Fukushima, Japan, 11th March 2011, the day of the terrible nuclear disaster. That's when I decided I should build a Geiger-Müller counter, steampunk style. The 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl Catastrophe (26th April) was a month later, which as well had a great impression on me. I remember how the Hungarian news on public service broadcasters muddied the water about the happenings over there, when I was young. So I started thinking about what kind of a dosimeter shall I make: an analogue type with a deprez display began to outline in my head, lacking any kind of digital parts, and another model as well, but more on that later.

Steampunk pumpkin lantern for Halloween? Yes, why not? As years go by, I become more and more interested in traditions. For instance, I enjoy making "pálinka" in these past years, which is an absolutely traditional Hungarian beverage. As of now I've installed a small but complete distillery with a real "kisüsti" copper cauldron and a distilling apparatus even. But let's not wander away from All Souls' Day, this story is not about "pálinka".

The idea was born almost at the same time with the keyboard’s, but it embodied very slowly. It became clear to me pretty soon, I want to create something that no one has created before; and I think I succeed: Steampunk Nixie Timepieces integrated into Lebanese cedar boxes (and a digital Hygro / Thermometer)!

After the keyboard, the making of the monitor fitting in style was obvious to me. For base, I bought a Dell 19" monitor, as I remember, from a British LCD outlet. The reveal was a bit damaged, but technologically it was flawless, and that's just what I needed! It will not contain plastic anyway of course...

It was June 18 2009 when I've realised what I want to do in the future. Well before that i've felt something seeking for me, something that is hard to resist, but unnecessary to do so. You have to let it drag you with itself because it's something new, something extraordinary... A whole new industrial genre has found me!

This is the Steampunk Object-Culture!

I will never forget the day when I saw Jake's keyboard for the first time. I couldn't take my eyes off of it for long-long minutes, and couldn't do so for a few more days onwards... I wanted to know every little detail of it, how it is built and the work phases... The best resource is undoubtedly american e-Bay, but a lot of individually and handmade part will be needed, it was clear from the start. I decided: I have to build one.