The Trans-Harmonium: Operation and Maintenance Manual

Installation

Pull radios from the lower shelving out and space radios in a rough semi-circle on the floor/platform around the keyboard. Untangle and carefully arrange speaker wire to sit on top electrical wires.

Plug all three radio branches into a surge protector. Plug surge protector into power source (with all three branches plugged in) to power all radios simultaneously.

*Power device at midnight to display accurate time.*

Tuning

Compile a list of local stations. Assign the classical station to C, and all other stations to keys A, B, D, E, F, G chronologically based on each station's assigned frequency. Tune sharps/flats to in-between stations.

Accessibility

If a platform is required (to prevent visually impaired guests from tripping on radios), construct a 6" tall, 8'x4' stage that visitors will be permitted to stand on if desired, but keep the keyboard within reach of visitors in wheelchairs. Textured boundary tape sectioning off the radios is preferred.

Troubleshooting

If a radio seems to be not working, confirm it is powered "on" and that it is set to FM radio. You can bypass the keyboard by disconnecting the speaker and using a temporary conductor (i.e. scrap speaker wire, or alligator test clips).

Replacing Radios:

Select a clock radio that has a built-in power transformer and physical on-switch enabling the device to immediately play when plugged in. Do not use a radio with a digital on/off switch. Open the clock radio. Drill a hole into the casing for speaker wire. Split the positive speaker connection in the radio and extend each side with speaker wire extending outside of the casing. Attach "female" connectors to each line out. Using a silver sharpie, label the radio with the corresponding letter and numbers for each key designation.

Remove 9v battery to sync time with all other radios when plugged in.

Cut the power cord for the broken radio, and for the replacement radio. Add an outer layer of shrink tubing to the cord, and a layer for each connection. Tightly twist the copper connection to the corresponding power line (positive/negative). Solder the connection and insulate with shrink tubing.


Removing/Cleaning Weights/Conductors

Carefully remove the piano key from the frame. Leave wiring intact and pull the key forward to allow the weight to drop from the frame. Lightly sand away build-up and rust.