Seeburg SCH1-4 APU Missing

[spetersen]

My system is in 2 parts, the operating system is on the SD card, with most writes turned off for reduced wear on the SD card, and the program and music is on the external USB for easy replacement of music and software revision (also ithas a backup image for the SD card in case it gets corrupt, and needs to be restored) I plan to keep a backup of the USB also, I know I will eventually forget how I did mine, so I also have notes and schematics as well on the USB

[scudie]

I think I will go along with Sooner and admit that all of this is way above my head. Having said as much I am still trying my best to follow the process.
I have never had anything to do with programming but it sounds to me that after this is built you have to write a program in computer language to make the system work and that this program will be stored on a usb stick?

Cheers Scudie

[spetersen]

Yes, My program was written in Python, and is freely available in the links, with general instructions. It assumes a person knows a little of Linux / Raspian

[Ron Rich]

Guys,
Motor load should be minimal, since no APU is involved-- all motor drives is the wheel now--
As for sales--Yes--Condition of the SCH would be a large concern, and if a SC, the 15 position plug, used on them, is the old Amp-loc style, which is made of un-obtainium Ron Rich

[sooner]

Nov 26, 2019 20:57:03 GMT ScotK said:

Indeed, when I designed all this in my head I wondered if there would be any money in doing several of these and selling them after being retrofitted.  My cost would be under $200 for parts + whatever cost is on the Seeburg consolette now that I have everything worked out.  That's assuming the consolette is functional too.  

I've considered that myself using wallbox2mp3 units. I can get the mp3 unit $100 and a nice box on eBay for $200-$250, so a total cost of around $500 with the transformer and other bits. I figure I could get about $750 on eBay and net $650 after fees. I've done a few for friends and family but it's just not worth my time otherwise. Here's one equipped with a wallbox2mp3 unit that's been on eBay for months at $1000 and hasn't sold. www.ebay.com/itm/Seeburg-Stereo-Consolette-Jukebox-Wallbox-MP3-Player-Conversion/302833975813

FWIW - I think your unit could be the only one that can be completely self contained in the wallbox and still retain 100% of the original function. Pretty cool.

[spetersen]

There is one consideration when selling something like this is that the Pi is not as robust as the wallbox2mp3 unit, in that the software can get corrupt in the Pi, whereas in the wallbox2mp3 it is stored in ROM I believe.

[ScotK]

Nov 26, 2019 21:17:29 GMT spetersen said:

My system is in 2 parts, the operating system is on the SD card, with most writes turned off for reduced wear on the SD card, and the program and music is on the external USB for easy replacement of music and software revision (also ithas a backup image for the SD card in case it gets corrupt, and needs to be restored) I plan to keep a backup of the USB also, I know I will eventually forget how I did mine, so I also have notes and schematics as well on the USB

The Pi has an option to make the SD card read only that I will be investigating after I'm done with everything.  If that works out I'll add a USB drive to store the music.  I'll keep a backup of the program on my home server. 

[sooner]

Nov 27, 2019 3:31:14 GMT spetersen said:

There is one consideration when selling something like this is that the Pi is not as robust as the wallbox2mp3 unit, in that the software can get corrupt in the Pi, whereas in the wallbox2mp3 it is stored in ROM I believe.

Another potential issue is copyright infringement if you see a box that's pre-loaded with songs. I'm pretty sure that's illegal. And a lot of people probably don't have the computer skills to build their own play list.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Steve,
You are as far as I know, correct--copyright infringement will occur if music, is sold --And the "copyright polize" are NO, fun to deal with ! (don't axk!) Ron Rich

[ScotK]

Nov 27, 2019 14:31:36 GMT sooner said:

Nov 27, 2019 3:31:14 GMT spetersen said:

There is one consideration when selling something like this is that the Pi is not as robust as the wallbox2mp3 unit, in that the software can get corrupt in the Pi, whereas in the wallbox2mp3 it is stored in ROM I believe.

Another potential issue is copyright infringement if you see a box that's pre-loaded with songs. I'm pretty sure that's illegal. And a lot of people probably don't have the computer skills to build their own play list.

For sure illegal.  I plan on creating a folder for each letter/number combination and have it play whatever the contents are. 


I doubt I'll ever do any others for sale, that was just a thought.  

[ScotK]

First power up test with most of the wiring completed.  Making a selection works with relay 1 engaged to simulate a credit and makes the pulse train motor run, I can detect coin drops on the Pi, and I can light the album selection light on command by engaging relay 2.  The opto-isolator will arrive today so I can't read the pulse train yet.

I don't have the volume buttons working yet, I've had to alter how I was doing them.  Updated schematic explains it... I added a connection to ground to the common speaker return (grey wire).  That will give me a voltage drop that I can measure from each of the high/medium/low buttons.  Then because I have disconnected the speaker wires and the APU is missing the only place I can measure the voltage drop is on the positive speaker wire on the right speaker (left is not connected to a power source), so I'll be connecting the right positive speaker wire to the ADC input on the Pi. 


I'm out of time for now but I think it'll work.  I tested it with a multi-meter and got measurable voltage drop from high to medium to low. 

Attachments:

[sooner]

We want a video demo when you get it going... :-)

[Ron Rich]

Steve,
What good is a "video" of an audio function ?? LOL Ron Rich

[ScotK]

Video? You bet! Gotta get my bragging rights in once I get it going. :-)

Still to-do, in no particular order:
1. audio amplifier, connection to speakers
2. mount the transformer
3. SOFTWARE!

First software steps are just get the consolette working with the front panel selections. I'll have to figure out the IR remote at some point after that too.

[scudie]

Hi Scot
I think that if you were to sell one with music on is to state that the music is free and that you are only selling the hardware.
How long do you think it should take to write the software program for it?
Are we talking hours or days?
What will you use the remote control for?

Cheers Scudie