John Smith Organs - Accessories

Two items to complement the organs

and some ready-built Topsy 3 Parts - see below!

	The two top pictures on the right have larger versions - which may be viewed by clicking on the picture. Use your Browser 'Back' button to return to this page.
	Making Mechanical Music for your own aMazement (MMMM) This is a little booklet which explains the process of turning sheet music into paper roll music for your Busker Organ - or any other mechanical organ, as the techniques are the same. No previous knowledge of music theory is needed, as everything you need to learn covered. This was demonstrated by the first purchaser, Brian Mahaffey of Northern Ireland. Brian knew nothing at all about music, yet within one month he had not only produced two rolls of music, but had also 'pinned' the barrel of a mechanical harmonium with eight hymns. He had converted this instrument some years previously, but had never been able to find anyone able to 'pin' it! Being Irish, the eight hymns became nine when the local priest came to hear it working, and he thought that the last tune was 'lovely', although he could not actually recognise it. This was not surprising, as Brian had actually played the last one backwards! This effect apparently often works with simple hymns.
	Plans for paper roll Punch To complement the MMMM booklet, John also has plans for a punch. This can be either hand-operated, or operated by the use of a solenoid to give a fast effortless action. This is a well-proven machine, but its construction requires some basic metalworking skills and includes a small weld. Alternatively, it can be made from wood, and a number of these have been made, and operate successfully. John has been using the prototype for about ten years now, and must have cut the equivalent of hundreds of rolls - usually cutting six copies at a time. The test rolls supplied with the plans for my organs are produced with this machine. The punch is shown working at the end of the Busker video, but when filmed, it was fitted with a large mains-powered solenoid which had a slow recovery time, so the action is quite slow. With a more suitable solenoid, the action is as fast as you can push the button!
	The above items are priced at Ł10 each, but both can be ordered together for just Ł16.

TOPSY 3 READY-MADE PARTS

A number of Topsy 3 organs are now under construction, and feedback to me has been very positive so far.
However, the electronic options involved are proving a bit difficult for some builders - which may be no surprise.
So, to get Topsy 3 off to a good start, I have produced some ready-made parts and control boards.
Please note that these will not be available from me forever and - as Tesco would say - “When they’re gone they’re gone !”

Crankshaft Assembly

Made to Topsy 3 spec, but with a longer shaft to allow for variations in case size.
The assembly is very well made and includes
the 3 inch diameter flange to which the hand wheel is attached.
Ł34.00

Register board

Built to Topsy 3 spec., it controls 4 registers and composite Tremulant control and drive
- with preset controls for Tremulant speed.
Built on a compact, double-sided P.C.
All connections are via screw terminals,
and a wiring layout diagram will be included.

Ł35.00

Motor Drive Components

I have sourced some superb multi- pole motors,
and built the complete 3-way control system for the bellows.
Everything is pre wired to fit straight into Topsy, including 2 micro switches
and 2 control potentiometers - with screw terminals for the 4 connecting wires.
I will supply these as fully tested assemblies.
Please Note The motors are rated at up to 24 volts
- as is the control board -
enabling a wide range of options for this system.
Ł35.00

Battery Input Reverse Polarity Protection Board

I recommend that this is the first thing to be wired into the organ as it is so easy to get the
battery leads reversed - giving instant disaster!
This board provides complete protection - without fuses blowing!
The circuit also prevents using the organ when the battery falls below a safe minimum voltage.
I will be making these small modules to order
Ł8.50

LED voltage indicator

A 10 step LED voltage indicator set to read from 11 volts (battery exhausted)
to 14 volts ( full charge voltage).
There is a built in adjustment allowing this 4 volt range
to be moved up to a maximum of 25 volts for a 24 volt system.
Ł8.50

Please note all of these electronic assemblies are only available to original Topsy 3 builders for their personal home use.
They will all be hand-assembled, wired, and tested by me, but will not necessarily comply with all the crazy
modern regulations that usually prevent things like these being made available.
Postage will be charged at cost on these ready-made parts

Enquiries about these items should be direct to me: John Smith at

or ‘phone 01525 712 496