Starting new "Mobile" Jukebox Project - Need ideas

[hogcia]

I am just about finished with my current jukebox (TheFeboJukeBox), and I've been thinking of starting a new smaller project. My friends are asking me to build a smaller juke that I can take around to party's.

So, I made a small quick sketch of what I want to do, it's going to be placed on a table and my friends/guest will pick their songs.  The software will either be silverjuke or albumplayer, I really want this thing to play karaoke & have a mic input.

I want a small touch screen around 15" - 21", the smaller the better. I am hoping to add a BetaBrite LED even thought I can't find anything smaller than 21" which seems too long for my project.

Speakers will be external "active DJ speakers" I have many good options on the speakers.

Internally I will use a small Itx mobo, I want to make this juke as thin as possible.

Please, any advice you pros can give me would be greatly appreciated.  thanks

[Puck]

I'm really curious how your build will compare to this one:



Because I'd love to have a portable jukebox such as your project or this video.

Of course, the other programs on there aren't essential.

[hogcia]

Thanks for the link, never seen that one before. I am looking to make something lighter and thinner. I have other design ideas in my head, I will post them soon. I personally don't care much for physical buttons on a jukebox, I rather use the touchscreen for everything if possible.

[Puck]

Thanks for the link, never seen that one before. I am looking to make something lighter and thinner. I have other design ideas in my head, I will post them soon. I personally don't care much for physical buttons on a jukebox, I rather use the touchscreen for everything if possible.

Nor am I, but the buttons were needed for the software he chose.  Knowing you, you'll pick AlbumPlayer again and avoid those needs. 
Side note, nice for sharing your jukebox there too.  I just shared this one because it's small and portable, more so than others I've randomly come across on youtube.

[Drnick]

I haven't seen many portable jukeboxes so not sure what advise to give. But I am going to give some anyway

I would probably go with a 17"/19" Touchscreen monitor to keep the size down as much as possible.   I would definitely recommend finding a motherboard with both vga and HDMI output so you can easily output to a big TV for Karaoke .   I would fit some handles on the sides for easy carrying. Also see if you can find a slimline frontloading cd/dvd drive like this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Slim-Notebook-External-Slot-Loading-USB-DVD-Combo-Drive-/140494789379?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_LaptopDrives&hash=item20b6245b03

As for the betabrite how about something like this rather then a full blown betabrite.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-ADVERTISING-SCROLLING-LED-LIGHT-SIGN-MESSAGE-BOARD-DISPLAY-REMOTE-CONTROL-/300647921263?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item460003366f

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Remote-Control-Programmable-LED-Scrolling-Message-Shop-Board-Machine-Light-/150756041043?pt=UK_ConElec_LightingLEDsStrobes_RL&hash=item2319c2a153


Here are some links to a few portable jukeboxes I have seen.  

http://sites.google.com/site/theshedsportsbar/122222

http://koolshops.com/entertainment/jukebox-karaoke-hire-melbourne-2710/

Looking at these it sure looks like you got the shape sorted out.

If you need more inspiration have a look at the following. 

http://www.mp3touchscreens.com/forum/b-TTprojects/

(There are a fair few jukeboxes in there for you to peruse).

[hogcia]

Hey Drnick, Thanks for all the info. Yes, I do agree that a 17"/19" screen is the ideal size. I hope I can find something that size for a reasonable price. I Like that "Slim Notebook External Slot Loading drive" good idea. I hope to use one top handle instead of two on the sides to pickup/transport the juke. I cant use anyother LED sing because the albumplayer software will only support serial betabrite at this time. The purpose of the LED sign is to display the artist name and or album info. Unfortunately I may have to forget the LED sign since the smallest betabrite is 25" long.

I did sketch out a new design I like better, the monitor is standing up higher and the design is thinner.

[Drnick]

Looking good so far  

For the led Lights have you located something suitable already.  If not I recommend 5050 RGB LED Strips and either a standard controller with remote, or a sound activated controller.  I have recommended the following before.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Music-IR-Controller-Sound-Control-12A-144W-RGB-LED-Light-Strip-Stripe-/190658995817?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Lighting_Lamps_Lighting_SM&hash=item2c64296669

&

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-300cm-5050-Waterproof-IP65-RGB-180-SMD-LED-Lamp-Light-Strip-/200734573542?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2ebcb683e6

Also it may be worth speaking to EightBySix.  He is basically making his own Betabrite for the coffee table machine he is making.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=96762.40