Physical Computing with the Arduino

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL
These workshops will introduce basic technologies and concepts around designing and building interactive physical systems. This workshops aim to bridge the gap between the virtual/digital world of computers and the physical world towards creating imaginative meaningful links between users and systems. Topics will include;  interactive vs reactive, sensors and actuators, making vs hacking and critical thinking amongst others.

First Weekend:
Arduino: what it is, how it works, what you can do with it
Basic interfacing of sensors: INPUT – photocells, thermistors, proximity sensors, switches, etc.
Programming the Arduino.

Second Weekend:
Physical Computing with Arduino : OUTPUT –  interfacing motors
Demonstrations of controlling stepper motors, servo motors, DC motors, AC lighting and such using the Arduino to make interesting kinetic actions.
More electronics = blinky lights.
Physical Computing with Arduino :  SERIAL – interfacing to MAX/MSP/jitter  and/or Pure Data
Using the serial port on the Arduino to output messages to a PC  to control sound, video or a variety processes. Max/MSP/jitter object oriented visual programming environment will be demonstrated.  Purer Data will be demonstrated.

WORKSHOP SPECIFICATIONS

  • DATES: Sat Apr 5, Sun Apr 6, Sat Apr 19 & Sun Apr 20 (11 AM to 4 PM)
  • LOCATION: Video Pool Studio and Artspace Boardroom (3rd and 4th floors of the Artspace Building)
  • INSTRUCTOR: Ken Gregory
  • REGISTRATION FEE: $200 (includes a basic arduino kit for you to keep!), $120 (without kit)
  • REQUIREMENTS: Some knowledge/experience with Basic Electronics is required

Winnipeg artist Ken Gregory has been working with DIY interface design, hardware hacking, audio, video, and computer programming for over 20 years. His creative performance and installation work has shown publicly in Winnipeg, other parts of Canada and many international media and sound arts festivals. Anything is part of Gregory’s palette, and by using cut-and-paste techniques, random juxtapositions, and careful manipulations, he crafts unique art works. These works are presented in the form of gallery installations, live performances, live radio broadcasts, and audio compact discs. Recent career highlights amongst others is the exhibition of wind coil sound flow, a large sound installation at San Jose’s City Hall Rotunda as part of the 2010 01SJ Biennial, participation with  Prototype  Electric Light Machine for a Modern Room in the Sensing the Future: Laszlo Moholy-Nagy exhibition at Plugin ICA, participation with Gregory’s Sunsuckers: Artificial Flora and Fauna  in the Landslide:Possible Futures exhibition in Markham, Ontario and the acquisition of 12 motor bells at and by the National Gallery Of Canada.