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NSEW linear and cam models, Sine Wave v Flat Bed Sine Wave and new drum machines
Machine 3 latest machines
Machines and programmers are constantly under reveiw; modifications
added to accomodate current preoccupation with randomness and chaos.
More space has been allocated to their images in the Folio pages; at present
the folios are divided into graphic and light so many machines can make
both types of drawing.
The preoccupation with randomness, chaos and subjectivity has driven much redesign activity. This has resulted in a number of papers being written where the overall motive is a curiosity about how art works.
It is felt that given the transparency of instuctions given to a machine this might lead to insights into art's workings.
Linear NSEW machine
NSEW sun and planet cam machine
Current light rig with NSEW Mk X
cam sp machine and Randomiser
The NSEW machines have undergone more versions
than any other. The latest two are built on a simple
frame construction, one with a linear chain drive on
each axis and the other using sun and planet driven
cams to drive the axes. The units are robust with
miniumum backlash and fit under the camera frame.
The close up of the sun and planet drive
shows the toothed belt drive.
Any of three light pens shown in
Machine 2 may be used on
either NSEW machine or on the new Flat
Bed Sine Wave machine.
The earlier Sine Wave machne is a drum based
unit which is capable of a large variety of fine
detailed drawings but becuse of the drum
construction is unable to draw with the light
pens. So a new machine was built which could.
A more difficult engineering task than most
other machines.
The frame is covered by a dark cloth and
mages made in daylight. The NSEW unit
is controlled by the Randomiser before
it had a forward reverse unit added.
See Randomiser + forward reverse unit
in Machine 2.
In order to minimise backlash the FBSW machine was designed around toothed belt drives which have zero backlash. This generates a smooth sine wave line. The machine can either be used in graphic mode - not shown - with a pen lift and wave break device and uses an alternative clip-on frame to the camera rig system.
The new drum machine was based on a design from the 70,s made to extend the variety of random drawing outputs. It is controlled by either programmer.
CLICK ON THE MACHINE IMAGES TO SEE THE DRAWINGS
Latest version of Sine Wave machine with wave
break and pen lift units for comparison with Flat
Bed Sine Wave machine to the right
The Flat Bed Sine Wave - FBSW - machine allows light drawing.The light pens sit on top of the black platen.
New drum machine designed to explore more random drawings.
Close up of NSEW sun and planet drive
Camera rig using Flat Bed Sine Wave
machine and shutter light pen.