Interactive and Multimedia Art - Exploration: Bang Bot

For our first small exercise in IMA, we were asked to create a "Bang Bot;" write a software program in max that can be initiated with a "bang," or push of a button, using a selection of additional MAX objects that have been introduced so far... Here are a couple screen shots and short videos (please don't waste your time watching them all the way - unless you're reeeeeaaaalllllyyy into it, some of the color combinations are really great) that show my process from start to finish....

All of the objects controlling one circle, this is eventually duplicated and the metros are varied for the 7 different circles that present in the final video animation/software... 

I eventually figured out that you can leave your patcher overlapped, but then rearrange the objects how you want them presented in Presentation mode.... Kind of like having patcher be the code behind the interface or presentation of your code/software. SO the sliders here are all overlapping but then in the Presentation they are all over the place... see video exploration 2 for clarity. 


A bang to initiate all of the bangs through a load message object. 




AND the final product... I could have kept on going and going with this... But you know...




Compact Progress - Plaster Molds

Yesterday, I designed and 3D printed a couple test molds for my compact mirror insulation. I poured one set of the straight side mold to see how it works... I also designed a tapered side mold to see if the plaster comes out any easier. I anticipate having to break the molds to get the plaster out, but anything to make it slightly easier would help.







Interactive and Multimedia Art - Max 7 - Tutorials 1-3

Last week was the first week of class for Fall 2015... I received homework in my Interactive and Multimedia Art class; download Max 7, and do tutorials 1-3 for Max... Here's a brief summary of what the tutorials covered:

Tutorial 1; introduced object boxes, inlets, message boxes, and comment boxes, patchcords, how to unlock and lock patches, and use the Reference functions.

Object boxes operate like miniature programs within the larger environments.
Message boxes send messages to objects, and can operate as either commands or control data. Use commas by adding a backslash before, or the result is a new line of text.
Comment boxes are used to add text to controls, such as "click me."

Max programs function by passing messages between objects.

Tutorial 2; introduced bang! message (do the thing you do!), and spatial organization of messages: information is sent right to left when there are multiple messages connected with a bang!

Tutorial 3; numeric data: numbers and lists: integer and floating point number boxes, pack objects and pak objects. $ before a number in a message allows you to have a changing numeric input.

-------------------------------

I also noticed that Max has a series of tutorials built into the program... I may check some of these out during the coming weeks...


S100 - Rhino Gold - Bracelet to Ring - Progress

I finished up my sample Shapeways print today - working with my friends bracelet, transforming it to a ring... There were a lot of possible ways to take this design, I just tried to do a bunch of different techniques to test out the service and quality of the company's silver prints. I ended up ordering the final in raw silver, so I will do finishing and patina when the piece comes, as well as set the stone after I take it out of the bracelet. The final design is kind of clunky looking in the rendering... but I'm hoping it won't be so once it's printed... But, worse case scenario I just hack into it to feminize the form a litte more. 







Compact Progress - Neoprene Update

So my neoprene samples finally dried fully in the 3D printed mold... and they look like deflated cheesecakes! I will clean up one to fit in the battery insulator to test it's function... I'm also going to design a 3D printed mold for pouring plaster, and then pouring neoprene into the plaster.




Compact Progress - Cradle Hinge is on but....

WOW. I got a lot accomplished on this thing last week and never posted about it... But that could also be because this is one of those moments where you make something and it's just how you want it, and you're super happy - but then you realize you lost sight of your intentions... WHOOPS! I forgot the holes for the cord :(. I might be able to improvise something though...  Still thinking on how I will solve this problem without ruining my aesthetic.... TBC!

Before the hinge....



Yes, I did file out the entire hole for the cradle.... I am that insane.




A little book help never hurt.








I am using a couple magnets for the closing/clasping mechanism.

Seams got a little messy, but I got it in one shot!






I soldered the hinge tubes on almost perfectly, with what I'm calling the "Tim Method" - marking position with a file, rather than soldering with the tubes and no-flo. 


Stops pretty nicely... I will eventually cut down the tubes so that they flow more with the contour of the compact... and also figure out what to do with those wires... HA! Like I always say (?) /// (In making, well everything you do for that matter) There's never too many problems - you should always make some more for yourself... I guess I say that now ;)

Compact Progress - Pouring Neoprene

So, basically you pour the neoprene that's already mixed into the mold, let it settle for a few hours while water evaporates out of the mixture, and then you can top it off. You can also make hollow-skin like casts with the neoprene if you cast in plaster... I have no idea if this will work in the 3D printed mold without a mold release, but it specifically said on the website not to use mold release, so I'm giving it a shot! This weekend, I think I'll try and pour some neoprene into a plaster mold and see how that goes.


Compact Progress - Internal Hardware Holder

For my compact, I am using (2x) 24 count LED Neopixel Ring from Adafruit, a Gemma microcontroler, and a LiPo Battery.

I took measurements off of each of these items and designed an internal hardware holder for inside both sides of the compact. The bottom has a more complicated holder because it is in charge of the battery and the microcontroller, while the top is simply holding one ring.
TOP of BOTTOM - neopixels & gemma

BOTTOM of BOTTOM - lipo & gemma
TOP - neopixels

Compact Progress - Laser Cut Acrylic Insets

I laser cut some acrylic to inset into the compact to diffuse the light of the neopixels. I got the top lid measurement perfect, it fits snug and needs the suction cup to remove it, but the bottom is a little off. I will cut a revised inset for that section. I might switch to a thicker acrylic, but for now I'm going to stick with the two layer approach and sandblast one of the layers for softer light. 



Compact Progress - 3D Printed Molds

I designed a couple different size molds for my compact's insulation... There are slight variations that account for the shrinkage that occurs during 3D printing and the shrinkage of the neoprene.... The molds are super simple, but if they work, I may think about creating more interesting molds to cast into.
I'm using a neoprene that I brought through critical coatings. It says on their website that painting the neoprene on is an option for creating a mold, this is something I might consider when doing the final piece and/or future pieces.

Compact Project - Progress Part 2

 I still have to clean up quite a bit of the exterior and patch a few pits in my solder joints before the piece is finished, but I'll save that until after I solder on the hinge - just in case more pits occur during that process.
Test hinge 1 - I am going to make another test hinge today with a design revision. 

  - Filing, making sure everything lines up - looks like I just missed one spot on my last big seam.
I ordered some rod from McMaster Carr today because the tubing I have isn't quite thick enough. Frankie is going to help me make thicker walled tubing out of the rod when it comes on Thursday.

e-NABLE Fellowship - End Term Documentation


e-NABLE Fellowship – End Term Documentation



As a part of the 2015 Summer Fellowship Pilot Program of the Enable Community Foundation, I conducted research at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Digital Craft Research Lab into adaptive devices, hand design aesthetics, and alternative materials/processes for the creation of hands.



Week 1 - 8

  • Designed and prototyped adaptive technology for Bach Student Trumpet TR300. This includes; (1) a semi-permanent casing around left side and base of valves, (2) dovetail mechanism for attaching a scalable hand/palm design, (3) a rotational palm attachment and (4) a corresponding gauntlet with flexion and extension capabilities. During the design process the instrument’s existing aesthetic was considered and prioritized to ensure and maintain the integrity and elegance of experiencing a Bach instrument.
  • Rendered designs using Keyshot
  • Released designs as open source files, on youmagine.com and thingiverse.com



Week 9

  • Research, design and prototype alternative design methods for the creation of gauntlets Experimentation with thin-walled prints for flexibility.  


All of the research and design I conducted during the 2015 Summer Fellowship Pilot Program of the Enable Community Foundation, was documented on my personal blog; http://digitalfabricationanddesign.blogspot.com/ and will be shared during a Handathon building event at the Wisconsin Science Festival, October 24-25, 2015 in Madison, Wisconsin.

S100 - Guitars for Vets - Patterns

I am preparing to do some experimentation with the laser cutter, engraving designs onto sections of the guitar... here is a sample pattern that I will be trying. It's a dense design, so I'm unsure if it will turn out as clear as I'd like.

I am finding a lot of inspiration from baroque guitars. The rosettes were traditionally made with hand carved layers of wood and parchment.

Compact Project - Progress - 'smithin' is hard

I've made some significant progress on the construction of my compact mirror-like project... While it's been nice to flex my metalsmithing muscle - my actual muscles are definitely feeling it after two days of going hard at the bench. So, I took the day off of metalsmithing today to finish a few other things and hang out with my dad since he was in town. Here are some pictures from the last couple days...






Safety is not taking a selfie. 



Yes, I realize I should have done this first - but why not really test that smith-muscle and make it ten times harder and do it second ;). 










I've got to make the second one of these rims for the inset acrylic and then add a bottom flange-like thing so I can micro bold down the acrylic. 


I've also been working on a practice hinge - it's crooked, but its proving worth it (had to melt something today).  






TBC...

S100 - Guitars for Vets - Progress

Broc and I sketched out some possible compositions for our sculpture on Friday and started cutting some pieces of the guitar up.

Frankie recommended we put some tape over the cut part so we don't get fume marks from when the poly burns. Also, it looks like underwear. 


Teamwork. 


The laser didn't cut all the way through, but it was convenient to have a nice guideline to sand to.