In week one of the unit we built the worlds simplest circuit. A light reactive six-oscillator instrument. Equipment used for this circuit was a breadboard, CMOS Hex Schmitt Trigger IC, resistors, Capacitors, pots and photo-resistors (LDR), Small signal diode, hookup wire, 1/4″, 9v battery and connector. This is the first time I have done physical computing and feel satisfied with the outcome of it.

Parts ready to build:

I found the small scale of the instrument somewhat challenging due to my vision so didn’t feel entirely confident in my skills creating it. I decided to recreate the circuit at home to gain better understanding. At first I didn’t think the circuit worked and left it on my desk. when the sun came through my window I realised I had built the circuit correctly there just was not enough light to make it react.

The way the sound and natural light interact creates an interesting audio-visual experience, the relationship between the natural and technological world seen here is something I would be interested in exploring more perhaps taking it to an installation context.