When most of us approach a project, we have a certain problem to solve. 3D printing, microcontrollers, batteries, and all kinds of technologies are usually tools to accomplish some task. This is not necessarily true in the art world, though, where the intrinsic nature of these tools can be explored for their own sake rather than as a means to an end. The latest one that came across our desk is this light-powered sound generator.
The art piece looks a bit like a mobile with rotating arms, holding various small solar cells each connected to a speaker. As the arms pivot, the light falling on the cells changes which drives a specially-designed circuit connected to a speaker. The circuit acts as an oscillator, passing the changing voltage from the cell through various capacitors and transistors to produce changing tones in the speaker.
The effect of the rotating solar panels is not only oscillations from the speakers as the light changes, but oscillations in the sound of the speakers as they rotate towards and away from the observer. It’s a unique project and perfect for the art show it was in. It’s also not the only sound-focused art installation we’ve ever seen before, be sure to check out this one based on an ESP32.
” As the arms pivot, the light falling on the cells changes which drives a specially-designed circuit connected to a speaker. The circuit acts as an oscillator, passing the changing voltage from the cell through various capacitors and transistors to produce changing tones in the speaker.”
Was a 555 the specially-designed circuit?
B^)
The circuit is given in the link. There’s no 555. It’s actually pretty clever design.
Impressive, back to basics with analog circuitry instead of throwing in an RP2040 whenever there’s a chance. No 555 in sight though.
From his blog: “With a decent breeze and some sunshine it sounds like sad birds, crying kittens, dying angels (make your own mind up)”.
Nice…
Yay! Isn’t that bittersweet, kind of ?
– Oh, that reminds me of a Japanese article by the way.
“In Japanese, the word “natsukashi” reflects a kind of nostalgia tinged with both happiness and sadness. Given the timing of their blooming, cherry blossoms also embody this sense of nostalgia for many Japanese.”
Source: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/story/guide/the-japanese-cherry-blossom-trees/index.html
Would be nice if the audio/speaker would be used as a sort of motor to keep the solar panel in the sun ;)
Ah expected to see Gijs Gieskes work here, anywhere here you go: https://gieskes.nl/music/?file=zonneliedjes
Wow, thanks for the link! So many beautiful ideas…and implementations!
This seems like a fantastic way to annoy your neighbors.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cool project…
Throw this into the mix with a selection of wind chimes where one of the chimes is badly tuned :)