WiLanOUI == Wireless LAN(local Area network) outdoor audio installation(working title)

The basic idea is to create a sound installation consisting of multiple electronic insect-like audio micro organisms which work together as a group. Each member of the group will be able to communicate, listen(receive) and 'talk' (transmit) to all the others. The group will work together creating a multi-layered soundscape of 'songs' by passing various information back and forth.

This experience to the listener will hopefully be some what like standing in a rural area with grasshoppers, crickets, birds, or frogs sounding. Small sounds will be coming from all directions but it is almost impossible to see the critters. The system will be consist approximately 6 to 10 small identical microprocessor based electronic micro sound organism units mounted in a weather proof casing(PVC pipe, or clear plastic bottles) which will be hung in trees, mounted on poles, and hidden in bushes. The system will operate as a multi nodal local area network.

Each unit will be based on a solar powered Basic Stamp micro processor which will react to the local environmental conditions and communicate the changes as micro sound and wireless serial RF transmissions to other same units in the vicinity. Each unit will have a Parallax wireless serial RF transceiver, temperature sensor, light sensor, moisture sensor, infrared proximity sensor, piezo transducer speaker, solar cell and more.

Each unit will operate independently but will work with the others as a group transmitting , receiving and reacting to the environment and themselves. The installation will question and comment on issues of artificial life, impact of technology on the environment , and what sound pollution is or is not.

This installation is a continuation of research done on solar powered electronic sound 'micro-organisms' explored during a media arts wilderness retreat February 2002 in Tasmania Australia. The documentation for this project, Gregory's Sun Sucker , includes contextualization and information concerning the goals of this project.

Please visit http://www.cheapmeat.net/SunSucker.html for more information.

BACK