computer controlled power strip?

[Robert Morein]

I have put together a computer based piano, made out of a Fatar keyboard,
and a low noise Via C3 processor. I'm running the "Steinberg Grand" VSX
piano simulation. Amplification is provided by a small Sugden amp that runs
hot.

I would like the operational characteristics of this piano to be as close as
possible to a regular acoustic piano. One of the characteristics of a "real"
piano is that one can simply walk up to it and play it. However, I don't
want the amp powered up all the time, because it draws far more power than
the computer.

Any suggestions for synchronizing the power status of the amplifier with use
of the piano?

[mick]

On Fri, 17 Jun 2005 01:13:21 -0400, Robert Morein wrote:

> I have put together a computer based piano, made out of a Fatar keyboard,
> and a low noise Via C3 processor. I'm running the "Steinberg Grand" VSX
> piano simulation. Amplification is provided by a small Sugden amp that runs
> hot.
>
> I would like the operational characteristics of this piano to be as close as
> possible to a regular acoustic piano. One of the characteristics of a "real"
> piano is that one can simply walk up to it and play it. However, I don't
> want the amp powered up all the time, because it draws far more power than
> the computer.
>
> Any suggestions for synchronizing the power status of the amplifier with use
> of the piano?

The best way is to change the amp for one that doesn't run as hot!
Otherwise you could use the output from the piano to switch on the amp,
using a delay so that it keeps the power on for, say, 5 mins after the
first trigger signal. It is fairly basic electronics. You may miss the
first note, or part of it, though.

--
Mick
(no M$ software on here... :-) )
Web: http://www.nascom.info
Web: http://projectedsound.tk

[Sander deWaal]

mick > said:


>> I have put together a computer based piano, made out of a Fatar keyboard,
>> and a low noise Via C3 processor. I'm running the "Steinberg Grand" VSX
>> piano simulation. Amplification is provided by a small Sugden amp that runs
>> hot.

>> I would like the operational characteristics of this piano to be as close as
>> possible to a regular acoustic piano. One of the characteristics of a "real"
>> piano is that one can simply walk up to it and play it. However, I don't
>> want the amp powered up all the time, because it draws far more power than
>> the computer.

>> Any suggestions for synchronizing the power status of the amplifier with use
>> of the piano?

>The best way is to change the amp for one that doesn't run as hot!
>Otherwise you could use the output from the piano to switch on the amp,
>using a delay so that it keeps the power on for, say, 5 mins after the
>first trigger signal. It is fairly basic electronics. You may miss the
>first note, or part of it, though.


There are such things as "slave power strips".
Second hit on Google:
http://www.sanshih.com.tw/muti-outlet2-1.htm

Should be widely available.

--

"Audio as a serious hobby is going down the tubes."
- Howard Ferstler, 25/4/2005