zapper for sluggish action

[Bud Schwab]

Hi to Diane and Dan and Susan and others who inquired about the zapper.

I did a little sleuthing today to see where transformers could be obtained 
to make the zapper.  I thought Radio Shack had something, but the local one 
didn't seem to have it.  Basically it needs to be a transformer that puts 
out 6 to 12 volts at about two amps.  I think there are probably some beefy 
doorbell transformers that would do just fine that could be obtained at a 
local hardware.  Susan you were asking step by step for making 
one.  Basically you hook up an AC cord to the primary to plug into the 110 
outlet.  The two wires from the secondary  are connected to some thin metal 
probes to make contact with the centerpin.  I put the transformer in a box 
and put a switch on it and a jack so the leads can be unplugged if they 
need to be changed or altered.  I used a piece of metal about one quarter 
inch wide and cut to a taper at the end, and a very slight bend at the very 
tip to make better contact with the centerpin.
I hope that's clear.  If any questions you could contact me by email or my 
phone is 310 456-6886

Bud



At 05:31 AM 11/29/00 +0000, you wrote:
>Bud,
>
>  I will be very apprecitive for this information too.  My zapper died and 
> got cremated a number of years and moves ago and I have recently been 
> wishing I still had it.  It can be a useful tool to add to our arsenal.
>
>  Thank you for going to this effort for us!
>
>  Diane
>
>
>>From: Bud Schwab <budschwab@earthlink.net>
>>Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org
>>To: pianotech@ptg.org
>>Subject: Re: zapper for sluggish  action
>>Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2000 19:46:37 -0800
>>
>>
>>
>>Hi Susan,
>>
>>I got an inquiry from Dan Hallett today and I am sending along the answer I
>>sent to him.  I'll contact you guys tomorrow when I find out a few things
>>as to availability of parts.  I guess I don't have your email address so I
>>can just send it to the list.
>>
>>
>>
>>Hi Dan,
>>
>>The basic part of the zapper is a transformer that delivers a low voltage
>>at a fairly high current.  I used to use what's called a filament
>>transformer that was used in radios when they had tubes.  I am going to
>>Radio Shack tomorrow and I'll find out what is available for that purpose,
>>or there are radio supply stores here in the Los Angeles area.  You just
>>run two wires from the two low voltage side of the transformer and put some
>>type of metal strip at the end to contact the centerpin.  I will write
>>again in a day or so when I find out where you can get the material and let
>>you know.  I hope that's clear enough.  I never saw any of Mehaffey's
>>zappers so I don't know how they looked, but you can get a box to mount the
>>transformer with a jack to plug the wires in.  There are many physical
>>possibillities as to how it could be constructed.  Please let me know if
>>you have further questions.
>>
>>Bud
>>>Dear Bud:
>>>
>>>Susan Kline said to ask you how to make a 'Zapper' as she thinks Francis
>>>Mehaffey isn't making them any more.
>>>
>>>Or - do you know anyone that is making them.
>>>
>>>Dan Hallett
>>At 04:05 PM 11/28/00 -0700, you wrote:
>>
>>> > If a little dose of hair dryer and a dampp chaser rod aren't enough, I
>>> > bite the bullet, take the action home, and repin all the hammer centers.
>>> > Plus I zap or repin any slow jack and wippen centers I find. It takes
>>> > awhile, but I've seen too many truly seized actions from someone spraying
>>> > in some magic potion. If you just do the whole thing, it is fixed, and
>>> > the sluggishness won't come back to plague you.
>>> >
>>> > Susan
>>> >
>>>Hey Bud & Susan,
>>>
>>>     I would like to get a zapper too, because this will be a repair for a
>>>store which doesn't want to admit they sold a sick piano, yesterday I was
>>>scolded by the store owner for not being diplomatic with the customer.
>>>
>>>     I am sorry if it doesn't work, I will tell them frankly not try to hide
>>>behind some salesman rhetoric.
>>>
>>>     I know if I repin the flanges it will take plenty of hours and I
>>>wouldn't be compensated properly enough to begin with, nor do I have much
>>>time this month....  If it is something that I can fix during a tuning then
>>>I will be a hero and called back in good favor.
>>>
>>>     If I can't get a zapper could you please describe it exactly so that I
>>>can make one?
>>>
>>>     Thanks,
>>>
>>>Eliot
>>
>>                                                 Bud Schwab
>>W 6 Z Y P
>>Malibu, california
>>
>>
>
>
>Diane Hofstetter
>245-M Mount Hermon Rd.
>Scotts Valley, CA 95066
>ph  831-438-6222
>fax 831-430-9741
>dianepianotuner@hotmail.com
>
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                                                 Bud Schwab
W 6 Z Y P
Malibu, california