How many of our readers remember when it was simply a fact of life that you couldn’t put electronic devices anywhere near water? That has changed dramatically and now even mainstream smartphones can take baths. Most maker-made devices, however, are still metaphorically hydrophobic. That’s why Markus Hüttner took weatherproofing seriously when he built this field radio that streams Spotify.
This device, dubbed the A-63 Field Radio, is a very specialized piece of equipment and that’s what makes it so charming. Not only is it very over-built, but it is also quirky. The simulated CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display, for instance, is completely unnecessary from a pragmatic standpoint. But it is cool and fun, so Hüttner included it.
Quirkiness aside, the A-63 is entirely functional and usable. It has a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B inside, which outputs video to the 7” LCD that shows that simulated CRT terminal interface. The bulky cylinder mounted on the side houses a WiFi antenna to get a good signal. And it streams from Spotify, which is probably how most people get their music these days.
The killer feature, however, is the weatherproofing. The main enclosure is an IP65-rated box and all of the buttons are sealed. Even the cable for the antenna goes through a gland to prevent moisture intrusion.
I don’t expect that many people will recreate the A-63 exactly, but I’m sure Hüttner will get good use out of it, no matter how bad the weather happens to be.
