hello world

Location, Dates, and Times

Intermedia Gallery, CCA
350 Sauchiehall Steet
Glasgow, Wednesday evenings 6:30 - 10:00 PM
January 21, 28, February 4, 11
Free, but limited spaces available

About the workshops

The first series of workshops offered in conjunction with the "hello world" exhibition launching project2891. These workshops use the nodes in the exhibition as a platform to introduce the basics of using Pure Data (Pd) in conjunction with Arduino to create interactive artworks. They will also demonstrate how to use protocol2891 to network these creations.

What will be covered

The the workshops are best considered an introduction to physical computing. Activities will be centered around using Pd to program screen, sound and physical events. Complimenting this, the basics of using Arduino micro controllers to interface with switches, sensors and other electronic bits will also be introduced. However, in the interest of keeping things as simple as possible all of the programming will be done in Pure Data, including controlling Arduino boards. The workshops won't be dealing much in writing code using the Arduino programming language. There isn't enough time to introduce two programing languages, and the fundamentals of electronic circuits in this workshop series. However, whatever programming language used, the fundamentals of physical computing are more or less the same. The concepts introduced in "hello world" will translate fairly easily to other tools used in making these types of work. By concentrating on only one programming method, participants in the workshop should get to see results quicker regardless if they are interested in making things move, a speaker beep, or an animation play on a monitor.

Who it's for

These workshops are aimed at people who are interested in physical computing or making dynamic computer-based artworks, but who have had little or no experience programing or making circuits. They are programming workshops aimed at people who are less interested in programming, and more interested in "making stuff do stuff". However, they are still intrinsically programing and circuit building workshops.

These workshops are best suited for people who are comfortable using a computer, but aren't experienced programmers. You need not have heard of Pure Data, Arduino before, but it's a good idea to be familiar with files, directories, and how to install software on a computer. Similarly, you need not know how to solder, or what a transistor is. But you should have some idea how a light switch works.

If you are only interested in Pd, but have no interest in picking up a soldering iron, or if you are a bit more experienced in any of the topics covered, you might be interested in attending the workshops a la carte. If space is available, you are more than welcome to come along to as many or as few of the sessions as you would like. Please keep in mind that priority will be given to participants who have signed up for the entire series. You can find the schedule on the workshop's wiki page.

What you will need

There is no fee for the workshops. However, to get the most from them, participants are encouraged to bring along an Arduino board and some other bits to play with. Kits with the required parts are available for people looking for one-stop shopping, and need to be reserved in advance. Alternatively, you can find a list of what parts you need and where you can get them on the wiki. These are all things that you'll probably want anyway if you are planning on continuing to work with electronics.

Participants should also bring a computer to the workshop. The wiki has details of the minimum specs required. If you can't bring a computer along, please contact me and I will try to source one for you to use (no promises though).

There will be a Linux "live DVD" available which has all the required software installed, setup and ready to go. Using the DVD will allow you to try the software out without having to install anything on your computer. This CD will be used for all demonstrations are based on using Linux, and there may be some minor adjustments needed if you are looking to use OS X or Windows. All the software used in the workshop is Open-Source, and freely available for installation. You should have little or no trouble using a recent version of Linux or Apple's OS X. If your computer is running Microsoft Windows, you'll probably be better off using the live CD. If you really, really, want to use XP, you can find installation instructions on the wiki. Do keep in mind that we won't be able to spend much time in the workshops troubleshooting installation problems, so you're probably better off using the live CD if at all possible.

How to sign up

There are a limited number (10) of spaces available for the workshops. To ensure that you have a space, please send an email to me (Ben Dembroski) at info at dembroski dot net. Be sure to let me know if you would like to reserve a supply kit, if you'd like me to try to source you a computer, and any other questions you might have. If you are interested in attending a la carte style, just let me know which sessions you are interested in. All reservations are first come, first served with preference given to people who wish to attend the whole series. Walk-ins off the street are possible, depending on the number of people attending.