Dampp-Chaser in action?

[Frank Emerson]

Too many pinblock have been destroyed by DC in the action cavity.  Take it
out.

How effective can a DC be under the keybed?  Maybe in an old S&S with
expansion gaps in the keybed, butI think not, with a 40-50 mm laminated
panel for keybed.

Does anyone have experience with Moisture King products?  In DC the copper
wire is wrapped around a glass rod and is very fragile.  I have seen many
of them fail.  In MK the heating element can be removed from the rod and
tied in a knot and still work fine.  They also have a model that is
somewhat like a man's belt, flexible, and design to lay between the front
rail and balance rail under the keys, more to protect the key bushing from
moisture than the action.  Has anyone had experience with this product? 
And, what about using this in a piano with other electronics also installed
in this area, such as Quiet-Time key switches?

Frank Emerson


> [Original Message]
> From: John Formsma <formsma at gmail.com>
> To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 8/11/2007 2:33:46 PM
> Subject: Re: Dampp-Chaser in action?
>
> Right, because most of the heat goes up and out and wouldn't be
> effective at the action.
>
> In theory, grand actions might benefit from a rod or two under the
> keybed. However, I'm not so sure how it would be in real life.  Any
> official Dampp-Chaser studies to show one way or the other?
>
> My thinking is that sticking action parts are indeed affected by
> higher humidity, but the root cause is tight centers.
>
> JF
>
> On 8/11/07, Jon Page <jonpage at comcast.net> wrote:
> > On pianos which had a DC on grand keys, the pin blocks failed due to
> > the drying.
> >
> > If the purpose is to keep the action dry in a damp environment then
> > install the DC
> > under the keybed and let the heat rise that way. Directly under the
block...no.
> > --
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Jon Page
> >
>