description video soft circuits
Full description found at inoutfest.org
In this workshop, Sarah and Lara will demonstrate how to create textile sensors and how to integrate these sensors with simple signal processing circuits for controlling sound output. There will also be on hand samples of handmade conductive felt, crocheted stretch sensors, conductive batting and machine-sewn resistors for participants to check out, which will be the focus of this workshop. After discussion of construction techniques and some show and tell, they will walk the workshop through building a simple sound producing circuit and how to connect it to a soft sensor. Participants should also feel free to bring in their own simple circuits in lieu of constructing one with the group.
Intro to materials
– store bought materials that are used for garment construction and other items can be repurposed for use in wearable and soft tech projects, we will go over these and handmade conductive materials, soft switches and variable resistors.
– we have specific techniques that we use and experiment with, we will go over how to make a stitched resistor, a force sensor, stretch sensor and stroke sensor using various soft materials.
– briefly go over examples of stitched circuit traces and needle felted traces
Build Voltage Control Oscillator circuit
– walk through build of this simple sound circuit and use materials to make your own soft variable resistor. We will be breadboarding this, so no soldering skills are necessary!
– learn about resistance and how to get the output that you desire from taking into account the resistance of your soft variable resistor and the relationship of your fixed resistors and capacitor.