Brian Degger
brian@transitlab.org
Getting Open about Hardware :
Making more; Sharing More

Outline
thoughts on how can open source hardware and
community electronics help arts organisations
thrive, better support their artists, and engage
communities.
What hardware projects are there that enable
people to become makers?
In what collaborative projects is this used?
Ongoing work building tools and works, and how
this can be applied here.

Differences between Open Source
Hardware and Software:
open source hardware is different to software in
the fundamental that there are atoms, not bits
Not a problem Really
relies on cheap/ free sample electronic components
online resources
fabrication at the office, or online

Open Source Hardware(OSH)
Relies on a lead user/innovator, and a
community of users that have contact with the
lead user and can innovate on the platform
Eschews patenting
Generates goodwill and interest
Can sometime leverage a large community who
are invested in the products

Movements that are using open
methodologies to benefit local
communities
Hacklabs
Fablabs
Bricolabs

Hacklabs
A hacklab, or media hacklab, is an autonomous
technology zone used for the promotion, use
and development of emancipatory
technologies such as free software and
alternative media.
(via wikipedia)

Hacklabs abound
Access Space : Sheffield
Electron Club : CCA
Dorkbot Alba : Glasgow
NYResister : NY
Noise Bridge : LA
In planning for Liverpool and Manchester

Fablabs
A Fab Lab (fabrication laboratory) is a small-
scale workshop with an array of computer
controlled tools with the aim to make "almost
anything". This includes technology-enabled
products generally perceived as limited to
mass production.(via Wikipedia)

Fablabs
FABLab.nl five FABlabs in the
Netherlands
none so far in UK
an opportunity perhaps?

bricolabs
http://www.bricolabs.net/
A distributed network for global and local
development of generic infrastructures
incrementally developed by communities.
publishing HOWTOS and importantly WHYTOs

Platforms for digital creativity
simpler devices / don't need to be an
electronics engineer to get
something to move react etc

Arduino
coming out of an Interaction / Industrial design
school in Italy
10 or so user innovated variants (autopilots,
wearables, different form factors) sharing a
common programming interface
Community forum of several thousand
Enterprises being seeded by those with
expertise with Arduino
Strengths are low cost, gentle learning curve

Oomlout.com (Leeds)
SerB the arduino +
servo based robot
Released an easier to
use arduino kit
ss
Image: Page 8 of Oomlout ARDX experimenters guide

Adafruit
SpokePOV
Glowbikes 2007 Brian Degger

Todbot(US)
Computer controlled
RGB LED
Use in light effects
Image: Sketching 08 pg 18 Tod E Kurt

rapid prototyping/fabrication
Open Source Projects
faba home
reprap
Open Websites
shapeways
ponoko
Open Patterns
thingyverse

Examples
Andy Huntington taking sound art works to
market
Prototype ->Art work -> Musical Toy
Graffiti Research Lab and LED throwies

Any space for an art unconference?
Medialab Prado – Interactivos
learning labs masterclasses BioFI/Singapore,
making data tangible
Datarama/Newcastle – a show and tell for the
geeky electronic artist
RadioCraftlab ISISArts- all aspects of radio and
transmission
Still/Open, Perth

LightResponsiveDevice
• build it and you will learn....more than you thought possible
• LRD is my first interactive piece
• arduino+LDR+servo+LED (and a bit of wire
• idea of simple interaction
– interaction is not simple

Finding a place to work
development has been
– on the dining room table
– at ISISArts for a mini-residency

Tools and materials
• basic electronics, hobby drill
• hot glue, ping pong balls, wire, RGB LEDs,
polymorph, heat shrink

Further development (getting from day 1-50)
• idiosyncracies of the creatures, still learning
• moving beyond a simple behaviour.
• use ideas gleaned from twitchie to make a circuit board
• an un tethered version
• circuit board // miniproduction
• sensors??? place differently
• make 30

Showing/Get it seen/User Interaction
– at any table
– at Connecting Principle
– at Glasgow DCA (introducing my objects to ... project1891
– at Polytechnic Event datarama 0.3
– at Maker Faire

Web industries strategies
hackdays
code sprints
supported well by sponsorship,
what about the arts?

Can the governments Digital Strategy
be more than about inclusion but
support new grassroots digital
communities?

Opportunites
FLOSS workshops vs traditional masterclasses
around 'industry' software(adobe)
hardware(basic stamps)
lower costs going out of the organsiation, higher
percentage to the practitioners, potential for
busaries, community generation etc

Spaces for communities of
competancy?

cargo cults are good

keep learning
• learning is fun
• doing it with others is great
• peer supported learning rocks
• workshops (like here at takeaway) are great
ways of dipping the toes
• gleaning ideas from other makers

Thanks
art of the digital
ISISArts Newcastle
Oli @coldclimate

Contact
Brian@transitlab.org
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