The Computer-free Automation of a Jukebox (Electromechanics)
Technology Connections2 HN recommenders · recommended in 2 months, 2020–2021
explainer · general · evergreen · 2020–2021 on HN
Technology Connections takes apart a 1970 Wurlitzer 3400 jukebox to show how electromechanical relays and switches automated its behavior without a computer.
Recommended as an eye-opening look at pre-computer automation and relay logic.
Up next
1 mo on HNHow to Stop a Riot
Wendover Productions
1 HN recommend · 2018–2020
6 mo on HNDEF CON 22 - Deviant Ollam & Howard Payne - Elevator Hacking - From the Pit to the Penthouse
DEFCONConference
5 HN recommender · 2016–2026
3 mo on HNConsole Hacking 2016 (33c3)
media.ccc.de
4 HN recommender · 2017–2024
2 mo on HN[1147] Locksmith Says My Videos Are BS... Loses $75 (Maybe)
LockPickingLawyer
2 HN recommender · 2021–2022
9 mo on HNThis is how you treat ADHD based off science, Dr Russell Barkley part of 2012 Burnett Lecture
Adhd Videos
10 HN recommender · 2015–2025
2 mo on HNNetanel Rubin: The Perl Jam: Exploiting a 20 Year-old Vulnerability
media.ccc.de
2 HN recommender · 2018–2023
1 mo on HNThe Problem with Biofuels
Real Engineering
2 HN recommender · 2021–2023
9 mo on HNHow Crash Bandicoot Hacked The Original Playstation | War Stories | Ars Technica
Ars Technica
13 HN recommender · 2020–2026
15 mo on HNAround The Corner - How Differential Steering Works (1937)
US Auto Industry
17 HN recommender · 2013–2024
12 mo on HNDetergent packs are kinda wishy-washy (Dishwashers Explained)
Technology Connections
15 HN recommender · 2021–2025
12 mo on HNMechanical Computer (All Parts) - Basic Mechanisms In Fire Control Computers
Excelsior10000
13 HN recommender · 2014–2025
11 mo on HNThe Antique Toaster that's Better than Yours
Technology Connections
12 HN recommender · 2019–2025
3 comments from Hacker News
This video made me aware of his channel a few months back and I've been hooked. I really enjoyed the multi-part one where he explained the inner workings of a jukebox[0] [0] ▶ this video
The computer free automation of a jukebox from the 1970s is an eye opener: (an in depth teardown and explanation) ▶ this video
By today's standard Doom doesn't need much processing power. You could probably find exactly the right chip that only has exactly just as many bits of RAM as you need for the lamp's functionality. But that would probably be more expensive to develop and chip than just using standard parts? Even more radical: I suspect with a bit of cleverness you could probably do everything the lamp needs to do with some relays and transistors. But today, that would be more expensive. Compare ▶ this video for the latter approach.