Author Topic: Antique Radio Project Help Needed! (Read 24665 times)

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #40 on:** May 09, 2012, 12:40:19 pm »

Quote from: saturnkk on May 09, 2012, 12:37:38 pm

The German ones have a cool red glow at the base that the Chinese ones appear to not have. Is this due to the German casing design and not an integral part of the bulb? Looks like the German ones may have a small red led but I am not sure...

I think it's an LED.

saturnkk · « **Reply #41 on:** May 10, 2012, 10:58:04 am »

I think I have a decent handle on how to start with the face of the unit. My current issue that I need to solve for is where and how to mount the 17" touchscreen?!?

I think that it will need to go on top but it will need to be mounted on an angle. Has anyone had any good ideas on how to do this?

saturnkk · « **Reply #42 on:** May 14, 2012, 08:39:50 pm »

I am thinking of using a mount like you would use for a make-up mirror that tilts/swivels. Now, where to find it...

Also, I thought that I would be able to repurpose an old (Windows 2000) Shuttle PC to run it but it seems to have some software issues and I think that the OS is too old now to run what I need. Does anyone have advice on where to pick-up a cheap, slim PC with either XP or OS7?

saturnkk · « **Reply #43 on:** May 14, 2012, 08:46:50 pm »

I am thinking all I need is a slim PC that can boot fast, run the best available jukebox audio/video software, store about 40-50 gb of audio and another 100 - 200 gb of video, and have wireless & sound built in. I could go new but that seems like overkill?!? Also, does it matter (touchscreen driver wise and juke box software) if it is 64 bit OS?

drventure · « **Reply #44 on:** May 14, 2012, 09:30:01 pm »

I'm using a 10 year old p4 from my junk drawer, running WinXP on an 80 gig drive serving up about 17000 tracks (no videos).

It's got an AGP....4x (I think) card in it that will handle DX9, but is not terribly fast about it.

And I'm running AlbumPlayer.

The only issues I've had with it is that the combination of Machine and Gx card is too slow to run any full out visualizations, or BreakOut audio enhancer. That kinda sucks, but it hasn't been enough to make me want to pull the mobo and replace it.

New would definitely be overkill. A decent dual core AMD with newish Gx card would be plenty.

saturnkk · « **Reply #45 on:** May 16, 2012, 02:37:58 pm »

Quote from: drventure on May 14, 2012, 09:30:01 pm

I'm using a 10 year old p4 from my junk drawer, running WinXP on an 80 gig drive serving up about 17000 tracks (no videos).

It's got an AGP....4x (I think) card in it that will handle DX9, but is not terribly fast about it.

And I'm running AlbumPlayer.

The only issues I've had with it is that the combination of Machine and Gx card is too slow to run any full out visualizations, or BreakOut audio enhancer. That kinda sucks, but it hasn't been enough to make me want to pull the mobo and replace it.

New would definitely be overkill. A decent dual core AMD with newish Gx card would be plenty.

Thanks. I picked-up a mini type PC due to space constraints. It is a Win 7 machine with a decent graphics card and 2gb Ram and 500gb HD. I may need to upgrade the Ram to 4gb and the HD to 1 TB eventually but we'll see... What is the best way to get all of my iPod music loaded? I assume I need to first use a third party software set to synch the iPod to the new computer? or will the AlbumPlayer app handle that? I also have about 50 gb of music videos on DVD that I need to add. Will AlbumPlayer convert those to a playable format or do I need to account for that too?

Thanks!

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #46 on:** May 16, 2012, 02:44:19 pm »

Hey, did you end up ordering one of those magic eyes?

drventure · « **Reply #47 on:** May 16, 2012, 02:49:36 pm »

Quote from: saturnkk on May 16, 2012, 02:37:58 pm

What is the best way to get all of my iPod music loaded? I assume I need to first use a third party software set to synch the iPod to the new computer? or will the AlbumPlayer app handle that? I also have about 50 gb of music videos on DVD that I need to add. Will AlbumPlayer convert those to a playable format or do I need to account for that too?

As far as I've seen so far AlbumPlayer is really just a player/jukebox, specifically tailored to touchscreen machines. I don't believe it does any conversions of MP3 or vids etc.

As for getting stuff off an Ipod, if it's just MP3s on there, just copy them off and put them in folders on your local HD. For Itunes stuff, I have no idea. Don't have an Iphone/ipod etc.

I'm guessing the Videos are just MPEG files? You should just be able to copy those over into local folders as well. I don't have any vids though, so I've never worked with AP and videos.

saturnkk · « **Reply #48 on:** May 16, 2012, 02:51:22 pm »

Quote from: HaRuMaN on May 16, 2012, 02:44:19 pm

Hey, did you end up ordering one of those magic eyes?

Three! (on route from China) I will upate my post tonight with my latest plans, pics and progress (as well as some questions)...

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #49 on:** May 16, 2012, 02:52:09 pm »

Quote from: saturnkk on May 16, 2012, 02:51:22 pm

Quote from: HaRuMaN on May 16, 2012, 02:44:19 pm
Hey, did you end up ordering one of those magic eyes?

Three! (on route from China) I will upate my post tonight with my latest plans, pics and progress (as well as some questions)...

Nice. Which type did you get?

saturnkk · « **Reply #50 on:** May 16, 2012, 02:57:38 pm »

Quote from: drventure on May 16, 2012, 02:49:36 pm

Quote from: saturnkk on May 16, 2012, 02:37:58 pm
What is the best way to get all of my iPod music loaded? I assume I need to first use a third party software set to synch the iPod to the new computer? or will the AlbumPlayer app handle that? I also have about 50 gb of music videos on DVD that I need to add. Will AlbumPlayer convert those to a playable format or do I need to account for that too?

As far as I've seen so far AlbumPlayer is really just a player/jukebox, specifically tailored to touchscreen machines. I don't believe it does any conversions of MP3 or vids etc.

As for getting stuff off an Ipod, if it's just MP3s on there, just copy them off and put them in folders on your local HD. For Itunes stuff, I have no idea. Don't have an Iphone/ipod etc.

I'm guessing the Videos are just MPEG files? You should just be able to copy those over into local folders as well. I don't have any vids though, so I've never worked with AP and videos.

iPod files are aac (Apple proprietary) so I will need some software to load them to the new computer and convert them to either MP3 or preferrably WMA (smaller size and better compression). DVD vids need to be converted to a format that players play. Some will play them as is but many require that they are converted to MPEG or Quicktime type formats... I assume that AlbumPlayer plays and shows music videos too?

saturnkk · « **Reply #51 on:** May 16, 2012, 03:04:45 pm »

Quote from: HaRuMaN on May 16, 2012, 02:52:09 pm

Quote from: saturnkk on May 16, 2012, 02:51:22 pm
Quote from: HaRuMaN on May 16, 2012, 02:44:19 pm
Hey, did you end up ordering one of those magic eyes?

Three! (on route from China) I will upate my post tonight with my latest plans, pics and progress (as well as some questions)...

Nice. Which type did you get?

Two of the first (side view type) and one of the second (top view). The prices seemed to have gone up since my purchase too!!!!

saturnkk · « **Reply #52 on:** May 16, 2012, 10:06:33 pm »

Here are some after pics on the Radio finish after using Howard's Restor-A

saturnkk · « **Reply #53 on:** May 16, 2012, 10:20:04 pm »

I decided on the Klipsch speakers based upon recommendation here and a quick sound test. I intend to mount them in new (old looking) speaker cases that I haven't quite found yet. I took the main speaker apart and removed the volume and bass volume controller from the case. My issue is that I would like to connect each of these volume controls to a large external dial on the cabinet. But, as you can see, the pentiamiters are glued/cemented in! What risk do I run of damaging this by trying to remove them from the hard glue/cement? Is there a good way to do this? I really need to seperate them so I can mount them seperately to the cabinet and use some old metal dials.... Any advice is much appreciated!!

Finally, I used Never Dull on the Zenith face plate and it didn't really help (see pic). I am thinking that I may just want to go metal or chrome rather than brass... Is this a bad idea?

drventure · « **Reply #54 on:** May 16, 2012, 10:35:36 pm »

Quote from: saturnkk on May 16, 2012, 10:20:04 pm

But, as you can see, the pentiamiters are glued/cemented in! What risk do I run of damaging this by trying to remove them from the hard glue/cement? Is there a good way to do this?

Finally, I used Never Dull on the Zenith face plate and it didn't really help (see pic). I am thinking that I may just want to go metal or chrome rather than brass... Is this a bad idea?

About the glue, I've usually found that the glue they use on circuit boards is often very much like hotglue, if you gently pry at it, it'll eventually just pop loose.

Have you tried using a polishing wheel (like what you'd attach to a grinder) on that faceplate. A polishing wheel with some white polishing compound can work wonders on metal pieces you'd otherwise just toss.

I wouldn't give up on it yet.

If that doesn't work, you might try calling around for a plating house. You can usually find places to do chrome or brass plating for pretty reasonable prices.

saturnkk · « **Reply #55 on:** May 16, 2012, 11:19:13 pm »

It feels very hard for hot glue...

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #56 on:** May 17, 2012, 09:27:51 am »

Def keep working on that Zenith faceplate. That thing is too awesome to give up on.

saturnkk · « **Reply #57 on:** May 20, 2012, 08:33:36 pm »

Quote from: HaRuMaN on May 17, 2012, 09:27:51 am

Def keep working on that Zenith faceplate. That thing is too awesome to give up on.

Using Brasso, Never Dull and elbow grease, this was the cleaned-up version.

drventure · « **Reply #58 on:** May 20, 2012, 10:54:17 pm »

Damn. Nice job!

You know, i'd almost say if there was a way to put a touchscreen BEHIND that bezel (and fill those 2 side openings as well), that could make for some really nice displays. Album/artist art in the side areas, and the center could be the main touchscreen control part.

The viewing angle wouldn't be terribly great though.

Still, that bezel is definitely worth keeping!

drventure · « **Reply #59 on:** May 20, 2012, 10:55:02 pm »

If it IS brass, I'd HIGHLY recommend a coat or two of spray lacquer. It'll keep it from tarnishing.

saturnkk · « **Reply #60 on:** May 20, 2012, 10:56:42 pm »

Thanks, I'll do that. That pic doesn't do it justice. The ring around the large circular opening and the letters all came out very shiny...

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #61 on:** May 21, 2012, 09:42:25 am »

That thing looks amazing. Glad you kept at it.

saturnkk · « **Reply #62 on:** May 21, 2012, 09:54:50 am »

Quote from: drventure on May 20, 2012, 10:54:17 pm

Damn. Nice job!

You know, i'd almost say if there was a way to put a touchscreen BEHIND that bezel (and fill those 2 side openings as well), that could make for some really nice displays. Album/artist art in the side areas, and the center could be the main touchscreen control part.

The viewing angle wouldn't be terribly great though.

Still, that bezel is definitely worth keeping!

That would be cool to have a screen behind it but wow! The time, effort and cost to do something like that would be big! I am still working on the screen placement but it will be on top. I would prefer to mount it like a make-up mirror (on a tilt swivel) but I have not found any way to do this yet. I will probably just end up framing it in on an angle... Also, I don't know what to put in the small bezel holes but I am leaning toward dials (but I am not yet sure how to make them functional).

saturnkk · « **Reply #63 on:** May 21, 2012, 09:56:22 am »

Quote from: HaRuMaN on May 21, 2012, 09:42:25 am

That thing looks amazing. Glad you kept at it.

Thanks, I really need a motorized buffing/grinding wheel! I used my drill to buff it and this isn't the best way!

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #64 on:** May 21, 2012, 09:57:10 am »

Dremel with a buffing wheel might work pretty well for something like that...

saturnkk · « **Reply #65 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:01:41 am »

Quote from: HaRuMaN on May 21, 2012, 09:57:10 am

Dremel with a buffing wheel might work pretty well for something like that...

Good thought! I have a dremel, just need to get a buffer for it...

drventure · « **Reply #66 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:21:08 am »

One possibility is to mount the touchscreen in an ornate frame, then set it (or fix it via a bracket) to the top of the cabinet. ie make it look like it's just sitting there, but it's hardmounted so touching it won't knock it off.)

As for the small holes onthe bezel, you could build small boxes inside each, then mount those vacuum tube UV Meters in there. They'll be protected from fingers, but VERY visible.

Lots of possibilities there.

saturnkk · « **Reply #67 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:29:36 am »

Quote from: drventure on May 21, 2012, 10:21:08 am

One possibility is to mount the touchscreen in an ornate frame, then set it (or fix it via a bracket) to the top of the cabinet. ie make it look like it's just sitting there, but it's hardmounted so touching it won't knock it off.)

As for the small holes onthe bezel, you could build small boxes inside each, then mount those vacuum tube UV Meters in there. They'll be protected from fingers, but VERY visible.

Lots of possibilities there.

The frame idea was actually given to me by my girlfriend! Great minds... :-)

I am not sure if the bulbs would be completely visible in the holes... I have 2 vertical bulbs (that I was thinking of mounting to the top next to the monitor) and one top down bulb that I hope to squeeze in the small hole right below the bezel...

saturnkk · « **Reply #68 on:** May 21, 2012, 02:25:47 pm »

Quote from: drventure on May 20, 2012, 10:55:02 pm

If it IS brass, I'd HIGHLY recommend a coat or two of spray lacquer. It'll keep it from tarnishing.

Hi Gloss Clear Coat I assume?....

drventure · « **Reply #69 on:** May 21, 2012, 02:44:17 pm »

Quote from: saturnkk on May 21, 2012, 02:25:47 pm

Hi Gloss Clear Coat I assume?....

Right. I've always used lacquer for that because
1) it's quickdry
2) it's very high gloss, so the brass stays looking polished
3) it doesn't react with the brass when you spray it on (I've had other sprays react with it, not a good scene)

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #70 on:** May 22, 2012, 04:22:45 pm »

This is cool...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170842659908?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_1413

saturnkk · « **Reply #71 on:** May 22, 2012, 04:28:11 pm »

Damn, that is cool. I bet it weighs a ton!

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #72 on:** May 22, 2012, 04:30:14 pm »

9 lbs.

drventure · « **Reply #73 on:** May 22, 2012, 05:03:20 pm »

Great find!

saturnkk · « **Reply #74 on:** May 23, 2012, 11:18:15 pm »

Ok, I picked up a pair of these a couple days ago on Fleabay. I took 'em apart and gutted the speakers/wires. The Klipsch fit nicely. Now I just need to figure out how to mount the Klipsch speakers inside (thinking silicon)? Also, I think I am going to paint the speaker cases a metallic brass to try to match the other metal parts somewhat...

On a side note, if the potentiometer works it would be nice to repurpose them for the radio openings and add a big metal volume and bass control knob. Then I would prob stick an LED in the opening?...

drventure · « **Reply #75 on:** May 23, 2012, 11:51:31 pm »

What the heck are those? Old Drive in movie speakers?

Nice!

saturnkk · « **Reply #76 on:** May 23, 2012, 11:52:20 pm »

Yes! Figured they would work for what I am trying to do...

saturnkk · « **Reply #77 on:** May 24, 2012, 12:55:26 pm »

So, the clearence allows for about 1/4 inch or so I think. Whaddaya think is the best way to mount? Silconing the backs of the speakers to the metal case prob isn't the best... JB Weld some kind of post to the speaker mounts on the front and then to the inside of the speaker cover?

saturnkk · « **Reply #78 on:** May 25, 2012, 12:16:32 pm »

Unfortunately I couldn't hack the Klipsch original plastic speaker mount to fit inside the metal speaker box (it was soooo close too!) so I am going to use picture frame backboard since it is stiff, easy to cut/trim and flexible. Also, I decided to remove the volume knob and drill out that hole to set a seperate opening for the tweeter...

saturnkk · « **Reply #79 on:** May 25, 2012, 12:17:35 pm »

Also, has anyone seen this on Kickstarter?!? Looks cool and seems to have a lot of potential for these kinds of projects...

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joylabs/makey-makey-an-invention-kit-for-everyone?ref=category


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news