This is a complete automation kit - comes with our DS2-120 suction box, flap style auto shutoff switch and new style automatic rewind pneumatic.
Written instructions and free tech support included.
Suction box description:
Brand new suction box with completely independent control for play and rewind, model DS2-120, installation instructions and tech support included. Unlike some controls from the past the volume knobs are truly independent - neither has an effect on the other. One control is set for play, the other for rewind (this way you can independently control the volume during play and the speed at which the roll rewinds afterwards). There is a trim potentiometer to set minimum suction level (we set it during testing but it can be adjusted as needed). Suction box measures 7 5/8" square, about 11.5" tall. Powerful, pulls up to 70" water vacuum. 1 1/4" main connector, 1/2" connector for accessories like auto rewind (available soon in our eBay store). Internal check valve so foot pump operation is not affected. Two stage motor, 120 volts AC, 7.7 amps, auto thermal protection, grounded. Includes 2' of flexible hose, brass connector, 6' power cord, play/rewind microswitch, control box and hardware (wire nuts, screws, cable clamps) included.
Fairly straightforward installation. Select a location to drill a 1 1/4" hole to install included brass connector (this is usually in a reservoir, not one of the bellows that is connected to the pump pedals (care needs to be taken to avoid any internal springs) - if in doubt send me a pic of the foot pump mechanism and I'll be glad to make recommendations). Pick a convenient location for the box housing the control knobs and install using included hardware, pick a location and install the switch that senses play/rewind (it's connected to a lever or rod that moves when the player is switched between play and rewind - this is how the system knows which suction level (as determined by one of the two knobs) to use. Wiring harness is color coded - connect same colored wires via the included wire nuts. Ready to ship, goes out the same day when purchased before 2pm CST (Mon-Fri). This suction box is designed internally to limit transmission of vibrations from the motor to the box and it is felted on the bottom to help prevent noise transmission from the box to the piano. I get asked sometimes if this pump will work for a player that is not working.... If the piano isn't playing at all with the foot pumped bellows I doubt this pump will help. This pump will work well for pianos that are somewhat to moderately leaky - 70" is a LOT of suction. If it plays when you pump the foot pedals, even if you have to pump pretty fast, this suction box should help. My "test player" is a piano that was probably restored 40 years ago, is a very leaky hard to pump player, and this box works for it. It would certainly play better if it were completely restored, but for now....
Automatic Rewind Description:
It's compact, it's powerful and most of all extremely versatile. The mounting brackets can be mounted as shown, or rotated 90, 180 or 270 degrees to make installation as flexible as possible. They can be turned feet in or out. At 5" x 3" it is smaller than previous incarnations of rewind pneumatics. The pneumatic has a 2" range of motion with an adjustable stop screw to shorten that as needed. It is constructed with hardwood, leather and metal, assembled with screws and gaskets so it is serviceable as needed in the future. The valve works in any orientation - up, down, sideways. The included finger is made of hard maple and is not installed, allowing you to choose the best positioning. The 1/2" connector is designed to connect to the top of our suction boxes but can also be connected anywhere sufficient vacuum is available. The bleed is visible through the 1/2" port, allowing fast and easy access for cleaning should that be required.
Kit includes 3' of 1/2" black rubber supply tubing, 8' of trackerbar tubing, 1/2" straight brass connector, 1/2" brass elbow (the real kind, not a PEX fitting), 3/16" to 5/32" tubing reducer, installation hardware package and free technical support.
This unit can also be used as a sustain pneumatic by placing the finger overhanging the hinged end of the pneumatic (this reduced travel but greatly increases power through leverage). It can also be used as a hammer rail pneumatic.
Simplicity in construction, operational reliability and flexible installation were key goals - I wanted to build the best aftermarket automatic rewind available, period.
Flap style auto shutoff spoolbox switch description:
On/Off switch for electric vacuum motor equipped upright player pianos. Rated 15 amps @ 120 volts (most vacuum motors are under 10 amps, ours are under 8 amps but check yours to be sure). Mounts in spoolbox. "Flapping" action of roll after rewinding contacts lever and opens a switch, turning off power to the motor. 8 feet of cord, hardware, Instructions and very helpful locating/drilling template included.
New design provides sensitivity adjustment via regulating screw on top. Screw in to make it easier for the roll to trip the switch, out to make it harder. Switch can be easily disassembled for servicing and replacement of parts. The actuator (visible part in the spoolbox) is brass - previous versions over the years have used either a painted or stainless steel actuator but with the majority of player pianos having brass hardware in the spoolbox we decided to use brass to better match spoolbox hardware.
I've done player restorations for 30+ years and am glad to answer questions about this product before or after the sale. My contact info is included with every item and you can also reach me through eBay. Installation of a suction box is usually not a difficult task but it can be helpful if you have someone to call during the process - tech support is part of what you get when you purchase one of my products - so PLEASE call or write if you have questions, I'm glad to help.