Demystifying the Æther
About
In this elective, we will explore the world of electromagnetic waves and their omnipresence in our lives. We will materialize the invisible, making it audible. With sound artist Matthias Hurtl (https://drowning.in/aether/research) (in collaboration with the Interaction Station) we are going to learn about the basic principles of radio broadcasting and software-defined radio. We will demystify radio signals and other electromagnetic waves that fill the Æther. The Æther is a medium that was once supposed to fill all space and support the propagation of electromagnetic waves, an intervening substance through which signals can travel as a means of communication. We will delve into the narratives of the invisible signals around us that illustrate the expansive, systemic, and geological attributes of the Technosphere.
Based on simple experiments with various forms of radio communication, like building a micro pirate radio station with Raspberry Pi, and constructing antennas to capture satellite signals and other electromagnetic waves, students will acquire all necessary skills for their assignment.
We will work at the Interaction Station and outdoors.
Inductive sniffing
Instruments
LOM's Electrosluch an open-source device for electromagnetic listening. It allows one to discover sonic worlds of electromagnetic fields, surrounding our every step. Just plug your headphones & explore.
It has two inductors, allowing for stereo audio signal. It also has an onboard opamp. It brings about rather directional, close distance, intimate listening.
LOM's Priezor is an open-source passive magnetic antenna for electromagnetic listening. It is very sensitive and capable of capturing faint atmospheric events in VLF radio bands. Compared to regular Elektrosluch, it is less directional and focused, and therefore more useful in recording ambient electromagnetic fields, where the overall "sound of the place" is desired.
If built as intended has a frequency response: 20 Hz – 90+ kHz
LOM
Electromagnetism 101 ?
and this?
Electromagnetic Radiation
Magnetic Field of a Wire
Something in between
SOMA's Ether has a regenerating circuit and a demodulator, making it an actual radio wave receiver, not just an amplifier of low-frequency magnetic fields. However, ETHER can perceive low-frequency magnetic fields as well.
The engineer writes that ETHER is very sensitive to any kind of digital circuitry that’s in close proximity. This is why he didn’t put an SD card recorder or something like that inside. You also have to make sure to keep other electronic devices that you carry (phone, laptop, recorder) at least 30cm away to avoid interference, but ETHER definitely works well when you walk around with a smartphone and laptop in other pockets and bags.
Frequency allocation
VLF - Very Low Frequency - 3 kHz - 30kHz (Military, Submarine, Time Signals)
LF - Low Frequency - 30 kHz - 300 kHz (AM Longwave, Amateur Radio)
MF - Medium Frequency - 300 kHz - 3 MHz (AM Longwave, Amateur Radio)
HF - High Frequency - 3 MHz - 30 MHz (Over-the-horizon radar, Shortwave radio, Marine)
VHF - Very High Frequency - 30 MHz - 300 MHz (FM, Aircraft communications, Weather Satellites)
UHF - Ultra High Frequency - 300 MHz - 3 GHz (WLAN, 3G, 4G, GPS)
SHF - Super High Frequency - 3 GHz - 30 GHz (5G, Radio astronomy, 5 GHz WLAN, Radar, communications satellites)