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Synestetrum: User Manual

     
Augmented & interactive mini-scenography in 1960's keyboard
Description
Artist:   Nourathar Studio
Authors: Caen Botto & Marta Rupérez
Title:   Synestetrum
Date:  2017
Medium:  Augmented Reality
Dimensions (cm): 
Synestetrum Keyboard: 
10(h) x 59 (w) x 37 (d) - in box  
61,2 (h) x 59 (w) x 40 (d) - standing
Synestetrum Display: 44,5 (h) x 50,5 (w) x 35.5 (d)
Loop duration:   Variable (different combinations):
Valves: 13 x 3s
Background: +30s

Requirements:

- Phillips screwdriver

1- Unpacking & Setup

Box Contents:







 - Synestetrum (artwork):
  • Synestetrum Display  
  • Synestetrum Keyboard
- Wireless mini computer keyboard
 - Power cable

- 1 x USB charge cable (mini computer keyboard)

 - 2 x USB cables; 1.8m & 3m (Synestetrum Display to Keyboard connect)

1.1 Open the front of the box using a screwdriver where indicated:
 



1.2 Unpack the artwork:
  •     Unpack Synestetrum Keyboard.
  •     Remove bags containing power & USB cables
  •     Remove extra padding
  •     Firmly hold Synestetrum Display (2 people recommended) from the top, front and back, to lift out of box.
 
  •  Remove wrapping. 
2- Install Synestetrum Keyboard
 2.1 Open Synestetrum Keyboard, wooden box:
 

 2.2 Remove legs, placed inside lid:
 

 2.3 Screw legs to the underside of Synestetrum Keyboard

3- Basic operation

- Plug piece to electric grid
- Connect USB cable:
     USB port on the back of Synestetrum Keyboard  to USB hub on the back of Synestetrum Display
 

 Turning ON:
 - Turn power switch on

- Switch mini computer keyboard on
 - Press power button to start up Mac Mini.
Wait a few minutes for the system to perform start-up routine (all valves will light up individually).


- If window appears on screen, press Win + Tab keys on mini computer keyboard.

 Turning OFF: * - Press F1 on mini computer keyboard to shut down.

 - Wait for computer to shut down.

- Turn power switch off
(see *WARNING below)


Mini computer keyboard: - Press S to change Synestetrum sound


 - If window appears on screen, press Win + Tab. If problem persists press F1 to shut down and restart (following instructions above).


 - Turn switch off when not in use



- USB rechargeable: Connect USB cable from mini computer keyboard to USB hub, on     the back of Synestetrum Display
Amp - Adjust volume at the back of Synestetrum Display

- Other settings should remain as in image.

Troubleshooting: - If Synestetrum Keyboard & Display are disconnected from each other, it might take a few minutes, after the cable is reconnected, for the system to work.

 - Most issues will be resolved by restarting the system (press F1 and follow instructions above)

4- Warnings

 * Warning:  To ensure the durability of the electronic components, it is VERY IMPORTANT that the piece is turned off following instructions (above)
    Computer: - Should not be used for other purposes; avoid installing any other software or updates.
- Do not disconnect computer cables.
    Temperature:

 - Recommended ambient temperature is under 25ºC  
- Avoid liquids or humidity in all components of the system.
    Handling: To move Synestetrum Display, lift by firmly holding from the top, front and back (2 people recommended):

5- Exhibition Recommendations

   Ambient light: 

   
    Stand & stool:
 The artwork will be best viewed under controlled lighting conditions. Avoid placing bright lights in front of Synestetrum Display.

For best viewing, stand should be around 1,10m high. 
Width and depth should be slightly larger than the display's base (50,5 x 48,5 cm) 
Use of stool at keyboard height recommended.

6- Care & Support
    
    This User Manual can be accessed using the QR code on the back of the artwork (QR reader app necessary;        these can be found for android or iPhone).  
    This online version will include further additions, details and updates.

    Maintenance: Use compressed air cleaner and / or dry cloth for reflecting glass.
Use wax to polish and protect the artwork's wooden parts.
    Preservation: For long term preservation, purchase of replacement screen, is recommended (see Technical Specifications below)
    Support: nourathar_dot_m_at_gmail_dot_com
skype: universomente
+34 687 049 717

7- Technical Specifications

    Technology: HD Screen 19.5"
Philips 200V4QSBR/00 
LCD / LED. Resolution: 1920 x 1080, HDMI
Dimensions: 47.9 x 22.9 x 2.99 cm
Philips.com: Specs & manual

Computer: Mac Mini
Processor: Core i5, Intel double core @ 2,6GHz
Memory: 16GB SDRAM LPDDR3, 1600MHz
Hard Drive: Serial ATA, 1 TB storage
Apple.com: Technical specs
  Micro controller
Arduino Mega 2560

Audio: Speakers & Amp
DX 10, 4 Ohm; 2 way coaxial speakers
t.amp TA 50 mini power amp module
Wireless mini Keyboard: ABOX i9

Software: Max MSP
 
    Warranty: - All technology included in the piece is new.
- The warranty of each component is provided by its supplier.
- Mac Mini's warranty expires in March 2018. Purchase of AppleCare+ for Mac recommended, to extend the coverage.		  
8- Concept

Synestetrum pays tribute to many early inventors, magicians and light-art pioneers from the turn of the 20th Century, who used optical illusions to tease and test the perception of the viewer. Nourathar's aim with these works is to recover some of the fascination which, at that time, was felt for the magic of technology.

Synestetrum uses a 1960s keyboard, transformed into an interactive controller of musical & optical illusion.

"The Spectral Band playing light colour" (light colour playing). Synestetrum is a clear reference to various historical Light Organs, including Mary Hallock Greenewalt’s Sarabet - where the correspondence between colour & sound depended on the interpreter - or Thomas Wilfred’s (silent) Lumia. 

Synaesthesia: the ability to hear colour or see sound. Many colour theories historically explore the relation between the vibrations in sound, light and colour.