We love it when PCB artwork is actually artwork. Here’s one example of a radio whose layout mimics the map of London’s subway system.
The build is for an exhibit at the London Design Museum. They have an artist in residence program which allowed Yuri Suzuki time and resources to undertake the project. He speaks briefly about the concepts behind it in the video after the break.
The top layer of copper, and silk screen was positioned to mirror the subway lines and stops on a traditional transportation map. Major components represent various transfer hubs. In this way he hopes the functioning of the circuit can be followed by a layman in the same way one would plan a trip across town.
This may be a bit more abstract than you’re willing to go with your own projects. But there are certainly other options to spicing you track layout.
[Thanks Murli and Hsiboy]
Underground… not ‘Subway’
Agree completely. “Subway” has a completely different meaning over in the UK – an underpass
It’s definitely London Underground but subway can mean a below-ground train system in the UK (Glasgow Subway):
http://www.spt.co.uk/subway/
fastfood outlet!
Yes, as in Rochester, MN, USA, “Subway”, in addition to being a sandwich franchise, also describes an “underground” pedestrian pathway, i.e. no trains. Likewise the enclosed pedestrian bridges over roads or the river are called “Skyways”.
Yes and the Underground maps are in coloUr for each line.
is the track used as a (under)ground rail?
Bazinga!
This is amazing. It reminds me of an interactive exhibit I saw in Barcelona that merged design and technology
Wow – Thats really clever.
Lots of the top of the board looks like it is just ground traces – but he has left small gaps just beside where the components are – that way it looks continuous, but should actually work.
Well done!
I’m wondering if some of the “gaps” or parallel traces are used as capacitors. As much as I’d like to think so, I suspect not.
Looks great.
Great idea! Now the problem is getting songs other than “London Calling” to sound good.
Now that’s a proper “tube” radio!
*groan*
I see what you did there…
I bet this radio plays “London Calling” 24/24.
Still, could be worse. Just imagine he had used a San Francisco network map …
Wouldn’t the SF map require recursion?
Work of Beauty and clever indeed.
Wonder if the audience realizes that radios do not work in the subway/underground.
Kind of ironic.
Double side PCB 50% close enough.
I love “Piccadilly Circuit” on the map. <3