It
has been five years since the introduction of the original E-Roll
Player System. Not being satisfied with merely "very good"
performance, I have made improvements to the electro-pneumatic
mechanism over time. The newest model performs flawlessly. Updates
have been made available to owners of installed systems. These
include improved valve seals and noise deadening bumpers.
For
the current production run a number of additional mechanical changes
have been made as well as a complete re-design of all electronic
components. Installation has been greatly simplified as a result.
Maintenance and repair will also be much easier, if ever needed,
as all components are interchangeable and require no programming.
New
E-Roll Player Installation Manual Please note that this is
a low resolution version, to save on download time. Graphics are
not of high quality. For a full, high resolution version click
here but be warned that
it is 3.8 Megs.
The
valve block measures 1.25" x 1.4" x 5" ( 32 mm.
x 36mm. x 127mm) without connection nipples. The standard configuration
of the new valve block allows for the connection of tubes to one
side only. This was done in order to eliminate the need for plugs
for unused holes. Optionally, the blocks may be drilled for through
tee installations.
Sixteen
valves are contained in each block allowing for location close
to existing signal tubes. The valve orifice is .90" and the
valve travel is .040" although these dimensions may be modified
for special situations. Air flow at 4 inches water column is significantly
greater than the signal tube / tracker bar configuration in both
the Duo-Art and the Ampico A. Therefore the units can be installed
at an even greater distance from the stack than the original tracker
bar and still have adequate valve action. However, this is not
likely to be necessary due to the modular design which allows
for distributed valve placement. In addition, the rapid response
of the low mass valve will enhance valve action further. The integral
tee option may also be used to maximize flow through the original
tracker bar.
Each
valve is controlled by a pulse width modulated (PWM) pick and
hold controller. This allows for operation against high vacuum
pressure without overheating in extended operation. Each vlave
operates independently and is short circuit and overload protected.
They are virtually indestructable. Pick period is fixed but can
be custom configured. Hold voltage is user settable in order to
allow for the quietest possible operation when operation against
extreme vacuum levels is not required.
The
valves will open against a vacuum in excess of 90 inches of water
and repeat at a rate of over 20 hertz. This is well in excess
of piano action response times. Higher vacuum and repetition rates
are possible by custom configuration. Repetition is also excellent
at 4 inches of vacuum and less as the valves are self closing
and do not depend on vacuum for their operation.
An
interface board is now available for connecting the valve blocks
to "the real world" without use of a MIDI controller.
This is to allow compatibility with existing systems such as theatre
pipe organs. The valve blocks may be connected to any TTL level
active high source directly but the interface board expands the
connect ability to just about anything. DC voltage switching from
5 to 24 volts is supported with either common positive or common
negative to the switches. The interface contains optical isolation
to protect the valve electronics. It may also be used to interface
to TTL level signals which are active low. Please e-mail
if you have an application for this interface board.
A
manifold is also available for installations in which the system
may be removed from time to time. This can be of benefit to installers
who wish to install the capability of an E-Roll Player for testing
or future sales. This manifold can be easily installed during
restoration of the piano and the system can be installed any time
later.Please e-mail
if you have are interested in the manifold. They will be built
to order until there is a sufficient demand to warrent large scale
production.
For
those familiar with the original system, here is a list of changes:
Since
most users did not install the blocks in tubing runs, the cross
drilled holes have been eliminated in order to simplify installation
and to eliminate the possibility of seal leaks. Cross drilling
will be provided as an option.
Each
valve block now has its own data cable which may be of any length
needed. This allows for location of each block in any available
space close to the components operated. Reliable operation has
been demonstrated with a 100 foot cable although this is not recommended.
The original system had a cable limit of about 6 feet.
Power
wiring is with screw terminal connectors so custom wiring by the
installer is now possible. As with the new data cable design,
this allows for location of valve blocks anywhere desired without
the need for custom made power cabling. Stock or custom data cables
will allow blocks to be placed anywhere convenient and then power
wires may be run to these locations.
Valve
driver electronics have been simplified and no longer contain
programmable components. This allows for substitution or replacement
boards without reprogramming. Each valve has its own dedicated
PWM circuit which is overheat and short circuit protected so a
failure of a single valve will not effect the operation of others.
In the rare case that one circuit is overloaded, it will simply
shut down.
The
controller does not require any programming other than loading
of a note map. Standard maps are available for common systems
and will be installed before shipping if desired. Custom mapping
is done through the MIDI interface and is a simple matter of entering
notes via a virtual keyboard (included) or editing and playing
a MIDI file. No more serial port required and no obscure mapping
programs.Motor relay timing is adjustable with a screwdriver and
channel selection is via a set of easily accessible switches.
The
motor control now provides a switched DC voltage that may be used
to control solid state relays (SSRs) as well as mechanical relays.
Connection of external valves (such as soft pedal control for
the Ampico) is now simplified. Just connect a 12 volt valve with
two wires.
If
you would like to be notified of further developments please send
an e-mail to me by using the link on the navigation bar and I
will put you on a list for future contact. Or click on the link
for the E-Roll Group and join the "E-Roll Collectors Group"
on Yahoo and receive notices about the system.