convention update

[Ron Koval]

Hi all,

I remembered my palm, so here is the direct feed to my stuff.  Also, I threw 
some pictures up at:

http://groups.msn.com/RKoval


I set an equal beating well temperament of my own making on the piano today. 
  I also left a pad of paper on the piano for people to leave notes. I hope 
to get some back!

First class is Computer stuff with Andy Rudoff.  a few pianotech folks in 
attendance.  Clyde Hollinger,  Alan Day, and more I didn't catch.  Tomorrow 
is the get-together, so I'll see if I can bring a camera for that.

Took a poll for who used what system.  Mirrored overall use of 10% mac, with 
the bulk of users using windoze.'

Suggestions for purchase:

Stick with brand names
think hard before going cutting edge
in either purchase or applications
be realistic about needs-
shop around, avoid instand gratification.

Yes, we've all heard this, lesson one, BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER, sorry for 
yelling.

start/program/accessories/system tools/backup
use the wizards- they let you backtrack.

To help organize info, manage your folders

talked about battery technology, and power supplies, uninteruptable power 
supplies.

Databases, think of records and fields, ie. organize your thoughts first, 
what you will need

then how will you use the data, ie, how you will sort,  what to search, what 
to print

www.openoffice.org
free office suite - database, word processor, spreadsheet

we ran out of time to cover a lot more, but just touched on internet 
software, business software,  etc.

port scanning on the web to check firewall security


On to the next: upright touch on the up and up with Jack Wyatt

got there early after taking some pictures in the exhibit hall that I'll try 
to get available for you guys.

Greg Newell's in this class too, I didn't recognize any other list people 
here.

Looked at a few different upright actions, the Brooks 90 degree and an old 
upright and a Young Chang.

uprights developed late 1700's with the overdamer action.  1850 or so 
brought the dampers to the normal configuation.

Agreed that making 4 grams of change will make a big difference to the 
average piano.

Steib/Abenstein - fastest repeating action.

But, this class is about touch - adjusting lighter or heavier.  Our work to 
day is on making the action lighter.

What happens when you change leverage by shifting the capstan.

We got sidetracked when Gina  walked in.  But got back on track trying to 
find out how to change each lever .  We came up with all sorts of crazy ways 
to adjust leverage.

So our action model starts with 49 dw with the thick hammer butt felt.  By 
changin to a medium felt, we got 3gram weight change.  Labor intensive, but 
doable.

To change the leverage of the whip, you can shim the whip flange out, to 
change the contact point of the capstan.  Biggest result came with with the 
shim under the screw, tipping the flange a little.

But, for an easy method to get a difference, chop the balance rail punching 
and place the flat closer to the player to shift the key balance point.

all in all a very fun class with good group participation.

<end>

So, I looked around the exhibit hall some, and then had to go meet the 
surgeon for my achillies repair.  It's scheduled for Wed., so send some 
positive energy my way!

more to come

Ron Koval


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