Allen registration capture problems

[Guest]

We have an older Allen P-100 digital church organ. All at once the registrations stopped working. i can't create, recall or cancel anything using the pistons. There is a large board which supposedly controls this. On it are a large circular transistor and a huge capicitor; I think one or both of these is the problem. Any knowledge on what to look for or how to repair.</P>
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[jbird604]

Re: Allen registration capture problems



You need to "wake up" the capture action. Be sure the capturekey is on (in the position that makes pistons settable). Then hold in the SET piston and theCANCEL piston at the same time for about 5 seconds. You should hear the "scanning" noise of the relays firing in sequence.</P>


After doing this, you should be able to restore your registrations. If not, there is a problem with the capture action board,piston cut-out relay, lock switch, or battery. Some of this is expensive, hard to diagnose too. You'll need a qualified Allen tech.</P>


Hope this helps.</P>


John</P>
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[Guest]

Re: Allen registration capture problems

Usually a total failure indicates a power supply problem. Since thecapture system has it's own power supply, check that first. Check the output voltages. It may simply be unplugged from the internal outlet strip or possibly has blown a fuse due to an internal short. If blown fuse, probably a rectifier diode or capacitor has shorted. There are available relatively inexpensive power supplies that could be substituted.

[jbird604]

Re: Allen registration capture problems



Al,</P>


I'm pretty sure what the guy is describing is an old sequential capture action. Of course "P-100" is not any Allen model that I've ever heard of, but he probably has a MOS-1 organ, 100 series.</P>


The sequential capture action doesn't have it's own power supply, using the MOS supply for memory and the AC winding of the +12 volt organ supply for magnets. So I'm inclined to think it has somehow gotten locked up, not uncommon with those old actions. The set+cancel trick works most of the time in these cases, unless there is something else wrong with it.</P>


I may be wrong and he may have a DM capture action. In that case what you say is the way to go. Perhaps he'll post more information.</P>


Hope all is well with you and that you continue to recover.</P>


John</P>
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[Guest]

Re: Allen registration capture problems



P-100 refers to the cabinet style of this 100 series model. It is sometimes called a desktop style. For the life of me I can't remember the technical name, but it looks as though the manuals are sitting atop the console speaker section. If I wasn't using a borrowed computer right now, I'd post a picture - maybe I can by the weekend.</P>


Al sounds as if he has the correct assumptions.I am hearing the usual registration sound and the reg key is switched ON, but there is no movement of tabs. The registration capture board sits smack-dab in the center of the console innards. There is a large, circular transistor (Moto SJ2215) and a Sprague LY1C (?) capacitor taking up much of the board. The transistor has a huge circular heat sink surrounding it. It is not generating any heat/warmth. I was thinking that mabe one or both of them might be malfunctioning. I will drive over to the church and try your reset idea.</P>


BTW - all this started when one of the black wires on the cancel piston came loose. I soldered the wire back in place; the pistons made the usual sound, but no movement.</P>
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[Guest]

Re: Allen registration capture problems



Hi, John</P>


Thanks for the wishes. My last PETScan (Positron Emission Tomography) indicated a stable (no growth) condition so between the doctors and God, I am being allower to remain here a bit longer.It makes one appreciate and give thanks for every moment.</P>


I just worked on my Allen power supply. The Solo and Great keyboards were cyphering due to the 5V power supply dropping by .05 v. I solved it permanently byputting the Solo and Great sensor strips on a separate high stability power supply. This is a problem affecting many of the Renaissance series organs. Funny, In some cases my old MOS-1 was more reliable! </P>


I added swell shade control to theorganusing Artisan uMidi components and it works real well. Nice to have better pipe control. Got to practice now when I have the strength.</P>


Regards, Al </P>