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MMD > Archives > April 2012 > 2012.04.29 > 05Prev  Next


Larry Givens Ampico Test Roll Instructions
By Robbie Rhodes

Larry Givens' original instructions for his test roll have been
provided by MMDers Ken Vinen and Jim Heyworth.  Ken's sheet was typed
on Givens' favorite IBM Selectric typewriter whereas Jim's sheet seems
from an earlier typewriter.  The data of the two sources is virtually
identical and I have merged the data, below.

Robbie Rhodes
Mechanical Music Digest

 - - - -

"Ampico Test Roll Instructions"

The numbers below correspond to numbers marked on the Ampico test
roll.  Match the numbers to determine which test is being made.

NOTE: Use this tester in conjunction with the appropriate Ampico
service manual and the book, "Rebuilding the Player Piano".

1. Tempo test.  Set tempo to 80.  Roll should travel from first
   chord to last chord (eight feet) in exactly one minute.

2. Slow crescendo test.  If testing a Model A Ampico, set tempo
   indicator at 40.  If testing a Model B, leave indicator at 80.
   The crescendo mechanism should be completely closed by the second
   chord and completely open again by the third chord.  Some early
   Model A Ampico crescendo mechanisms are adjustable, but most are not.

3. Fast crescendo test -- same as above.

4. First amplification test (Model B Ampico only).  Connect gauge to
   "pump" test outlet.  Gauge should read between 21" and 29".

5. Second amplification test (B only).  Reading between 30" and 40".

6. Cancel to first amplification (B only).  Gauge between 21" and 29".

7. Cancel to normal amplification (B only).  Gauge between 15" and 21".

8. Normal to second amplification (B only).  Gauge between 30" and 40".

9. Cancel to normal amplification (B only).  Gauge between 15" and 21".

10. Zero intensity test.

11. Sub intensity test (Model B Ampico only).

12. Check on zero intensity.

13. First intensity test.

14. Second intensity test

15. Third intensity test.

16. Sub intensity lock and cancel test (Model B only).

17. Zero intensity check.

18. First intensity lock and cancel test.

19. Second intensity lock and cancel test.

20. Third intensity lock and cancel test.

21. Fourth intensity lock and cancel test.

22. Fifth intensity lock and cancel test.

23. Sixth intensity lock and cancel test.

24. Seventh intensity lock and cancel test.

25. Individual note repetition test (set tempo at 70).  Each note
    should speak softly.  If notes are uneven, use Note Compensation
    Test Roll (Model B only).

26. Soft pedal test.

27. Soft pedal travel test.  The chord struck at the third intensity
    with the soft pedal on should sound with the same loudness as the
    chord struck at the first intensity with the pedal off.

28. Sustaining pedal test and minimum bridge test.  The chord struck
    with the dampers lifted should not sound through the second pedal
    perforation.

29. Sustaining pedal compensator test (Model B only).

30. Maximum playing capacity test.


(Message sent Mon 30 Apr 2012, 01:41:00 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Ampico, Givens, Instructions, Larry, Roll, Test

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