arc details
posted Friday, January 21, 2011
shown above, the arc two next to a series sixty four.
why
arc embodies the same basic design principles as our other devices. this time instead of having numerous controls with low detail (grids of on/off), arc has few but highly-detailed controls. by decoupling the encoder (knob) input from the light (ring) output we establish the opportunity for adaptable interaction.
encoders are typically low resolution, normally detecting large-ish jumps and few ticks per revolution. analog pots have resolution, but send absolute position, and can suffer from noise and latency. the high-resolution optical encoders we’re using provide a level of flexible control that is uncommon. add a programmable led ring and the single encoder becomes an intuitive control system.
what?
this video is a bit opaque at first, but it’s quite a simple system. it’s a live micro-looper. we’ve posted a more detailed explanation on the vimeo page.
how does it work?
the device connects to a computer and is powered by USB. when the knob is moved or depressed, data is sent to the computer. the application running determines what happens with this data, and may correspondingly send data back to the device, changing the light pattern.
as with our other devices, programming isn’t required, though you may find yourself wanting to learn. we’ve already begun writing applications and expect the library to grow quickly through community involvement.
technical specification
- 256 steps per revolution, with integrated push button
- 64 leds per ring, each led independently has 16 levels of brightness
- programming via simple OSC protocol
- arc two: 6” x 3.5” x 1.5”
- arc four: 10.5×3.5” x 1.5”
materials
- solid milled black walnut, sustainably harvested in central pennsylvania
- anodized milled aluminum, sheet aluminum
- cut glass
- lead-free printed circuit boards and circuitry
- felt slip mat (wool from small farms in the US)
we work exclusively with domestic suppliers and manufacturers, most in the eastern united states. we make a concerted effort to support our local economy when possible.
hand assembled, programmed, finished, and tested on our farm in upstate new york.
pricing and ordering
march 4
shipping will begin mid-march.
- arc two: $500
- arc four: $800
we’re initially producing only 50 of each variation. if the first edition goes quickly we’ll immediately produce an additional 50.
we expect a lot of skepticism regarding our pricing, and we understand, given we live in an age where global economics can facilitate amazingly low prices. please understand that we’re making small runs of highly specialized objects for a relatively small market— we value design, we value materials, and we’re concerned with where things come from and where they’ll end up. we’re not interested in compromising these values to simply reduce costs.
we deeply appreciate the support we’ve received over the last five years and see the release of this new device as a celebration of the community—that many of you have supported our path and share our values. we look forward to further artistic exploration and collaboration. thank you!