Program Overview

Blockpraktikum Sketching with Hardware

Overview

The Blockpraktikum Sketching with Hardware is a university program focused on outdoor electronics. The program is led by Dozent Heinrich Hussmann and supported by Hendrik Richter and Sebastian L鐬mann. It spans 4 SWS and awards 6 ECTS credits.

Module and Credits

• Module: Vertiefende Themen der Medieninformatik (BA) and Gruppenpraktikum (MA)
• ECTS-Credits: 6

Program Details

Theme

• Theme: Outdoor Electronics

Schedule

• Dates: 02.08.2012 - 10.08.2012 (excluding weekends)
• Location: Amalienstra絽 17, R𡡷kgeb酳de

Program Structure

The program is structured into several days, each with specific activities and goals:

Tag 1

• 09:00: Introduction to examples, ideas, and basics of soldering and multimeters
• 10:45: Group formation and blog assignment
• 11:00: Practical exercise on soldering and multimeters
• 13:00: Lunch
• 14:00: Introduction to keyboard hacks
• 15:00: Practical exercise on keyboard hacks
• 17:00: Mini-presentation
• 17:30: Homework - installations

Tag 2

• 09:00: Introduction to digital circuits (Fritzing)
• 10:00: Practical exercise on digital circuits
• 13:00: Lunch
• 14:00: Introduction to Arduino
• 15:00: Practical exercise on Arduino
• 16:30: Arduino interfaces
• 17:00: Homework - online research

Tag 3

• 09:00: Presentation of homework
• 10:00: Introduction to brainstorming sessions
• 10:30: Brainstorming
• 12:00: Lunch
• 13:00: Presentations
• 14:00: Further development of project ideas
• 16:00: Presentations
• 17:00: Homework - acquiring necessary materials

Tage 4, 5, 6 & Wochenende

These days are allocated for planning, acquiring materials, programming, building, soldering, and having fun, with an available contact person for assistance.

Tag 7

• Afternoon: Public presentation of the workshop results, open to all department staff and guests.

Admission and Requirements

Anmeldung

• Registration is possible through UniWorx.
• Deadline for registration: 30.06.2012.
• Application requirements:
  • A zip archive containing:
    • A txt file with:
      • Name
      • Course of study and specialization
      • Semester
      • Relevant prior knowledge
      • Brief motivation for participating (approx. 100 words)
      • Brief description of the "creative contribution"
    • At least one jpg file representing a creative work.

Selection Process

• No first-come, first-served process.
• Selection based on prior knowledge, motivation letter, and creative examples.
• Limited to 12 students, working in pairs.
• Aim to form groups with one student having technical background and one with artistic background.

Content

Introduction

A brief introduction into physical prototyping and tinkering with electronics, focusing on experience prototypes as a communication tool.

Topics Covered

• Electronics fundamentals
• Soldering
• Hacking electronics
• Interfacing sensors with a PC
• Designing digital electronic circuits
• Introduction to Arduino
• Using Python and Processing for interfacing electronics

Target Group and Prerequisites

The program is explicitly open to students of "Kunst und Multimedia" and aims to combine technical and artistic skills. A deliverable describing the individual project is required after the workshop.