Has anyone ever tried to 'upgrade' their electronically controlled washing machine by hacking the firmware? I have an Ariston machine with 1200 rpm spin cycle. The same machine seems to be available with a higher (1400/1600 rpm) spin cycle for a higher price. AFAIK the motor and drum are identical between these machines so the differentiation seems to be rather artificial and marketing-inspired. As this machine is fully electronic (LCD control module on the front, motor/program control unit in the back) it should be possible to hack the firmware to get the machine to behave like its more expensive brethern.

Has anyone tried something like this (with any brand, not just Ariston (Merloni))? Did you succeed?

Frank de Lange, June 2008

What type did you modify, and how did you modify it? Was the speed restriction set in firmware or was it a simple matter of bridging/removing some jumper on the controller board?

Frank de Lange, June 2008

What type did you modify, and how did you modify it? Was the speed restriction set in firmware or was it a simple matter of bridging/removing some jumper on the controller board?

Frank de Lange, June 2008

yes it can be done on some models and i have done it but its not advisable.the difference to the touch of the clothes is very hard to tell if it came out the 1600 or 1200 spin machine,although under a press more water will come out of the 1200 spin clothes.

ck, June 2008