Till svensk version
Luc: A workshop around an oscillator
From 12 years to adults, max 12 people.
We have basic components and some tools, but participants are encouraged to bring their own tools for soldering and all kinds of electronic junk and machines.
The workshop is held in English.
An oscillator
-A stable basis to start with. This circuit is very easy to build.
-Getting some bases to go further: being able to solder, thus managing with any connection in any circuit. Transpose a schematic into a real circuit.
-Ready to study this circuit in any direction, modifying it, considering we'll be able to recover it in its original state if anything happens.
An oscillator based on a very simple schematic is the basis of this workshop. This oscillator has got a signal output and a modulation input. It can be powered by a low voltage battery. It basically drives a speaker, thus generating a tone. But it can also drive some light, electronic switches, other electronic circuits.
To build bricks and to combine them thus creating a complex crazy circuit by plugging very simple bricks, the ones with the others. To learn by experimenting how simple electronic bricks can create a complex system.
interconnecting
Connecting oscillators with each other to have them intermodulated, thus generating complex sounds. Trying different structures of interconnections.
theory
To learn about the electronic principles: to figure out how the circuit works. Thus, learning some bases about electronic circuits by starting with a circuit we built on our own.
output
What the circuit can be connected on to have the signal transformed into something audible and/or visual, or something happening. Experimenting with different types of outputs.
forms
To use this oscillator in an artistic creation.
-To experiment with different forms of many oscillators working together.
-Experimenting with different situations to have the generator(s) working in.
modifying
-Changing values of some components to change the sound the oscillator makes.
-Trying some derivatives of the basic circuits.
timing
-Instead of re-triggering itself into a loop the oscillator can be turned into a timer.
-Triggering some timers with each other.
-Developing some forms in time.
Some links from Luc if you are more interested:
--> the wikipedia page about 555, a good basic information to start with.
--> examples of usings of 555 in circuits
--> a list of schematics of circuits based on the 555 integrated circuit. Pick out what inspires you.
--> this is where, as a french guy looking for an electronic components shop, I found components for the workshop.
--> about building analog synthesizers. One of them is buildable by newbies. There's also a "tips and tricks" page that could be useful to start with electronic building
Some links about artists, artworks, exhibitions:
--> Edwin Van Der Heide's website
--> people telling about artistic events they have been visiting
--> lot of things around sound poetry. A good way to start with experimental arts.
--> an article about potentialities of sculpture
--> about my own artistic activity
Some links about works of art the workshop could have links with
--> an artist who's basic material is spaces + Artsy's Olafur Eliasson page
--> creating hearing experiences
--> visual signals into spaces
--> one page in english about him
tech hacktivism
--> modifying and creating one's own electronic devices
--> crazy DIY stuffs, some are electronic circuits, or about electronic circuits
tech link
--> Electronic Club, a page about basic electronic components, colour codes to know about their values, schematic representations. The other parts of this site could be interesting also.
--> the page with colour codes on MFOS website
Updated the 23rd of January, 2015.