LEMURplex classes – learn arduino, jitter, microcontrollers, fiberglass and robotics

LEMUR’s Spring Art & Technology classes begin next week, everyone I know has great things to say about these classes so if you’re in the area (NYC) they are accepting registrations for all classes for a few more days —

Build Your Own Music/Video MIDI Controller:
Creating a Sensor Instrument with MidiTron
Mondays April 9, 16, 23, 6:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Leif Krinkle
Imagine waving your hand and having an orchestra at your fingertips or tapping on a surface to explore a video archive. This is all possible through the use of MIDI and sensor-based technology. In three sessions, you will design and build a controller to create your art with the easy-to-use MidiTron (http://miditron.com) interface.

Emphasis will be on hands-on learning. Basic electronics and Max/MSP/Jitter (http://cycling74.com/products/maxmsp) programming will also be covered. No previous knowledge of electronics, sensors or programming is assumed. Background information will be covered and the bulk of the class will be focused on building a working controller that you will take home and begin to create with. Examples of previous project ideas include a shoe that creates notes for each step and a glove that determines lighting cues in a theatrical performance. This is of interest to Artists, Musicians, Dancers, Actors, Engineers, Programmers, Lighting, Sound and Graphic Designers and others.

Advanced Jitter: Beyond the Filters
Tuesdays April 10, 17, 24, 6:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Joshua Goldberg
This is a three-part workshop for Max users who are familiar with Jitter’s (http://cycling74.com/products/jitter) paradigm and basic functionality and want to learn more. We will explore the following areas: advanced OpenGL programming, data exchange between MSP and Jitter, cv.jit and video tracking, non-realtime uses of the Jitter matrix system and much more.

Prerequisites: Understanding of the Max scheduler and workflow, MSP signal capabilities, the Jitter matrix format and a basic understanding of OpenGL. (Don’t fake it – this class is for advanced users.)

Intermediate Microcontroller Programming for Artists:
Going Further with the Arduino System
Wednesdays, April 11, 18, 25, 6:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Roberto Osoria-Goenaga
A project-based course that combines basic skills (acquired in Intro to Microcontroller Programming for Artists or elsewhere) with the creative vision to produce a final project. Students must be familiar with Arduino (http://www.arduino.cc) microcontroller programming, including writing code, serial communications and utilizing different forms of digital and analog input or output from the board. Students must also have a grasp of basic electronics, including circuits, Ohm’s law, voltage dividers, motors and transistors.

Students should own an Arduino board. Shopping for components online will be discussed during the first class, and students will create an electronics component order for their project, which will be verified for correctness before being submitted.

Students should also have an idea for a project they would like to build. (Beginners should wait for the next Intro to Microcontroller Programming class to be offered.)

Fun With Fiberglass: Basic Composite Fabrication
Monday, April 30, 6:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Bob Huott

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.

Robotics Control for Kinetic Art: Electronics and Software
Saturday & Sunday, April 21, 22, 12:00-4:30 pm
Instructor: Douglas Repetto
This class focuses on electronic design and software control techniques for artists interested in using robotic or kinetic elements in their work. We will cover motor types and selection, basic electronics theory, motor control options and techniques, hardware interfaces and robotic control software. The class is a mix of theory and hands-on learning. Participants are encouraged to bring works-in-progress, surplus motors, mechanisms, etc., to be worked on in class. The class will not cover much of the mechanical side of robotics, so some experience with building mechanisms is recommended but not required. (Mechanics is covered in the Mechanics of Robotics course, which will be offered again in the next few months.)

LEMURplex Classes – Link.