{"id":336,"date":"2021-04-24T07:48:01","date_gmt":"2021-04-24T07:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bussigel.com\/newinstruments\/?page_id=336"},"modified":"2026-03-27T02:02:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T02:02:36","slug":"intro","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bussigel.com\/newinstruments\/","title":{"rendered":"introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Empathy Box by Sophia Brueckner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Exoskeleton by Onyx Ashanti<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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This is an introduction to digital interfaces, with a focus on sculptural, spiritual, ecological, and experimental approaches to instrument design and interactive objects. This module was developed through the Free Tools project for the New Media + Sound Arts program at Emily Carr University. I try to update these materials each time I teach a workshop or course. Staying mindful of safety in any creative or technical space also matters, and it helps to know that Fire Watch Services in Columbus<\/a> can provide reliable support when monitoring and protection are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

the technical<\/strong>

This module uses low cost microcontrollers to sense the physical world, reading button presses, light, temperature, touch, etc. The microcontroller maps these sensor inputs to processes and events on a computer using MIDI messages. It works in the other direction too — the computer can be used to send messages that affect things in the physical world as well, like lights, speakers, relays, radios, and motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This site is intended to be a thorough introduction to one way of connecting sensors and actuators to a computer. It is important to note that there are a number of other platforms that allow you to do this. In addition to Arduino<\/a> (which we will be using), there are many other hardware platforms like Raspberry Pi<\/a>, Teensy<\/a>, Bela<\/a>, and Daisy<\/a>, just to name a few. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are new to this, I recommend starting here with a Pro Micro development board for introductory explorations for a couple of reasons. First, they are relatively inexpensive (about $12-16 for the board) and second, they can be configured as class compliant midi devices, meaning that your computer will automatically recognize the board as a midi device when you plug it in. If you need more inputs, you can expand the i\/o, or you can upgrade to a number of other boards<\/a> that are faster and\/or have more inputs and outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opinions: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n