This workshop delved into the integration of sensors as inputs for modulating Pure Data. Over the course of a 2 part series workshop, students learned how to use Pure Data to build patches for audio control. For the second part, we focused on the practical application of these tools, guiding participants through building their own midi controllers using microcontrollers programmed with Arduino. This hands-on approach allowed each attendee to leave with their own interactive instrument, a tangible representation of the skills and concepts covered. This workshop was originally offered at the Make+Think+Code lab at Pacific Northwest College of Art, which I taught alongside Hugo Paris, where we combined our expertise to offer a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
In this workshop, participants were immersed in the fundamental design principles essential for crafting soft circuitry. The session was structured to guide students through the process of designing their first functional soft circuit prototype. As part of the comprehensive introduction, I presented an array of techniques prevalent in e-textiles and soft circuitry applications. This included an introduction to basic schematic interpretation and circuit design, equipping students with the knowledge to create their own fabric circuits using materials like vinyl cut copper foil and conductive copper tape.
One of the highlights of the workshop was demonstrating how these techniques could be applied to create fabric speakers. To further the hands-on learning experience, I programmed microcontroller ICs for the class, allowing participants to directly engage with building and testing their own circuits throughout the course. This practical approach not only reinforced the theoretical aspects covered but also provided students with a tangible sense of achievement and a solid foundation for further exploration in the field of soft circuitry.
This workshop was debuted at Make+Think+Code Lab at Pacific Northwest College of Art.
In 2017 I was asked to create an interactive installation for the Array Festival in Dallas, Tx. I wanted to create a wall-hanging interactive installation that would invite users to play a musical performance that would be durable enough for installation in a public setting. Having worked with Thomas Hudson and CTRLH in the past on his interactive cube installation, I decided to repurpose that existing hardware to work for this installation as a way to continue the momentum. The programming was primarily written by Zac Archer and Gus Reiter helped to create the trailing light effects. I built all of the electronic hardware and assembled the custom enclosure, which utilized a CNC milled wood baffling frame, acrylic diffusers, abs dividers, and piezoelectric sensors. I would like to take this same electronic configuration and repurpose it for future sculptural ideas.
The electronics and CAD files were all pre-assembled in Portland, OR and then I cut and assembled all the hardware enclosures at the Dallas Makerspace a few weeks prior to the event.
Ripping down material for the LED touch wallAssembling components for the LED touch wall.Assembling components for the LED touch wallAssembling touch panels for the LED touch wall
For the 2017 Bay Area Maker Faire, I helped create an interactive synthesizer for Paul Stoffregen, the creator of Teensy Microcontrollers. We displayed the synthesizer in the Kickstarter booth during the event. Paul had successfully kickstarted his new Teensy 3.6 and wanted to build a synthesizer that showcased some of its potentials, so he commissioned me from LadyBrain Studios, Ross Fish of Moffenzeef Modular, Ben Davis of Malekko to build an interactive synthesizer to take to the Bay Area Maker Faire. Together we created a multifunctional synthesizer we called the ‘Monolith Synth’.
I and Paul flew to SFo ahead of the event to assemble the synthesizer with the crew from Tested.
Check out this detailed post on the DorkBotPDX page with links to the design files for this project. https://dorkbotpdx.org/node/1274
This was the display card included with the demos
We had less than a month to complete the project, but with the other talented members on the team, we were able to create a durable and collaborative synth in time for the Bay Area Maker Faire.
The kids at the event had a blast interacting with the monolith synthesizer.
We won a ‘best in class’ award for our creation, Thanks Bay Area Maker Faire and Kickstarter!
In 2018, I collaborated with Thomas Hudson to develop the audio content for his wind chime project, working alongside several other contributors from PDX Hackerspace. This project was showcased at both Pickathon and the Portland Mini-Maker Faire ’18, highlighting our efforts in friendly, interactive audio installations.
I was commissioned by Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips to build a custom-designed light-reactive sculptural instrument, which was actively used for a solo noise performance during their 2011 tour. It was used on several occasions for the closing act of the song “Sleeping on the Roof”, being used during their live performance for the closing sequence of the last song from the album “The Soft Bulletin” and works as a great stage prop that has a lot of character to it. The tentacles, which were built upon request by Wayne, were built with a tone and volume control. Each tentacle produces its own sound, all of which are initially tuned to the same frequency, so the noise produced helps create the foundation for a ‘wall of sound’ with the 6 notes being played simultaneously.
One of the custom-built instruments by Darcy Neal made for Wayne Coyne
Here are some examples of the kit version of this instrument being used. I was testing it out with a stationary light source, as well as my programmable light sequencer, which is a work in progress.
During this workshop, I introduce students to the fundamentals of designing audio circuits, specifically focusing on CMOS ICs and various resistive inputs. The session is designed to be hands-on, with students learning to solder a printed circuit board kit I developed. This kit is not just a learning tool for the workshop but also a resource for any future designs that students might undertake, aimed at simplifying breadboard prototyping. The workshop is aimed to be completed in under 3 hours.
The curriculum for the CMOS design workshop was significantly inspired by the book “Handmade Electronic Music.” It was a privilege to teach this workshop alongside Nicolas Collins for his sonic arts class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), bringing the concepts from the book to life. The workshop was also conducted for Jesse Seay’s electronic sound arts class at Columbia College and at Pumping Station: One, Chicago’s largest and oldest hackerspace.
At each session, we explored different sound applications, allowing students to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of sound circuitry. Particularly at Pumping Station: One, students not only learned about different sound applications but also gained valuable skills in soldering and reading schematics. This workshop was a comprehensive exploration of audio circuitry, offering students foundational knowledge and skills that they could carry forward into their own creative and technical endeavours.
The success of this workshop series was significantly bolstered by the generous donation of circuit board prodcution, courtesy of OshPark. This contribution was instrumental in mitigating the costs associated with PCB production, thereby enhancing the accessibility and quality of the workshop for all participants.
Workshop Conducted at SAIC for Nicolas Collins’ Hardware Hacking Class
Footage from Jesse Seay’s Electronics Class at Columbia College.
Darcy Neal and Nicolas Collins
Nicolas Collins, the esteemed author of “Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking,” has been a significant influence in my formative years in the field of electronic arts. His book provided not only inspiration but also foundational knowledge that propelled my journey in electronics and music. Therefore, it was a great honor to attend and conduct a workshop for his electronics class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). This opportunity allowed me to share my experiences and knowledge with a new generation of creators, all under the guidance of a figure who has been so pivotal in my own educational and professional development.
Footage from the electronics workshop held at Pumping Station: One. Special thanks to Jesse Seay for their assistance in organizing this event!
