I have developed a new preoccupation.

Open source hardware. A microcontroller developed with physical computing in mind.

Arduino.

I have a subscription to Make:Magazine. In perusing their modest store, I repeatedly encountered mention of the Arduino and accessories designed to expand its utility. My curiosity turned up a thriving community of artists and developers.

I haven’t done any significant programming in 12 years. My electronics knowledge is negligible. Still, I can’t help but be intrigued. This little device is open source hardware. That means that a multitude of enthusiasts are developing for it. In fact, available here is a unit mated to a BlueTooth transceiver. This means that whatever you want from it can be done wirelessly, up to 300 feet. The platform allows for communication with GPS, displays (OLED,LCD), LEDs (blinking out of sequence, so you can make them blink in sequence,) Quad-band cellular modules, stepper motors, accelerometers, barometric sensors and humidity sensors, and more. Do you want to make a teddy bear that knows when he’s upside down? Would you like to upload bedtime stories to him after dinner? Would you like to low jack your child’s favorite toy? Or maybe have Teddy tell Sara when its time to come home when Mom calls Teddy’s hotline. The opportunities are endless!

As an artist and as a geek I feel compelled to investigate! I don’t know when this hobby is supposed to fit among the easter island head, the key to hammunaptra, “hope*” and El Paso, but who cares!

*I queried several companies several weeks ago looking for quotes on custom cut Electro-Luminescent panels. Only two companies responded, only one was of any help. The quoted price was an improvement over research completed a few years ago. I ordered, and paid for, 6 panels and inverters for each. I recieved 14 panels and an inverter designed specifically to run the 6 panels I requested. The battery arrived weeks ago and I only retrieved it from the leasing office yesterday. I am now committed to completing what would have been, could be, my Master’s program portfolio.

All I need is time!

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Ok, ok… I just bought one.