[dorkbotnyc-blabber] LEMURplex: Feb Art/Tech Classes + Tranzducer.002 Feb 23

[Eric Singer]

LEMURplex February News

February Art & Technology Classes at LEMURplex are starting soon. 
Topics include Motors & Robotics, Microprocessor Programming, Jitter 
and Fiberglass
Fabrication. Details below. For more info and to register, please 
visit http://lemurplex.org/classes.html

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Tranzducer, LEMURplex's new performance & gallery series is back 
after a highly successful January show. Tranzducer.002, on February 
23rd, will feature Mike Lowenstern's Faded Music: bass clarinet, body 
percussion and translucent technology. This set will feature music 
from Lowenstern's fourth CD, "Fade," with a pretty heavy dose of 
nostalgia, jazz, funk and electronics. Bob Huott's band FRYLAB will 
be playing a mixture of acoustic and electronic: tenor sax, bass, 
extended baritone guitar and Bob's new electronic instrument The 
Bean. Jane Rigler, flutist and electronic musician, will be 
performing improvised and composed music for augmented flute. 
Tranzducer occurs on the last Friday of every month at LEMURplex. See 
http://tranzducer.com for more info.

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Fun With Fiberglass
Basic Composite Fabrication
Monday, 2/12, 6:30-9:30 pm

Learn the skills and techniques used to build custom objects using 
fiberglass and epoxy. Students will get hands-on experience in 
various stages of the process, starting with sculpting a foam 
pattern, followed by glass lay-up and final finishing. Materials will 
include partially completed samples to work with so we can move 
between stages without waiting for epoxy to cure. Discussion will 
include ideas on how to integrate sensors, lighting or haptics into 
any project, and students are encouraged to bring their own project 
ideas to the class. Bob will also give a brief, inside-out tour of 
the Bean, his own composite sensor-based musical instrument.

Instructor: Bob Huott

Cost: $115, including lab fee. Lab kit includes fiberglass 
fabricating materials.

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Intro to Jitter
Video Processing in the Max/MSP/Jitter Environment
Tuesdays, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 6:30-9:30 pm

This is a three-session introduction to <a 
href="http://cycling74.com/products/jitter" target=child>Jitter</a>, 
Cycling '74's video & matrix processing environment.  On a very 
prosaic level, Jitter can be used to build custom-tailored VJ 
applications, but even the most cursory exploration demonstrates that 
this tool is capable of so much more.  Our class will cover those 
prosaic examinations, move into the much more exciting realms of 3D 
OpenGL visualization and computer vision techniques,  and culminate 
in an exploration of the arcane realms of synesthesia and visual 
music.

A basic familiarity with the Max programming paradigm is greatly 
encouraged; this will be a very exciting, very fast-paced course. 
However, smart and flexible people may be able to pick up the basics 
as we go along.

Instructor: Joshua Goldberg

Cost: $300

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The Mechanics of Robotics
Using Motors, Solenoids, and Other Devices in Kinetic and Robotic Art
Wednesdays, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 6:30-9:30 pm

A three session introduction to the wide world of motors and 
mechanical systems suitable for use in kinetic and robotic artworks. 
We'll cover the basic motor and solenoid types, including AC, simple 
DC, DC gearhead, stepper and hobby servo. We'll play with examples of 
each type of motor and talk about which ones are suitable where. 
We'll look at some basic mechanical parts and systems like shaft 
collars, slip rings, gears, belts, pulleys, etc. We'll also talk 
about sourcing components, creative reuse of found materials, 
material selection, building for durability, etc. This class will not 
go in depth on motor control or electronics but will mostly focus on 
the electro-mechanical side of robotics.

Required materials: work clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, 
safety glasses

Recommended materials: an old electro-mechanical device (printer, 
scanner, fax machine, blender, something that moves!) for sacrifices, 
charged 12v battery (~5 amp hours - email if you have questions about 
what to get), soldering iron, small hand tools (snips, screw drivers, 
etc)

Instructor: Douglas Repetto

Cost $300

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Microcontroller Progamming for Artists
An Introduction to the Arduino System
Thursdays, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 6:30-9:30 pm

Have you ever wanted to build a robot or an interactive art 
installation? Have you ever wondered how LEDs, sensors and motors 
work? Through collaborative exercises and the development of a final 
project you will learn how to program and prototype with an <a 
href="http://arduino.cc" target=child>Arduino</a> microcontroller. 
This class is geared towards beginners, and no prior knowledge of 
electronics or programming is required.

This class will demonstrate programming and electronics basics 
through hands-on microcontroller projects. You will learn digital and 
analog input and output techniques for controlling motors and 
interpreting sensors, as well as the programming skills necessary to 
use these components effectively. We will also explore advanced 
concepts in interface, motion and display based on student interest. 
By the end of this class students will have a firm understanding of 
how microcontrollers, sensors and actuators work and how to utilize 
these tools in their own creative projects.

Instructor: Roberto Osorio-Goenaga

Cost: $375, including lab fee. Lab kit includes Arduino board, 
electronic components and sensors.