Links and things
Thanks to:
Dave Smith for agreeing to buy the other Dell
Steve Hamblin for cutting and drilling the hole in the front of the case for the LCD
Richard and Luke Smith for lending me the needle files and the glue gun
Atilla for the excellent MPXPLAY DOS MP3 player software
Igor Cesko from Slovakia for the excellent DOSGIR software, thanks for implementing the changes I suggested. You Eastern European guys rock!
Ed Ross & Andy Hopgood for help and advice.
Similar projects & other interesting hacks:
Mp3 Car Forum for getting a PC in a car for MP3s, plus also DVDs and navigation if you are feeling adventurous, very active site lots of members and examples
MP3 Projects Find this one recently, very interesting
Linux based home MP3 players Very nice site, with lots of links on MP3 inner workings, case construction, LCD screens, painting, finishing, software, tips on ideal components, etc. Although not updated for sometime and many dead links.
Overclockers Australia Has instructions on wiring LCD screens
Applefritter Take a look at this Macintosh Classic with a beautiful silver and red paint job, one of the best resprayed computers I have ever seen. The rest of the Applefritter has lots of fascinating modifications to various Macintoshes. Nice place to visit even if you dont use Macs, on cool not-so-conventional upgrades to computers.
Software
MPXPLAY Freeware DOS based MP3 player, got me thinking into doing this project. The best and most flexible for custom MP3 hardware IMHO. :o)
DAMP Another freeware DOS based MP3 player, also has character LCD support
Dos Girder Software to use the infared serial cable
Sources of bits
Maplin electronics Popular UK electronics retailer, they can now supply the character LCD screens although somewhat expensive.
EIO California based electronic surplus store, good place to get LCDs very cheap, they ship to UK and accept Paypal.
Dusan Malenka Guy who sold me the infared cable on ebay for use with Girder software Get one on eBay
MP3s
The Dubroom Cool place to get Reggae and Dub MP3s, as well as info on artist info, purchase CDs etc
Audio Galaxy Superb MP3 search engine just discovered this from a friend! (thanks Harvey!) Just the thing for those who are missing Napster.
MP3.COM Good source of legal MP3s from new and up and coming artists
Please download music responsibly, dont deprive artists of their income!