How do you build a record player powered by wind?*

Digital music relies on unseen technology to translate bits and bytes into tunes. An analog machine like a record player is much easier to understand. To make it even simpler, Popular Science built a motor-free device powered by the wind. This project is cheaper than a real record player, but the sound quality depends on the breeze’s speed, which can easily turn your songs into Alvin and the Chipmunks covers. For a steady source of air, try a fan or even an air-conditioning vent.

Stats

• Time: 2 hours
• Cost: $35
• Difficulty: Medium

Tools

• Dremel
• Box cutter
• Wire stripper

Materials

• 11-by-11-inch plywood board
• 1⁄4-by-21⁄2-inch machine screw
• AJC washer
• 1⁄4-inch hex nut
• Two Slurpee straws
• Adhesive putty
• 1-inch-thick foam insulation sheet
• 7-inch record
• 45 rpm adapter (ours came attached to the record)
• 9 square inches of cellophane
• Box of T-pins
• Six 8-ounce Styrofoam cups
• Old headphone cable
• Phonograph needle and cartridge
• Conductive wire glue
• Pushpin
• Loud battery-powered speaker

Ker-razy!

If anyone decides to make one – please tell us how you get on, and I’m sure we can ‘find’ a prize for you.

So you’ve just built your wind powered turntable you’re going to be looking for something to play on it yes? Well if you’re looking for Earth Wind & Fire, Hawkwind and, err, Barbara Windsor look no further than eil.com – we’ve got a huge range of vintage vinyl, reissues, imports, new releases and more (not just by groups with ‘wind’ in their name either!).