Converting a Mos 1...

[MoeTrucker]

It's been almost 4 years since I've posted or commented on this forum...the last time I almost gave Jbird heart problems...

I'm looking at VPO'ing my Allen 301...

Looks like Artisan has a kit to convert both manuals and pedal board...as far as the stop action, it's always worked well...but to get that stop action system to work, and at the same time send signals to a VPO program - don't know if that'll work - I'm a truck driver, not an engineer...

What I'm wondering how difficult it is to use an encoder for just the thumb pistons and toe studs...the dual memory system would double that, I think...

I know - I should have stated this as a question...

[Admin]

1. Are you intending to preserve the original functionality of the organ by adding MIDI or do you intend to gut the electronics and use the console as a MIDI controller? If your intention is to preserve the original sounds of the organ, the Artisan encoder package will not work for you as it cannot co-exist with the existing keyboard scanner. Artisan used to have a keyboard encoder for use with Allen keyboard matrices and while it would simplify wiring, it did not permit preserving the original functionality of the organ. Here's its instruction sheet:http://artisanorgans.intartists.com/...0Keyboards.pdf It's Artisan A2-17535 on their price list, but this is the same model number they're displaying for Farfisa and other organs, and it's listed on their price sheet as being for MOS II Allens. You'll need to contact Artisan for product details and whether it's applicable for MOS I instruments. If it is, you'll need one these boards for each manual and pedal board as well as a controller board. The documentation linked to above suggests that a bundle of these boards can be purchased for two and three manual organs. Two manual package is $550 but the document isn't dated so that may reflect current pricing. Again, the Artisan encoder solution will only work for you if you're gutting the existing electronics. If you intend to preserve the original functionality, then you should contact Harrison Labs and use one of their Allen MOS-1 MIDI encoders.

2. Both the Artisan and Harrison products will require wiring and some knowledge of electronics. The Harrison Labs product can be installed for you at nominal charge by sending them a circuit board from the organ. I would recommend the Harrison Labs encoder because it will preserve the original organ and is simpler to install and due to its dedicated nature. Also, it appears that the Artisan product will require some programming configuration.

3. The simplest solution for the pistons is to MIDIfy the stop tabs, but not the pistons, and use the organ's existing combination system to store and recall combinations. If you MIDIfy your pistons, you will face registration conflicts between the console and VPO unless the VPO can physically operate the organ's stop tab.

[MoeTrucker]

I sent an email to Artisan this morning, but so far they haven't responded. I don't plan on using keeping the original voices, so I don't plan on going the Harrison route. According to Artisan's website, they have a system for my 2 manual Mos 1.
If I gut the organ, I would like to keep the Allen stop action, and find an encoder to do the job.

[Momboc]

This conversion was done to a 301 by gutting the old Allen electronics and using MIDI gadgets boutique encoders. It requires rewiring the keyboards, pedals, stops and pistons.

It also had some woodwork and an extra manual added

https://youtu.be/D-PyzM8Jz0w

[MoeTrucker]

Saw that video several years ago. Thought to myself at the time "wonder what all he had to do to make everything work?"...
Figure you might be able to offer some insight...
By the way, is that a Hereford set that you were using?

[MoeTrucker]

Got an email back from from an inquiry. To convert the organ and make all the mechanical parts working like factory, including stop action - higher $$$ than I was hoping...

[Momboc]

It is not me playing the organ in the video. It was my organ teacher at the time. It is his organ that I converted.
The sample set is the Hereford Cathedral running on Hauptwerk.

It is not difficult to convert an Allen MOS1 organ using the MIDI Gadgets boutique HWCE2 encoder. Just fiddly and time consuming. They produce a range of wiring/connector accessories that make it easier.

To follow this route, you need to be committed to gutting the organ and following through with the conversion.

Can you solder and follow a wiring diagram?

Would you 'really' want to reuse the physical stops, given that once you go to a VPO they could only be set up to match one sampleset?

[MoeTrucker]

I'd like the use the stops, but I've read on another forum the the tabs can be relabeled if I do decide to change sample sets - either static cling or a gloss semi-sticky label...soldering isn't an issue...wiring diagrams, OK I guess...

[jbird604]

Momboc raises a good question. If you are going VPO and gutting the Allen, no doubt most of the sample sets you'll use won't match up with the Allen tabs very well. You could of course ignore the names on the tabs, or label over them. But physically moving controls may prove to be less desirable than a touch screen monitor, and could involve more cost too. I got my touch screen monitor for around $170 I think. Other people have paid more, but I wasn't particular about the size or orientation. Anyway, think about it before you act. If you want maximum flexibility and minimal wiring stress, the touch screen is a good option. If you prefer authenticity and convenience of operation, perhaps it's worthwhile to preserve the tab action.

[MoeTrucker]

Hi John
That last sentence is one of the quirks of my nature - I like things working the way they're supposed to. There are several sample sets that would almost match up close enough to my named stops without having to relabel. And the cost, though - the email I got back from one of the well known suppliers about doubled the price when I mentioned I'd like to keep the current Allen stop action.
I'm not jumping into this real fast...planning on this to be a wintertime project when I'm in the house more than I am now. I'm at retirement age, but this old dude doesn't know what that means. Trucking has been my life, and don't plan on hanging it up unless my mind and body say so. I'm also watching economic trends in this business. Wall Street might say one thing, but that doesn't necessarily mirror this business. That will have to come first over the expense of converting the organ.
Been reading the adventure with your new VPO project. Real interesting. That's kind of the route I was going to take before I found this Allen almost 8 years ago for $500 - beautiful console and everything worked. Didn't have the heart to gut it. But it's been quirky ever since a power outage and, I'm thinking, a possible surge, that started causing problems.
John, I'll send you by PM the quote I got from the supplier...

[toodles]

So you know, new engraved stop tablets run a few dollars apiece; the tablets are in the range of $2.00 each and engraving runs about the same. Hesco or Arndt can supply them. Prices might be a little higher, as my price list is a few years old.