Hearsay

### DESCRIPTION ( Introduce yourserlf and your project)

Hello,
my name is David Unland, I am a master student of "Digital Media" (Art) at the University of Arts in Bremen, Germany. Here I want to introduce a project I have been working on for about a year now, which I now want to bring up to another level, introducing SMD technology and a multitude of devices.

About the project:

Short

Hearsay (or Othering Machines) is an experimental setup for the simulations of social communication dynamics. A multitude of (structurally and functionally) identical devices communicate via the exchange of sound waves. The exchanged frequencies are stored in the devices’ databases and represented by the composition of a multicolor LED.

Behavior

Once the database is full (or, from the onset on, with respect to the running program), the modules start to check the existence of the incoming data in their database, so that either a positive reaction (repeat the same frequency subsequently) or a negative reaction (respond the closest known frequency) is induced.

By the mere arrangement of the modules, the dynamics of different constellations can be investigated. Distances of neighboring modules, sound amplitudes and the sensitivity of the microphones are crucial for signal transmission. Thus, different arrangements will engender different communication mechanisms and by that, represent individual social structures.

### TECHNICAL DETAILS (With project photos)

The modules comprise a realatively simple setup of only a microphone and a speaker, plus some status LEDs that make it possible for humans to decipher the devices' database. The whole project can be used as a base for any sort of further sound investigative installations.

### Words to PCBWay

Dear PCBWay,

with a sponsorship I will be able to build 50 devices of this kind, so that an overall impressive installation can come into being. The mere crowd of modules will create an astonishing image in any exhibition context.
I first created the 8 modules that can be seen in the video on perfboard, spending a lot time with handsoldering. This time I want to make all of it more compact and make it last longer. Therefore, using SMD parts is crucial. The whole assembly process should be done by machines as well, so that I can start experimenting with the program code right away.
Ordering all the parts will cost a lot, and the assembly and PCB creation will thus be an additional financial burden to me. It would be great to get some help in here!