How did we track the crossfader during the Art Hack Day?!? ZOMG!! So many questions!

The answer is very simple! We used a VCA Mixer. Specifically the Vestax PMC-07 Pro. Because you know… we’re pro like that.

I hear you asking now, “But, sir! WTF is a VCA Mixer?!?!”

Well, I’m glad you asked. Allow me to explain: VCA or Voltage Controlled Amplifier means that instead of sending the audio signal to the crossfader the mixer instead sends a voltage which in turn controls the volume level for each channel. This makes determining the position of the fader very easy; simply measure the voltage for each channel.

Go team awesome!

Yes, I hear you. You’re wondering, “That’s all well and good, but how am I supposed to hook it all up?!?”

Here I drew you a picture too!

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN

  How did we track the crossfader during the Art Hack Day?!? ZOMG!! So many questions! The answer is very simple! We used a VCA Mixer. Specifically the Vestax PMC-07 Pro. Because you know... we're pro like that. I hear you asking now, "But, sir! WTF is a VCA Mixer?!?!" Well, I'm glad you asked. Allow me to explain: VCA or Voltage Controlled Amplifier means that instead of sending the audio signal to the crossfader the mixer instead sends a voltage which in turn controls the volume level for each channel. This makes determining the position of the fader very easy; simply measure the voltage for each channel. In the case of the PMC-07 Pro the voltage that is sent to the crossfader is 10V DC. We used an Arduino Uno to monitor the voltage. It maxes out at 5V. Not wanting to explode the Arduino with 10V we used a simple voltage divider on each channel utilizing two (four total) 1 megaohm resistors. We would have been a lot better off using 100 kilohm resistors. Using an opamp would have been even more betterer but... we didn't have any of those. Because we're so damn pro and didn't have any of the parts to make a proper Y cable we just soldered everything to the crossfader. Go team awesome!   Yes, I hear you. You're wondering, "That's all well and good, but how am I supposed to hook it all up?!?"   Simple! Follow these amazeball instructions. The PMC-07 Pro uses a 4 pin connector on the crossfader. The outside pins are power and ground the middle pins are for the channels. Use a volt meter to determine which pin is power and which pin is ground. Plug ground into one of the ground pins on the Arduino and the two center pins from the fader through a voltage divider and into two analog pins on the Arduino. We used A0 and A1. You do not need to hook anything up to the 10V power pin on the mixer. Got it?   Here I drew you a picture too! CLICK TO EMBIGGEN The Arduino sketch we used can be found here. In summation here is a list of items you must procure to do this: Vestax PMC-07 Pro mixer (Any VCA mixer will do, just drop the voltage to 5V or less.) Four 100 kilohm resistors An Arduino A proper Y cable for the PMC-07 Pro. Instructable for building it is here Arduino sketch found here Build your Y cable. Make a couple voltage dividers. Hook it up like the picture above and BLAMO! #Pro-Tip: Elliot Marx informed me that if you use an Innofader (the origional, not the Pro or PNP) it will limit the VCA voltages of the PMC-07 Pro to 5V eliminating the need for the voltage dividers. Wire colors for the Innofader are as follows: Blue = 5V Green = VCA1 (varies from 0 to 5 volts) Yellow = VCA2 (varies from 5 to 0 volts, moves opposite from VCA1) Grey = ground Thank you Elliot!  

SML (Scratch Markup Language) is a new file format for recording and replaying turntablism. We’ve developed open-source tools for accurately capturing the record and crossfader movements of a scratch DJ, allowing us to analyze, transcribe, and recreate scratch performances.

We want to do for turntablism what Graffiti Markup Language has done for tagging — especially teaching giant robot arms how to scratch.

At Art Hack Day we collaborated with other artists and programmers to develop the first prototypes of ScratchML. We used timecode vinyl to capture record movements ($10) and a hacked VCA fader + Arduino to record the crossfader ($30).

Scratch data was saved to disk as .sml and broadcast as OSC, which allowed other Art Hack Day participants to build visualizations based on what the DJ was scratching during the exhibition. The apps ranged from spinning-vinyl animations and TTM transcriptions to insane exploding 3D pizzas and a side-scrolling videogame shooter controlled by scratches.

Our goal is to make capturing, replaying, and sharing a scratch performance accurate and easy. SML files can be freely uploaded and downloaded from the ScratchML.com database. We’re particularly looking forward to improving the experience of learning how to scratch — e.g. by building apps that show you just how accurate your autobahn scratches actually are.

Throughout the week here on FAT we’ll be publishing ScratchML projects created during Art Hack Day, data specs, source code, hardware modification details and more.

Want to get involved? Join the ScratchML mailing list, follow us on GitHub, or email me with any questions. More info to come at scratchML.com

More photos here

SML (Scratch Markup Language) is a new file format for recording and replaying turntablism. We've developed open-source tools for accurately capturing the record and crossfader movements of a scratch DJ, allowing us to analyze, transcribe, and recreate scratch performances. We want to do for turntablism what Graffiti Markup Language has done for tagging -- especially teaching giant robot arms how to scratch. At Art Hack Day we collaborated with other artists and programmers to develop the first prototypes of ScratchML. We used timecode vinyl to capture record movements ($10) and a hacked VCA fader + Arduino to record the crossfader ($30). Scratch data was saved to disk as .sml and broadcast as OSC, which allowed other Art Hack Day participants to build visualizations based on what the DJ was scratching during the exhibition. The apps ranged from spinning-vinyl animations and TTM transcriptions to insane exploding 3D pizzas and a side-scrolling videogame shooter controlled by scratches. Our goal is to make capturing, replaying, and sharing a scratch performance accurate and easy. SML files can be freely uploaded and downloaded from the ScratchML.com database. We're particularly looking forward to improving the experience of learning how to scratch -- e.g. by building apps that show you just how accurate your autobahn scratches actually are. Throughout the week here on FAT we'll be publishing ScratchML projects created during Art Hack Day, data specs, source code, hardware modification details and more. Want to get involved? Join the ScratchML mailing list, follow us on GitHub, or email me with any questions. More info to come at scratchML.com More photos here

Kyle McDonald and I will be developing a new project at the upcoming Art Hack Day in Brooklyn, which culminates in a public art exhibition at 319 Scholes on Saturday, 1/28 at 7pm.

Internet, you are invited to attend. There will be art, technology, free beer (as in beer) and free source code (as in speech). and $3 beers. The source code remains free.

Over the next few days Kyle and I will be working on the first prototypes of Scratch Markup Language, an open-source system for capturing, describing and digitizing turntablism.

Want to get involved? Sign up for the ScratchML mailing list, follow @scratchML on GitHub or join #fatlab IRC and ping @jamiew

Kyle McDonald and I will be developing a new project at the upcoming Art Hack Day in Brooklyn, which culminates in a public art exhibition at 319 Scholes on Saturday, 1/28 at 7pm. Internet, you are invited to attend. There will be art, technology, free beer (as in beer) and free source code (as in speech). and $3 beers. The source code remains free. Over the next few days Kyle and I will be working on the first prototypes of Scratch Markup Language, an open-source system for capturing, describing and digitizing turntablism. Want to get involved? Sign up for the ScratchML mailing list, follow @scratchML on GitHub or join #fatlab IRC and ping @jamiew

git-friendly is a collection of shell scripts for automating common git actions: push, pull, branch, merge. I got tired of typing 3 or 4 commands to do such basic stuff, and now my life is awesome.

• `push` also copies a GitHub compare URL to your clipboard for easy pasting (!)
• `pull` will run commands like “bundle install” or “npm install” after finishing
• `branch` will track remote branches if available
• relevant commands stash & pop local changes as needed
• less time fighting git = more time actually doing work

Check out the code and docs on GitHub

To install, just copy/paste: bash < <( curl https://github.com/jamiew/git-friendly/raw/master/install.sh)

Now get back to work:

Just listen to what everyone is saying!

• "Amazeballs." --@paul_irish
• "Don't let git PUSH you around. git git friendly!" --Max Salzberg, Diaspora*
• "I am putting the fucking 'technology' back in Free Art & Technology" --yours truly

git-friendly is a collection of shell scripts for automating common git actions: push, pull, branch, merge. I got tired of typing 3 or 4 commands to do such basic stuff, and now my life is awesome. `push` also copies a GitHub compare URL to your clipboard for easy pasting (!) `pull` will run commands like "bundle install" or "npm install" after finishing `branch` will track remote branches if available relevant commands stash & pop local changes as needed less time fighting git = more time actually doing work Check out the code and docs on GitHub To install, just copy/paste: bash <

000000book.com (“Blackbook”) is a new website for archiving and sharing motion-captured graffiti tags. Tags are saved as Graffiti Markup Language (GML) files, which can be created with freely available software like Graffiti Analysis, Laser Tag, and with our two new iPhone apps, DustTag and FatTag Deluxe: Katsu Edition.

Anyone can easily upload GML to #000000book through our open API, and the aforementioned iPhone apps have 000000book.com upload built-in — download the app, start tagging, tap ‘upload’, and see your work immediately featured on the frontpage.

By registering on #000000book you can link your iPhone (or any other device) and your uploads will be automatically added to your account. While browsing the site you can also mark tags as ‘favorites,’ and leave comments/talk shit. And each user has a profile page that shows off their bling:

For example: Tempt1 uploads tags from his EyeWriter in LA, and Katsu and AVONE have been uploading some dope tags from their phones:

Katsu vs. James Cameron, created with FatTag Deluxe

Programmers & artists can then download your GML data and render the tags in any conceivable way, shape, or form. Since our launch last week we’ve already seen a number of amazing GML-based projects:

* Robotagger draws graffiti tags with an 8-foot robotic arm (seriously)
* Baybayin Motion Analysis uses GML to capture & study a pre-Filipino writing system
* Experimental Flash 3D Renderer (Flash) by Ben Hopkins (Kode80)
* GML particle system rendering (Flash) by DIZGID

Developers: we’re compiling API documentation to get you started pulling in GML and/or uploading your own data, as well as sample drawing code for Flash, C++, Javascript and more. Discussion & brainstorming is happening on our mailing list and in #fatlab IRC

Make sure to submit any applications you create — if it runs inside a web browser (e.g. Flash, Javascript or Processing) it can even be used by #000000book visitors to preview tags!

000000book.com ("Blackbook") is a new website for archiving and sharing motion-captured graffiti tags. Tags are saved as Graffiti Markup Language (GML) files, which can be created with freely available software like Graffiti Analysis, Laser Tag, and with our two new iPhone apps, DustTag and FatTag Deluxe: Katsu Edition. Anyone can easily upload GML to #000000book through our open API, and the aforementioned iPhone apps have 000000book.com upload built-in -- download the app, start tagging, tap 'upload', and see your work immediately featured on the frontpage. By registering on #000000book you can link your iPhone (or any other device) and your uploads will be automatically added to your account. While browsing the site you can also mark tags as 'favorites,' and leave comments/talk shit. And each user has a profile page that shows off their bling: For example: Tempt1 uploads tags from his EyeWriter in LA, and Katsu and AVONE have been uploading some dope tags from their phones: Katsu vs. James Cameron, created with FatTag Deluxe Programmers & artists can then download your GML data and render the tags in any conceivable way, shape, or form. Since our launch last week we've already seen a number of amazing GML-based projects: * Robotagger draws graffiti tags with an 8-foot robotic arm (seriously) * Baybayin Motion Analysis uses GML to capture & study a pre-Filipino writing system * Experimental Flash 3D Renderer (Flash) by Ben Hopkins (Kode80) * GML particle system rendering (Flash) by DIZGID Developers: we're compiling API documentation to get you started pulling in GML and/or uploading your own data, as well as sample drawing code for Flash, C++, Javascript and more. Discussion & brainstorming is happening on our mailing list and in #fatlab IRC Make sure to submit any applications you create -- if it runs inside a web browser (e.g. Flash, Javascript or Processing) it can even be used by #000000book visitors to preview tags!

Graffiti Analysis is now available pocket sized for everyday use with the release of the iPhone edition: DustTag v1.0!

DustTag is an iPhone application designed for graffiti writers that visualizes the motion involved in the creation of a tag. Motion data is recorded, analyzed and archived in a free and open database, 000000book.com, where writers can share 3-D animated representations of their hand styles. Features include: line thickness based on speed, tags rendered in 3-D based on time, rotating the phone rotates the tag in 3-D, and much more!

Download source code (OpenFrameworks)

Project page

Download from Apple App store

Graffiti Analysis: DustTag was created by Chris Sugrue and Evan Roth in OpenFramewerkz.

Note: The current version of DustTag is available for 3.1.2, but will shortly be updated for compatibility with 3.0 and higher.

Graffiti Analysis is now available pocket sized for everyday use with the release of the iPhone edition: DustTag v1.0! DustTag is an iPhone application designed for graffiti writers that visualizes the motion involved in the creation of a tag. Motion data is recorded, analyzed and archived in a free and open database, 000000book.com, where writers can share 3-D animated representations of their hand styles. Features include: line thickness based on speed, tags rendered in 3-D based on time, rotating the phone rotates the tag in 3-D, and much more! Download source code (OpenFrameworks) Project page Download from Apple App store Graffiti Analysis: DustTag was created by Chris Sugrue and Evan Roth in OpenFramewerkz. Note: The current version of DustTag is available for 3.1.2, but will shortly be updated for compatibility with 3.0 and higher.

Do more projects in less time!
Do Speed Projects!

Update! Greg Leuch release a handy Speed Project Widget. It’s super easy to create the desired time stamp now (including the fail option, haha…)

In to stead of working on some GREAT piece for a whole year do faster projects. Do Speed Projects!  Start labeling your latest work with the official Speed Project stamp. Check the amount of time you needed for full production time inculding online publication. A Speed Project may not take longer than 8h max. Adding up time fragments is not allowed, once you started the clock is running (skip lunch or better do a project during lunchtime ;-)

Download the template now and release something today! Be fast! Go go go !
Setting up this project took me roughly one hour. Also check my ‘lunch’-project ‘Nerd Scrunchy‘

Aram Bartholl 2009

Do more projects in less time! Do Speed Projects! Update! Greg Leuch release a handy Speed Project Widget. It's super easy to create the desired time stamp now (including the fail option, haha...) In to stead of working on some GREAT piece for a whole year do faster projects. Do Speed Projects!  Start labeling your latest work with the official Speed Project stamp. Check the amount of time you needed for full production time inculding online publication. A Speed Project may not take longer than 8h max. Adding up time fragments is not allowed, once you started the clock is running (skip lunch or better do a project during lunchtime ;-) Download the template now and release something today! Be fast! Go go go ! Setting up this project took me roughly one hour. Also check my 'lunch'-project 'Nerd Scrunchy' Aram Bartholl 2009

ADVANCED FAT LAB TECHNOLOGY DETECTS KANYE BLOG RANTS AND ALERTS TO TWITTER IN REAL-TIME.

STAY ALERT. STAY SAFE. SUBSCRIBE TO THE KANYE RANT DETECTION SYSTEM

→ SOURCE CODE (RUBY+MECHANIZE)
BY JAMIE WILKINSON & EVAN ROTH

ADVANCED FAT LAB TECHNOLOGY DETECTS KANYE BLOG RANTS AND ALERTS TO TWITTER IN REAL-TIME. STAY ALERT. STAY SAFE. SUBSCRIBE TO THE KANYE RANT DETECTION SYSTEM &rarr; SOURCE CODE (RUBY+MECHANIZE) BY JAMIE WILKINSON & EVAN ROTH Help essayWithout daily intriguing Help essay , life in company will be principally just hard.