StReampunk??? Proposal for vintage TV iPod docks

Fletch · 05-09-2008, 10:02 AM

I just cooked these up recently in Photoshop. It struck me that the early experimental TV sets of the 1930s, with their small screen to cabinet size ratio, would easily scale down in design to iPod docking stations - built of wood with bakelite accents, and quality speakers for a more vintage tone.

The Empire Dock is based on a 1931 mechanical TV/radio console. It is a bookend-size piece that would be approximately 8 1/2" h x 2 1/2" w, with a single speaker.

The Vassos Dock is based on a 1939 electronic TV/radio console. It is about the size of a bookshelf speaker, roughly 7" h x 4 1/2" w. There is an onboard AM-FM receiver with analog tuning dial and stereo speakers.

ScionPI2005 · 05-09-2008, 11:25 AM

I must admit, I like the design of the Vassos Dock...a lot actually.

Fletch · 05-09-2008, 11:39 AM

Here's the TRK-9 I cribbed it from. 9" CRT, 7" viewable, over 4' tall, weighed a $#!! ton and cost it too. The TV chassis packed enough voltage to kill a horse. Of course it was also an all-band AM/shortwave radio, and a thing of beauty and a joy forever...

Mike in Seattle · 05-09-2008, 02:38 PM

Those are great! I was about ready to send a link to a friend who was looking for something to plug his iPod into that didn't look "modern" - there's probably a market for that type of thing, actually!

Fletch · 05-09-2008, 03:57 PM

Hmmm...who makes beautiful little things in wood that will accommodate electronics? And how much of a job is it getting 'em in there?

Vassos is gone but I suppose his heirs would have to be approached re the use of his design.

CaddyKid21 · 05-14-2008, 06:04 PM

I could probably make the empire dock, with some more pictures and the right materials. All you need is a dock and some speakers, then build the structure out of wood, add details, then get some veneer, and or stain it. Its totally possible. Get some bakelite knobs off eBay maybe. Then just adjust the treble, for that nice radio sound! Its an idea.

Story · 06-05-2008, 05:32 PM

WWII radio retro iPod dock
Modern tech with a classic twist
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/ne...St-Louis.phtml

The oddly named iPod Boombox is a rather lovely looking retro iPod dock which offers the craftsmanship of a WWII battlefield radio with modern technology.

http://uk.gizmodo.com/2006/07/28/inv...i_boombox.html

Story · 06-17-2008, 06:52 PM

http://www.hardwarezone.com/news/vie...id=10734&cid=2

Led Zeppelin - done.
Dread Zeppelin - done.
Head(phone) Zeppelin?

TheSwingingBee · 06-20-2008, 10:43 AM

I love both of these and would buy one in a heart beat as an alternative to our white modern looking docking station we have now, I'd love something more retro looking. I think there is definitely a market for these.

05-09-2008, 10:02 AM	#1
Fletch I'll Lock Up Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: 1937 House Posts: 6,048	StReampunk??? Proposal for vintage TV iPod docks I just cooked these up recently in Photoshop. It struck me that the early experimental TV sets of the 1930s, with their small screen to cabinet size ratio, would easily scale down in design to iPod docking stations - built of wood with bakelite accents, and quality speakers for a more vintage tone. The Empire Dock is based on a 1931 mechanical TV/radio console. It is a bookend-size piece that would be approximately 8 1/2" h x 2 1/2" w, with a single speaker. The Vassos Dock is based on a 1939 electronic TV/radio console. It is about the size of a bookshelf speaker, roughly 7" h x 4 1/2" w. There is an onboard AM-FM receiver with analog tuning dial and stereo speakers. __________________ *Who controls the past controls the future.* -George Orwell

05-09-2008, 11:25 AM	#2
ScionPI2005 One Too Many Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,516	I must admit, I like the design of the Vassos Dock...a lot actually. __________________ “Something doesn’t ring up right, but for two-hundred fish and expenses I’d play footsies with a cobra.” Richard Diamond

05-09-2008, 11:39 AM	#3
Fletch I'll Lock Up Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: 1937 House Posts: 6,048	Here's the TRK-9 I cribbed it from. 9" CRT, 7" viewable, over 4' tall, weighed a $#!! ton and cost it too. The TV chassis packed enough voltage to kill a horse. Of course it was also an all-band AM/shortwave radio, and a thing of beauty and a joy forever... __________________ *Who controls the past controls the future.* -George Orwell Last edited by Fletch : 05-09-2008 at 11:46 AM.

05-09-2008, 02:38 PM	#4
Mike in Seattle Call Me a Cab Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Renton (Seattle), WA Posts: 2,568	Those are great! I was about ready to send a link to a friend who was looking for something to plug his iPod into that didn't look "modern" - there's probably a market for that type of thing, actually! __________________ "Would you care for an olive? Auntie Mame says olives take up too much room in a little glass."

05-09-2008, 03:57 PM	#5
Fletch I'll Lock Up Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: 1937 House Posts: 6,048	Hmmm...who makes beautiful little things in wood that will accommodate electronics? And how much of a job is it getting 'em in there? Vassos is gone but I suppose his heirs would have to be approached re the use of his design. __________________ *Who controls the past controls the future.* -George Orwell

05-14-2008, 06:04 PM	#6
CaddyKid21 One of the Regulars Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New SN: J.J. Gittes Posts: 133	I could probably make the empire dock, with some more pictures and the right materials. All you need is a dock and some speakers, then build the structure out of wood, add details, then get some veneer, and or stain it. Its totally possible. Get some bakelite knobs off eBay maybe. Then just adjust the treble, for that nice radio sound! Its an idea.

06-05-2008, 05:32 PM	#7
Story Call Me a Cab Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Home Posts: 2,629	Proof of Concept WWII radio retro iPod dock Modern tech with a classic twist http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/ne...St-Louis.phtml The oddly named iPod Boombox is a rather lovely looking retro iPod dock which offers the craftsmanship of a WWII battlefield radio with modern technology. http://uk.gizmodo.com/2006/07/28/inv...i_boombox.html __________________ Symmetrical book stacking, just like the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947.

06-17-2008, 06:52 PM	#8
Story Call Me a Cab Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Home Posts: 2,629	Such potential http://www.hardwarezone.com/news/vie...id=10734&cid=2 Led Zeppelin - done. Dread Zeppelin - done. Head(phone) Zeppelin? __________________ Symmetrical book stacking, just like the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947.

06-20-2008, 10:43 AM	#9
TheSwingingBee Familiar Face Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tustin, Ca Posts: 85	I love both of these and would buy one in a heart beat as an alternative to our white modern looking docking station we have now, I'd love something more retro looking. I think there is definitely a market for these.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode