Juke for the Wife ** Materials are arriving **

[Kaytrim]

Well today is the day I start work on my first jukebox.  I have a 15" ELO touchscreen and an old PIII laptop computer.  The computer is being setup now with Tiny XP so I can have as much room for songs as possible.  I am not sure yet what style the case will be but I am leaning tword the old Wurlitzer style of case.  It will be small like the one that mountain made for his Dad.  However mine will be a wall mounted machine.

I need to decide on the final shape and size, get a nice speaker setup and decide on any other special items (lights) to include in the design.  I also need to choose a jukebox software package.  For the software I am putting out a request to all recent builders for suggestions.

Here are the specs I am working with...
Intel PIII processor at 700mhz
64mb RAM (upgrading to 256mb)
16gb free space on the HD
CD/DVD rom drive
Tiny XP Beast Eddition

TTFN
Kaytrim

[waveryder]

Not built a dedicated jukebox yet  But I do have an ELO touchscreen in my cab. I have tried loads of bits and pieces of jukebox software but the program I now use and recommend is Albumplayer. It works great on the touchscreen, its not bulky, looks pretty  and has low system reqs. It also manages to handle my network music as well as my local stored stuff without too much "browsing" lag. Good luck with the project....I need some inspiration to get off my backside and start a juke! My £0.02

[DaOld Man]

I used X-Lobby, though I dont know if it will work very good with your PC setup...

Just remember to set a completion deadline and wait about 2 weeks before the deadline before you get real serious about construction! 

(Im laughing at myself on my project, Stevie's Jukebox)

[gonzo90017]

I use SKJukebox. Very low on system requirements. I'm using a Celeron @400mhz.  Plus it's free.

[Ian]

I have tried every jukebox software, and to be honest Nordbeat is the most polished, feature rich jukebox software out there. It is also the most stable, and accepts all music files (not just mp3) You can tag the music right there, and you can use many custom skins that look much better than the standard skin.

[Franco B]

Looking forward to this one, good luck bud!

A juke is definitely on my projects 'to do' list, ill be watching with interest 

[leapinlew]

Freebox is the only way to go...

www.freeboxjukebox.com

[javeryh]

I'm looking forward to this Kaytrim.  Can't wait to see what you come up with.  I'm in the early stages of building a jukebox myself (a complete rip off of mountain's minus the swivel base) so the more examples, the better.   

[Ian]

Not to hijack the thread... but why do you say freebox is the only way to go? It only supports MP3's and isn't as reliable as nordbeat.

I guess the number 1 reason not to go with nordbeat is that it is $50.00. But Im sure there are ways around it. Besides, I have no problem paying for good programs.

[Kaytrim]

It's not a hijack Ian.  I would appreciate the pros and cons of the software suggested.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[Ian]

Nice... 


Just wanted to make sure we stay on target.

[NinjaEpisode]

Not to hijack the thread... but why do you say freebox is the only way to go? It only supports MP3's and isn't as reliable as nordbeat.

Simple, Freebox has had probably 3 dozen updates in the last 4 months since Nordbeat was last updated and has a fully active community.  Barcrest actively makes enhancements and fixes and posts updated versions when needed.

$25 bucks for all the updates you can swallow on Freebox can't be beat.

Oh, and can't wait to see the results Kaytrim. 

[Barry Barcrest]

Not to hijack the thread... but why do you say freebox is the only way to go? It only supports MP3's and isn't as reliable as nordbeat.

I guess the number 1 reason not to go with nordbeat is that it is $50.00. But Im sure there are ways around it. Besides, I have no problem paying for good programs.

Hmm $50 compared to $25 well there is one reason to pick freebox over nordbeat.

As for only supporting MP3's that's not quite true. It also supports MP3+G, OGG, WMA and Videos. The next release will have support for reading more tags such as FLAC.

Just wanted to clear that up.

[Ian]

I knew I would get ganged up on here, but it's just my personal prefrence... I have both, just liked Nordbeat better.

as far as updates go... you are right, there are constant updates on freebox... but no offense I think they are needed. Nordbeat runs flawless and has hundreds of options on customizing what you want out of a juke. I'm not sure some of these people have even tried it....

Some of the nicer features are the auto fade from one song to the next, it can play radio, you can limit the same artist selected, but there are tons and tons of features... maybe I will do a video on just the admin menu screen. It's pretty cool. And like I said you can go right into it while the juke is still playing, it's really a time saver.

Anyway my cab running nordbeat... its not pretty, but it's small, runs excellent and sounds great.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T10UlwZuQ_Y[/youtube]

[Ian]

Not to hijack the thread... but why do you say freebox is the only way to go? It only supports MP3's and isn't as reliable as nordbeat.

I guess the number 1 reason not to go with nordbeat is that it is $50.00. But Im sure there are ways around it. Besides, I have no problem paying for good programs.

Hmm $50 compared to $25 well there is one reason to pick freebox over nordbeat.

As for only supporting MP3's that's not quite true. It also supports MP3+G, OGG, WMA and Videos. The next release will have support for reading more tags such as FLAC.


I agree the price is steep, but I think it is well worth it. Sorry about being incorrect on the tags Barry, not my intention. Good to know flac is going to be supported.
Just wanted to clear that up.

[leapinlew]

as far as updates go... you are right, there are constant updates on freebox... but no offense I think they are needed.

You *think* they are needed, but I'm here to tell you they aren't. I have 2 jukeboxes and one of them has run for over 2 years on FreeboxJukebox 2, and the new one runs version 4. It's rock solid software.

It's super slick. I've built several types of machines (gaming and jukebox) and have a lot of people use the machines. I've never had a single problem with someone needing help with the jukebox. They instinctively know how to use it.

As for Nordbeat, I can't comment on it either good or bad. I haven't had a reason to use it. 2 years ago, I tested all the jukebox software I could find. Freebox was the hands down winner. Thats not to say that Nordbeat isn't worth looking at though. I just wanted to clarify the misconception that freeboxjukebox is clunky software because Barry keeps putting out updates. Most of the updates add features.   

[Ian]

Thats true... When I wrote it, clearly it came out bad... didn't mean to offend. I still view freebox as a work in progress, let me clarify that I do like freebox, I just found it easy to crash (it had to be on my end, maybe it didn't like some of my files or what ever), my point is nordbeat is a great solution for those of you that have many types of audio, and want lots of features. Or if freebox doesn't work quite like you want it to... that is all.

on a side note I was chatting with someone here, and they switched to nordbeat because he had over 350 gigs of music previously, all different formats. Instead of converting them all and then tagging them for freebox, he just went to nordbeat.

[Ian]

I'm sure Kaytrim will try both, if Freebox works great for him, than totally go for it. If not there are alternatives. Thats all.

[Ian]

Oh by the way has anyone tried Xlobby? And what did you think of it. A friend of mine said it was pretty
buggy. Not really designed specifically for a jukebox. Can anyone confirm this?

[JackTucky]

I liked Nordbeats simple animations (moving the button pushed around).  I didn't like the please wait screen though...

I checked out their forums briefly and I noticed that there are posts about bugs just like any other programs out there.  I also noticed that some of the posts take two weeks to get answered, and usually the answer is, "this fix will be in the next release".

Barry also has bugs in Freebox, but usually he answers posts in the bug forums the same day, and he's been releasing builds about every other day.

If there was a jukebox program with the features of Freebox written a real company it might be better for us because Barry is just one guy, and if Barry gets hit by a bus and dies, Freebox goes with him.  But for now, I'll take the personal service and the frequent builds that Freebox offers.

It's weird that others are using SK jukebox which hasn't been supported in a few years.

[Kaytrim]

Now this is what I call a nice debate.  To be honest I'll be spending some good money on building the case, real wood veneers, handmade moldings, LED lights with animation (LEDWiz).  I think you get the idea.  I want a software package that will be easy to setup and use.  My wife is not all that computer literate though she is learning.  She also hates when technology doesn't work as intended.

My current short list is:
Freebox
XLobby
UncleTs jukebox
nordbeat.

Carry on,
Kaytrim

[Ian]

I liked Nordbeats simple animations (moving the button pushed around).  I didn't like the please wait screen though...

I checked out their forums briefly and I noticed that there are posts about bugs just like any other programs out there.  I also noticed that some of the posts take two weeks to get answered, and usually the answer is, "this fix will be in the next release".

Barry also has bugs in Freebox, but usually he answers posts in the bug forums the same day, and he's been releasing builds about every other day.

If there was a jukebox program with the features of Freebox written a real company it might be better for us because Barry is just one guy, and if Barry gets hit by a bus and dies, Freebox goes with him.  But for now, I'll take the personal service and the frequent builds that Freebox offers.

It's weird that others are using SK jukebox which hasn't been supported in a few years.

Hey I am not saying nordbeat is perfect by any stretch of the imagination... the forum is dead, but there are lots of forums that are available, unfortunately they are run by english speaking germans (oddly enough). But they are cool and are able to help you out. I loke the "please wait" message it's nice to have so you know it frozen up on you. but you can turn it off if you would like. Also I must add that there are many different modes. The one you see in my video is the "bar mode" which basically means you are limited in features on the main screen.. there is jukebox and kiosk modes that offer more things like pause, skip song, ect...

as far as set up is concerned, all you have to do is use the scan disk function, and like freebox it will find all of your music and cover art. And you are done. It takes no time at all. Well I am done whoring myself out for nordbeat. I like it, and that is just my 2 cents.

[gonzo90017]

It's weird that others are using SK jukebox which hasn't been supported in a few years.

The reason I use SKJukebox is mainly because it's free. But also it has never given me any problems. It supports FLAC, and videos. I was going to use Freebox but it kept crashing on me. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=75021.msg777095#msg777095

You do need to modify the font for use with a touchscreen. But nothing too bad. Everyone that has used it says it's really easy and don't need any help after the my initial instructions.

[Encryptor]

Oh by the way has anyone tried Xlobby? And what did you think of it. A friend of mine said it was pretty
buggy. Not really designed specifically for a jukebox. Can anyone confirm this?

mountain is using it on his newest jukebox and I'm using it on mine. I love it and it was made for a jukebox and touchscreen.

Encryptor

[Ian]

Oh by the way has anyone tried Xlobby? And what did you think of it. A friend of mine said it was pretty
buggy. Not really designed specifically for a jukebox. Can anyone confirm this?

mountain is using it on his newest jukebox and I'm using it on mine. I love it and it was made for a jukebox and touchscreen.

Encryptor

nice.... there isn't a free version to try out is there?

[Encryptor]

nice.... there isn't a free version to try out is there?

Yes there is. This is the last version before it went commercial. There are skins there to.

http://xlobby.help.googlepages.com/oldxlobbyversions

[Ian]

cool... love to give it a try... thanks.

[Barry Barcrest]

It's weird that others are using SK jukebox which hasn't been supported in a few years.

The reason I use SKJukebox is mainly because it's free. But also it has never given me any problems. It supports FLAC, and videos. I was going to use Freebox but it kept crashing on me. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=75021.msg777095#msg777095

Both space fractal and myself posted in that thred but you never replied i figured you had fixed it. Also that was way back on V3 and it looks like your issues were with V2. AFAIK there are issues with the 2 versions of SK floating around. 1 skips songs in the queue and the other has letters missing on the vitrual keyboard if i am correct.

You do need to modify the font for use with a touchscreen. But nothing too bad.

Everyone that has used it says it's really easy and don't need any help after the my initial instructions.

You shouldn't realy need to guide people through using the juke, they should be able to walk up to it and start using it IMHO, not that i am saying SK is complicated it's pretty straight forward.

As for XLOBBY, it really wasn't written to be a jukebox but does provide basic jukebox functions if that's what you want. However if you use the free version yet again it's unsupported.

EDIT: Damn i have turned this into a hijack of the thred.. Sorry i won't post in here again.

[Kaytrim]

EDIT: Damn i have turned this into a hijack of the thred.. Sorry i won't post in here again.

That's ok Barry.  I did open this to debate.  I consider all discussion on software valid to help me choose the one I want.

[gonzo90017]

Both space fractal and myself posted in that thred but you never replied i figured you had fixed it. Also that was way back on V3 and it looks like your issues were with V2.

The reason I was using 2.2 is because it was the last freeware version..
After doing a search It seemed it just didn't like some of my music files.

AFAIK there are issues with the 2 versions of SK floating around. 1 skips songs in the queue and the other has letters missing on the vitrual keyboard if i am correct.

Both of these issues have fixes:
Fixing the skipping song problem in 4.0 and 4.1
Howto Fix the missing "R" in SkJukebox 3.0 On-Screen Keyboard

[Kaytrim]

I want to thank everyone for your input on the various software packages.  I'd like to close discussion at this point so I can continue with the planning.


I haven't had much time to build the case and it is still in the planning stage.  However I do have an idea as to what I want to build.  My plans at this point is to make a scaled down version of the old Wurlitzer jukes.  Instead of bubble tubes I think I'll go with a chasing LED display and some other flashy lighting.  The LEDWiz will come in handy for these plans.

Now that I have the basic shape decided I need to work out the scaling so the hardware components will fit.  I have the touch screen (15") and was testing out an old laptop computer.  However the old PIII doesn't have enough horsepower to run windows and the juke software at optimal speeds.  I may use the laptop later in a bartop MAME machine though.  I have a computer speaker system with sub woofer so at least the sound is taken care of.  It even has a separate volume control knob that will fit nicely into the control scheme I am looking for.

A few weeks ago I surprised my wife by getting the current hardware mounted on a wall for her birthday so she could get an idea how the system would work.  Needless to say she was happy and is looking forward to the completed project.

That's enough for now.  I'll continue working on the plans as I have time and materials.
TTFN 
Kaytrim

[Nvts]

Hope to see lots of pictures, as I too am about to start with a Mountain bartop clone if I can pull it off.

[Kaytrim]

I thought that it was about time for me to dig up this thread of mine with a little update.  The plans are near complete so I will disclose the nature of this beast.  With the number of knock offs of mountain's design I thought that I would take off on a tangent.  My design will be more like the old style Wurlitzer of days gone bye.  The shell will be made from MDF but I'll add a walnut veneer and cut some walnut molding for the base.  There will also be a light show running up the sides and around the top.  I'll be using a LEDWiz for this and either 3 color LEDs or LEDs of 3 different colors to achieve the same effect.

I have the toughest piece of MDF cut.  I made some kerf board for the rounded top.  I'll try and get a picture of it tonight to show you.  I have a few other projects in the works at the same time.  Check my blog for more details.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[Kaytrim]

I just received a large light weight box via UPS this morning.  Inside is the veneers for the jukebox project.  The walnut burl looks beautiful.  Can't wait to get started on the build.  However it will have to wait until next month as the basement needs to be done first.  We are hosting the after party for the High School musical "The Wizard of Oz".  My oldest daughter is playing Dorthy.  She is also a senior this year so last chance to have this kind of fun.

Once that is all done then it is full steam ahead for this Juke and The FrankenMAME rebuild.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[mountain]

Inside is the veneers for the jukebox project

How about some 

[Kaytrim]

I'm trying to get them off my camera phone right now but I can't find them.

Finally figured it out.  Pictures attached.

[Franco B]

You tease! 

Cant wait to see the outcome of this

[javeryh]

That's awesome - where did you order the veneer from?   

[Kaytrim]

That's awesome - where did you order the veneer from?   

This eBay seller posted an announcement on one of the wood working forums that I frequent.  I contacted him directly and told him what I was looking for.  He had it on hand and shipped it to me for $50 total.  Take a look at his eBay auctions.  There is some real beautiful wood veneers.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[Kaytrim]

You tease! 

Cant wait to see the outcome of this

It'll be the second week in November before I can start the build on the Jukebox.  I have been given an ultimatum from the family.  Finish the basement before Nov 7th or else.  I don't know what the 'or else' is but I don't want to find out either.  I just posted an update on my blog about this major project check the link in my sig.

TTFN