Intended audience
Variegated Coffee’s open-source hardware projects are designed for the “Enginista” - that special hybrid of engineer and home barista who enjoys tinkering with both electronics and coffee equipment. If you’re comfortable working with microcontrollers, understanding circuit diagrams, and aren’t intimidated by the idea of carefully opening your espresso machine, these projects might be perfect for you.
Coffee professionals and dedicated Enginistas looking to extend the life of their equipment while adding modern features will find particular value here. Rather than replacing entire machines when electronics fail or when wanting advanced capabilities, our projects enable sustainable upgrades that enhance performance while reducing waste. This approach requires patience and curiosity — you’ll be learning about both your machine’s internal workings and open-source hardware principles.
It’s essential to understand that these are not commercial products. None of our boards have CE or FCC certification, and they come with no warranties or formal support structures. Many components, like the APEC SoM and Gravity weighing system, are modules designed for integration rather than standalone devices. As open-source hardware, you are responsible for manufacturing the boards yourself or arranging production with a PCB fabrication service. This includes sourcing components, assembly, and testing - all critical steps that require attention to detail and technical knowledge.
It’s important to note that these projects involve working inside equipment containing mains voltage components, alongside pressurized hot water systems. While the control boards themselves operate at low voltage, they’re installed in environments where electrical safety knowledge is essential. If you understand safe practices for working around high-voltage components and are methodical in your approach to technical projects, you’ll be well-equipped to implement these modifications.
The most successful adopters of Variegated Coffee projects tend to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. You’ll be joining a community of Enginistas who share knowledge, troubleshoot challenges together, and continuously improve these open-source designs. If you value sustainability, appreciate customization possibilities, and find satisfaction in understanding how things work, you’ve found your people.
