Discussion: View Thread

From Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>

Hello,
First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:
1.  All hardware installed correctly.
2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.
3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.
4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.
5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.  During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.
6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.
7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.
8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.
Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I could try?
Thanks,
Steven 		 	   		  

From Cy Shuster <cy@shusterpiano.com>

Steven,

When we talked about this, there was one more data item to add: one of the tests you ran from the Silent Drive setup CD failed. Which one was that?

--Cy--

Cy Shuster, RPT
Albuquerque, NM

www.shusterpiano.com
www.facebook.com/shusterpiano

On Sep 2, 2012, at 6:28 PM, Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hello,
> 
> First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:
> 
> 1.  All hardware installed correctly.
> 
> 2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.
> 
> 3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.
> 
> 4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.
> 
> 5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.  During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.
> 
> 6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.
> 
> 7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.
> 
> 8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.
> 
> Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I could try?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Steven

From Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>

Cy,
I was letting it run unattended so I am not sure and did not make note of it.  However, the error message said that the file had "timed out".  I know it was late in the list of files and I am guessing here but I think it was the test where the solenoids should fire at a rate that allows you to observe key dip to be full and checking to be at the same height as when the key is played manually.  I also ran the test one more time as we spoke about this evening and the complete set of files ran without a problem but alas the keys still do not play???????  I wish I could say I loved this mystery.
STeven
From: cy@shusterpiano.com
Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2012 21:24:22 -0600
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

Steven,
When we talked about this, there was one more data item to add: one of the tests you ran from the Silent Drive setup CD failed. Which one was that?
--Cy--

Cy Shuster, RPTAlbuquerque, NM
www.shusterpiano.comwww.facebook.com/shusterpiano



On Sep 2, 2012, at 6:28 PM, Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com> wrote:Hello,
First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:
1.  All hardware installed correctly.
2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.
3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.
4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.
5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.  During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.
6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.
7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.
8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.
Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I could try?
Thanks,
Steven
 		 	   		  

From Lewis Newman <musicbased@yahoo.co.uk>

Hello Steven,

Try changing the 3.5mm jack lead from the router to the IQ box...
We have found them to be totally useless,in every kit!

Lewis.

Sent from my iPhone 

On 3 Sep 2012, at 04:24, Cy Shuster <cy@shusterpiano.com> wrote:

> Steven,
> 
> When we talked about this, there was one more data item to add: one of the tests you ran from the Silent Drive setup CD failed. Which one was that?
> 
> --Cy--
> 
> Cy Shuster, RPT
> Albuquerque, NM
> 
> www.shusterpiano.com
> www.facebook.com/shusterpiano
> 
> On Sep 2, 2012, at 6:28 PM, Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Hello,
>> 
>> First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:
>> 
>> 1.  All hardware installed correctly.
>> 
>> 2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.
>> 
>> 3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.
>> 
>> 4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.
>> 
>> 5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.  During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.
>> 
>> 6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.
>> 
>> 7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.
>> 
>> 8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.
>> 
>> Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I could try?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Steven
> 

From "steve@stevejacksonpianos.com" <steve@stevejacksonpianos.com>

I've had airport problems that were similar. They are not consistent. It may also be the iPad. Plug a cd player in with a new cable. If it works, it's iPad or airport 

Stevejacksonpianos.com

----- Reply message -----
From: "Steven Hopp" <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>
To: "PianoTech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
Date: Sun, Sep 2, 2012 8:28 pm
Hello,
First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:
1.  All hardware installed correctly.
2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.
3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.
4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.
5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.  During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.
6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.
7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.
8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.
Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I could try?
Thanks,
Steven

From Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>

So I replaced the cable with a new high quality 3.5 cable from radio shack  from airport express to IQ as suggested.  Played a song from iPad and bingo the piano played  However, the levels were bad.  The piano was very loud and the accompaniment soft.  Then at the end of the song one key was stuck down.  As I contemplated what to do about that there was a pop and the key let up.  Now there is no light on the IQ and no light on the CPU.  There was also a strange smell coming from the system?  Where from I could not tell.  
I have unplugged the system with no change.  I turned the power strip on and off and no change.  I pushed the reset button on the CPU and no change.  I think something "blew-up" but have no idea what.  
Would the levels being off like that make this system implode?  I have not been able to adjust the levels because I never got the piano to play so the midi files I was running to calibrate the system were never reaching the CPU.  
I guess I should have tried to run the setup CD again but live and learn I just wanted to see if the **** thing would play after the grief I have had with class, installing the system, and then all the trouble getting the thing to play, not to mention the thousands I have spent to be here with basically nothing but some fancy parts.
Any chance anyone knows how to reset the CPU other than the CPU button?  Is the smell a sign of a bad omen?
Steven
To: pianotech@ptg.org; pianotech@ptg.org
From: steve@stevejacksonpianos.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 05:14:43 -0400
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please




I've had airport problems that were similar. They are not consistent. It may also be the iPad. Plug a cd player in with a new cable. If it works, it's iPad or airport 

Stevejacksonpianos.com

----- Reply message -----
From: "Steven Hopp" <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>
To: "PianoTech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
Date: Sun, Sep 2, 2012 8:28 pm



Hello,
First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:
1.  All hardware installed correctly.
2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.
3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.
4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.
5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.  During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.
6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.
7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.
8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.
Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I could try?
Thanks,
Steven 		 	   		   		 	   		  

From "Dean May" <deanmay@pianorebuilders.com>

Playing the setup CD all the way through gives zero net change, i.e., all
parameters are set back to default. You are supposed to use it to play
specific tracks to adjust a parameter one way or the other, but the final
track of each parameter is to choose default, therefore when you play it
from beginning to end it sets everything to default. 

 

Bad smells are usually bad. You haven't given us a lot of info, but I would
suspect the solenoid on the key that was stuck has fried. And that has maybe
taken out a fuse on the power supply. 

 

Have you checked voltages on the power supply? Do the CPU lights come on?
Can you test fire solenoids from the CPU test button? 

 

If you have a 128/228 box you can bypass you IQ box to eliminate it and
airport from equation. The best way to diagnose these things is to eliminate
components. 

 

I don't have much experience with iPads, but I do have a laptop that
absolutely will not play pianodisc music. I've also seen iPods that won't
work very well. So try different playback device.

 

Is this a brand new complete kit or an IQ retrofit?

 

PianoDisc tech support is often pretty helpful.

 

Dean

Dean W May                        (812) 235-5272 voice and text

PianoRebuilders.com           (888) DEAN-MAY         

Terre Haute IN 47802           Give us a LIKE on Facebook! Go to
<https://www.facebook.com/pages/PianoRebuilderscom/137780082943148>
PianoRebuilders.com

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Steven Hopp
Sent: Monday, September 03, 2012 2:13 PM
To: PianoTech
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

 


So I replaced the cable with a new high quality 3.5 cable from radio shack
from airport express to IQ as suggested.  Played a song from iPad and bingo
the piano played  However, the levels were bad.  The piano was very loud and
the accompaniment soft.  Then at the end of the song one key was stuck down.
As I contemplated what to do about that there was a pop and the key let up.
Now there is no light on the IQ and no light on the CPU.  There was also a
strange smell coming from the system?  Where from I could not tell.  

 

I have unplugged the system with no change.  I turned the power strip on and
off and no change.  I pushed the reset button on the CPU and no change.  I
think something "blew-up" but have no idea what.  

 

Would the levels being off like that make this system implode?  I have not
been able to adjust the levels because I never got the piano to play so the
midi files I was running to calibrate the system were never reaching the
CPU.  

 

I guess I should have tried to run the setup CD again but live and learn I
just wanted to see if the **** thing would play after the grief I have had
with class, installing the system, and then all the trouble getting the
thing to play, not to mention the thousands I have spent to be here with
basically nothing but some fancy parts.

 

Any chance anyone knows how to reset the CPU other than the CPU button?  Is
the smell a sign of a bad omen?

 

Steven

  _____  

To: pianotech@ptg.org; pianotech@ptg.org
From: steve@stevejacksonpianos.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 05:14:43 -0400
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

I've had airport problems that were similar. They are not consistent. It may
also be the iPad. Plug a cd player in with a new cable. If it works, it's
iPad or airport 

Stevejacksonpianos.com

----- Reply message -----
From: "Steven Hopp" <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>
To: "PianoTech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
Date: Sun, Sep 2, 2012 8:28 pm

 

Hello,

 

First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from
PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:

 

1.  All hardware installed correctly.

 

2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.

 

3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the
pedal.

 

4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected
directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band
is heard but the piano does NOT play.

 

5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through
iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.
During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not
which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.

 

6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the
iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for
level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and
the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop
it.

 

7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right
place.

 

8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the
system and it is.

 

Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I
could try?

 

Thanks,

 

Steven

From Cy Shuster <cy@shusterpiano.com>

On Sep 3, 2012, at 12:39 PM, Dean May <deanmay@pianorebuilders.com> wrote:

> Playing the setup CD all the way through gives zero net change, i.e., all parameters are set back to default. You are supposed to use it to play specific tracks to adjust a parameter one way or the other, but the final track of each parameter is to choose default, therefore when you play it from beginning to end it sets everything to default.
> 

Yes, but the iQ system setup instructions are very clear that the Silent Drive setup CD must be run through first, before using any of the iQ calibration functions such as manual learn.

Why this time-consuming extra step is necessary is a mystery. The defaults could easily be set at the factory.

--Cy--

Cy Shuster, RPT
Albuquerque, NM

www.shusterpiano.com
www.facebook.com/shusterpiano

From lewis Newman <musicbased@yahoo.co.uk>

That sounds like a faulty power supply to me..
Check out how much current is being output to the solenoids.Does it smell like TCP antiseptic?...
It may have started cooking the solenoids unfortunately.
Change the power supply.

I would contact pianodisc, once you get it playing again, as i think there has been a recent change to the set up due to a new router being used, (i think).
I didn't do the last one, but one of my colleagues had exactly the same problem with the loud playing thing, and managed to fix it after speaking to pianodisc...
I will ask him tomorrow and let you know more info..


Good luck!

Lewis.


________________________________
 From: Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>
To: PianoTech <pianotech@ptg.org> 
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2012, 19:13
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
 

 

So I replaced the cable with a new high quality 3.5 cable from radio shack ?from airport express to IQ as suggested. ?Played a song from iPad and bingo the piano played ?However, the levels were bad. ?The piano was very loud and the accompaniment soft. ?Then at the end of the song one key was stuck down. ?As I contemplated what to do about that there was a pop and the key let up. ?Now there is no light on the IQ and no light on the CPU. ?There was also a strange smell coming from the system? ?Where from I could not tell. ?

I have unplugged the system with no change. ?I turned the power strip on and off and no change. ?I pushed the reset button on the CPU and no change. ?I think something "blew-up" but have no idea what. ?

Would the levels being off like that make this system implode? ?I have not been able to adjust the levels because I never got the piano to play so the midi files I was running to calibrate the system were never reaching the CPU. ?

I guess I should have tried to run the setup CD again but live and learn I just wanted to see if the **** thing would play after the grief I have had with class, installing the system, and then all the trouble getting the thing to play, not to mention the thousands I have spent to be here with basically nothing but some fancy parts.

Any chance anyone knows how to reset the CPU other than the CPU button? ?Is the smell a sign of a bad omen?

Steven


________________________________
To: pianotech@ptg.org; pianotech@ptg.org
From: steve@stevejacksonpianos.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 05:14:43 -0400
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

 I've had airport problems that were similar. They are not consistent. It may also be the iPad. Plug a cd player in with a new cable. If it works, it's iPad or airport 

Stevejacksonpianos.com


----- Reply message -----
From: "Steven Hopp" <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>
To: "PianoTech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
Date: Sun, Sep 2, 2012 8:28 pm



Hello,

First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:

1. ?All hardware installed correctly.

2. ?Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.

3. ?Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.

4. ?When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.

5. ?The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards. ?During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct. ?Just FYI this setup has been done.

6. ?When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.

7. ?All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.

8. ?I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.

Thoughts from anyone who has?experienced?such troubles or might know what I could try?

Thanks,

Steven

From Al Guecia/Allied PianoCraft <alliedpianocraft@hotmail.com>

I've been following the thread out of curiosity, I didn't do player installations. Why can't you get help from PianoDisc on this?

Al -
High Point, NC






On Sep 3, 2012, at 2:13 PM, Steven Hopp wrote:


So I replaced the cable with a new high quality 3.5 cable from radio shack  from airport express to IQ as suggested.  Played a song from iPad and bingo the piano played  However, the levels were bad.  The piano was very loud and the accompaniment soft.  Then at the end of the song one key was stuck down.  As I contemplated what to do about that there was a pop and the key let up.  Now there is no light on the IQ and no light on the CPU.  There was also a strange smell coming from the system?  Where from I could not tell.  

I have unplugged the system with no change.  I turned the power strip on and off and no change.  I pushed the reset button on the CPU and no change.  I think something "blew-up" but have no idea what.  

Would the levels being off like that make this system implode?  I have not been able to adjust the levels because I never got the piano to play so the midi files I was running to calibrate the system were never reaching the CPU.  

I guess I should have tried to run the setup CD again but live and learn I just wanted to see if the **** thing would play after the grief I have had with class, installing the system, and then all the trouble getting the thing to play, not to mention the thousands I have spent to be here with basically nothing but some fancy parts.

Any chance anyone knows how to reset the CPU other than the CPU button?  Is the smell a sign of a bad omen?

Steven
To: pianotech@ptg.org; pianotech@ptg.org
From: steve@stevejacksonpianos.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 05:14:43 -0400
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

I've had airport problems that were similar. They are not consistent. It may also be the iPad. Plug a cd player in with a new cable. If it works, it's iPad or airport 

Stevejacksonpianos.com

----- Reply message -----
From: "Steven Hopp" <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>
To: "PianoTech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
Date: Sun, Sep 2, 2012 8:28 pm


Hello,

First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:

1.  All hardware installed correctly.

2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.

3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the pedal.

4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band is heard but the piano does NOT play.

5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.  During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.

6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop it.

7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right place.

8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the system and it is.

Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I could try?

Thanks,

Steven

From Cy Shuster <cy@shusterpiano.com>

Yes, they will help, but they're closed on weekends.

--Cy--

Cy Shuster, RPT
Albuquerque, NM

www.shusterpiano.com
www.facebook.com/shusterpiano

On Sep 4, 2012, at 6:50 AM, Al Guecia/Allied PianoCraft <alliedpianocraft@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I've been following the thread out of curiosity, I didn't do player installations. Why can't you get help from PianoDisc on this?
> 
> Al -
> High Point, NC
> 
> 

From Al Guecia/Allied PianoCraft <alliedpianocraft@hotmail.com>

Thanks......didn't think of that.  Happy it got on the list, its been educational to follow.

Al -
High Point, NC






On Sep 4, 2012, at 9:51 AM, Cy Shuster wrote:

Yes, they will help, but they're closed on weekends.

--Cy--

Cy Shuster, RPT
Albuquerque, NM

www.shusterpiano.com
www.facebook.com/shusterpiano

On Sep 4, 2012, at 6:50 AM, Al Guecia/Allied PianoCraft <alliedpianocraft@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I've been following the thread out of curiosity, I didn't do player installations. Why can't you get help from PianoDisc on this?
> 
> Al -
> High Point, NC
> 
> 

From "Garret E. Traylor" <hpp@highpointpiano.com>

Stephen,
When did you do your training with Yamaha for Discklavier service? In my
humble opinion you would know these answers you had been to training.

 

Kindest Regards,

Garret 

---

Garret Traylor - President

High Point Piano & Music Inc.

88-PIANO (336) 887-4266

P Go Green! Print this email only when necessary. Thank you for helping High
Point Music be environmentally responsible.

 

From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Al Guecia/Allied PianoCraft
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 8:50 AM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

 

I've been following the thread out of curiosity, I didn't do player
installations. Why can't you get help from PianoDisc on this?

 

Al -

High Point, NC

 

 

 





 

On Sep 3, 2012, at 2:13 PM, Steven Hopp wrote:






So I replaced the cable with a new high quality 3.5 cable from radio shack
from airport express to IQ as suggested.  Played a song from iPad and bingo
the piano played  However, the levels were bad.  The piano was very loud and
the accompaniment soft.  Then at the end of the song one key was stuck down.
As I contemplated what to do about that there was a pop and the key let up.
Now there is no light on the IQ and no light on the CPU.  There was also a
strange smell coming from the system?  Where from I could not tell.  

 

I have unplugged the system with no change.  I turned the power strip on and
off and no change.  I pushed the reset button on the CPU and no change.  I
think something "blew-up" but have no idea what.  

 

Would the levels being off like that make this system implode?  I have not
been able to adjust the levels because I never got the piano to play so the
midi files I was running to calibrate the system were never reaching the
CPU.  

 

I guess I should have tried to run the setup CD again but live and learn I
just wanted to see if the **** thing would play after the grief I have had
with class, installing the system, and then all the trouble getting the
thing to play, not to mention the thousands I have spent to be here with
basically nothing but some fancy parts.

 

Any chance anyone knows how to reset the CPU other than the CPU button?  Is
the smell a sign of a bad omen?

 

Steven

  _____  

To: pianotech@ptg.org; pianotech@ptg.org
From: steve@stevejacksonpianos.com
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 05:14:43 -0400
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

I've had airport problems that were similar. They are not consistent. It may
also be the iPad. Plug a cd player in with a new cable. If it works, it's
iPad or airport 

Stevejacksonpianos.com

----- Reply message -----
From: "Steven Hopp" <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>
To: "PianoTech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
Date: Sun, Sep 2, 2012 8:28 pm

 

Hello,

 

First system install IQ with Airport Express using an iPad with music from
PD loaded through iTunes with the following things correct:

 

1.  All hardware installed correctly.

 

2.  Solenoids firing when chromatic test is done through the CPU.

 

3.  Learn mode for keys and pedals works and the solenoids fire as does the
pedal.

 

4.  When a song is played on the iPad through the IQ wirelessly or connected
directly to the iPad via the earphone jack the sound of the singer or band
is heard but the piano does NOT play.

 

5.  The Silent Drive HD setup CD and its 40 + files have been loaded through
iTunes onto the iPad and have been played to set up the driver boards.
During this setup the voice of the man is heard but the fax sounds are not
which is correct.  Just FYI this setup has been done.

 

6.  When the level test is performed on the IQ - a song is playing on the
iPad with volume settings according to manual - when the led is lit for
level test and then the + - button is pushed the singer sound disappears and
the three flashing lights blink continuously and do not stop unless I stop
it.

 

7.  All cords have been checked and are good and they are in the right
place.

 

8.  I have the IQ checked on the iPad so I know it is playing through the
system and it is.

 

Thoughts from anyone who has experienced such troubles or might know what I
could try?

 

Thanks,

 

Steven

 

From Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net>

On 9/5/2012 8:58 AM, Garret E. Traylor wrote:
> Stephen,
> When did you do your training with Yamaha for Discklavier service? In my
> humble opinion you would know these answers you had been to training.
>
> Kindest Regards,
>
> Garret


When all else fails, read the header subject. Somehow, I wouldn't expect 
Yamaha to be real helpful in teaching PianoDisc service. Overall, this 
thread has been one of the better uses I've seen the list put to for 
some time.
Ron N

From Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com>

To all,
I went to Little Red Schoolhouse two years ago and just returned last month from PianoDisc.  
It has been determined from PD that they sent driver boards that had not been bench tested for their 48 hour requirement.  They sent one new driver board and we tried it on the bass end and it seemed to work fine. Each driver board has a date written on it.  The bad ones were marked 7/12 and the good one I received was 8/12.  I learned about this after the following scenario:
Installed new driver board and After all the calibration however, the first song play and 1 minute into the song banging keys that were stuck down due to solenoids basically melting in place and taking out groups at a nominal rate as what happened the first time.  Remember at this point I did not know about the date marking I was told I had one bad board.    Also, I have found out that two other poor souls were in the same boat I was (am) and they called in with a similar problem on the same day.
I don't know how this slipped by but what a crappy way to do a first install.  Truthfully, I will only believe that this is the problem when all is up and running from the replacement of the driver boards.  If it is the problem and they knew it, which apparently they did it is a bad sign for what might be going on there.
Also, Lewis N suggested new cords early on and he was right.  In fact PD also knows that they have lousy cords and have just contracted to have better quality cords put into their kits.  I will believe that when I see it.
I still believe this is a good system for clients.  However, my partner and I have decided we will mock as much as possible up on the bench before we put anything in the piano.  I have crawled on the floor over 100 times in the last week and I'm sick of it.  Not to mention the hours and hours of time spent trying to figure out the problem and talking to piano disc and tending to the would I have on my head from scratching the same place in disbelief and wonderment!
When I am up and running for sure I'll let you all know,
Steven Hopp RPT
> Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 09:50:29 -0500
> From: rnossaman@cox.net
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
> 
> On 9/5/2012 8:58 AM, Garret E. Traylor wrote:
> > Stephen,
> > When did you do your training with Yamaha for Discklavier service? In my
> > humble opinion you would know these answers you had been to training.
> >
> > Kindest Regards,
> >
> > Garret
> 
> 
> When all else fails, read the header subject. Somehow, I wouldn't expect 
> Yamaha to be real helpful in teaching PianoDisc service. Overall, this 
> thread has been one of the better uses I've seen the list put to for 
> some time.
> Ron N

 		 	   		  

From Jon Page <jonpage@comcast.net>

I'm sticking with pneumatic systems. Call me old fashioned.

-- 
Regards,

Jon Page

From Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net>

On 9/6/2012 6:52 PM, Jon Page wrote:

> I'm sticking with pneumatic systems.

Me too.


>Call me old fashioned.

If you insist...
Ron N

From "Dean May" <deanmay@pianorebuilders.com>

Welcome to the world of PianoDisc Installers!

 

Their tech support is pretty good, but their warranty replacement service
has always been bad, and it is now the worst it has ever been. They will not
ship a part out unless you charge it to a credit card, then they will credit
you when you return the part, even if it is a defective part right out of
the kit. And their parts are very expensive and sometimes take way too long
to get. 

 

I always do a 24 hour burn in after an install before I will deliver the
piano to the customer's home. 

 

On the plus side, it is a very sweet system that works incredibly well once
you get everything dialed in, and it is remarkably trouble free. I've had
very few parts go bad in all the years I've been installing kits. The new
wireless High Def IQ system is pretty amazing. 

 

Dean

Dean W May                (812) 235-5272 voice and text 

PianoRebuilders.com    (888) DEAN-MAY        

Terre Haute IN 47802

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Steven Hopp
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 7:24 PM
To: PianoTech
Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please

 

To all,

 

I went to Little Red Schoolhouse two years ago and just returned last month
from PianoDisc.  

 

It has been determined from PD that they sent driver boards that had not
been bench tested for their 48 hour requirement.  They sent one new driver
board and we tried it on the bass end and it seemed to work fine. Each
driver board has a date written on it.  The bad ones were marked 7/12 and
the good one I received was 8/12.  I learned about this after the following
scenario:

 

Installed new driver board and After all the calibration however, the first
song play and 1 minute into the song banging keys that were stuck down due
to solenoids basically melting in place and taking out groups at a nominal
rate as what happened the first time.  Remember at this point I did not know
about the date marking I was told I had one bad board.    Also, I have found
out that two other poor souls were in the same boat I was (am) and they
called in with a similar problem on the same day.

 

I don't know how this slipped by but what a crappy way to do a first
install.  Truthfully, I will only believe that this is the problem when all
is up and running from the replacement of the driver boards.  If it is the
problem and they knew it, which apparently they did it is a bad sign for
what might be going on there.

 

Also, Lewis N suggested new cords early on and he was right.  In fact PD
also knows that they have lousy cords and have just contracted to have
better quality cords put into their kits.  I will believe that when I see
it.

 

I still believe this is a good system for clients.  However, my partner and
I have decided we will mock as much as possible up on the bench before we
put anything in the piano.  I have crawled on the floor over 100 times in
the last week and I'm sick of it.  Not to mention the hours and hours of
time spent trying to figure out the problem and talking to piano disc and
tending to the would I have on my head from scratching the same place in
disbelief and wonderment!

 

When I am up and running for sure I'll let you all know,

 

Steven Hopp RPT

 

> Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 09:50:29 -0500
> From: rnossaman@cox.net
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
> 
> On 9/5/2012 8:58 AM, Garret E. Traylor wrote:
> > Stephen,
> > When did you do your training with Yamaha for Discklavier service? In my
> > humble opinion you would know these answers you had been to training.
> >
> > Kindest Regards,
> >
> > Garret
> 
> 
> When all else fails, read the header subject. Somehow, I wouldn't expect 
> Yamaha to be real helpful in teaching PianoDisc service. Overall, this 
> thread has been one of the better uses I've seen the list put to for 
> some time.
> Ron N

No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2197 / Virus Database: 2437/5253 - Release Date: 09/06/12

From Lewis Newman <musicbased@yahoo.co.uk>

Hello Steven,

Yes,fitting piano disc is an emotional roller coaster!

While I agree with the general consensus that it is a very good system, I personally haven't found the problems to be a rare occurrence at all.
In fact,I have found there to be on average 1 problem part lurking in each kit. Perhaps we have been particularly unlucky,but a spare kit to use for replacement parts and troubleshooting is essential!

On the subject of blown driver boards, you may find it useful to know that we have recently been told to check the resistance of all the solenoids before installing them,as a 'bad' solenoid will cause the driver board to blow,and just replacing the driver board and not the problem solenoid will cause the new board(s)to blow too.

They should be between 10 and 12 ohms.

I don't really think its our responsibility to individually check all the solenoids tbh.

My colleague has taken over the fitting of these for the last few months,and I must say I'm enjoying the stress free life!-I quite enjoy watching him walking around holding faulty cpu's and leads with a confused look on his face, while I regulate my piano.

As a final note, I will say that once you do iron out all the initial problems,they are actually fairly reliable afterwards..

Good luck,and keep us updated!

Lewis.




Sent from my iPhone 

On 7 Sep 2012, at 00:24, Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com> wrote:

> To all,
> 
> I went to Little Red Schoolhouse two years ago and just returned last month from PianoDisc.  
> 
> It has been determined from PD that they sent driver boards that had not been bench tested for their 48 hour requirement.  They sent one new driver board and we tried it on the bass end and it seemed to work fine. Each driver board has a date written on it.  The bad ones were marked 7/12 and the good one I received was 8/12.  I learned about this after the following scenario:
> 
> Installed new driver board and After all the calibration however, the first song play and 1 minute into the song banging keys that were stuck down due to solenoids basically melting in place and taking out groups at a nominal rate as what happened the first time.  Remember at this point I did not know about the date marking I was told I had one bad board.    Also, I have found out that two other poor souls were in the same boat I was (am) and they called in with a similar problem on the same day.
> 
> I don't know how this slipped by but what a crappy way to do a first install.  Truthfully, I will only believe that this is the problem when all is up and running from the replacement of the driver boards.  If it is the problem and they knew it, which apparently they did it is a bad sign for what might be going on there.
> 
> Also, Lewis N suggested new cords early on and he was right.  In fact PD also knows that they have lousy cords and have just contracted to have better quality cords put into their kits.  I will believe that when I see it.
> 
> I still believe this is a good system for clients.  However, my partner and I have decided we will mock as much as possible up on the bench before we put anything in the piano.  I have crawled on the floor over 100 times in the last week and I'm sick of it.  Not to mention the hours and hours of time spent trying to figure out the problem and talking to piano disc and tending to the would I have on my head from scratching the same place in disbelief and wonderment!
> 
> When I am up and running for sure I'll let you all know,
> 
> Steven Hopp RPT
> 
> > Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 09:50:29 -0500
> > From: rnossaman@cox.net
> > To: pianotech@ptg.org
> > Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
> > 
> > On 9/5/2012 8:58 AM, Garret E. Traylor wrote:
> > > Stephen,
> > > When did you do your training with Yamaha for Discklavier service? In my
> > > humble opinion you would know these answers you had been to training.
> > >
> > > Kindest Regards,
> > >
> > > Garret
> > 
> > 
> > When all else fails, read the header subject. Somehow, I wouldn't expect 
> > Yamaha to be real helpful in teaching PianoDisc service. Overall, this 
> > thread has been one of the better uses I've seen the list put to for 
> > some time.
> > Ron N

From Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net>

On 9/7/2012 3:55 PM, Lewis Newman wrote:

> I don't really think its our responsibility to individually check all
>  the solenoids tbh.

Beats blowing boards, I'd think, but you're right. Funny that we so 
easily accept having to repin new action parts. Every year, something 
else gets added to the job requirement, forcing price increases just to 
break even.

Ron N

From John Ross <jrpiano@bellaliant.net>

If a bad solenoid blows a board, wouldn't a good design protect the board with a fuse or breaker. Much cheaper than a new board.
Or, am I not seeing something?
John Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia
On 07-09-2012, at 5:55 PM, Lewis Newman <musicbased@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> Hello Steven,
> 
> Yes,fitting piano disc is an emotional roller coaster!
> 
> While I agree with the general consensus that it is a very good system, I personally haven't found the problems to be a rare occurrence at all.
> In fact,I have found there to be on average 1 problem part lurking in each kit. Perhaps we have been particularly unlucky,but a spare kit to use for replacement parts and troubleshooting is essential!
> 
> On the subject of blown driver boards, you may find it useful to know that we have recently been told to check the resistance of all the solenoids before installing them,as a 'bad' solenoid will cause the driver board to blow,and just replacing the driver board and not the problem solenoid will cause the new board(s)to blow too.
> 
> They should be between 10 and 12 ohms.
> 
> I don't really think its our responsibility to individually check all the solenoids tbh.
> 
> My colleague has taken over the fitting of these for the last few months,and I must say I'm enjoying the stress free life!-I quite enjoy watching him walking around holding faulty cpu's and leads with a confused look on his face, while I regulate my piano.
> 
> As a final note, I will say that once you do iron out all the initial problems,they are actually fairly reliable afterwards..
> 
> Good luck,and keep us updated!
> 
> Lewis.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone 
> 
> On 7 Sep 2012, at 00:24, Steven Hopp <hoppsmusic@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> To all,
>> 
>> I went to Little Red Schoolhouse two years ago and just returned last month from PianoDisc.  
>> 
>> It has been determined from PD that they sent driver boards that had not been bench tested for their 48 hour requirement.  They sent one new driver board and we tried it on the bass end and it seemed to work fine. Each driver board has a date written on it.  The bad ones were marked 7/12 and the good one I received was 8/12.  I learned about this after the following scenario:
>> 
>> Installed new driver board and After all the calibration however, the first song play and 1 minute into the song banging keys that were stuck down due to solenoids basically melting in place and taking out groups at a nominal rate as what happened the first time.  Remember at this point I did not know about the date marking I was told I had one bad board.    Also, I have found out that two other poor souls were in the same boat I was (am) and they called in with a similar problem on the same day.
>> 
>> I don't know how this slipped by but what a crappy way to do a first install.  Truthfully, I will only believe that this is the problem when all is up and running from the replacement of the driver boards.  If it is the problem and they knew it, which apparently they did it is a bad sign for what might be going on there.
>> 
>> Also, Lewis N suggested new cords early on and he was right.  In fact PD also knows that they have lousy cords and have just contracted to have better quality cords put into their kits.  I will believe that when I see it.
>> 
>> I still believe this is a good system for clients.  However, my partner and I have decided we will mock as much as possible up on the bench before we put anything in the piano.  I have crawled on the floor over 100 times in the last week and I'm sick of it.  Not to mention the hours and hours of time spent trying to figure out the problem and talking to piano disc and tending to the would I have on my head from scratching the same place in disbelief and wonderment!
>> 
>> When I am up and running for sure I'll let you all know,
>> 
>> Steven Hopp RPT
>> 
>> > Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 09:50:29 -0500
>> > From: rnossaman@cox.net
>> > To: pianotech@ptg.org
>> > Subject: Re: [pianotech] More PianoDisc Help Please
>> > 
>> > On 9/5/2012 8:58 AM, Garret E. Traylor wrote:
>> > > Stephen,
>> > > When did you do your training with Yamaha for Discklavier service? In my
>> > > humble opinion you would know these answers you had been to training.
>> > >
>> > > Kindest Regards,
>> > >
>> > > Garret
>> > 
>> > 
>> > When all else fails, read the header subject. Somehow, I wouldn't expect 
>> > Yamaha to be real helpful in teaching PianoDisc service. Overall, this 
>> > thread has been one of the better uses I've seen the list put to for 
>> > some time.
>> > Ron N

From Dave Bunch <davebpiano@gmail.com>

I have not worked with the PianoDiscs since the 228 systems but when what
you are describing happened, it was many times that the mute was on or the
piano was set to "off" by mistake. Wouldn't hurt to check all fuses too.

Dave Bunch

From "Larry Fisher RPT" <larry_fisher@pdxtuner.com>

The smoke test has taken out some parts.

Possibilities  ........  bad driver board, bad solenoid taking out driver board, I don’t think it’s the power supply because it’s fairly well protected with fuses.  

OK so is your power supply the boat anchor attached to the inside rim?  the totally black with a ribbed heat sink??  the totally black fairly light weight slim box full of holes??  or is it the wall wort and black brick style consisting of numerous outboard components??

There could be a pinched wire between the rail cover and the underside of the piano.  There are few thousand other possibilities for pinched wires.  Eliminate all of them.

A shorted key solenoid is extremely rare but it happens.  Make sure all those pesky white connectors for each key solenoid are plugged in their proper spot on the driver boards.  It’s really easy to miss a pin or get the order wrong under there.

Wires pinched against the driver boards or routed such that eventually the sharp points on the circuit boards will find their way through wire insulation is a really good way to enjoy a PianoDisc BBQ.  Dress the grey cable that goes to all the driver boards and the CPU board so that it doesn’t get pinched between the back side of the circuit boards and anything else.  This cable carries 45 volts DC with plenty of current.  It’s enough, under proper conditions, to fill the room with a PCB bouquet.  The rest of the system runs on relatively low current voltages used to move data and perform switching operations.  I don’t remember specific voltages right now. 

Your balance between the piano and the audio needs to be balanced.  This is a function of set up.  Follow the instructions for iQ level set ......   from memory (mine), using the multifunction lever on the iQ box, push it left until it lights up the level lights (two right I think) then press in once, start a piece playing setting the volumes on the speaker and the piano at about half, then press the multifunction lever again.  All the lights should light up for a few flashes and go back to only the power light being lit up.  ( I know I’m really close on these instructions)  The piano may play really loud for a few seconds and then return to normal.  Lowering the overall volume for the entire system should now produce much better control and much softer playback.

As with working on any sensitive electronic equipment, be careful not to short things out or pinch wires.  Be especially careful when reinstalling the rail cover and dress the wires out of the way before you press it to it’s final position.  I know it’s a pain under there but I’ve learned to use my knee on one end while working with the other end.  

From "Larry Fisher RPT" <larry_fisher@pdxtuner.com>

I have to agree with Dean.

It’s an amazing system that is indeed trouble free once all the occasional parts failures are weeded out.  

You, Steve, have now had a truly rich PianoDisc experience.  It’s all part of the job.  It takes a certain kind of installer to actually totally enjoy the process when things like you’ve just encountered come along.  It’s rare but, now you got that over with.

You’ve been initiated!!

Please do keep us informed.

Lar

From "Larry Fisher RPT" <larry_fisher@pdxtuner.com>

Uh, last I looked, each set of 6 solenoids had a fuse.  (.. and so he ambles out to the shop)   I randomly checked three solenoids from a collection of mine and all three read 12.4 ohms.  While I was at it I looked at an old 1992 and 1997 driver board and they both had the same basic design with a fuse (f2, f3, f4, etc) for each header of 6 solenoid groups.  Their basic driver board design hasn’t changed much over the years  .........  just the driver CPU and it’s support components.

I have a PDS unit installed in a piano here at home and in the day of MIDI flowing freely on the internet I was able to d/l some bluegrass MIDI’s and assigned a zone on the keyboard to play each instrument of four  .... bass, banjo, fiddle, guitar.  (computer driven using a 128 plus as a translator)  The resulting data traffic was so intense and involved it locked up the CPU’s and I had to turn the thing off to get them to reset  ............  but it never caught fire.  Over time I heated up (abused) enough solenoids to seize up about half of them but they never blew any fuses.  By the time I turned it off for the last time I had enough MIDI files to rock the shingles off this house for hours non-stop.  (Donna Summers, Ike and Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Blondie, lots of Rolling Stones, some Beatles, and a choice few from this century)  The hammers got hard as a rock and the action got really loose but the player still rocked.

QC at PDS has slipped a bit lately I agree.  Each kit I’ve installed lately has had something missing or the wrong version of cable etc.  After amassing a collection of PianoDisc doodads over the decades I’ve managed to get through most of their oversights with inventory laying around.  I can live with the changes.  It’s the process I have to go through to get things rectified that I have major issues with.  The last one took over 30 phone calls and I think it was 2 and a half months in duration.  I just tuned that installation a week or so ago.  The customer is totally happy with the player.  He’s using an iPad to drive it.

A smoky smell is a fuse that did it’s job  ........  most likely.  I’ve had a few.  I swapped out the offending stinker (PCB)  and was able to make the customer happy.  It happens.  Take a deep breath, pour yourself a tall frosty one and dream about fine babes delivering pianos.




If a bad solenoid blows a board, wouldn't a good design protect the board with a fuse or breaker. Much cheaper than a new board.