A machine that creates a visual representation of non-visual forces, in this case sound waves by shaking a piece of paper with salt on it. Based on the frequency, the salt forms different patterns. 

2. Brief: 

Salt Speaker was designed to create a visual representation of non-visual forces, sound waves in this case. The machine was developed through a series of prototypes. Initially, a pendulum marked up paper below, activated by an initial push. It moved from this to a speaker attached to a device via an aux cord, which vibrates and forms patterns with salt on a piece of paper above. It works best when used with set frequencies (songs don't work very well). 

The goal of this studio was to visualize non visual forces. Our goal was to try to use mainly analog technologies, but we were allowed some wiggle room when it came to using digital technology, as we used a speaker which is wired to a computer or phone.

Our project visualizes non visual forces by moving a string with an ink dropper attached. When forces are applied to the top of the string, and are amplified by a tin can in which the string resides, moving the string below.

We designed our project to visualize non visual forces. Our project is for anyone, and we made it through a series of prototypes. Initially, we used just a pendulum to mark up paper below. We moved from this to using a tin can surrounding the string, and we hit this can with a tuning fork. This amplifies the force, and moves the string. At the end of the string, we have a dropper with the rubber part removed, so ink can drip onto the paper one drip at a time. 

Today we looked into other alternatives for moving the string attached to the pendulum. We thought about using a motor and an Arduino to move the string with the waves of a song , but this seems extremely difficult to pull off. We also couldn't find anything online where people have done this before. We think we're going to make the arm that the string attaches to move horizontally to add another layer of process. We also came up with the idea to use a lower powered laser to activate thermocromatic (heat sensititve) paper. We will look into prototyping these ideas tomorrow.

Will has the pictures with his phone, so I am unable to upload them here (he has uploaded them on his update). 

The input of our prototype is force. It is constrained by the size of the box, which limits how far you can move the string, thus limiting the amount of force you can apply.

Specific Rules for Constraint:

1. Box dimensions

2. Direction of the pull

3. Height of the string

4. Weight of the object on the string

5. Amount of paint in the device (if applicable)

6. Size of the device

I can be more precise in my process and documentation by taking more photos as well as taking more notes.

People interact with our design by pulling the string and deciding the direction of the pull, which creates a different pattern each time.

Will and I looked at two different project ideas. The first involved attaching a Dremel with a CNC bit to a spirograph to etch designs into wood. Our second design, is a harmonigraph, or a pendulum. We were thinking about using a low powered laser to a string to make light burns into wood below. We are also open to just making a working harmonigraph with a marker. 

We completely switched our project today (for the better). We tried using a tuning fork to vibrate the string with an ink dropper, but this didn't really work. We worked to use a speaker to move a piece of paper with salt (or rice) on it. This forms patterns, and this is all inspired by a video in our precedents that used frequencies to form sand patterns.

Frequency Relative to each photo:

1. 200 hz

2. 225 hz

3. 250 hz

4. 275 hz

5. 300 hz