Microphone Porn

Here are some recent electronics projects. Simple things really, but one should always improve one's arsenal, no? The upper configuration is the generic contact microphone -- all good for plastering to the window or onto a creaky floor. New sounds, new works, etc. The lower configuration is your standard 'air' mic, plans ripped from Nic Collins' Hardware Hacking handouts (taken from a workshop I attended before the book.) Last night I planted one of these babies outside the window as the snow began to fall. It had enough resolution to pull in the train which is at least half a mile away. It is actually quite sensitive -- not bad for a Radio Shack (it's a Tandy Company) afternoon. If anyone in the Chicago are is interested in playing with various microphone placements, creations, etc., feel free to contact me. I believe this post also shows the need for proper lighting and documentation of one's electronic outings. You never know when you may need to have the perfect 'look'. Unfortunately, I have been ill the past few days. It's that Chicago illness that I get every year (which I have been luckily free of for the past five years.) I had forgotten the Chicago grunge which arrives every year during the February thaw. Or, perhaps I've been breathing too much solder? Feeling much better today though . . .

jg