastic switches, as this can cause irreparable damage.

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