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The Computer-free Automation of a Jukebox (Electromechanics)

Technology Connections · 1.3M views · 2020-03-08 · 23:04

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Overview

Technology Connections takes apart a 1970 Wurlitzer 3400 jukebox to show how electromechanical relays and switches automated its behavior without a computer.

On Hacker News

Recommended as an eye-opening look at pre-computer automation and relay logic.

Recommended by 2 HN people across 2 months · HN mentions 2020–2021

Topics

Mechanical & precision engineeringElectronics & circuit designHistory of computing
Search by tags
jukeboxrelayselectromechanicswurlitzervintage technology

What people said

milofeynman · 2020-07 · Strong recommendation

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] [VIDEO]

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lathiat · 2020-04 · Recommendation

The computer free automation of a jukebox from the 1970s is an eye opener: (an in depth teardown and explanation) [VIDEO]

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eru · 2021-06 · Reference

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 [VIDEO] for the latter approach.

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Sources

Video by Technology Connections, played through YouTube.

Data and selection notes

HN summaries and labels may contain AI errors. HN dates refer to discussions, not video publication.

HN Library: HackerTube export (2026-10-31) and open-index/hacker-news. Upstream summaries and classifications may contain AI errors.

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