GMU:The Conceptual Sensor/Julian Castillo

Improbable Switch / Assignment 1

For this assignment I began by testing conductive materials that would allow me to create an improbable switch. My first approach was a key that would trigger sound and light when inserted into a lock. After tests and fixes... It worked!!! :)

Later on I got curious about the possibility to create a device that could be set in different places, so it would have the ability to be placed between objects, under, above, etc, allowing some flexibility in this respect, so the surrounding setting could be changed as needed.

I came up with a "pressure switch" that would turn itself off whenever pressure was released, and on otherwise. A flexible structure that would return to its original shape seemed to be a good solution (thus facilitating the closing and opening of the circuit). I was able to achieve my goal by using a sponge, wires, cardboard, tape, and aluminum foil. (see the video below)

If you can see the video, please go to this link: [1]

<videoflash>higlHq2AbrM|640|400</videoflash>

Experimental Resistance/Assignment 2

For this assignment I wanted to continue experimenting with sound. I got excited when I found out that different pitches could be produced by a variation on the resistance.

At this point I decided to build a device capable of producing a wide range of sounds. I used different substances and combinations of them that would result on a variation of the amount of ions in the solution, and therefore its conductivity. I wired the whole structure with wire and conductive material to connect all the substances and surfaces, by doing so I increased the sound possibilities based on the random combinations that could take place.

This experimental resistance was a "solutions chain" located in the middle of a circuit. Here the person interacting with the device would select in which points of the solutions chain he/she wanted to place the props, producing a different outcome.

If you cannot see the video, please go to this link: [2]

<videoflash>GOPm6yR4RG4|640|400</videoflash>