Circuit Bending: an idea for a CS0 class project

Susan Reiser

UNC Asheville

08/14/09

Audience

• Syllabus• Freshman Liberal Studies Colloquium

– No prerequisites– Somewhat self-selecting– Lab/lecture– Small class size – Writing intensive– Does not fulfill a major requirement

What’s Circuit Bending?

• The deliberate short circuiting of electronic toys or instruments

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy1mdLpy0SY (father of circuit bending Reed Ghazala, 1:50-5:00)

– Random sounds– Circuit exploration– Sound found object art– Example: We are Records Circuit Bent

Compilation, Noise and Toys Promo

Why a Circuit Bending Assignment?

• Good fit for freshman liberal studies course: exemplifies interdisciplinary connections.

• Exploration of circuits will [hopefully] motivate some students to achieve a level of competency with basic electronics, multimeter, soldering…

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Why not just program the Arduino or BoeBot?

Why not just program the Arduino or BoeBot?

• To reach those other students…• To reach those other students…

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QuickTime™ and aYUV420 codec decompressor

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QuickTime™ and aYUV420 codec decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Assignment Idea

• Buy a CHEAP, BATTERY-OPERATED, USED electronic toy or instrument.

• During two classes:– Bend.

• Explore the circuitry.• Mark interesting new short circuits.• Replace existing resistors with variable resistors.• Bypass capacitors.

– In case you destroy your toy, team up with someone who hasn’t destroyed their toy.

Assignment Idea

• Write a one page expository entry on your favorite musician who uses bent instruments or is classified as a futurist. What is your favorite recording? Why? Please link to a clip of that recording. Explain why you think her/his/their work is significant.

Pros and Cons

• Unpredictable• Students may/will

learn to solder.• Fun

• Unpredictable• Might trash the

speaker, board…• Might not have

interesting bends.• Solder burns