The Mount Mansfield project has been complete for two weeks now. Both WVPS-FM and WEZF-FM are able to operate at full power from the new master antenna. Winter arrived early at the summit and some of the transmitting equipment had to be moved in the midst of a snowstorm. We kept four sets of tire chains on my truck and used it to shuttle up and down the 4.5 mile toll road until the conclusion of the project. There were issues encountered with the Harris transmitters which were reluctant to be turned back on after the move. Many parts had to be shipped overnight and replaced in order to maintain a full-power signal for Vermont Public Radio’s scheduled annual fund drive. Upgrades to the intermediate power amplifier were installed. There were many issues with the aging WEZF transmitter as well. The exciter quit the moment it was turned off at the old location and several components in the high voltage power supply fell to pieces during the move. After a thorough inspection and refurbishing, we feel the equipment should have no trouble staying on the air through the winter. All of these repairs were not included in the original quote to relocate the equipment and we have been assured the extra expenses will be compensated. Many thanks to the WCAX-TV 3 transmitter staff; Ted Teffner, Harold, Fred Lavenberg and Russel Fraser, for their gourmet cooking, hospitality and assistance.
After returning home, progress resumed on the Chickering Ampico drawer components. Many brass and nickel plated items were restored using Noxon-7 metal polish. The original and replacement transmissions were disassembled. A cast aluminum transmission had been procured to replace the original pot metal transmission which was still intact but full of cracks and badly warped. The Noxon metal polish did a fine job putting a mirror finish on some of the badly oxidized brass gears (see photos). This replacement cast aluminum transmission seems to have some issues. It appears to have been used for some time in another piano but its dimensions do not exactly match my original transmission. The boss for the output shaft is 1/8" smaller in diameter and the location of the mounting holes is substantially different. In addition, a piece of the frame is broken off which is meant to hold one of the phenolic sprocket wheels in position on its shaft (see photo). I can fabricate a new sleeve for the undersize boss and machine the frame mounting holes to match the original spacing. I can also machine the frame to accept a new bracket for the sprocket wheel locator. Ebay buyers beware. I guess the ultimate solution will be to try and procure one of Bob Streicher’s machined brass transmission frames and install the left-over gears into it. If a feeble attempt had been made to install the aluminum frame with its mismatched mounting holes, a serious roll tracking problem would have been encountered. The long drive shaft which couples the wind motor to the transmission needed to have new felt bushings installed into its mounting blocks.
On Oct. 29, I was able to make a trip to Keystone Music Rolls in Bethlehem where I stayed for a few days to setup the Ampico perforator for recutting Atlas 88 note rolls. I succeeded in making a run of 15 exact copies of Paul Manganaro’s original roll; "Outside" pb Mabel Cowan. This is one of the best arrangements I’ve ever heard on an 88 Note roll! It is sure to be included in Keystone’s next catalog. While there, a large lot of word stamping sheets arrived. Each sheet contains the lyrics for about 5 rolls. Our budding letter-turner Lulu Mae posed for the photo. Look for Keystones next catalog which will include a selection of word rolls coming soon!
While in Bethlehem, I visited John Zeiner & Sons to check on the progress of the 1926 Chickering. When I walked in, Mike was hard at work on rubbing out the finish of the main cabinet. The timing of this visit was good as I was able to take the finished drawer pieces with me. The photos only show the initial stages of the hand-rubbed finish. I didn’t get a photo of the finished drawer pieces but they are amazing. Next, the plate will be installed and the pinblock drilled & reamed, then the new strings and finally the perfect striking point for the new hammers will be established. This should all occur during December. After five tunings and hammer voicing, I will bring my pianist daughter, Katy to do the final acceptance in late December or January. More updates to this blog will be posted as progress is made with the drawer, primary chest, pump, stack and expression regulators.
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