Florida Tech Solar-Powered Band Organ Details

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Florida TechSolar-PoweredBand Organ Details
The Mighty Stinson 2000M-2 MIDI Concert Band
Organ Example

• by Frank R. Leslie,
• Adjunct Professor, DMES
• Florida Tech6/4/2008a

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Background/History

• While a calliope is identified with circuses,
  Indiana University has one that is used at sports
  events and parades
• Florida Tech students might construct a band
  organ as a Capstone Project to show the
  integration of science, engineering, and fine arts

Circus calliope, lithograph by Gibson Co.,
1872.
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Introduction

• Florida Tech has been introducing courses that
  express our motto of High Tech with a Human
  Touch
• The Music Department can bridge the engineering
  disciplines with some development of an automated
  band organ to play at various events
• An keyboardist can play it manually
• A computer can play it automatically
• An auxiliary power source of solar modules can
  provide pressure for actuation

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Band Organ vs. Calliope

• Band organs date from
• Basically organ pipes, but often expanded to
  include piano, bells, drums, violins, horns,
  chimes, etc., primarily in theater organs
• Calliopes are high-pressure steam-powered
  patented 1855 by Joshua Stoddard in New York and
  demonstrated on a train
• Early steamboats had calliopes to alert a town of
  their arrival
• Newer versions use compressed air and have less
  range (usually under 1 mile)
• These are one rank organs one set of pipes

Calliope on the Minnie-Ha-Ha, a stern-wheeler on
Lake George, NY
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Indiana Universitys 1924 Calliope

• Indiana University plays this steam calliope at
  various events!
• Shouldnt Florida Tech have one, too?
• This is direct from steam to sound
• The range is typically about three miles on a
  quiet day
• The original Boom Car

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Modern Calliope Example

• Kitch Greenhouse Steam Calliope at the Ohio
  Historical Society - July, 2006

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Band Organ Example
http//www.freewebs.com/mechanicalorgangallery/gds
f2004.htm

• Mobile fairground organ and a horn organ

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Music Playing and Control

• Keyboards (some 37 or 44 notes) control solenoids
  that open a valve to sound a note, strike a drum,
  triangle, or chime, etc.
• Early units used pin drive, perforated cards
  derived from Jacquard fabric-weaving loom
  control, and later, paper piano rolls
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is
  now used
• Conversion from other formats exist and
  MIDI-to-discrete translators can drive solenoid
  actuators with direct current to blow pipes or
  beat drums, etc.

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Music Composition

• The rate of solenoid valve operation might
  require slower tempos, but most music can be
  performed at normal tempi
• Music composition software can read MIDI inputs
  from a keyboard for modification and adaptation
  for driving the instrument
• When the final MIDI file is sent to the band
  organ, it plays as directed by the composition

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Psychological Planning

• The instrument can impress the audience with
  music not normally associated with circus
  compositions
• Classical, rock, jazz, popular, bluegrass, etc.
• The visual design of the pipes for stereo (not
  symmetry) and exterior façade embellishments
• Two-sided vs. one-sided display (parade trailer
  or fixed full width for against a wall) design
  for show flexibility
• An emotional appeal comes from the appearance of
  the instrument as well as the unique sounds and
  moving parts

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Design and Construction Skills, Etc.

• Engineering Systems
• Dr. ? and 2 students
• School of Business
• Dr. ? and 1 students
• Cost management and schedule
• Computer Engineering
• Dr. ? and 2 students
• MIDI interfaces
• Electrical Engineering
• Dr. ? and 2 students
• Controls and power
• Façade Art
• Dr. ?, (C. Funk?) and 2 students

• Mechanical Engrg
• Dr. ? and 2 students
• Case and mountings trailer tuning
• Musical Dept
• Dr. Younkin and 2 students
• MIDI compositions/organist
• Physics Dept
• Dr. ? and 2 students
• Pipe/percussion design pneumatics
• Psychology
• Dr. ? and 1 students
• Visual/auditory impact design

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System Architecture

• A keyboard permits a student to play manually
• The MIDI interpreter/decoder converts .mid files
  into discrete actuator signals at 12 volts d.c.
• Pipes and percussion provide sonic variety
• Power supply provides sufficient drive for all
  instruments at once
• The case supports all other components and allows
  moving to a trailer or storage
• Exterior façade decoration provides visual
  interest and nostalgia

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Band Organ System Diagram
2 Pipe Rank(s)(24/rank?)
45?
Solar Modules
Air Manifold 12Vdc Valves
Low PressureBlower
12Vdc
Percussion
ChargeController
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MIDI Files
MIDIDecoder
NotebookPC Computer
13.8 V _at_ 2A
DisplayLighting
12 V Deep-CycleBattery
Piano RollPlayer/Reader
120V Inverter
MIDISoftwareComposer
LinePower Supply
120Vacindoors
Two-SectionCase
1 or 2Keyboard(s)

• Block diagram

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Budgetary Estimate for Initial Build
Budget Bogey Number   6,000 Bogey plus 30 Margin 7,800
    Totals Comments Notes
Case, Main   298.00 Two-piece 76"H OA x 120"W total x 24" D 1
Cases, Wings   130.00 Two-piece 48"H x 30"W x 18" D 1
Façade   324.00 Six pieces 1/2" plywood textiles 1
MIDI Devices   1,389.00 includes notebook computer 1
Electrical/Air Supply   681.30 low pressure 1
Software   100.00 MIDI S/W, etc. 1
Pipes   216.00 two ranks flutes 1, 2
Percussion   141.00 bass and snare drums plus xylophone 1
Misc   42.00 hardware 1
Labor   900.00 Extent is TBD volunteers? 1
Trailer, Parade/Moving   725.00 utility trailer, basic low-side 3
Lighting   24.00 LED highlighting 3
Solar Power   670.00 optional for parades and other outdoors events 3
Trips   190.00 purchase trips to Sanford FL at RMR 1, 8
Presentation/Publicity   170.00 optional, (?) 3
Main Budget Total   6,000.30 with 30 margin 7,800.39
Main Budget Margin   -0.30 is under budget -0.39
With Donated Labor   5,100.30 volunteer or student project work reduces cost  
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Conclusion

• Creation of this instrument provides a lasting
  example of interdisciplinary teamwork across the
  multiple colleges for use at university events
• Periodically, the band organ would be used in
  local parades and for demonstration at schools to
  stimulate students in pursuing careers in arts,
  sciences, and engineering
• The system provides an example of how fine art,
  science, and engineering can be blended in a
  unique, entertaining display for public
  entertainment

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• Questions or Comments?

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Calliope Poem by Vachel Lindsey

• The correct pronunciation of the word 'calliope'
  has always been disputed some proponents claim
  it should be pronounced 'cal-eye-oh-pee', after
  the Greek muse, while others claim that
  'cal-ly-ope' is correct. A nineteenth century
  magazine, Reedys Mirror, attempted to settle the
  dispute by publishing this rhyme1
• Proud folk stare after me,
• Call me Calliope
• Tooting joy, tooting hope,
• I am the calliope.
• After The Kalliope Yell, by Vachel Lindsey, 1913

http//www.jmww.150m.com/Lindsay.html
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The Kallyope Yell by Vachel Lindsey

• The Kallyope Yell
• Loudly and rapidly with a leader, College yell
  fashion
• I
• Proud men
• Eternally
• Go about,
• Slander me,
• Call me the "Calliope."
• Sizz . . . . .
• Fizz . . . . .
• II
• I am the Gutter Dream,
• Tune-maker, born of steam,
• Tooting joy, tooting hope.
• I am the Kallyope,
• Car called the Kallyope.
• Willy willy willy wah hoo!
• See the flags snow-white tent,
• See the bear and elephant,

• III
• Born of mobs, born of steam,
• Listen to my golden dream,
• Listen to my golden dream,
• Listen to my G-O-L-D-E-N D-R-E-A-M!
• Whoop whoop whoop whoop gtb?whoop!
• I will blow the proud folk low,
• Humanize the dour and slow,
• I will shake the proud folk down,
• (Listen to the lion roar!)
• Popcorn crowds shall rule the town --
• Willy willy willy wah hoo!
• Steam shall work melodiously,
• Brotherhood increase.
• You'll see the world and all it holds
• For fifty cents apiece.
• Willy willy willy wah hoo!
• Every day a circus day.
• What?

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The Kallyope Yell by Vachel Lindsey, 2

• IV
• Every soul
• Resident
• In the earth's one circus tent!
• Every man a trapeze king
• Then a pleased spectator there.
• On the benches! In the ring!
• While the neighbours gawk and stare
• And the cheering rolls along.
• Almost every day a race
• When the merry starting gong
• Rings, each chariot on the line,
• Every driver fit and fine
• With the steel-spring Roman grace.
• Almost every day a dream,
• Almost every day a dream.
• Every girl,
• Maid or wife,
• Wild with music,

• V
• I am the Kallyope, Kallyope, Kallyope,
• Tooting hope, tooting hope, tooting hope, tooting
  hope
• Shaking window-pane and door
• With a crashing cosmic tune,
• With the war-cry of the spheres,
• Rhythm of the roar of noon,
• Rhythm of Niagara's roar,
• Voicing planet, star and moon,
• Shrieking of the better years.
• Prophet-singers will arise,
• Prophets coming after me,
• Sing my song in softer guise
• With more delicate surprise
• I am but the pioneer
• Voice of the Democracy
• I am the gutter-dream,
• I am the golden dream,
• Singing science, singing steam.

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References

• http//www.bandorganmusic.com/music/sound/Rescueof
  MadamLaura.mpg
• http//www.doyleintl.com/
• http//www.stinsonbandorgans.com/
• http//www.doyleintl.com/band_organ_music_midi_lib
  rary.htm
• http//www.doyleintl.com/band_organ_pot_10mmd.htm
• http//www.doyleintl.com/links.htm
• http//www.doyleintl.com/band_organ_pot_11powerofm
  md.htm
• http//www.doyleintl.com/band_organ_pot_hme_bopp.h
  tm
• http//www.theotherpages.org/poems/amv13_3.html
  by Kaliyope Yell Vachel Lindsey
• http//www.steamboats.org/forum/showthread.php?t9
  16 David Morecroft, calliope builder, Peru,
  Indiana
• http//www.youtube.com/v/34OXeV_ZrqQhlen Band
  organ Kit Carson Fairground, CO
• http//www.youtube.com/results?search_queryorgan
  pipesearch_type
• Tuning http//www.mmdigest.com/Archives/KWIC/T/tu
  ning.html
• PVC Pipes http//rpartos.org/
• http//rpartos.org/calliope.html
• Building http//www.carousels.com/wyman/wympt1.ht
  m
• http//www.carousels.com/
• Calliola Project http//www.carousels.com/caliola
  /

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Band Organ Demonstrations, Etc.

• Solar powered carousel http//www.youtube.com/watc
  h?v5XSshVv5VGk
• Band organ http//www.youtube.com/watch?vD6bFo5MR
  GQk
• Handbuilt Band organ http//www.youtube.com/watch?
  v4vPg9QjyC-c
• Band Organ Flutes http//www.youtube.com/watch?vm
  9CgKMrVZCofeaturerelated
• Bandorgan Ghost Riders http//www.youtube.com/watc
  h?vvEnQ4FsThosNR1
• Card-reader band organ http//www.youtube.com/watc
  h?vCTwDQCUdp08featurerelated
• http//mama.indstate.edu/users/nizrael/midis/bigto
  p.mid
• Organ http//www.youtube.com/watch?vhKDJ6Z_stvgf
  eaturerelated
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?v9ITZkuqDiBc
• Organ playing basics http//www.youtube.com/watch?
  vy4-GSlqyYzsfeaturerelated
• Childs piano http//www.youtube.com/watch?vy81Zu
  9AJlGk
• http//www.theatreorgans.com/walnuthill/eugenehaye
  k.htm
• http//www.popsci.com/video/2007-11/breakdown-sing
  ing-tesla-coils
• MIDIs http//mama.indstate.edu/users/nizrael/midi
  s/

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Misc. Websites

• Organists Guild http//www.spokaneago.org/Februar
  y.pdf
• Australian Mechanical Organs http//homepage.mac.
  com/ozorgans/
• http//www.freewebs.com/mechanicalorgangallery/
• http//www.freewebs.com/mechanicalorgangallery/org
  anfestivaldingles.htm
• http//www.freewebs.com/mechanicalorgangallery/gds
  f2007.htm
• http//ago-spacecoast.tripod.com/id6.html
• http//www.blitzbasic.com/Community/posts.php?topi
  c55076
• http//www.fops.org/
• www.

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Band Organ Construction

• Busker Organ http//www.ringsurf.com/ring_browser
  .php?id225038
• Busker Organ http//www.ringsurf.com/ring_browser
  .php?id225043
• http//www.google.com/search?sourceidnavclientie
  UTF-8rlsGGLD,GGLD2004-07,GGLDenqPVCpipeor
  gan
• https//mailman.rice.edu/pipermail/childmus/2003-J
  uly/000366.html
• http//www.geocities.com/hilobayatos/PalaceOrgan3.
  html
• http//www.oldcrows.net/patchell/OddMusic/OddMusi
  calInstruments.html
• http//www.rwgiangiulio.com/construction/bcabinet2
  /
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?v1Ish78C0fek
• http//www.logosfoundation.org/instrum_gwr/puff/pu
  ff_pvcpipes.html
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairground_organ
• http//nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/bodinew/Pages/Overview
  .html
• http//nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/bodinew/Pages/SoundPro
  duction.html
• http//nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/bodinew/Pages/Pipes.ht
  ml
• http//nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/bodinew/Pages/MorePipe
  Info.html
• http//www.apoba.com/PlanningSpaceForPipeOrgans_Wo
  rd95.doc
• http//diyapason.com/sitemap.aspx
• http//www.sentex.net/mwandel/organ/organ.html
• http//home.earthlink.net/anelsen/organ.htm

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Band Organ Pipeworks, Etc.

• 2x bourdon celeste, 2x violin celeste on melody
  with tremulant, stopped cello accompaniment,
  4', 8', extra 16' stopped on bass also a
  glockenspiel bass drum, cymbal snare drum.
• Stopped Diapason 8,    Flute 4,   Principal 2,
•  Stopped Diapason 8,   Principal 4,   Chimney
  Flute 4,   Fifteenth2,   SesquialteraII 
• Manual I 1 Open Diapason8  2 Clarabella8  3 Princi
  pal 4  4 Nazard2 2/3 5 Fifteenth2  6 Tierce1 3/5 i
   Manual II to Manual I         Manual II
  7 Stopped Diapason 8  8 Salicional8  9 Chimney
  Flute 4  10 Flageolet2  11 Oboe8    Tremulant to
  manuals        Pedal12 Sub Bass16  ii Manual I to
  Pedal    iii Manual II to Pedal  
• Manual Stopped Diapason 8   Principal4   Chimney
  Flute 4   Twelfth2  2/3   Fifteenth2 
• Sydney Town Hall 64' stop http//www.ohta.org.au/c
  onfs/Sydney/SYDNEYTOWNHALL.html
• http//www.arts.ufl.edu/organ/organ_specifications
  .shtml

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