A project at work introduced me to the world of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) motor speed controllers and how they work with 3 phase electric motors.  There are 100's of youtube videos and websites describing the different models of VFDs and motor combinations that provide a couple of much need features such as:

• Slow start -- currently, the on/off switch creates a huge current surge on the generator and a lot of startup torque stress on the blower itself.  By ramping up the speed slowly, the generator can keep up and far less stress is applied to the mechanical drive.
• Speed control -- currently, the RPM is not quite enough to stimulate the wind on the highest 2-3 pipes.  More air pressure is needed.  That means higher starting torque (see previous bullet).  VFDs provide a variable speed adjustment that could be used to tune in the motor RPM for the best sound output on all pipes.
• 115V to 208V 3 Phase conversion -- 115V single phase is converted to 208V, 3 phase which will drive a more efficient 3 phase motor.
• Electronic switch -- instead of a full-current line switch, an electronic front panel switch is provided that can be used to start / stop the motor.  This is safer and not prone to arcing or shorting out.

I hope to research an optimal VFD (low cost, front panel speed adjustment) and 1 HP, 3Phase motor with the right mount that will let me quickly replace the current 1HP Dayton single motor that is already in the cabinet.  This will most likely become a fall project -- as there are several parades on the calendar for this summer.