Adjusting the Sensor Brightness
Last edited: 27. September 2021|Publishing date:21. April 2020|Setup
We recommend setting the brightness of the sensor LEDs to a value of 175. In general, the higher the distance between the sensor bar and the key, the brighter – and vice versa.
Good to know / background
The sensor technology of the VARIO digital system works with an optical scanning of the key movements. In this process, LEDs mounted under the keyboard send bundled light against the bottom of the keys. From there the light is reflected, measured by sensors and then converted into a digital signal.
If the light is too bright, the sensors are dazzled and no usable values can be measured. This effect can also be intensified if the distance is too close.
On the other hand, measurement errors can also occur if the brightness is too low and/or the distance between the sensors and the keyboard is too vast.
It is true that the freedom that technicians have when installing the VARIO sensor strip is relatively wide – but there are still natural limits to the contact-free technology. A recommendation for the optimal installation height of the keyboard sensors can be found in this article.
Since VARIO firmware version 1.0.3 the sensitivity of the keys’ sensors can be adjusted. A slight reduction in the brightness value improves the dynamics and uniformity in many pianos. It also prevents individual notes from being triggered randomly and unintentionally.
- In VARIO app, go to the SETTINGS block.
- There, first switch to the new section Keys Calibration -> Advanced Sensor Settings (gear symbol in the upper right corner).
- We recommend reducing the brightness of the sensor LEDs, to a value of 175. Leave the parameter named ratio at 0.
- Basically the following applies: the closer the Sensor Bar is to the keys, the lower the brightness should be set. For many instruments a distance of 8-15 mm between the Sensor Bar and the unpressed key is optimal. Smaller distances are possible, but the keys must not hit the Sensor Bar if they are hit hard. Here you can learn more about the recommended distance of the Sensor Bar.
Recalibration is necessary after each change of the sensor brightness.
- If the keyboard cannot be calibrated because notes are triggered immediately and no key is pressed, first lower the brightness value further in steps of 5.
- If the keyboard cannot be calibrated even though you press a key, increase the brightness accordingly.
Further / Additions
If you notice a difference in intensity between the white and black keys, you can adjust this ratio. In this case a recalibration is not necessary, the value can be moved in real time and can be checked via playing.
Calibrate pedals
We recommend that you also recalibrate the pedals (Settings -> Pedal Calibration), as adjusting the brightness also affects the pedal sensors.
We recommend setting the brightness of the sensor LEDs to a value of 175. In general, the higher the distance between the sensor bar and the key, the brighter – and vice versa.
Good to know / background
The sensor technology of the VARIO digital system works with an optical scanning of the key movements. In this process, LEDs mounted under the keyboard send bundled light against the bottom of the keys. From there the light is reflected, measured by sensors and then converted into a digital signal.
If the light is too bright, the sensors are dazzled and no usable values can be measured. This effect can also be intensified if the distance is too close.
On the other hand, measurement errors can also occur if the brightness is too low and/or the distance between the sensors and the keyboard is too vast.
It is true that the freedom that technicians have when installing the VARIO sensor strip is relatively wide – but there are still natural limits to the contact-free technology. A recommendation for the optimal installation height of the keyboard sensors can be found in this article.
Since VARIO firmware version 1.0.3 the sensitivity of the keys’ sensors can be adjusted. A slight reduction in the brightness value improves the dynamics and uniformity in many pianos. It also prevents individual notes from being triggered randomly and unintentionally.
- In VARIO app, go to the SETTINGS block.
- There, first switch to the new section Keys Calibration -> Advanced Sensor Settings (gear symbol in the upper right corner).
- We recommend reducing the brightness of the sensor LEDs, to a value of 175. Leave the parameter named ratio at 0.
- Basically the following applies: the closer the Sensor Bar is to the keys, the lower the brightness should be set. For many instruments a distance of 8-15 mm between the Sensor Bar and the unpressed key is optimal. Smaller distances are possible, but the keys must not hit the Sensor Bar if they are hit hard. Here you can learn more about the recommended distance of the Sensor Bar.
Recalibration is necessary after each change of the sensor brightness.
- If the keyboard cannot be calibrated because notes are triggered immediately and no key is pressed, first lower the brightness value further in steps of 5.
- If the keyboard cannot be calibrated even though you press a key, increase the brightness accordingly.
Further / Additions
If you notice a difference in intensity between the white and black keys, you can adjust this ratio. In this case a recalibration is not necessary, the value can be moved in real time and can be checked via playing.
Calibrate pedals
We recommend that you also recalibrate the pedals (Settings -> Pedal Calibration), as adjusting the brightness also affects the pedal sensors.