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Prototype PCBs
We’ve finally completed the latest revisions to our new PCB “Daughter boards”. These attach to the back of the speaker driver and provide attenuation (a pad) to the speaker increasing the impedance which in turn results in more voltage from the amplifier at the terminals.
This is coupled with new surface mount LEDs with proper current limiting which gives really good brightness both backwards and now forwards through the transparent cone!
All in all this is an exciting improvement and early tests are very promising.
More Channels
Due to a lucky find on the ‘bay we found a new old stock unD32. This is a 32 channel Dante / AES67 break out box. This certainly solves our previous output limitation. If we scale the ‘Tree one day we can take it to 32+ individual “voices”.
32 channel amplifier upgrade anyone?
Ra Accumulator
We’ve slowly been increasing our solar game.
After getting the work vehicle fully upgraded with an extra battery, permanently mounted 300W panel and wiring upgrades (so we can power big tools and the ultra vital espresso machine) we have turned our focus to building the Ra Accumulator.
This is a modular PV (solar) system capable of running Whisper Tree and many of our other LED / sound sculptures. It uses mostly second hand panels / batteries and is scalable to provide 12 / 24 DC or 240 AC inverter power as needed.
New speaker modules
We’re in the process of upgrading the speaker assemblies with brighter and longer lasting LEDs. To facilitate this we are designing miniature PCBs to mount on the back of the speakers and house LEDs on both sides.
Resistance is Futile!
We’ve identified a design flaw in the Whisper Tree – the speakers are so efficient that we don’t get enough light from the LEDs. To solve this we are creating a new resistor network for the speakers (to increase the impedance) and better current limiting for the LEDs to stop them failing.
Console Complete!
The console is varnished and waxed (why does the finish take so long?) and the electronics fitted. Finished the testing and scripting in Q-SYS Designer.
Just need to finish welding up the post and that bit is done!
The Eyes Have (Had) It
Developed a neat trick today – we have been repairing the re-purposed nylon / pvc gazebo panels we use as the ground mats so people can sit / lay beneath our sculpture.
We added eyes / grommets to secure them from high winds but many failed – Blaze is tough work.
To repair we used contact adhesive (barge glue) to add small reinforcing squares at the back then re-cut the holes. New grommets were added with much less hammering pressure (another trick we learned along the way).
And the real secret – drag a bottle of thin CA (super) glue around the edge of the grommet on both sides. It wicks / infiltrates the grommet and surrounding fabric making it extra tough!
Got It Covered
There’s been a lot of sewing going on at the kitchen table of late.
Couldn’t help but make a cover for the console when it’s not in use (or the weather – goodness forbid – it’s raining)…
What’s In The Box?
The new interactive additions are coming along nicely. The reclaimed jarrah has milled up beautifully and the new electronics box is taking shape…