[ Dale Gunnar wrote in 050927 MMDigest:

> It just occurred to me that an article, "Build a MIDI Interface for
> the Raffin Crank Organ", was published recently in issues 18 and 19
> of "Carousel Organ", the journal of the Carousel Organ Association
> of America (COAA).

I'm the author of those articles.  My system works well for paper roll
or 'keyless' book systems.

> The detailed instructions in these articles should be adaptable to
> update a barrel organ if pneumatics are added to lift the keys.

Rather than a magnetic valve plus a pneumatic for each key, it would
be simple to just use a larger electromagnet to lift each barrel key.
The weight of the larger magnets would be harder on the player's neck,
although my 32-note system added only 5 lbs. to my Raffin 31er.

> Also, Ragtime Automated Music might be worth checking as a source
> for MIDI components, valves, pneumatics, etc.

I do recommend John Wale's "j-Omega" MIDI controller board, since he can
customize it for exactly the notes needed on a given organ scale, without
wasting output pins.

Mike Knudsen

 [ Andrew Barrett suggested to me that a small pouch, controlled by
 [ a tiny electric valve, could push the sticker of the barrel organ.
 [ This method might incur the least added weight of the alternatives.
 [ -- Robbie