I hope I have written my last bit of c++ code for a while, at least until the bug reports come flowing in. It’s been quite a ride. I started with absolutely no knowledge of c++ at all. I knew Flash Actionscripting and some Javasript. But in c++ there is a whole world of libraries, linking, preprocessor directives, debug and release configurations, dependencies(!), memory leaks, awkward type casting… the list just goes on. Actually I more or less finished a working application a year ago, but I needed a break and worked on some other projects. It still had many bugs and I knew nothing about deployment. Mind you, I have still only tested it on Windows XP 32-bit, where it seems to work just fine, but I’m looking forward to some feedback.
The release is an 0.8.0 version, so it’s still kind of BETA. I’ve codenamed the public freeware verison as “subConch – Charonia”, differentiating it from the (internal) version I’m using in the gallery installation. The differences are few, but the gallery version outputs OSC messages and has a different initial setup as well as different audio for the voice.
Right now the application is awaiting approval at the Emotiv Store. Since it’s free I’ll put up a download option here on the subConch site as well. I’ll keep you posted.
Category Archives: subConch
Pending software release
The release of the software version of the subConch is now just around the corner. I have finally managed to deploy a working release configuration on another computer and everything seems to be working just fine. Some work still needs to be done though, like a small user manual, some new voice instructions and perhaps some new graphics for the interface. All in all it’s looking good. There will probably be a free “BETA” version out first where people can use it and report bugs back to me.
Components
After discussing it with product designer Ragnhild Haugum I have decided that the conch sculpture as I have designed it will be nothing more than a speaker with an audio socket in the back. I previously toyed with the idea of a self contained solution where the PC and all other components would be built into the sculpture as well, but have concluded that it will create nothing but problems: cooling, wiring, power supply, upgrades etc. The PC with all its externals will now be placed outside. This is the simplest and most scalable solution. The driver in the conch will be an Eminence KAPPA Pro 10 inch. The plughole a 6.35 mm jack.
Mattel!
A friend of mine sent me this link he found. Makes my subConch feel a tad pretentious…
Back in business
After a well earned three-month-break from the project, I am now back at the desk. The main goal is to complete the gallery installation version. I’ve got the application hooked up to MAX/MSP via UDP fine now. I’ve recorded some new audio for the instructions. I’ve also been ironing out a lot of bugs in the training session – this part needs to be super smooth in a gallery setting. Now you can hit the reset button like a madman and still not cause a bug 
I’ve also ordered a DMX interface that I will use to control lights in the room, also via MAX, using this little external. From what I’ve read it’s the safest bet. The only big thing missing now is a tailored visual interface for contact qualities.
New demonstration
I have created a new demonstration video showing some of the visuals I have developed.
Bluebrain
Coming up is this great event in D.C. Washington based Bluebrain probed for the possibility of my attendance at the show, but alas, I’m broke and stuck in Oslo. I can recommend their latest album though, Soft Power (LP).
Discovery Networks
Great news! Thanks to Tan Lee (CEO of Emotiv Systems) The subConch will be featured in a series on BCI (Brain Control Interfaces) on the Discovery Networks (which channel I’m not sure yet). This means I’ll be making some new footage in the next couple of weeks showing off the new developments like the control interface. Very exciting!
Funding
More good news! The Norwegian Arts Council has decided to support the project even further. Now I can get on to building the actual sculpture. I need to find a proper space for this, since my living room is getting pretty messy with all the stuff that’s in there already…
MAX/MSP
I’m currently working on sending all emo-data and audio data to MAX/MSP as OSC messages via UDP. I’ve got a basic setup working with the emo-data, but I don’t know enough about MAX/MSP to do what I want yet. Basically I want to do all the audio synthesis in MAX since it’s easier to play around and get quick results there. I’m for instance planning to generate sound waves based on the raw EEG data. Opening the application up with OpenSoundControl also makes it more flexible for other types of projects.