Archive for September, 2007

Theo Jansen’s mechanism

Monday, September 24th, 2007

Theo Jansen (Wikipedia) is an artist and kinetic sculptor living and working in the Netherlands. He builds large works which resemble skeletons of animals which are able to walk using the wind on the beaches of the Netherlands. His animated works are a fusion of art and engineering.

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I learn (and still learning) how the mechanism of Theo Jansen creature’s legs are working, and I try to build a working, small, 4 legs models.Here(1) & Here(2) are movies about Theo Jansen work + technical explanations

Here is Flash simulation of the legs mechanism

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Here are images of my simulation:

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Dissect ZOOM606, multi-effect

Saturday, September 8th, 2007

Technical (from the internet):The pedal (made in Japan) features 35 effects types (9 simultaneously), 42 patch locations, a specific Drive knob selecting 11 Drive Types (including 5 mod eling effects and 3 types of Amp Simulation), Up/Down Gain buttons and an Expression Pedal assign button complete with LED status.

The unit’s User Interface is straightforward and easy. It features a built-in tuner, Zoom Noise Reduction, a 2-digit 7-segment LED display and runs on 4 “AA” batteries or an optional AC adaptor.

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What was not said is that more than 30 different parts are assembled in this object with more than 6 different materials, in order to create digital (& cheep) version of analog effect for musical instrument. It integrates mechanical stuff with electronics and it’s user interface needed to be control with 2 hands and 2 legs!

It is not considered as a good or professional musicians - just as “all in one” equipment for amateurs.

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