WEEK 13 // APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

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Applications and Implications

What will it do?

A console that let's you manipulate visuals using different sensors to enhance live-performances and audiovisual interactive installations. The performer would connect different sensors in a modular way, inspired in the analog synthetizers.

Who's done what beforehand?

  • Author & Punisher: Tristan Shone has been creating machines to enhance his extreme music. He designs and manufacture heavy duty pieces to express the agression in his live performances. The representation of the music and expression of this through physical performance is what I truly like about this project.

  • Ain TheMachine: This artist created Musica Biotronica, to take sounds from the body with the help of technology. The organic way this artist uses his tools is what I like about this project.

  • Jacob Collier: This artist has an impressive work behind by Ben Bloomberg. There's music and visuals reacting to what Jacob does on his performances. The real-time visuals and music reaction is what I like about this project.

What will you design?

  • The physical console.

  • The electronics to connect multiple sensors to the console.

  • A squeezy sensor that make visuals react when you press it.

What materials and components will be used?

  • 3D printing in PLA for the shape of the console.

  • Lasercutting acrylic for the panel that holds the sensors.

  • Sensors:

    • 5 potentiometers.

    • 1 slider.

    • Molding and Casting, silicone and conductive rubber to make the squeezy sensor.

  • 3 wire cable, 3.5mm jacks (male and female) to make the patch cables.

  • Main board:

    • Microcontroller: ATMega328P.

    • Multiplexer: CD4051BM.

Where will they come from?

Most of the components we have at the Fab Lab, but others are going to be ordered online from Adafruit, like the stretch sensor, and Mouser, like the multiplexer CD4051BM. All is specified on the BOM.

How much will they cost?

This is the BOM for the project

What parts and systems will be made?

  • Main microcontroller board where all the sensors will connect. Mill and solder all the components.

  • Milling the 3D model for the mold to cast silicone in it.

  • Make the patch cables from wires and 3.5mm jack connectors.

  • Lasercut the acrylic panel where the sensors will conect.

  • 3D print the shape of the console.

What processes will be used?

3d printing, molding and casting, lasercutting, electronics design and production, interface programming.

What questions need to be answered?

  • Will the conductive rubber cord will work inside the silicon casted?

  • Will the multiplexor component work and how reliable is the speed of data transmission to Processing?

  • Will the shape of the console be ergonomic for live performances?

How will it be evaluated?

The response of the Processing sketch due to the interaction with the sensors of the console. I will find this project succesfull if one can use the console and see reactions on the sketch.