Title: “From Concept to Reality: The First Steps Toward a Sensor-Embedded Surfboard”
This week was all about laying the groundwork for the project. I spent hours researching sensors, microcontrollers, and data visualization tools. The goal is to create a surfboard that not only performs well in the water but also captures the essence of the surfing experience through sound and visuals.
SENSOR SELECTION:
After some research, I’ve decided to start with the MPU-6050 accelerometer and gyroscope. These sensors are affordable, widely available, and perfect for capturing motion data. I’m also considering adding a waterproof microphone (hydrophone) to capture the sounds of the water as the board moves through it.
PROTOTYPING:
I’ve started planning to attach sensors to a skateboard to simulate the motion of a surfboard. This will allow me to test the sensors in a controlled environment before moving to the water. I will be using an Arduino to collect and transmit the data, which will later be processed using Pure Data for sound synthesis and TouchDesigner for visual effects.
COLLABORATIONS:
I reached out to a local surfboard shaper to discuss the possibility of embedding sensors into a board. He was intrigued by the idea and offered to help me with the design. This collaboration will be crucial in ensuring that the board remains functional and aesthetically pleasing.
CHALLENGES:
- Waterproofing the sensors and electronics is a major concern.
- I need to figure out how to power the system while it’s in the water.
- The data needs to be transmitted in real-time, which requires a reliable wireless connection.
NEXT STEPS:
- Finalizing the idea of the sensor setup and start collecting data from the skateboard.
- Begin experimenting with Pure Data and TouchDesigner to map the data to sound and visuals.
- Continue discussions with the surfboard
This week was all about turning the concept into something tangible. It’s exciting to see the project taking shape, but there’s still a long way to go.
