Learning how to connect to MadMapper:

NYU ITP Resident Nico Cabalquinto helped me get introduced with the basics of connecting LED strips and utilizing MadMapper as a visualizer, have not decided if I'll be using MadMapper yet.

Ordering Parts:

Sketch:

Questions that arised:

• How many LED strips do I need? (I have to do math oh no!)
• What is the resolution? I do want the visuals to be lower resolution so this will help me determine my size.
• What will I use to control the LEDs visually? (Resolume, MadMapper, TouchDesigner, etc.)

Planning and mathing it out:

Next Steps: Initially I wanted to solder as I created the mess but I realized now that creating the grid foundation first may be easier then adding and subtracting as I can figure out the math easier with MadMapper and manipulate from the foundation.

• Solder the grid
• Create the effects on MadMapper
• Create .dxf of board
• CNC boards + spraypaint black

Inspirations:

Wanting to explore creating a light sculpture - I started looking at LED grids made by strips as it is more malleable and adaptable.

Talking to Daniel Rozin for advice and his work with mirrors, he suggested looking into Faig Ahmed's distorted carpets. Which then led me to look into more distorted imagery, such as carnival mirrors and scanner warps on a photocopier.

Sketches:

Translating this into an LED grid, I had several ideas for various forms. I ended up choosing #1 out of my sketches.

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Next Steps:

• Buy materials
• Soldering grid
• CNC board to hold grid
• Madmapper for LED Lights
• Adjust grid - sclupture

4 Axis CNC Machines

A 4 axis CNC machine features the same three axes as on 3 axis machines, but it also has rotation around the X-axis. This is known as the A-axis.

In 4 axis CNC router machining, the workpiece is also usually rotated. This means the machine can act as a milling machine as well as a CNC lathe.

• Pros: drilling on the side of parts or on cylindrical surfaces, work on four sides of a workpiece

5 Axis CNC Machines

In a 5 axis CNC machine, there are rotations around two of the three axes. The rotation around the X-axis is called the A-axis, the rotation around the Y-axis is the B-axis, and the rotation around the Z-axis is the C axis.

Materials: 5 axis CNC machines are used in the production of a wide range of precise and very complex parts of things like car molds, artificial bones, military products and aerospace parts.

6 Axis CNC Machines

Materials: Machining of aluminium, steel, cast iron and model making materials

Places to go:

NYC Laser Cut