How to connect

All sensored and kinetic objects are controlled using MIDI. The interface and controller boards used to run the networked devices are powered either using a 6V battery, or using a 5V DC adaptor and plugged into the wall. Placement of the powerbars depends on the location's architecture and can be placed underneath the table, on a shelf or behind a bar. A single entension cord is run along the floor, into the nearest socket and needs to be taped.

Depending on the bandwidth, video and audio can be sent back and forth either using commercially available videoconferencing software like ichat, or using a Quicktime stream.

There are sometimes firewall and NAT problems with iChat av, problems which arise when the required ports are closed. This depends on how the firewall has been set up on the router.

To check how to configure the router for iChat AV, please refer to this document:

docs.info.apple.com

Also, TCP port 4361 must not be blocked for outgoing connections.

Control data for the kinetic devices is sent through a Keyworx server in Amsterdam. The router must allow the client to initiate outgoing connections on TCP port 4361 to the server. It is not necessary to allow or forward incoming connections.



The installation runs using a macintosh g4, minumum 500 Mhz processer (but preferably more), with an Internet connection
and s-video out, with operating system MacOSX (minumum 10.2.8). A G4 Powerbook with Airport (802.11/WiFi wireless Internet) is ideal for compact size, portability, and video-out.

A 2 x 2 MIDI interface is also required.


Software is provided to run the installation. It is written in Max/MSP 4.5, and Java for networking. A Max/MSP runtime application is provided. Ideally a full version of the Max/MSP environment would be installed, to allow editing of the Max patch locally, but it is not strictly necessary.


The installation is designed to run on a home consumer dsl connection. However a higher bandwidth stream will allow for a better quality video and audio stream.