I have one of these jukebox selectors. It is a modern replica of the old Seeburg jukebox selectors. Originally it would be connected to a matching jukebox via a Cat 5 ethernet cable. I don't have the jukebox because they are too expensive. I think the jukeboxes use windows XP operating system. If anybody knows how I could maybe connect it to a windows XP laptop via cat 5 cable, then that would be ideal. But it would probably need certain software for it to work, so perhaps this is not an option. I was thinking of using an Arduino processor and MP3 module but not sure how to go about this.Would it be possible to connect the original press button board of the jukebox selector to the Arduino. My aim is that when when the buttons on the selector are pressed, then the corresponding song will play on the MP3 player. I tried to attach photos but they apparently failed security checks. Not sure why. Will try again.
TL:DR --> Might want to check out DFPlayerMini MP3 players and an Arduino library to interface with one. That should give you a good start
It's probably impossible to guess the Ethernet protocol and to use it with a computer you might have to write your own application. I doubt they publish that information because then someone could use the tabletop selectors with a computer and they wouldn't have to buy the actual jukebox.
It is a modern replica of the old Seeburg jukebox selectors.
Does it have regular-old mechanical switches (which you can re-wire) or something more "high tech"? If you can get-to the actual switches you can design your own interface to the Arduino (or whatever you use).
If it's a modern interface you may have to "start over", just using the case and some of the other mechanical/cosmetic components.
The Arduino with an audio shield can make a very basic jukebox/player. The audio shield (an add on board) does all of the work and the Arduino (which has very limited memory and no true-analog output) simply acts as a controller. Most of the limitations are related to the fact that the Arduino doesn't have an operating system or a proper file system. For example, all of the audio shields I've seen require that the files be named something like 001.MP3 There may also be a limit to the number of files. And, I don't know of an audio shield that can read tags/metadata.
There are some audio shields that can optionally be used stand-alone (no Arduino or other controller), and you just press button-1 to play song-1, etc.0
If you want something more "computer like", check out the Raspberry Pi. It's a complete single board computer with an operating system and a soundcard. (I've never used a Raspberry Pi.)
Thanks for the suggestions. It was a bit of a long shot. It looks like I will probably have to start from scratch. It looks like the Raspberry Pi option might be a more suitable start. I will give it a try and hopefully find some way of making it work.