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PILE OF MODULES
For a little over a year, I’ve been building synth modules for the ambulance. I intend to fill it up one day but haven't set a clear plan or goal with my builds. It's a learn-as-you-go process for me. I’ve been building or modifying what interests me in each moment.
As I made progress on my synth builds, I would test placement configurations on the inside. Then, a minor problem presented itself. If we are going to take this vehicle to events and play shows with it, how many people could actually see what’s going on inside?
At the Kenosha Dia de los Muertos block party, we tested our idea of placing cameras on the inside of the ambulance and projected that feed outside the ambulance on the side of the building we were parked.
This worked out okay, but there was still a separation between performer and audience that didn’t feel right. There were moments when we would step outside to greet people, and that worked out okay, but there has to be a better way. We will continue to use video and projection as an element of our performances, but we want to connect directly with our audience while performing.
While I am still building synths to be permanently fixed inside the ambulance, I thought it would be a good idea to build something big and bold that can be pulled outside the ambulance and placed wherever we want. Here is what I’ve come up with - two 4’ x 8’ synth cases that have quickly filled up.
The photos below show my relatively inexpensive approach to case building. I’m not going to show a step-by-step for this one. If you have questions, please feel free to send a message. The biggest cost-cutter is choosing window screen framing for the rails instead of vector rails. Each case costs about $200 in materials to build, about the same cost as the smaller EP360 case that I did last year. This includes the power supply and distribution boards. Purchasing a pre-built case like this could potentially cost up to five times as much. If you’re looking for something big but can't afford it, save some money and build your own.
You should be able to measure and cut wood to build a basic box, so I won’t go through those steps again as I did with the EP360 clone. You can revisit that post to see step by step process and links to hardware.
What would be useful to a beginner is a step-by-step process for outfitting any case you like with a stable power supply. So in my next post, I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to wire up a Meanwell RT65b power supply.
This task can be intimidating to a beginner dealing with mains power for the first time. I was apprehensive about it at first, but it’s not as scary as it seems. Anyone can do it following some basic safety precautions. Check back soon for the power post.
-Z
ALBUM | DIY PROJECTS | GEAR | MOTR | PODCAST | VIDEO ART | VISUAL ART | PHILOSOPHY