Project Log - Sean M. Welch

Custodian: DMA Presentation/Q&A

Geeking out in the DMA.

Custodian: DMA Install

Custodian: Final

Custom amplifiers flopped (read: smoke and fire). The LM3886’s evidently couldn’t handle being over-driven too much (I’m guessing), and I didn’t have any high power resistors on hand to help side-step the current draw.  A rather nice Technics stereo receiver does the trick instead. If it survives the 6month long duty cycle, then it’ll make a nice addition to gear list.

This is the final system config that will be installed in the DMA next week.

Boom………………………………..Boom Cha

Custodian: Custom Amplifier

Synthalyzer - Continued

Custodian: A Definition

Concept:

The simple act of being within an enclosed space requires, to some extent, physical interaction, be it opening a door or walking across a floor. The space, in which these actions are taken, is bounded by a system of rigid bodies, which absorbs much of the energy released by these exchanges through displacement.  This produces physical oscillations within these bodies.   It is hoped by detecting, processing, and then graphing these exchanges in real time, that those observing will ultimately gain insight into how their presence affects the space they actively occupy, and in turn, how they space is directing them to affect it.

Design:

This project is comprised of three distinct functions.

• Transduction
• Signal processing
• Display

Transduction: This project makes use of a series of passive electro-acoustic transducers known as geophones, which convert vertical movement into a small electrical signal.  Each transducer is securely mounted within a ~2.2kg solid aluminum tubular jacket to facilitate reception and is fitted with an electrical connector, completing a sensor module.  Each such module is connected to the amplification and processing system by shielded instrumental coaxial cable and secured by threaded connectors.

Signal Processing:  Each pair of assembled sensor modules is then connected to small off-the-shelf audio mixing consoles, which provide voltage gain and wave shaping. Once amplified to line level and processed as needed through on-board equalization, the output of each mixer is then fed into a custom built power amplifier, which provides the current and voltage gain required to drive a display.

Display:  The visual portion of this project makes use of a series of modified video monitors. Each monitor has a portion of its picture control circuitry redirected, allowing for external control of each monitor’s electron beam.  Applying the amplified signals originating from the sensor modules to the modified portion of the display produces a modulating on-screen waveform that is proportional to the input waveform.

Custodian: Demo

Custodian: Proof of Concept

should probably explain the last few projects, including this one…..

Much appreciation goes out to Tiffany from R.T. Clark for hooking me up the sensors to be used with this project.  Awesome.

I have acquired two choice displays for this project.  Here is a test with one of those displays and the new sensors.

Tag Green from SpeedyMetals.com was nice enough to donate some raw aluminum stock to this project. I received 6 pieces of 4″ Diameter 6061-t6511, which will be used to house the vibration sensors show above.

RF Precision was kind enough to process the aluminum for me.  Each side was leveled off, and a hole big enough to fit the sensor was drilled into each.

The holes are accurate to .0001″

Synthalyzer: Proof of Concept

Metals II Projects

LED Bracelet

Vessel

And because I’m the type of dork…