Organ Update - March 2023

Since the swell shutters are now in operation, our kids like to watch them move. This requires someone to go downstairs and turn the light on. Ella raised the idea that it would be easier if we could turn the lights on from upstairs. Good point. A relay, some wire, a dimmer switch and some track lighting were procured and installed. Now, the tone chute automatically lights up when the organ is on!

Speaking of controlling things, the relay that controlled the two rectifiers was failing due to the upgrade of the magnet rectifier (larger). Although still under the rated capacity, the contacts would sometimes stick on. The other component that was giving me trouble was the circuit breaker for the control panel. Although properly rated for the load, it didn’t like the inrush current that the rectifiers took on startup. Thanks to a new breaker and contactor to replace the relay, those issues have been resolved. Now the panel makes a nice “ca-chunk” sound when turned on. That was worth the price of admission.

Turning my attention back to winding things, the main chest feed manifold has been installed on the chest. A cover was made to seal up with the original rectangular hole for the “J” trunk that would have gone to the reservoir underneath the chest. Since my chamber layout is different, two 4-inch holes were cut in the cover and flanges were installed. Another slight modification to the manifold was the addition of a piece of wood to allow the clarinet and diapason to be winded separately from the strings and flute (musically desirable change). If someone down the road wants to push the undo button on that change, it will be easy to do so.

Next up, four of the largest pipes in the organ in the Bourdon (bottom octave of the concert flute) were mitered by Nolte’s in West Allis. Conveniently located across the street from Grebe’s Bakery!! These should now fit nicely in the chamber (would have hit the ceiling unmitered). Given the finished dimensions provided, they should fit in our minivan. We shall see tomorrow…

Finally, we welcomed the youngest addition to our family, Liesl Ruth Jonas (think sound of music). We look forward to starting her piano lessons shortly.