Total Noob Need a direction

[havic626]

Im a total rookie when it comes to the whole build your own jukebox scence.  Can you guys give me a few solid choices on software.  Also were can i read up on the whole audio thing, is it better to use just regular pc speakers or i see that some even use car speakers.  anyways can someone show me a good starting point plz?

[Sparky2323]

I use Freebox and I'm very very happy with it. Just try some out and see which one you like. As far as speakers I went with car speakers and a car amp and I pretty pleased on how it came out for my jukebox.

[unclet]

My software is pretty solid and enjoyed by many.  It requires WMP v9.0 (or greater), a resolution of 1024x768 (or greater) and the correct directory structure to exist for loading.

http://unclet.arcadecontrols.com/Jukebox/index.html

I route the sound coming out from my computer's audio jack into a Kenwood home stereo receiver.  I then connect all the speakers I want to the receiver.   I connected two sets of speakers (A and B) into the receiver.  Sounds great.  I did not want to mess with wiring up speakers, adding an amp (needed when using car speakers I believe) and also trying to shield the speakers appropriately so the magnetics do not interface with my computer (using a normal home receiver and home speakers made it easy for me).

You can check out my site to see my jukebox build .....

http://unclet.arcadecontrols.com/DadsJukebox/DadsJukeboxMain.html

[IA1NY]

My software is pretty solid and enjoyed by many.  It requires WMP v9.0 (or greater), a resolution of 1024x768 (or greater) and the correct directory structure to exist for loading.

You ever thinking of porting it out for Linux?  The main reason I've found my way on BYOAC is to do a jukebox.  I'm in the middle of design and starting to look into software, but I'm sick of Windows, and want a small footprint and a less proprietary OS.  I'd like to try your program, but don't want to have to deal with Win or WMP.  Any possibilities?

[Space Fractal]

Freebox and Uncle'T Jukebox is both wrote in Visual Basic and hence they can't been ported to Linux.

MultiJuke (myown Jukebox Software) is the only software, that exists both to Linux and Windows and is BOYAC freindly. I used BlitzMax to write my software, which can compile under both OS (which I took advance about it). If I have access to a MAC, I could ported to that machine as well. Only the soundplayer code is need to been rewriting a bit.

The only major feature removed in Linux version from Windows version is the JST plugin system. There is also no Video support, since I still not have seen BlitzMax video code, that works with sound in both OS. CDG karaoke files (both zipped and not) does supported.

Otherwice building a Jukebox cabinet is not very much difficent than to building a arcade cabinet. Only design can difer of course. The speackers here is a bit more important.

[unclet]

You ever thinking of porting it out for Linux?

Sorry ... I really can not stand Linux so I doubt I will ever port my software over to that platform. 

[havic626]

Thats a real slick juke you made unclet, nice job!  I like the software too.  Can someone tell me if there is a differnce between using car speakers compared to using pc speakers?  Also like the arcade cabs, is there like a standard build or is this like a use your imagination and build the machine as you please?

[unclet]

Everything I built was me simply making a rough rough sketch on paper, thinking alot before cutting anything and then building (and correcting) as I move forward with the project.   I always have a good idea what I want to do before starting a project though and I always acquire most all of the parts beforehand as well so I can make sure everything fits properly as the building progresses.

I am not a speaker expert (or even a novice that matter  ), but I think people have mentioned if you use car speakers then you will need to install an amp to make the speakers work properly.   Using PC speakers, you can simply plug them into the computer and they work right away.   I would recommend searching this forum for related postings.

[sray2k]

Ok,
  I have been away for awhile and I am back with a fresh outlook for  my own build of a mp3 jukebox. I have the spare parts except for a touch screen monitor. Which from looking on here past couple of days, I know where to get one fairly cheaply !

 My dad and I have been talking about building one for  awhile, he's the woodwork master in this family.  90% of the stuff in my parents home, he built it, Entertainment center, kitchen table, cabinets, curo cabinets....etc...Blah blah !!

Two designs are being discussed, my just a basic "Mame" style and his would be a coffee table style. Which I would love to see done !!

the problem i have is, how to design my cabinet !!!  Any suggestions ??

Thanks...
  Scott

[unclet]

Here is how I "designed" my jukebox ....... 

[sray2k]

What do you have under the hood UncleT, IF ya don't mind me asking...  I have all sorts of computer parts lying around, I was going to use them and just put them into a light weight wood cabinet. But, I think my 300W power supply is dying on me, So i may have to buy a new one. If I wanna use inside lights and "chasing" rope lights, I don't think my 300W would be enough to handle that much power, unless I have to use a separate power outlet for the chasing lights. Would a 500W PS be enough to run a M/B, CPU/Fan, DVD-R drive, a couple "Inside Lights" (Red/Blue I'm thinking) and....well, that should be enough...Like to add a usb port to the front Hidden behind a panel along a mouse and keyboard. And one of these days, I will order me a touch screen...size doesn't matter to me, Thinking about putting in a older 17' CRT I have and when I  get my touch screen, I will add a bezel to cover up from the 17" CRT.

Got any Ideas or suggestions, UncleT ??

Thanks,
 Scott

 

[unclet]

I really do not know exactly what kind of computer I am using ..... if was a donated machine from someone     It is fast enough to run music videos using Windows Media Player with no problems ...... which is about as much power as it needs.

The sound comes out of the computer jack and goes into my Kenwood Stereo Receiver and then out of the connected speakers.

I was going to mount an external USB port to be able to use a mouse and keyboard like you, but I ended up thinking the mounts really ruined the look of my jukebox.  I woke up one morning and had a much better idea ...... just get a wireless mouse and keyboard so I no longer need an external USB mount port.   I was also going to add an ethernet port as well, but decided it would be much easier to simply update the computer with songs using a wireless router rather than connecting an ethernet cable to the computer everytime.   It works great.  I have no external mounts.

I also connected a FM transmitter to my computer's USB port.  It transmits the sound of the computer to the programmed FM channel so I can listen to my jukebox music out on the back patio by the pool.   It also it nice since I can listen to my music through the home's intercom/radio system which came with my house.  It also me to pipe music through out the house by simply tuning it to the appropriate FM channel.

As for what type of power supply will work with different types of motherboards, etc.....   I am not the guy to ask       I have no idea.

Good luck 

[sray2k]

Thanks for the reply UT !!

  Then I guess the parts I have here should work just fine... I just need a new PS and a Bigger HD !!   Good point about a wireless KB and mouse...I already have an extra wireless mouse. Hmmm....you got me thinking !!

Yep, I will definitely be designing my cab sometime this spring. You mind if I use some of your specs UncleT? it won't be a copy of yours, I know my dad would want to throw in some of his ideas in, since he is the woodworker.
 I will post updates/designs on here when I start my project. Thinking  of going with a mini Cab.. don't quite know yet.

On the other hand, the audio, I have an older Pioneer 5.1 surround sound receiver with 4 sats and 1 center, NO sub !:(
Can't afford no $100+ for one.  But right now it is hooked to this PC right now and sounds good with NO subwoofer. But perhaps I can find one cheap somewhere !?

Thanks for your help UT !! Really appreciate it !

Scott

[unclet]

Take any ideas I used and have fun.  Heck, copy my design if you want .... I dont care .... just as long as you like what you build.   

[justtaint]

I'm in the middle of design and starting to look into software, but I'm sick of Windows, and want a small footprint and a less proprietary OS.

If you're willing to put up with Windows, but want a small footprint use TinyXP.  TinyXP only takes up about 400MB of space and it greatly speeds up the boot process.

Checkout the thread http://www.freeboxjukebox.com/Forum/index.php?topic=151.0 for more info.