Disklavier

From: "Robert Welcyng" <rwelcyng@...>

> Primarily to Danny:
>
> I believe my Mark II's firmware is up-to-date.  Perhaps it is not.
> However, directing sustain pedal data to MIDI channel #3 should always
> work and will be compatible with all models of DKV--that's the way it's
> done on Yamaha's PianoSoft diskettes.

D: Hi Robert,

D: Thanks again for all the information.You've always gone out of your way to
help us all out here. Is there a possibility that I have some or one of my local
DKV configuration settings set so that my sustain works a bit differently?

D: By the way, since Cakewalk's latest version of Sonar no longer has on-line
support for CAL files, do you have any suggestions as where to turn in creating
new ones if you only have Sonar? I have used Cakewalk for about 12 years, but
have only used CAL for more than a few simple things. I do use mainly Emagic's
Logic, but since it is no longer available for the PC, I need to research CAL a
bit further. I know that you are a Mac user, but just asking...

> For certain MIDI files (e.g., the e-Competition), I have limited the
> sustain pedal data to no less than 20 and no greater than 95.  That has
> reduced the damper noise to my satisfaction, and, without messing up the
> intended pedaling effects.  As you might expect, correct pedal alignment
> would be more critical for this to work.  I did insure that the sustain
> pedal was properly adjusted and calibrated.

D: The mechanical aspect could well be part of the differing results that folks
are occasionally reporting here.

> Trying to modulate on/off pedal data to resemble continuous data strikes
> me as being more trouble than it is worth.

D: Just a thought. Could replace existing 'on-offs' with a *small* series of
controller modulations. May want to experiment with it later, although, then
again, results may differ due to different mechanical aspects of all the pianos.

> I once measured the current and power consummed by the pedal solenoid.
> I'd have to go look for the figures, but it was amazingly low.  I kept
> the solenoid energized for 30 minutes and could feel little rise in
> temperature.  Actually, the solenoid requires the most current while
> raising the dampers; the current needed to hold a position is less.
>
> Occasionally you hear reports of DKVs shutting down due to an
> overheating pedal solenoid. (You are possibly aware that pedal solenoid
> temperature is monitored.) My guess is that that is not due to poor
> solenoid design, but perhaps some mechanical resistance in the linkage
> or problem in the monitoring circuit.

D: Speaking of which, there may a bit of feedback (maybe some hysteresis) from
the pedal (i.e., direct current measurement or proximity sensor?) back to the
driver electronics. (In addition to the temperature monitoring.) When the
sustain pedal is in a 'fixed' position from a 'sustaining' MIDI controller 64
mid-value, and I place a slight amount of pressure on it with my hand, it
'counter-reacts' slowly and eventually settles back to its original position.
All this may be moot right now, but then again, it may make some sense later on.

> One other aside:  The pedal adjustment of my DC3 Mark II was always
> changing because the adjustment nuts were turning with use (despite the
> leather washers and the nuts being set against each other).  I fixed
> that by wrapping plumbers teflon joint seal tape on the adjustment threads.

D: I need the technician that comes over for the occasional tuning to look at
the adjustments on mine. On the other hand, duck/duct tape always worked for
me... ;^)

D: Then again, do most folks mainly experience the 'thumping' on the
sustain-release rather than sustain-on as I do?

D: Danny