---------- > From: Frank Leister <fLeister@mindspring.com> > To: pianotech@ptg.org > Subject: Dampp Chaser, Humidity > Date: Sunday, November 09, 1997 9:57 AM > > I own two Steinway grands: a model D less than a year old, and a model B > about two years old. My question relates to the necessity of using a Dampp > Chaser system. > > On the model D, the dealer installed a Dampp Chaser system and it has > always concerned me that the long rods are very hot -- you can't even touch > them for more than a few seconds. Hi Frank, I must assume that the installation of the system was done correctly whereby the the Humidistat (the rectangular box into which all the wires are attached) is installed UPSIDE DOWN (very important). The writing on the box should be upside down, that is, facing the soundboard. It should also be installed on the wooden brace very close to the soundboard in order for it to receive the proper feedback for it to cycle correctly. If all is correctly installed, do not be concerned about the hot rods. That is precisely their function. The humidistat is reading that the surrounding air is above 42% and the system needs to bring it down. Hence, the dry heat from the rods. When the air surrounding the soundboard reaches approx. 42% it cuts off and then the humidistat cycles the humidifier on. These functions are not fighting each other, but are cycling to maintain a constant humidity level. > The final straw is that I just bought a couple hand-held hygrometers (I got > two different ones to, hopefully, make sure they were in the ballpark with > their humidity readings). In the room with the model D, the humidity is > consistently between 40% and 50%, which sounds good. That may be the case right now, but not necessarily all year around. > In a nutshell, is a Dampp chaser necessary in my scenario, and does it > appear to be malfunctioning since it is always very hot to the touch, yet > wants to be filled with water each week? In my opinion, a properly installed Dampp-Chaser system is good for your pianos despite your negative impressions. The mere fact that it calls for water each week is an indication that the humidity level swings enough to warrant additional moisture from time to time. I hope this is a help to you, and not confusing. I must stress the importance of the location and position of the Humidistat. Perhaps you should consider a consult from another Registered Piano Technician in your area who can check this out for you. I invite you to e-mail me privately if you need help with this. Good luck. Sincerely, Howard S. Rosen, RPT Boynton Beach, Florida hsrosen@emi.net
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