The Boss Boxx

[mike boss]

Recently I had an oppurtunity to pick up some 17" ELO touchscreens for around $70CDN.
I didn't put much thought into it until someone mentioned the idea of a touchscreen jukebox. So even with my projects that I've started and not completed I decided to jump all over this. With that came the birth of "The Boss Boxx" my soon to be touchscreen jukebox.
When deciding to take on this project I spoke to a friend of a friend who is a carpenter. I asked him if he wouldn't mind helping with pay of course. He was very excited so I decided rather then make sure box this project could really be something special.

I started a blog to outline the various stages of this project.
During periods where nothing gets done I will feature custom art work I've created for some of my music collection. Other things I will showcase on the blog are my really poorly done album reviews. The meat and potatoes of the blog will be the jukebox.....but again.....in the down time !

Anyway I thought I would use this forum to seek advice and input with respects to my ideas as I'm always open to suggestions.

So here are the specs :

I purchased a Dell P4 computer with 40 GIG HDD.
I'll be using that in connection with a 160 GIG Comstar HDD.
As of now I have just short of 1000 albums backed up,purchased,and stored.
The display is a 17" ELO touchscreen pulled from Target kiosks when they switched to LCD displays.
I plan on getting an audio card that would allow me the option of hooking up the jukebox to my existing stereo.
I had wanted to purchase an old console stereo and use that, however I haven't been able to locate one I like as of yet. Secondly would be the transportation of such an item. With all things considered I figured more of a pedestal style jukebox with a means to hook up to the external stereo would be ideal.
For now exact specs and drawings are not available, I only have concepts and ideas.

Soooooooooo................
One thing I have decided is that the jukebox will feature frosted acrylic sides allowing for light to shine through from the inside. I purchased three laptop colling stations that contain a total of 9 fans and feature blue LED's.
I plan on removing the fans from the bases and installing three on either side of the jukebox. That would blow the air towards the PC. I don't have available the model of the DELL PC at this time, but it has a button on the top that allows the PC to open up. Almost like a book if you will, it folds apart. (MAKE SENSE ?)
I plan on keeping the PC open once contained in the jukebox housing.
I think that along with the fans will make for better cooling.
With the last three fans my idea was to mount then to the back panel of the jukebox.
To provide even better ventilation and optimize the blue LEDs I had also planned on making the back of t he jukebox out of pegboard.
One question I have is with respects to the fans.
Would it be better to turn the fans around so they are blowing outwards ?
Or as they would be on the cooling station blow the air into the case, simply moving the air around. Should I be very concerned about heat in the case ?

I've included the picture of the cooling stations and a link to my blog.

http://www.thebossbox.blogspot.com/

[mike boss]

In addition to the other questions I posted I had one more.
Can you use any fabric to cover speakers, or is speaker fabric really something special ?

[clanggedin]

I believe speaker fabric i just really thin fabric so sound can get out without becoming muffled.

[mike boss]

Thank you, I appreciate the info. I'm still waiting to get my hands on the console stereo.
I'm trying now to arrange transportation.

[BobA]

Speaker fabric should transmit sound well.   A tight weave may muffle some sound even if thin.   Link provided for speaker grill cloth. It is available at many audio stores.

http://www.speakerworks.com/speaker_grill_cloth_fabric_s/25.htm

edit: for spelling

[mike boss]

Thanks guys, I'm trying to gather as much info as I can.
Although cost is a factor in any build, I don't want to cut any corners that will effect the overall project. I'm still waiting on confirmation on the availability of the console stereo.
I think this weekend I will have a means to transport it.

[mike boss]

I have this unit getting delivered to my home tonight. This is going to be the shell of my jukebox build. I plan on refinishing the unit and adding chrome (IKEA) legs.
Id also like to add a frosted plexi window under the cover, so when it is raised to access the jukebox touch controls you will be able to see a blue glow coming from the LED fans.

I have existing speakers I plan on making full use of, and I am still trying to determine what source of amplification I will use. I have a few options and questions as to overall performance and ease of use.

Idea one was to go with a newer two channel receiver with remote control. I would like the receiver to be contained within the unit itself, but the infrared sensor obviously accessible for changing of the volume. I think technically this could be a little harder to install/complete and then you also run the risk of someone putting the volume too loud. Not to mention possibly hitting the wrong buttons and switching inputs, etc.

Idea two was to go with an older audio receiver, something simple, two channel stereo, with or without remote. However I would not have the option available to increase/decrease the volume on the receiver itself. I would however with this build adjust the volume to the maximum I would like it before containing the receiver withing the unit. Then using the touchscreen adjust the volume to a more comfortable listening level. My idea behind this is that (A) it would for the most part ensure that the jukebox could not be turned up to such an extent that it could damage the speakers. (B) Its one less thing that would be exposed and could be tampered with (C) I feel this would be the more easy solution.

Just would like to know peoples ideas and thoughts on this. Any advice or criticism is welcome.

http://www.thebossbox.blogspot.com/

[mike boss]

I've officially got this stereo in my possession now. It was delivered last night.
I'll begin gutting it this weekend (long weekend here in Canada). Once completed i'll begin the process of refinishing it. I've contacted my carpenter buddy of a buddy to outline what I'll need help wise from him. I'm just waiting on a response.

[pcjukebox]

I use the amps available from Sure Electronics on ebay.They are cheap,powerful,and have a great sound.
With the 2 X 20 watt amps I use a 15 volt 2 amp wallwart.
With the 2 X 100 watt amps I use a 36 volt Meanwell power supply,also available from Sure.
They now have 4 X 100 watt amps as well.All these are into 4 ohm speakers.
They connect straight to a computer and don't need a pre-amp.I put in a 50K ohm potentiometer for convenience.
With two of the 100W amps driving 4 Paudio HP10W 4 ohm speakers and 4 cheap piezo tweeters can you say loud.
The setup is simple,can be portable and can run off a battery.
     Paul

[Circo]

I have been talking to NON BYOAC friends about a project like this, I am excited to see how the end result turns out, I am thinking that I will have to convert one of the soon.  Good luck!