Aitor Aloa @ Fab Academy 2017
week 125/01 - 01/02
project management;
use git to build a personal site in the class archive describing you and your final project
proposal
I want to make an open source projector shutter (hereinafter called OSPS).
origin
I was setting up my own studio when I heard for the first time about Open-source hardware. It was in a workshop called Paisajes Lumínicos (Luminous Landscapes, Jet Lag Bio Festival 2009). The workshop was given by Alex Posada. The name of the workshop attracted my attention and I applied for attendance as soon as it was possible. It was well worth the time.
In this workshop the Arduino platform was used to control diferent kind of lighting devices (LEDs, fluorescent lamps,...). In the same way, we learned about the multiple application capabitilies of Arduino. But the most important things of all, we heard about a new way of dealing with electronics and the open knowledge sharing model.
I soon realised about the potential that an open source device could have, profesionally thinking. I though that mixing it with the activities of the studio was a good idea. A bit later, I understood its capabilities to change the world.
A few months later, I decided to go-for-it with Open-source hardware, I opened an online shop and I wrote a list of devices that I would like to add to its catalogue.
The OSPS (Open Source Proyector Shutter) is the first project on that list.
project details
The OSPS is a video projector shutter based on Open-source hardware that you can use to produce effective blackouts for the projector.
You can use it with any kind of video proyector as a mechanical DMX shutter to blackout unwanted projections. It can be used in theaters, stage productions, concerts, museums, art galleries, multimedia performances, visitor centers, schools, homes,...
It is a small box with a DMX-controlled servo motor inside and a drop-shaped black plastic outside that moves in front of the projector lens. It is the perfect tool for those who want to control the light spill of the projector in their set up: ligting technicians, video technicians , AV integrators, multimedia performers, video artists, teachers, etc.
It can work vía DMX, USB or switch button. The configuration is really easy using a DIP Switch. And it is completely Open-source hardware.
references
