The Organ Forum

I am new to all this, so pardon if this is an often heard question.  Now, is it possible to add MIDI to an Allen T15a organ?  I believe it's an early 70's organ.  I've been reading a lot of posts about this, but one was for a Rodgers organ and others newer.  I do like what I have, but was wondering if it would be possible to 'add' some more baroque stops.  If not, then that's fine.  I'm just happy I have this.  Thanks for any replies!

HL 

Not sure why people on this board can't respond to a simple question.  You show no signs of being a troublesome troll.

It would be quite tedious, but it would be possible. You'd use a typical midi-fying kit used to midi-fy analog synthesizers, or electrically keyed pipe organs.  I very much doubt many people around the world have gone to the trouble of doing it, especially on the smallest analog transistor allen church organ there was. (32 pedals, but princess)

For a lot of people going this route, buying a fully AGO MOS-1, single-computer organ on ebay - lucky folks have gotten them for as little as $600 - then using the ALJ MOS midi kit (here)  which is more like "plug and play" would be an easier, less time consuming, option, but of course a more expensive one.  (although you still need to open the back of the organ and do stuff, you won't have be wiring up every key because it connects to the organ's multiplexer)  Ohhh...and what do you know, he has a universal kit if you do decide to MIDIfy your analog T12A Allen. 

The ALJ boards are not compatable with analog organs.  One way to Midify your organ is to use Artisan Micromidi modules.  3 input boards and 3 cpu modules for keyboards and pedal.  One more input module and cpu module for stoptabs.   At around 100.00 Ea, that totals to $800.00.  A lot of wiring to do but that's one of the best ways.   I don't know any cheaper way to do the job.  If you need relay functions, you will need several more.  The software definition file not difficult to learn and write.  Another way is to cannabolize several midi keyboards and wire to the keyboards.  You can find them on Craig's list or eBay.  Regardless, there is a lot of work involved. 

I might have several more ALJ/Allen Midi boards but nothing new.   I might have one midi kit for analog at the office.  As I recall I got it some time ago on eBay.   I'll post here details once I find it.   As I recall it's just keyboards and pedal.   If there's interest I'll figure out a price.  

Al

Al, sorry for speaking out incorrectly about your products.

The "Universal Keyboard MIDI Interface for Pipe or Electronic Organ" sure sounded like something that would work with any analog or pipe organ with electrical key contacts.

ABout 10 years ago I midifyed an Allen T12B.  I used intermidi stuff, it was fairly easy.  I deinstalled it when I got rid of the organ and kept the midi stuff.  I can't seem to get it to work on another project, so I'm not sure if it's still in working order or just set for the T12B voltage etc.  The easy part was the soldering for pedal keys, all was done inside at a junction box.  The keys were easy to solder too.  Where are you located?

Jesse

Portland, OR