My Valve Radio Conversion Project

Hi All, here is my 1930's Bealey console radio that I have converted into a mp3 jukebox. Most of the parts including the cabinet were sourced from eBay. I have used Linux for the OS because of it's small footprint and stability and the music play is Amarok.

 

http:/amarok.kde.org

 

Currently there are over 10,400 tracks stored in the music catalogue and the sound it produces is amazing.

Would be sweet if the screen could be hidden, folded-out from the cabinet, and the surround speakers installed the cab as well.

Would be sweet if the screen could be hidden, folded-out from the cabinet, and the surround speakers installed the cab as well.

 

+ 1

 

however it seems there is no room left

even if you could isolate the speakers some how:unsure

 

Very cool still :023:

 

old meets new

Thanks for your comments

 

l think it's more functional this way. I have used the album covers in a slideshow screensaver similar to a proper jukebox. l did try to squeeze the speakers into the cabinet but there was no room and I also wanted to retain the original look of cabinet as much as posible without creating too many new holes. I did consider plucking the guts out of the PC and mounting it inside the upper section of the cabinet but the I would have problems with cooling and airflow so I left the PC as is. This also makes it easier to replace. These radios are rare and expensive, selling for around $800 - $1000. One in pristine condition with original radio in tact recently sold for USD$2700. I managed to pick this one up for $65 which I think was pure accident as I don't think it was advertised correctly. The entire project ended up costing me around $250 and the aim was to build it as cheeply as possible. No matter what you use or how you build it, good speakers make all the difference. I have used Logitec X530 speakers and the sound they produce is deafening at half volume. I'm not game to crank it up to full volume yet.

Edited November 23, 2010 by MusicMan