(An "All DC School" -David, you are incredible! That is simply brilliant!) Actually, though, in another way, I think David's suggestion of having an "all Dampp-Chaser" School, and the implications thereof, is nothing to be sneezed at. Paul, you really do have an opportunity there if you are willing to consider something really unique and innovative. -Perhaps, a first! Maybe even an opportunity to solve a whole bunch of water-/moisture-/humidity-/piano-related problems at the same time. (The ideas that follow may be crazy, or there actually may be something to them. Who knows? It does seem that this is a universal problem. -Or perhaps, a University (and College) problem. Like David, I'm only being half tongue-in-cheek. ;-) ) How important, really, is humidity control and tuning stability? I think a lot of people notice when pianos don't hold their tune, (not only the CAUT technician whose reputation is on the line). How much time and attention does this subject merit, especially when certain Schools are spending the likes of 4 million dollars on new instrument purchase? When are administrations being penny-wise (in the purchase) and pound-foolish (in the climate control/maintenance)? Certainly seems like the interest to really address this problem in a truly effective way should be there... And really, now, why rely on antiquated global humidity control solutions, subject to the vagaries of fickle and capricious human (administrative) decision-making behavior, when you can address the problem directly, with a local solution, under your direct control? (I sound like a DC sales brochure, don't I?) However, to implement it properly I suggest installation of proper infrastructure to facilitate this solution. You don't fill the icemaker on your fridge with water manually, do you? I suggest that, just like with refrigerators, a permanent fill line be installed in each and every practice room, studio, or hall where there is a piano. (You're already required to have sprinkler systems in place, in case of fire, right? So the water lines are already there...) These water lines could be run to the DC humidifier tanks in the pianos, with a float valve (similar to the icemaker, or other "necessary" household appliances --you know what I'm talking about!) to shut off the water when the tank is full. Floor or ceiling mounted tap points could be installed next to or under the piano so that people wouldn't trip over the water line. As you know, tanks in 10-20% humidity would have to be filled way too often by hand not to have to resort to this expedient. A quick disconnect flange fitting with shut off valve (just like on the fridge) would facilitate moving the piano when needed. Should running these water lines prove too problemmatic, a "piano sized" water generator could be designed to extract the water directly from the surrounding atmosphere to fill the tanks. (It could also double as a dehumidifier, obviously). You already have a cord and an electrical outlet for the Dampp-Chaser. This same power source could be used for the water generator. Also, if desired, a storage tank for the water generator could store up the water during the humid season and release it during the dry. An auxiliary tap could help supply the needs of thirsty piano performance students dehydrated from hours of practicing. (-or you could find some way of recycling the perspiration, like a Stilson device. That water all has to go somewhere... See: http://www.aquamaker.com/ (Don't laugh, the Armed Forces use these in desert locations to make water for the troops...) See also: http://www.airwatercorp.com/ What about water conditioner? Easy. You just have little blue pellets you hang over the inside of the bowl -er, I mean tank. They could be designed to be replaced at the same time interval as the pads. Now, the only other issue that has to be addressed is what to do with the pads (and the old liners). A recycling program would be instituted, of course. -With proper rebates. Just think of the possibilities. Monitoring equipment, (wireless, of course) connected to a central computer, (and appropriate monitoring software) would insure that you know how the units are operating and which ones need service or attention. A great coup, for both Dampp-Chaser, and you. (Who is able to grasp this vision, hmmm? -Really, is it that far fetched?) Or, design your own system.... (-Or, we could all simply bite the bullet and go to electronic keyboards. They are getting better, you know...there are some really authentic sounding ones... Will the complexity and cost of implementing, or lack of, proper humidity control, for pianos, ultimately be the death-knell of this exotic, and expensive, dinosaur?) Like I say, only half in jest. ~Kendall PianoFinders _____ From: David Skolnik [mailto:davidskolnik at optonline.net] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 8:37 AM To: caut at ptg.org Subject: Re: [CAUT] What to do??? Why, Go All DC, of course At 09:17 AM 12/2/2008, you wrote: I will compile a quote for 70 DC complete units including undercovers. Do you all think DC will give a discount for that many systems? Paul Well, Paul, you and DampppChaser have a tremendous opportunity here. Melding two, virtually concurrent threads, I would consider trying to establish the first "All D-C School". As this company has been most receptive to continual innovation, I can think of all sorts of things, beyond discounts, that they might consider to promote such a venture: For one, since the profit incentive in the sale of such items is eliminated (for you), they could enlist a small army of technicians to effect the installation in a timely manner, saving you hours at the physical therapist. They could probably develop some type of signalling device which would allow you to be notified, on your computer, when a particular unit requires refilling, or perhaps even more detailed info about the operating status. If they are to be self-installed, they could throw in a ergonomically designed dolly, with a real pillow (& alarm clock), attached lighting and parts & tool holder, dust mask & goggles. Status and increased enrollment are just a few of the benefits. While you would probably have to go with David Porritt's suggestion for at least a part time specialist (just under the benefits cut-off) you would, as Head Technician, still be responsible for devising the water delivery method. I'd like to hear about that. On another hand, you might be so successful with this program that your own position will be reducible to part time...maybe even monitoring the DC status from home! Seriously, you have gotten a great deal of good responses to this problem. I especially liked Fred's thoughts about the possibility of installing just humidistats and rods, to cap the high end, while working, using the myriad thoughtful, politically astute approaches that were offered up, to do whatever is possible to elevate the lower threshold. And, institutional discounting could throw a serious wrench into the marketing and pricing structure of the units. All in all, a worthwhile discussion. David Skolnik Hastings on Hudson, NY Urtext - sans emoticons -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/caut_ptg.org/attachments/20081203/3c78b3de/attachment.html>
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