PianoDisc ProRecord User manual

ProRecord and ProScan Installation Procedure
for Grand Pianos
With Troubleshooting Guide
March 13, 2014
Installation Procedure:
1. Disassemble the piano
oRemove the action from the piano.
oRemove the stack and keys from the keyframe.
oPlace the key upside down on a bench supported by two long pieces of wood to level the bottom
of the keys.
2. Placing reflective tape on keys 1 and 88
NOTE: The following procedure is the same whether a grand or vertical.
oLocate the reflective tape and paper jig in the kit.
oStarting with key 1 and 88, place the template on the front/bottom of the key and attach the
reflective tape. Do this on both keys.(See Ill. 1)
Note: Because keys 1 & 88 are wider than other white keys, the reflective tape is place on one side
of the key to line up with the optical sensor. (See Ill. 1 and the template)
Illustration 1 – Locating reflective tape on keys 1 and 88

3. Marking all keys for reflective tape position
oPlace the keys up side down on two pieces of wood to level out keys. (See Ill. 2)
oPlace a straight edge across the end of all keys to simulate how the keys will be in the piano.
(See Ill. 3)
oPlace the ruler across the bottom of the keys, at the front of the reflective tape, and draw a line
across all keys. (See Ill. 4)
oNow place the reflective tape on all keys at the line just established.
Ill. 2 – Supporting keys Ill. 3 – Line up keys
Ill. 4 – Marking line from Key 1 to 88

3. Install the sensor strip in the action
oPlace the sensor strip on the keyframe near the front rail.
oPlace black keys at each mounting location. (See Ill. 5)
oLocate the key spacer in the kit. (It is a “U” shaped channel aluminum.)
oPlace the key spacer over the sensor of a sharp note.
oDepress the key and note if there is any clearance between the bottom of the key and the spacer.
(see Ill. 6)
oIf there is a space between the key and spacing tool, then use front rail punchings to bring the rail
up so there is no gap and the tool can slide out without resistance.
oDo this to all mounting locations. (See Ill. 5)
oIf the key is being held up by the spacer tool then the keyframe must be cut to lower the sensor
strip the required amount. If this is necessary, go to the section – “Cutting Keyframe”.
NOTE: The spacer should just be able to slide out when the key is at full
depression. This will provide the proper clearance for the sensor strip.
Ill. 5 – Setting sensor strip height Ill. 6 – Setting height with gage
oSecure the sensor strip to the keyframe with the screws provided. It may be necessary to drill
some additional mounting holes in the sensor strip to line up to the keyframe slates. (See Ill. 7)

Ill. 7 – Additional holes drilled to secure strip
oInstall the keys checking the alignment of the reflective tape to the optical
sensors.
4. Cutting Keyframe for Sensor strip
oCalculate how much wood needs to be removed for the optical sensor strip.
oPianoDisc recommends using a “Drill Press Planer” seen in illustration 8. There are other
methods to remove wood but this is easy and precise.
oHere is a link to Wood Workers Supply where it can be purchased.
http://woodworker.com/fullpres.asp?PARTNUM=24760&LARGEVIEW=ON
Illustration 8 – Cutting keyframe with drill press planer.
5. Pedal Sensor Installation
The pedal sensors are optical also and sense all three pedals. (See Ill. 9, 10, and 11)
oLocate the pedal sensors in the kit.

oFind the best location for the sensors on each pedal that is out of sight and best place for the least
amount of damage.
oMount each sensor with 2 screws.
oPlace a piece of reflective tape under each sensor.
oAdjust the sensor to so the spacer tab just touches the lever.
oNote that the pedal sensors need to be place so the lever moves away from the sensor.
oNote that Ill. 9 shows a soft shift sensor that was mounted inside the action cavity. This was
done because there was no room to mount on the underside of the keybed.
oTie up and route the cables to the control unit.
Ill. 9 – Soft shift sensor
Illustration 10 – Sostenuto pedal sensor

Illustration 11 – Sustain pedal sensor
6. Cable connections

7. Mounting the Control Unit
NOTE: The control unit can be mounted on either side of the piano but the left side is
recommended as that is the only side where the grand pedal plug has access.
oLocate the control box mounting screws in the kit assy. bag.
oPlace the control unit at the selected location slightly recessed from the edge of the keybed.
oMount the control box to the keybed.
oIf a PianoDisc player system is installed, use the PianoDisc / ProRecord cable connected
between the TFT Record port of the PianoDisc CPU unit and the EXT port of the ProRecord
unit. The EXT port is located on the right side of the ProRecord control unit (see right side
drawing on the next page).
oIf a PianoDisc is NOT installed, use the 9VAC adapter on the back of the control unit (see rear
drawing below).
oSecure all wires with the ties and clamps supplied in the assy. bag.
Rear of the Control Unit
⑫ ⑬
⑭
⑮

Right Side of Control Unit
PianoDisc CPU unit
Front of the Control Unit
⑯
②
①
③ ④ ⑥ ⑧
⑩
⑪
⑦⑨
⑤

8. Initial Set-up
NOTE: If the piano has only 2 pedals, disconnect the cable that is connected to the
“Sostenuto” pedal sensors. Do this before powering up the control box.
oPower On - Turn the power on.
oA chime will be heard and the “PLAY” and “REC” lamps will flash alternately
indicating that the system is in “Initial Setup Mode”
oPlay each note of the keyboard with equal force, making sure each key goes to full
depth. When each note is released, the note will sound slightly delayed indicating
that each key was calibrated.
oPress each pedal with equal force and full depth. A chime will sound after eah pedal
is pressed indicating that the pedal was calibrated. The chime for each pedal will
sound at a different pitch.
oPush the “PLAY” button. If the calibration of all keys and pedals was successful, a
chime will be heard and the “PLAY” and “REC” lamps will stop flashing.
Notes
o If the system is powered off before the “PLAY” button is pressed, the calibration procedure will not
be completed and must be done again.
o It may be helpful to pause a moment between each note to ensure that the note calibrates
properly.
o If any key or pedal did not calibrate properly, setup cannot be completed until the keys and/or
pedals have been calibrated. The system will play the MIDI note of the keys or pedals that need to
be calibrated. Play the keys or pedals again and then push “PLAY”. If the problem is with one of the pedals
not calibrating, the sensor may be too close to the pedal lever. Try moving the sensor further away from the
pedal lever.
9. Sensor Re-calibration
The sensitivity of the keyboard and pedal sensors can change with time and/or temperature. Periodic
adjustments are required to keep your system operating at its optimum performance.
oTo Re-Calibrate the system, press “PLAY” and “REC” while turning the power on.
oA chime will be heard and the “PLAY’ and “REC” lamps will flash alternately indicating that the system
is in set-up mode.
oPress any keys or pedals that need to be re-calibrated. It may not be necessary to play every key
and pedal. Only those that need calibration.
oPress the “PLAY” button. If calibration was successful, a chime will be heard and the “PLAY” and
“REC” lamps will stop flashing.

10. Devices to Record to – Wiring Diagrams
oUse the following wiring diagram for iDevices with PianoDisc.
oA lightning to 30 pin adapter may be needed depending on the “i” device version.
In
Out
CPU
PianoDisc
PianoDisc / ProRecord cable
USB MIDI Interface Cable (Roland,)
Apple USB
camera adapter
(selector switch in "TAB" posistion)
iDevice
EXT
ProRecord
Control Box
(For record and playback)
iDevice wiring diagram with PianoDisc
oUse the following wiring diagram for iDevices without PianoDisc.
oA lightning to 30 pin adapter may be needed depending on the “i” device version.

USB MIDI Interface Cable (Roland,)
Apple USB
cameraadapter
(selector switchin"TAB" posistion)
iDevice
ProRecord
Control Box In
Out
(For record and playback)
iDevice wiring diagram without PianoDisc
oUse the following wiring diagram for recording to a computer.
In
Out
CPU
PianoDisc
PianoDisc / ProRecord cable
Computer
USB MIDI Interface Cable (Roland,)
(selector switch in "COMP" posistion)
(For record and playback)
Computer wiring diagram with PianoDisc
ProRecord
ControlBox EXT
oUse the following wiring diagram to connect a Computer without PianoDisc

Computer
USB MIDI Interface Cable (Roland,)
(selector switch in"COMP" posistion)
ProRecord
Control Box
In
Out
(For record and playback)
Computer wiring diagram without PianoDisc
oUse the following diagram to connect to a computer for recording only.
ProRecord
Control Box
USB
Computer
USB mini USB cable
Computer USB connection (record only)
oUse the following connection to connect to a MIDI device (MIDI keyboard or sound generator)

ProRecord
Control Box
OUT
IN IN
OUT
Standard MIDI Cables
MIDI
Device
Connecting to MIDI device
Cables
PianoDisc / ProRecord Cable Roland USB MIDI interface cable

ProRecord and ProScan Trouble Shooting
NOTE: There is a new ProRecord/ProScan app. that allows you to more easily control the user features of
ProRecord/ProScan without all the inconvenient key combinations. Download the following app.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id945540700?mt=8
Please note that this requires a cabled USB connection between your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad and the
ProRecord. Use the USB cable supplied in the ProRecord kit. A lightning to USB adapter may also be
required (not supplied)
NOTE: When the ProRecord/ProScan is connected to the iQ player system it is important the iQ system is
completely calibrated before attempting to do a final calibration on the ProRecord.
Problem: No power to the complete system.
1. Check if power cord is plugged into the wall socket.
2. Check the plug connection to the back of the control unit.
3. Unplug the power cord from the control unit and check for 10 VDC.
4. Unplug the “keyboard” plug from the back of the control unit and power up the control box; this
will eliminate any problems of shorting from other parts such as sensor strip, cables and adapter
board.
5. There is a possibility that there could be a bad harness cable. To check this you would need to
unplug the cable and do a continuity test. See the pin-out diagram below. This will require a volt
meter.
Problem: The system will not complete the calibration.
1. Check all plug connections carefully.
2. During calibration, depress each key completely before depressing the next key. If keys overlap
it will not calibrate.
3. Make sure the pedal sensors are installed correctly. The pedal lever must move away from the
sensor. (See pedal installation procedure)
4. Make sure all key notes are audible thru the headphones and a chime from each pedal. This tells
you that each note or pedal is sending data.
5. Check the height and alignment of the key sensor strip to the keys at each mounting location and
the pedal levers to the pedal bracket.
6. If a pedal is not calibrating, move the sensor 1/8” (3mm) farther away from the pedal lever and
re-calibrate. When you move the sensor, you must shut off the control box and re-enter
calibration. Do this by holding down the “record and play” button together, power up and hold
the “record and play” buttons until the lights start flashing. Then re-calibrate the note or pedal
that needs calibration and press “play” to save.
7. There is a possibility that there could be a bad harness cable. To check this you would need to
unplug the cable and do a continuity test. See the pin-out diagram below. This will require a volt
meter.

8. Make sure only one output is plugged into the control box. There are three “out ports” on the
control box, the “EXT” (on the side of control box), the 5-pin MIDI OUT port, and the “mini
USB” (both on the back of the control box).
Problem: One or more notes will not calibrate or play incorrectly.
1. Perform the individual note calibrate of the notes in question.
2. Check the alignment of the sensor strip to the keys.
3. Check the reflective tape for proper placement or debris under the tape.
4. Check the key height of the key or keys in question. Key level and dip should be consistent
throughout the keyboard.
5. Check the key clearance (with gauge) at full dip on a sharp (black) note at each mounting
locations.
6. Replace the sensor strip section; see next section, “Sensor strip repair”.
Problem: ProRecord or ProScan will not play the iQ player system.
1. Make sure the iQ player system is powered up.
2. While playing a recording on the ProRecord, see if the MIDI light is flashing
on the CPU.
3. Check the plug connections.
4. Check the CPU update; it must be 13.6 or higher.
A. How to check the CPU update. Press the “test” button on the CPU and note the lights
flashing. The “MIDI” light should blink 3 times, (represents 13) and the “sustain” light
should blink 6 times. The software can be loaded by a laptop/iPad to the CPU thru the iQ
stereo mini port. Just need to unplug the “Mini” cable from the Airport Express and plug
into the laptop/iPad. The software can be send thru e-mail.
5. It is possible to have a bad record cable which goes from the ProRecord control box to the iQ
CPU. Try another record cable.
6. To check the output of the ProRecord control box.
A. Unplug the record cable from the “EXT” port on the ProRecord control box.
B. Plug a 5 pin MIDI cable into the “MIDI OUT” on the back of the ProRecord control box.
C. Plug the other end of the 5 pin MIDI cable into the CPU “MIDI IN” port.
D. Play a note to verify that a sound is generated thru the headphones or speaker. NOTE:
For ProScan you need to observe the light flickering when a key is depressed. The key
will remain down because of a looping of information to the key solenoid. Be careful not
to play too many notes at once.
E. If there is no sound thru the headphones then the “EXT” port is not out putting
information. NOTE: For ProScan you need to observe the light flickering when a key is
depressed. Replace the control box.
Problem: ProRecord playback does not playback accurately.
1. Make sure the calibration is complete on the iQ system before testing the ProRecord/ProScan.
Especially the learn (low volume setting) and the level.
2. Re-calibrate the ProRecord/ProScan with an even touch across the keyboard.
3. Reset the Factory default setting. Note: This will erase any songs that have been recorded.

Problem: Pedal or Pedals will not record.
1. Make sure the pedal lever is moving away for the sensor.
2. Check the alignment of the sensor to the lever.
3. Make sure there is reflective tape on the lever and aligned to the sensor.
4. Move the sensor 1/8” away from the lever and re-calibrate.
5. Make sure the sensor cables are on the correct sensor. (For example – sustain cable on sustain
lever)
6. Perform pin out continuity check on cable. See below.
ProRecord and ProScan Sensor Strip Repair
The ProRecord and ProScan sensor strips can be replaced in the field, in most cases.
1. Damaged section
A. A damaged section can be easily replaced by the technician instead of shipping back the
complete strip. This will minimize the potential damage caused by shipping the complete
strip.
B. There are 4 sections to a sensor strip. The two center sections are identical but the two end
sections are unique. (See pictures below)
C. Each section is secured with two screws. There is a plug connection that connects each
board to the next. See the pictures below how the plug connection folds over to connect the
neighboring board.