Solid State Organ Systems

Organ control systems must be simple to understand, install and operate. If not, there would be little point of them existing at all. It’s why you can consult SSOS from anywhere - in the office, at the bench or up a ladder.

To save more time, we’ve answered some frequently answered questions here. Feel free to suggest others.

E-mail SSOS

For advice in the USA and Canada:

Telephone: +1 (703) 933 0024 or (800) 272 4775 Fax: +1 703 933 0025

For advice in the UK:

Telephone: Day +44 (0) 1842 814 814 or Night (0) 207 669 4742
Fax: +44 (0) 1842 813 802

Can you service systems that aren’t made any more?
Even if something’s past its warranty, can you come on site and sort it out?
How do I get a quote, and how long will it take?
How do I pay for it?
How long does delivery take?
I see that you’re now called SSOS. I bought an SSL system a few years ago. Do all my warranties still apply?
If a system is under warranty and I can’t fix it or send it back, will you come on site and sort it out?
I’ve lost an SSOS product manual. Where can I get another?
The organ already has one of your competitors’ switching systems. Will other SSOS products work with it?
The people installing or maintaining the organ don’t read English. Can you translate manuals?
We got the polarities wrong on site and the system doesn’t work. What do we do?
We want to install a MultiSystem in a huge building. How long can the cable runs be?
What information do I need to send you?
When I’ve installed the product, how long is it guaranteed for?

up How do I get a quote, and how long will it take?
First, send us your specifications in any format you like: by e-mail, by fax, on the phone or in the post. Be sure, too, to include a full set of contact details in case we need to reach you. After that, you should receive a quote in a couple of days.
up What information do I need to send you?
In essence, it’s the data you’d give your team if they were building the organ from scratch. Above all else, though, be sure to send the following: For all organs: The name and location of the organ The action’s operating voltage The organ’s full stop-list, including any derivations or extensions For capture systems: The stops and couplers in each division The number of inter-manual couplers in the whole organ The number of departmental pistons for each division The numbers of general and collective pistons The names of any piston couplers The names of any reversible pistons For switching systems: The total number of stops and couplers on the whole console The actual names of any couplers, including any octaves and transfers The number of expression pedals, and the number of outputs for each one A list of the main chests and soundboards, their divisions, the stops on each one, and the number of notes A description of every unit chest, with a list of pitches, manuals and numbers of pipes on each
up How long does delivery take?
Stock items are always shipped the same day they’re ordered. Switching and capture systems usually take about 8 weeks to design, build and ship.
up How do I pay for it?
Full payment details are included on every invoice. We can even accept payment by credit card.
up When I’ve installed the product, how long is it guaranteed for?
For systems, its usually10 years against faulty parts, and any off-the-shelf utility item is guaranteed for a year. There’s a warranty document attached to every product we ship. If you need extra copies, call us.
up If a system is under warranty and I can’t fix it or send it back, will you come on site and sort it out?
Certainly. Under warranty, it’s our responsibility to replace any faulty components in any way we have to.
up Even if something’s past its warranty, can you come on site and sort it out?
Yes. We can make service calls anywhere in the world.
up I see that you’re now called SSOS. I bought an SSL system a few years ago. Do all my warranties still apply?
Absolutely. In 2002 the team here bought the Organ Systems division from Solid State Logic. We bought the US sales and service office, the UK office and factory where all SSOS products are made, and all the working materials. In effect, the company and its warranties are the same as before. And as well a stock of spares for everything ever made, the same technicians will be on hand for a chat.
up Can you service systems that aren’t made any more?
Quite simply, we can service anything. We have blueprints, specifications and components for every product SSL and SSOS have ever made.
up I’ve lost an SSOS product manual. Where can I get another?
You can download one from “manuals” here on the site, or contact us for a hard copy. And if anything still baffles you, our UK and US people are there to be asked.
up The people installing or maintaining the organ don’t read English. Can you translate manuals?
Certainly. We aim to make manuals as understandable as possible for everyone. It’s better for us to translate a manual than put right a mistake.
up We got the polarities wrong on site and the system doesn’t work. What do we do?
Chances are you’ve just blown the fuse and haven’t wrecked anything beyond it. Replace it, check the polarities once more and try again. If still nothing happens, call us straight away.
up We want to install a MultiSystem in a huge building. How long can the cable runs be?
Any data cable between processors can be up to 900 feet (274 metres) long, which is enough for most jobs. If your run is even longer, call us: we’ll be very surprised but can supply you with hardware to achieve it.
up The organ already has one of your competitors’ switching systems. Will other SSOS products work with it?
You can’t connect two competing processors or capture systems together as they won’t be able to read each others’ data. But many SSOS components like power supplies, key contacts, diode couplers, relays and pulsators are perfectly happy as they use ordinary on-and-off current instead of digital signals.