This past week, we were glad to host the ZPM Espresso guys in the Batdorf Brewing Lab for more work on their new machine, the Nocturn. They were there Friday, to start working on programming the P.I.D. controls, utilizing our Scace Thermofilter Device, and had to cut it short when their temperature sensor that was connected inside the thermoblock went bad. The guys picked up a couple of new heavier duty sensors, and after getting back set up, they got right back at it.

They’d been working on it all weekend, and it showed. The temperature stability wasn’t that great on Friday, because they’d had no real concrete way to test it with espresso and the Scace. Once they got those things, they were hard at programming the P.I.D. on the Arduino Mega board. They made great progress, and I was actually surprised to see how well he could dial in the temperature control from the computer to the Arduino controlled grouphead. By the time the guys had to leave for me to prep for my Scoutmob event, they had almost gotten the temperature curve pretty solid. I’d say that everything I’ve seen, says they are in full control of creating a new espresso machine from the ground up. The shots that were being pulled were really nice espresso shots. Once they get a better burner element for the thermoblock that heats more solid and faster, they’ll be right where they need to be. These guys have certainly done their homework, and I’m really surprised and proud to see where they’re at now with the machine.

We also talked about the price point, and even though they’re showing $400, we all agree $350 is more the sweet spot and more sustainable. Another cool thing, is that I asked if they’d be willing to donate one machine to raise money for Coffee Kids, and they’ve agreed to do so. We’re going to get one of Atlanta’s top graffiti artists to create a really cool outer shell for the machine, and then it will be auctioned off with all funds to go to Coffee Kids. I’m pretty stoked about that, and the fact that Igor and Gleb were so willing to donate one for Coffee Kids showed me they’re really thankful for all the support they’ve received from the community at large and want to give back.

We also talked about where they’re at with production, and the whole time they were with us, Gleb was making deals and ordering parts, so it’s well underway, and I feel really good about it. If you are one of the folks who preordered one, I’d be pretty stoked.

(Also, I’m proud to say that with each machine will come a bag of Batdorf & Bronson’s Dancing Goats, which is amazingly delicious as espresso, and will help you get well on your way to making great espresso on the Nocturn. I have received no compensation for my input, nor did I want any. We are proud to help these guys create something really cool that’s going to make a great impact.)

Here’s the videos showing the progress:

http://yfrog.us/0a2b0nz

http://yfrog.us/n4ad0oz

They also received this cool writeup on Crowdfunding Help: http://crowdfundinghelp.com/interview-how-a-diy-espresso-machine-earned-200k-on-kickstarter/

Also, my pals over at Scoutmob wrote up a cool piece on them, as well:

http://scoutmob.com/atlanta/scoutfinds/2958