On Tue, Mar 2, 2010 at 1:07 PM, Mark Purney <mark.purney at mesapiano.com>wrote: > From the limited info I've been able to dig up, it seems that this device > works by simply connecting each end of the center pin to the AC output > voltage of a step-down transformer. Del Fandrich's zapper apparently used a > transformer that converted 120VAC to 6.3VAC (not rectified DC, just AC). > > For those of you who have built these zappers, does that sound like what > you've done (less the switch and buzzer)? I've heard that some people use > doorbell transformers, but the output voltage of a doorbell transformer can > be anything from 6VAC to 16VAC, depending on the type of transformer. I'd > think the lower, 6V output would be safer and make it easier to control the > application, thus protecting the birds eye part of the flange from being > overheated. > > I know this device doesn't work for all cases, but I have some clients that > I'm sure would appreciate the cost savings if I could solve their center pin > problems without having to repin every flange. > Hi Mark, I have one I rarely use, it's results are temporary at best. The results of the device is/are heat, resulting in drying the flange bushing cloth thereby cauing it to stop sticking. The problem of course is that the humidity returns and with it the problem. I have found a more lasting solution to be the old standby 50/50 alcohol/water solution dabbed on the flanges with a Q-tip. Left in place, depending on the severity of the sticking problem, anywhere from 1/2 hour to overnight then dried with a blow dryer. Heat guns get too hot and can cause other problems, glue loosening for one. If you want to build a zapper all of the necessary parts can be acquired from a hardware store or home center. A doorbell transformer 8 to 12 volt is sufficient, some AC cord and an AC plug for the AC side of the transformer. Some DC wire about 10 gauge is sufficient and some connectors both the crimp kind for splicing 2 ends together and the round ended kind to bolt through. A small piece of masonite, hardboard or even pegboard about 1/2" X 3/4" and a large tweezers and lastly a small diameter non-metallic bolt and nut. You begin by disconnecting the two arms of the tweezers, you can also make the tweezer arms from old hack saw blades cut in half, grinding one end to a point and bending it over. Clamp the tweezer arms with the masonite or whatever you choose to use, between them and drill a hole large enough for the small bolt to fit through. Attach the AC cords to the approriate ends of the transformer and the plug to the end of the cord. (I used an old lamp cord with a pre-molded plug) Attach the 10 Ga wires to the DC side of the transformer, attach the round ended connectors to the open ends of the wire and attach those ends on either side of the tweezers with the bolt and nut and washers if necessary. You might want to mount it on a small board for portability and ease of storage. Plug it in and lightly touch the ends to one another if you see a spark you have succeeded, if not check your connections. Remember it is important that the two "sides" of the "circuit" or tweezers are insulated from one another until they contact the center pin When using this device do not hold it on the pin ends longer than a few seconds, they heat up VERY quickly! Don't ask me how I know! (grin) Good luck, Mike -- It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) Michael Magness Magness Piano Service 608-786-4404 www.IFixPianos.com <http://www.ifixpianos.com/> email mike at ifixpianos.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20100302/5ddeaf98/attachment-0001.htm>
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