Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > March 1999 > 1999.03.31 > 05Prev  Next


Reroll Problem With Automatic Kit
By Andy Taylor

Hi,  I had the same problem with an old two-tier Cable I rebuilt a few
years ago.  It also has the "silencer" or fast forward.  Art Reblitz
suggests that the functions be separated -- probably the best way.

I got away with not separating the functions by removing a latch (or
the stop) underneath the keyboard that forced you to pull down on the
lever slightly before the piano would go into rewind.  Even with this,
the pneumatic had to pull quite a distance.

The first thing I would recommend is that your tech be sure that the
rewind pneumatic has a _constant_ source of suction.  It _will not_
work with "stack residue suction" as Player Piano Company suggests.
If it still refuses to work, increase the hose diameter going to the
pneumatic if possible.  Next, if that still don't work, Install a
outside valve to amplify the signal.

If that thing still refuses to work, throw the thing out and try
this (maybe you could use the unit for auto sustain instead):

My favorite method of adding an "auto rewind" Is by installing a
solenoid (with action cloth glued to the moveable part to prevent that
"click" when the solenoid fires) triggered by a microswitch on the #1
stack pneumatic.  This system is not dependent upon the suction level.

This is wired to work even when the suction motor is off, as long as
the piano is plugged in to the wall.  As long as that stack pneumatic
collapses, it works every time.

Just because PPCo advertises a certain thing will work, it has been
my experience that quite a few concessions will have to be made before
it does.  Every player is different enough that it sometimes takes a
little time to get it to do what you want.

Andy Taylor - "The Lone Arranger"
Tempola Music Rolls Ltd.


(Message sent Wed 31 Mar 1999, 20:43:42 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Automatic, Kit, Problem, Reroll

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page