[ Ref. Tempo Compensation Methods in 191021 MMD & subsequent ]
I have thought about this matter on and off for some time (years!),
with not much of a conclusion as to how to describe the maths of
generating a constant torque the way it is usually done in a pianola.
The calculations and explanation offered is true but for that case
where the motor turns at a constant speed. In the wind motor, it is
driven through a pressure compensated control box with a variable
aperture. The form of drive control is effectively a 'Constant Torque'
rather than a 'Constant Speed'.
The details of the Ampico B motor, being electric, is almost certainly
designed as a constant torque motor. Just how Ampico did this, I don't
know. I have never seen one. Whether it was due to a specific coil
winding design or some kind of constant current control, maybe
knowledgeable readers might be able to add something.
Music rolls are cut at a constant speed and must be played back at
a constant speed also.
Paul Rumpf
Melbourne, Australia
[ The Ampico B take-up spool motor is, indeed, a series-connected
[ motor in which the shaft torque at low speed is proportional to the
[ current. But the motor speed is closely regulated by a "high gain"
[ centrifugal governor that adjusts the average motor current to
[ maintain constant revolutions per minute of the take-up spool axle,
[ the speed unaffected by torque demand. See the illustrations at
[ https://www.mmdigest.com/Gallery/Tech/Ampico/spoolmotor.htm
[ -- Robbie
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