zapper for sluggish action

[Meyer Carl]

You might want to connect a buzzer or a small lamp or an LED with a ten k
resistor across the tips to give an indication that the tips are making
contact.  When the tips touch (are shorted across the pin) the lamp will go
out or the buzzer will stop

Carl Meyer


----- Original Message -----
From: "Bud Schwab" <budschwab@earthlink.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2000 6:56 PM
Subject: Re: zapper for sluggish action


>
>
> Hi to Diane and Dan and Susan and others who inquired about the zapper.
>
> I did a little sleuthing today to see where transformers could be obtained
> to make the zapper.  I thought Radio Shack had something, but the local
one
> didn't seem to have it.  Basically it needs to be a transformer that puts
> out 6 to 12 volts at about two amps.  I think there are probably some
beefy
> doorbell transformers that would do just fine that could be obtained at a
> local hardware.  Susan you were asking step by step for making
> one.  Basically you hook up an AC cord to the primary to plug into the 110
> outlet.  The two wires from the secondary  are connected to some thin
metal
> probes to make contact with the centerpin.  I put the transformer in a box
> and put a switch on it and a jack so the leads can be unplugged if they
> need to be changed or altered.  I used a piece of metal about one quarter
> inch wide and cut to a taper at the end, and a very slight bend at the
very
> tip to make better contact with the centerpin.
> I hope that's clear.  If any questions you could contact me by email or my
> phone is 310 456-6886
>
> Bud
>
>
>
> At 05:31 AM 11/29/00 +0000, you wrote:
> >Bud,
> >
> >  I will be very apprecitive for this information too.  My zapper died
and
> > got cremated a number of years and moves ago and I have recently been
> > wishing I still had it.  It can be a useful tool to add to our arsenal.
> >
> >  Thank you for going to this effort for us!
> >
> >  Diane
> >
> >
> >>From: Bud Schwab <budschwab@earthlink.net>
> >>Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org
> >>To: pianotech@ptg.org
> >>Subject: Re: zapper for sluggish  action
> >>Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2000 19:46:37 -0800
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>Hi Susan,
> >>
> >>I got an inquiry from Dan Hallett today and I am sending along the
answer I
> >>sent to him.  I'll contact you guys tomorrow when I find out a few
things
> >>as to availability of parts.  I guess I don't have your email address so
I
> >>can just send it to the list.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>Hi Dan,
> >>
> >>The basic part of the zapper is a transformer that delivers a low
voltage
> >>at a fairly high current.  I used to use what's called a filament
> >>transformer that was used in radios when they had tubes.  I am going to
> >>Radio Shack tomorrow and I'll find out what is available for that
purpose,
> >>or there are radio supply stores here in the Los Angeles area.  You just
> >>run two wires from the two low voltage side of the transformer and put
some
> >>type of metal strip at the end to contact the centerpin.  I will write
> >>again in a day or so when I find out where you can get the material and
let
> >>you know.  I hope that's clear enough.  I never saw any of Mehaffey's
> >>zappers so I don't know how they looked, but you can get a box to mount
the
> >>transformer with a jack to plug the wires in.  There are many physical
> >>possibillities as to how it could be constructed.  Please let me know if
> >>you have further questions.
> >>
> >>Bud
> >>>Dear Bud:
> >>>
> >>>Susan Kline said to ask you how to make a 'Zapper' as she thinks
Francis
> >>>Mehaffey isn't making them any more.
> >>>
> >>>Or - do you know anyone that is making them.
> >>>
> >>>Dan Hallett
> >>At 04:05 PM 11/28/00 -0700, you wrote:
> >>
> >>> > If a little dose of hair dryer and a dampp chaser rod aren't enough,
I
> >>> > bite the bullet, take the action home, and repin all the hammer
centers.
> >>> > Plus I zap or repin any slow jack and wippen centers I find. It
takes
> >>> > awhile, but I've seen too many truly seized actions from someone
spraying
> >>> > in some magic potion. If you just do the whole thing, it is fixed,
and
> >>> > the sluggishness won't come back to plague you.
> >>> >
> >>> > Susan
> >>> >
> >>>Hey Bud & Susan,
> >>>
> >>>     I would like to get a zapper too, because this will be a repair
for a
> >>>store which doesn't want to admit they sold a sick piano, yesterday I
was
> >>>scolded by the store owner for not being diplomatic with the customer.
> >>>
> >>>     I am sorry if it doesn't work, I will tell them frankly not try to
hide
> >>>behind some salesman rhetoric.
> >>>
> >>>     I know if I repin the flanges it will take plenty of hours and I
> >>>wouldn't be compensated properly enough to begin with, nor do I have
much
> >>>time this month....  If it is something that I can fix during a tuning
then
> >>>I will be a hero and called back in good favor.
> >>>
> >>>     If I can't get a zapper could you please describe it exactly so
that I
> >>>can make one?
> >>>
> >>>     Thanks,
> >>>
> >>>Eliot
> >>
> >>                                                 Bud Schwab
> >>W 6 Z Y P
> >>Malibu, california
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >Diane Hofstetter
> >245-M Mount Hermon Rd.
> >Scotts Valley, CA 95066
> >ph  831-438-6222
> >fax 831-430-9741
> >dianepianotuner@hotmail.com
> >
>
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>
>                                                  Bud Schwab
> W 6 Z Y P
> Malibu, california
>
>
>