Dear Friends, dear Steampunkers

This "Instructable" is a special one. I hope it will give you some ideas how to build some special artwork and may you will build your own Steampunk MP3 Jukebox.
Most of the parts I used you may don't find for your project, but the ideas behind will inspire you to do your own thing.
I keep it simple and the pictures will tell you the story about the construction of "The Airship Pirate's Steampunk Jukebox".
If you have questions about some steps, please write me a few words. I will always try to help you.

So let's start with this special piece of machinery...

Step 1: The Idea Behind This Project

"The Airship Pirate's Steampunk Jukebox" is a combination of 100 years of audio technology.
I combined an old tube radio with an old industry panel computer to create something new. All used parts are from the junk yard - only for the black color and some brass screws I spent a few bucks.

More information you find on my website www.thechocolatist.com - sorry the page is in German...:-)

The radio was a NORDMENDE Superstereo
The speakers are from a broken car
The two glass domes I got from an exhibition as they wrecked a sales stand
All the heavy brass parts are from the trash - I have a huge collection in my laboratory... see the picture
The panel computer is from the electric yunk yard - I used three broken ones to get one running one!
The Power supply for the pc and the used wireless mouse are from the trash too

So for the whole project as shown I spent less than 15$...

Step 2: The Recycling of Three Broken Panel Computers

As I wrote before I used three broken panel computers from the junk yard. I had to mix up the inverter boards, the memory and even the fans.... but finally I got a running one... so never give up, there is always a way to sucess!!!

Because industry panel computers use a different power supply and wiring I had to invest some time to mount the standard pc power supply to the mainboard. It was really tricky

Step 3: The NORDMENDE Superstereo

The amp of this radio is working with two vakuum tubes EL84, which are used in guitar amps. The sound is really good.
I disassembled the whole radio and cleaned the electronic and the tubes. After that I cutted the cut-out for the glass domes and I sanded the wood to be ready for the black color.

The I changed the speakers, because the old ones were in very bad condition.

Step 4: The Painting

To fit into the Steampunk Look and because I like this Style I used a black velvet color for the radio, inside I panted it red. With this colors it looks like a case for some steam engine device...

Step 5: Putting the Recycled Parts Together...

To put together the whole thing again is a job I always rellay like!
Because the old radios were build in very good quality, the parts are fitting perfectly, even after more than 60 years...

Step 6: Installing the Panel Computer

I tested the Computer before I started with the project, so it was not to difficult to mount the panel and the power Supply.
To close the sides I used something like a bellow. I made them out of heavy premium cardboard...
On the second picture you can see the solution for the start button of the pc. To keep it simple I used a pivot arm, which is pressing the button on the mainboard.

Step 7: The Finish

To finish the machine I used a lot of brass parts and screws from my private junk yard.

So, that's it.

Hope this "Instructable" gives you some ideas and inspiration to do your own thing!!

Greetings from the laboratory in the Swiss Mountains

The Chocolatist