WE GIVE OLD TECH NEW LIFE
Vintagedevices is about telling stories through memories. We all seek simpler times, and are drawn to old items, but it's more than just nostalgia.
We bring together modern wireless hardware, on a common Internet of Things platform and upcycle old wood and Bakelite devices into items with purpose, all talking to a central data server.
WHAT?
Vintage Devices is a merger of IoT devices with vintage tech. Adding modern electronics that create a stylish smart home
WHO?
For anyone who loves old electrical and mechanical devices and an interest in a stylish connected home without the cheap look of modern plastic
HOW?
The deesign new PCBs and custom firmware to intergrade modern IoT functions that run locally without the need for 10+ apps on your phone
PORTFOLIO
NIXIE CLOCK 1
Description:
These beautiful tubes are the height of Soviet cold-war hardware. They are high-voltage (185+ v) neon driven by high voltage Ukrainian transistor ICs, and some shift registers. MQTT inputs the time once a minute, plus, external and internal temperatures so you don't need an RTC or temp sensor. Looks great in an old numechron clock.
Previous life:
Numechron clock
Components:
ESP, MQTT, IN12a NIXIE Tubes, K155ID1 ICs 74HC595 shift regiesters
TRAVEL CURIOSITIES
Description:
When we travel, we often collect a small stone, or leaf along the way where compiled them into little acrylic containers with attached RFID tags to the bottom. You can open the drawer of Cabinet of Curiosities, select a sample container, and set it on the meter. The RFID tag reads the contents and displays a little info about the place and event on an epaper display that displays the original meter on the paper when note in use. A great way to store memories of your journeys.
Previous life:
General Electric P8 meter
Components:
Nano, ePaper, RFID
MEMORY BOX
Description:
Before my father passed, I was able to interview him on his life with mum, the fire department, and the little things that make life meaningful. I decided a box of memories was the best place to store them along with memories of my children.
Previous life:
Roller Smith AC Ampmeter
Components:
Raspberry Pi, DAC Sound Module, NeoPixels, AMP
EXECUTIVE 100
Description:
Music player of my top 100 most memorable songs of all time. They don't have to be the 'best', but spark the most memories. Swipe an RFID card from the stack and speaker will play song associated to the card you choose.
Previous life:
Exutone intercom speaker
Components:
ESP8266, RFID Module, Sound Module, NeoPixels, AMP
NIXIE CLOCK 2
Description:
Привет! Yes more Nixie tubes. High-voltage (185+ v) neon driven by Ukrainian transistor ICs, and some shift registers. MQTT inputs the time once a minute, plus, external and internal temperatures (in C) so you don't need an RTC or temp sensor.
Previous life:
Westinghouse ampmeter
Components:
ESP, MQTT, IN12a NIXIE Tubes, K155ID1 ICs 74HC595 shift regiesters
THE ARCHIVES
Description:
Since my friend Doug put me on to archive.org, I love the old archival movies on how to date, or brush your teeth or perversion in school! The beautiful Zeiss MOVISCOP was painted custom colour, and holds a large selection of vintage videos. Just press the button for a random one.
Previous life:
General Electric P8 meter
Components:
Nano, ePaper, RFID
DIAL A MEMORY
Description:
This is an item for parents and grandparents alike. A simple way to store the voices of your young ones, caught in a moment of time, just pick up the phone, and dial a number and the phone will play you a random sound file from the age you dialed. Kids grow so fast.
Previous life:
KTAS M52 Danish Mid century Phone
Components:
Nano, JQ650 sound module
WATER EYE
Description:
Sometimes I think the water company is scamming me. Identical bills monthly. This old Wedge meter now displays gallons used (instead of volts). Data is collected via a Hall effect water flow sensor connected to my inlet pipe, and relayed via MQTT over the WIFIs
Previous life:
Wedge Meter (Volts)
Components:
Wemos D1 (ESP), Neopixels, MQTT
BLACK BOX
Description:
Data is important, like weather, forecasts, temps, and stocks. Sure you can look them up on your phone, but isn't it nicer to read them off a vintage metal mining meter. Read out cycles through your preferred weather stats and stocks giving current trading price, trends and the occasional warning signs like "PANIC!!" if the market's having a bad day. You need to be prepared to jump out of a window at a moment's notice, and this keeps you up to date.
Previous life:
ATLAS Explsoives meter
Components:
ESP, MQTT (Data Server), Neopixels for Up & Down panic colours
GOOD NIGHT MOON
Description:
My daughter likes to read, but forgets to go to bed. This IoT nightlight reminding of time for bed as it turns on as a time of my choosing (server driven), and fades out a few hours later, light the sun setting. Ramps up in the AM in "Sunrise" mode to wake her up. Manual override if necessary
Previous life:
A well-read book.
Components:
Wemos D1 (ESP), MQTT, /Mosfet, Fairy lights
RESISTOR BOX
Description:
A rethink on a standard "Ambient Device". This modual can sit at our front door, and give status on local traffic (It's flashing, so time to carpool), or alert you if it's going to rain. Multi-coloured LEDS provide an array of functions. It also has a warm glow tungsten bulb with a control button as a night light.
Previous life:
WESTON Resistor Box
Components:
ESP, MQTT (Data Server), Neopixels MOSET, tungsten bulb
WHO'S THERE?
Description:
A control box, with a PIR, and LED feedback. Reports motion, and room temperature back to the server. It also acts as another ambient device, but can trigger other IoT devices, like turning on the display of the Nixie Clock as you enter the room. Meter converted to a clock, with time sent from central server.
Previous life:
WESTON Meter
Components:
Wemos D1 (ESP), MQTT, Neopexels, Node-red