Converting an old jukebox to MP3/computer driven

[Doc Thirst]

Hey guys, been a while, and this is my first time in this particular forum.  I built a mame cab a (long) while back and got a ton of good advice out of the other forums here, I'm hoping for the same with my new project.  Over the weekend I picked up this gem:



My total cost (aside form the forklift driver hitting my truck) is $5.80 thus far (the 4 casters are worth more)!  So it's all there, but doesn't work.  And lets face it, a '88 Wurlitzer CD isn't near as cool as say a '72 Seeburg.  However, it has some potential as a cool conversion.  Lets start with the bad.  The credit computer is hosed, it accepts credits but doesn't accept any track selection input.  There are two capacitors that are clearly fried, but who knows what else might be screwed on this thing.  The other issue is that the CD drive appears to be hosed as well, I know the motor is bad, but I suspect the laser is shot as well.  Now the very bad, does anyone sell parts for these things?  Some searches say no (and wurlitzer appears to be out of the juke business for years now).

OK so I've accepted the fact that this thing more than likely will never function as originally manufactured, which brings me to the good.  It's really is pretty decent shape and I was able to fool it into playing music off my iPod (it's muted unless receiving a signal from the CD player I believe) and the amp/speakers not only work well, but sound great!  So here is what I'm thinking, gut the drive and credit computer.  Replace those with a USB interface (like what  you would use for a MAME cab) still connected to the coin mech and # selection buttons.  I'd have to figure out a way to fool the amp into thinking it's receiving the "un-mute" signal from the CD player, but I'd imagine that's just a jumper or switch which could be bridged or better yet replaced by the computer.  Then crown the whole thing with a nice flat panel where the CD cover rack usually goes (nice glass rectangle is perfect size for a 33" at a glance).

So my post here is two-fold in purpose.  I'd love to hear if anyone has attempted a similar conversion, and what, if any, pitfalls I should look far.  As well as a place to document my project.  It will be slow going, and I have some learning to do, but I think it will be fun and end with a very cool juke.  My first goal is to decide if I can find software that has the functionality I need, or if I'll have to write something from scratch.  A few requirements I've got off the top of my head are:

• Allow track selection by number
• Work with a coin mech (with opt out option - Freeplay)
• Support a wide screen display
• Have q'ing abilities (select multi tracks)
• Allow for some versatility in display options (play the videos when a song is selected, dancing hamsters, whatever)

So I guess I'll start by fielding software.  Thanks for reading and be sure to check back as I'll try to update this every few weeks.

[Space Fractal]

list to the wiki software list at the first thread.... And lookout for a  keypad driving software. That is what you need.

My own software MultiFE, should support all, except last one (videos). But I guess DWJukebox is the best choice here (Even I mean its dont support last one too, buts is designed to been work in this type of jukeboxes).

[Ken Layton]

Wurlitzer is still very much in business! They still manufacture CD jukes as well as the new computer/hard drive downloader (a.k.a. internet style) jukeboxes.

Several years ago Deutsche Wurlitzer was bought out by Gibson Guitar. So Wurlitzer is now part of the Gibson family of companies.

http://www.gibson.com/Products/Wurlitzer/

Tech support as well as parts are readily available.

http://www.gibson.com/Products/Wurlitzer/Wurlitzer%20Dealers/USA/

John's Jukes in Canada (www.flippers.com) has some Wurlitzer troubleshooting tips on his site. He provides excellent parts sales and module repair/exchange.