Pianocorder Wireless Kit

The Pianocorder Wireless Kit

The Pianocorder Wireless Kit transforms your 1970s Pianocorder with 21st century technology, replacing the outdated cassette deck with a 900 MHz wireless link to your Windows PC. You can now control your Pianocorder from anywhere in the house, using the Pianocorder Control Plugin for WINAMP software, which plays MIDI files in addition to the original Marantz cassettes (stored as files on your hard drive).

Over 200 of these kits have been sold to date, and in almost every case, the Pianocorder owners successfully installed the kit themselves using the included full-color instructions. Read some of the feedback I've received...

What's Included?

Transmitter - Connects to your computer's USB port and provides a reliable 900 MHz digital link to the Pianocorder circuitry. The transmitter may be located up to 100 feet from the piano.

Receiver - Mounts inside the piano (uprights) or beneath the piano (grands) and connects to the Pianocorder's playback board in place of the cassette deck. Two knobs on the top provide the familiar Pianissimo and Fortissimo expression controls, and a red LED indicates whether or not the Pianocorder is receiving a valid control signal (duplicating the "fine tuning" indicator on the cassette deck).

Remote control - This remote control uses RF (radio) signals to allow you to control the Pianocorder from anywhere in the house, even through walls. The remote also includes IR support to function as a universal remote control and comes preprogrammed with codes to support most popular TVs, VCRs, DVD players etc.

Power supply dongle - This connector plugs into the Pianocorder's power supply in place of the cable running to the cassette deck power switch, permitting the Pianocorder to remain powered on continuously. Once the wireless kit is installed, it is recommended that you use an X-10 home automation module to control power to the piano. This will allow WINAMP to automatically turn the piano on and off as required. (Alternatively, power to the Pianocorder could be controlled using a switched outlet, etc.)

Control software - A custom Pianocorder control plug-in for WINAMP 3 allows playing MIDI files, ESEQ files, and original Pianocorder tapes stored on your hard disk, accessed using a comprehensive catalog in your web browser.

Installation manual - Shows how to remove the cassette deck, install the wireless kit, and configure the WINAMP-based control software to use the wireless link.

Features and Benefits

Easy installation - connects to the Pianocorder with a single cable - no soldering required

Better reliability - plays Pianocorder tapes more reliably than the cassette deck; works better with the WINAMP-based control software compared to the more awkward "CD-to-cassette adapter" method of connecting to the piano.

No modifications to the Pianocorder system are necessary - The cassette deck can be stored away and re-installed at any time.

Includes a wireless remote - allows you to control the piano from anywhere in the house; doubles as a universal remote that can control your TV, stereo, etc.

4 selectable channels help avoid interference from other 900 MHz products, such as cordless phones and baby monitors

Built-in signal strength meter helps you position the transmitter and receiver for optimal reception

MIDI accompaniment support - the wireless link can transmit accompaniment audio to a speaker near the piano for ensemble playback

A cleaner look for your piano - no cassette deck hanging under the keyboard

System Requirements

To use the Pianocorder Wireless Kit, you will need:

A Pianocorder system (internally installed or the external "Vorsetzer" model)

A PC or laptop computer running Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista*

128 MB of memory recommended (512 MB for XP, 1 GB for Vista)

500 MHz or faster processor

USB port

*Windows XP is recommended for best results.

Downloads

Installation Guide and User Manual (8 MB, Adobe PDF format, last updated 09/02/2008)

Windows Vista Compatibility Driver (Version 1.1, last updated 8/19/2008)
To correct compatibility problems with Windows Vista, install this driver prior to connecting the wireless transmitter.

Purchase

Availability: In stock and available for immediate shipping.

The following prices include everything you need to upgrade your Pianocorder for wireless operation:

USD $379.00 by check or money order - U.S. residents only (Minnesota residents must add 6.5% sales tax)
Please contact me by email for the payment address (my email address is at the bottom of this page).

USD $379.00 by PayPal - U.S. and Canada ONLY (Minnesota residents must add 6.5% sales tax)

PayPal accepts most major credit cards in a variety of world currencies, and it is not necessary to be a PayPal member to use this method. You will receive your software license and shipping information by email once I receive the payment notification from PayPal.

USD $399.00 by PayPal - Outside U.S. and Canada
Please confirm that 900 MHz consumer equipment may be legally operated in your country before ordering.
Countries known to prohibit such equipment: Japan

PayPal accepts most major credit cards in a variety of world currencies, and it is not necessary to be a PayPal member to use this method. You will receive your software license and shipping information by email once I receive the payment notification from PayPal.

Prices include shipping, insurance, and a license code for the WINAMP-based control software.

Questions and Answers

Q: How can I play my Pianocorder tapes once the cassette deck has been removed?
A: I will provide you with equivalent digital files for the cassettes you own. These files are playable using the WINAMP-based control software. This method of playing the tapes offers direct access to individual songs via a web-based catalog, plus there is greater range of tempo adjustment possible. Your tempo, volume and transposition preferences are automatically remembered for each individual song.

Q: Can I use the wireless kit with an external ("Vorsetzer") Pianocorder system?
A: Yes. The wireless kit works identically with both internal and external Pianocorder systems.

Q: Is the wireless kit compatible with the Superscan Display Console?
A: Yes. Text and graphics will be displayed the same as always.

Q: Will the wireless kit make use of my 2.4 GHz 802.11 home computer network?
A: No, the equipment in the kit transmits digitally on its own dedicated 900 MHz link. This technology is completely separate from 802.11 data network technology and will not interfere with your wireless computer network in any way.

Q: Will I still be able to use the recording feature of my Pianocorder?
A: No. The Pianocorder's recording feature was never a strongpoint of the product, implemented with flimsy wire switches and employing a microphone to measure "expression". Many Pianocorder owners do not use the recording feature. To keep the wireless kit more affordable, the hardware supports only one-way communication from the computer to the piano. If you're interested in upgrading the recording feature to a more flexible MIDI-based system, check out the kits available from MIDI 9.

Q: What sort of warranty or guarantee is offered?
A: The kit is tested thoroughly before shipment. If the hardware is dead on arrival, I will replace it if there is no evidence of misuse. I will also accept returns on working units for the first 30 days after receipt if you find the wireless link to be unusable in a particular environment (due to RF interference, etc.) In addition, I will repair or replace any unit that fails within the first 90 days after receipt. Repair or replacement beyond 90 days will be offered for a reasonable fee, subject to availability of parts. The owner will be responsible for shipping on all returns, and the equipment must be returned complete in its original packaging.

Contact

If you have any questions, you can reach me by email at mfontana@pianocorder.info.

Thanks for visiting,
Mark Fontana

Copyright © 2003-2008 Mark Fontana