the Integrated Piston capture combination action

Thousands know the joys of an SSOS MultiSystem. It's flexible, fathomable and programmable to fit any organ. Luckily, CFM is the capture system specially made to match it. Using Multi-System wiring already in the organ, CFM connects instantly without interfaces, links, tears or rages.
Compact and hassle-free Instantly recognised by MultiSystem
40,100, 300 or 1,000 levels, or a Library system with virtually unlimited levels to accurate multiple organists. All fitted now or upgradeable later
One unit sets 1000+ stops and four crescendo settings
Combination memory can be shared by multiple consoles or split between two.

How CFM matches a MultiSystem

As CFM uses the stop inputs already connected to the organ's MultiSystem, the only things left to wire are on/off coil inputs and piston inputs. Fitted on the same wiring plane, they can be neatly tucked away. From then on, CFM is set up like any SSOS capture system. All aided by regular checks and tell-tale LEDs.


CFM Memory System

The fastest most accurate organ control system in the world

Settable Features

CFM’s main skill is storing pistons, generals and divisionals for more than 1,000 stops all recalled instantaneously from multiple consoles and remotes. It also has 4, 60 stage crescendo settings per Library; inclusive and exclusive tuttis; settable pedal divide points, MIDI controllers, settable so tenuto features on each piston, and a variety of custom interactive features that allow the organist to define some rules about stop interactions that may need to be prevented.

Memory System

The CFM stores virtually unlimited piston memory in a separate processor on the high speed MultiSystem network. With 256 settable pistons this gives over 250,000 combinations each controlling over 1,000 stops. The memory can be shared with multiple consoles even if they are switched off. We usually recommend splitting large memory into smaller manageable sections we call Libraries. Libraries may be accessed using a PIN code punched in with the generals or using the Organist Palette.

Control Panels

Controls you need to play the organ need to be simple and always visible. We provide a range of small panels that may be arranged to fit the space available. Additional displays may be fitted for a page turner or hidden in a drawer. The Organist Palette adds the flexibility of an iPad screen to setup complex functions such as piston sequencers.

Organist Palette

The Organist Palette provides a large clear display all in one place without scrolling. when you are done simply put it to one side or back in the drawer. All wireless, using an iPad that you already understand. The main screen shows all the apps you have installed many of which interact with the CFM, including pedal divide points and sostenutos, both of which are settable on generals.

Sequencer

The new CFM has one sequencer that may be used at any level of detail you choose: the forever-popular simple order piston sequencer or stepper which runs through the generals moving to a new level when needed; or, with the Organist Palette, options to insert steps you missed and name sequences for quick selection and a special set of memories to keep a few that you might need to insert again and again.

Scope

Scope defines the function of each piston in the combination action. When a CFM is built all the pistons have equal power. Scope tells the CFM which pistons control which stops. A piston controlling one stop alone becomes a reverser. A scope piston can be fitted to the console, giving the organist an option to redefine levels so that, for example, all pistons become generals. Pressing clear twice returns the level to the standard scope setting for the next organist.

Our MultiSystem switching systems can be built with any number of inputs, outputs and stop controls. The system is configured in software which allows the for an extremely flexible structure and straightforward building blocks.

A location is built from a processor, a plane (to put the cards on) and a choice of positive or negative polarity, input or output cards. The system is controlled by software which is loaded into each processor.

The MultiSystem is built around high specification industrial processors that run a custom operating system designed for high speed real time processing. The total boot time is about 6 seconds and so the system is ready to run before the wind is up.

Communication between locations is by CAT5 100BaseT Ethernet cabling. Although the protocols running on the cable are fully compatible with an Ethernet system we only support a closed network that is solely for MultiSystem use, this is because we can only guarantee performance if we know the amount of traffic on the network. It is possible to use a 802.11 Wireless network but again we cannot guarantee it will be to our performance requirements due to an inability to control external interference.

Wiring

Solid State pioneered the use of punch blocks in organ building, however we selected a high performance connector from a German manufacturer called Krone that has been in use in the European telecoms industry for 80 years and more recently was adopted for internet connections in large office buildings around the world. It has been used by us in organ building since 1991.

Power

MultiSystem operates between 12 to 36-volt as standard. The system itself uses less than 1 Amp to operate, however care must be taken in providing adequate current to switch the organ loads.

Outputs -

Output modules provide 16 outputs per module. They are provided with Krone connectors to punch the wires directly to them avoiding an extra connector and hence increasing reliability. The module has built in suppression.

  • Negative Output - 0.75A maximum rated. Equivalent to 16 Ohms at 12V or 32 Ohms at 24V.
  • Heavy Duty Negative Output - 1.4A maximum rated. Equivalent to 9 Ohms at 12V or 18 Ohms at 24V.
  • Positive Output - 0.1A maximum rated. Equivalent to 120 Ohms at 12V or 240 Ohms at 24V.
  • Heavy Duty Positive Output - 1.4A maximum rated. Equiv to 9 Ohms at 12V or 18 Ohms at 24V.

Inputs -

    Positive Input - A high resistance input with built in surge protection and debouncing for dirty key contacts. The module loads the contact by less than 10mA and will accept inputs from 10 to 36V.

  • Negative Input - The same specification but an alternate polarity.

Main Control Panel CFM Master TFT Control Panel no metalwork

Main Control Panel Master Panel

Main Control Panel Master Panel Metalwork

Main Control Panel 4 Button Panel

Main Control Panel Keyslip Display

Can I copy piston settings from one memory level to another?

  • Yes, that is easily done using Copy, Paste and Clear.

    • Can I lock my memory levels?

  • Yes, with a lock switch installed at the console, or with a personal PIN code

    • Can I insert additional steps into the Sequencer pattern?

  • A standard Stepper progresses through the General pistons in order using Next and Previous. Most organists find this to be simplest system to use, but an Advanced Sequencer is also available. With Advanced Sequencer, addition settings can Inserted and Deleted into the sequence.

    • Can divisional pistons swap places with the keyboards when Manual Transfer is engaged?

  • Yes, this can be configured in any way that you like. With a typical Great/Choir transfer, the standard practice is to swap the Great and Choir divisional pistons and the Gt/Ped and Ch/Ped reverser thumb pistons with the Transfer. Toe pistons are unaffected. However, we can set it up in any other way that you prefer. A common request is for coupler reverser pistons not to be included.

    • If my memory levels are controlled by a rotary switch, can I include a sequencer too?

  • Sadly no, the sequencer cannot change the position of a mechanical rotary switch, so the system will remain on the same memory level until the rotary switch is changed by hand. Sequencers are easy to include with our digital control panels.

    • Can I have separate General and Divisional memory levels?

  • Absolutely! This is standard practice in larger U.K. organs, and we can include it in any system.

    • Can stops be set automatically to cancel other stops?

  • Yes, although this is not commonly asked for, it is certainly possible to do it

    • Can I jump quickly to another memory level?

  • Yes, consoles can be equipped with +1, -1, +10, -10, +100 and -100 buttons and/or, with the Goto feature, you can press and hold General Cancel and enter the memory level using the General pistons. You need at least 10 General pistons for this to work.

    • Can I put individual stops on reverser pistons?

  • Yes, when the system is configured, individual stops, such as a Pedal 32’ stop, can be set onto a reversible piston. We also offer reverser pistons that can be set by the organist to control any one stop.

    • Can I add pedal stops to manual pistons?

  • A typical Piston Coupler will couple the pistons of one division to the pistons of another. The most commonly used piston coupler is Great and Pedal Pistons Coupled, sometimes known as Great and Pedal Combinations Coupled. And, these pistons couplers can be configured in two ways, so that they work in both directions with both sets of pistons coupling to one another, or so that only one set of pistons also controls another.

  • With Scope Modifiers, stops on one division can temporarily be made available to be set on the pistons of another division. This is independent of what is set to the pistons of the other divisions. For example, with Pedal on Swell Pistons, Pedal stops can be added to the Swell pistons, which the Pedal pistons themselves will remain unaltered. We can include multiple Scope Modifiers in the same system.

    • Can I change which stops are controlled by which pistons?

  • Yes and No. Most often, the scope of pistons (which stops are assigned to each piston) is set by the organ technician when the system is configured at installation. But, using the Scope feature, your technician can change the scope of pistons if you’d like. Or, with a Scope piston at the console, organists can change the scope of pistons themselves. This is recommended only for experienced users.

    • Can I move swell/expression boxes to different expression shoes/pedals?

  • Yes. Using expression couplers you can assign any expression box to any expression shoe/pedal. For the most complex systems, Expression Matrix allows any box to be attached to any pedal with a grid of controls at the console, and settings can be saved on General pistons.

    • Please let us know if you have additional questions. We can create more or less any control that you can imagine. Please feel free to ask.