Introduction

Retinal Attack is a light installation made from 20 disposed single use cameras creating an orchestrated flashing experience. The installation proves that consumer goods, purpose build to be disposed fast, can serve us much longer.

The installation name refers to the visual overload initiated by the installations.

Behavior

A dedicated controller switches the camera flashes on and off in a predetermined sequence.

Mindset and Philosophy

• Reuse and up-cycle
  • The installation is partly made from e-waste and cheap items that are transformed into an engaging audience experience.
• Flexible and modular
  • The design is modular using mesh wire and custom designed 3D printed interconnection clips that can be combined in several ways.
• Low-cost
  • The installation is build with disposed materials, 3D printed parts, low-cost hardware store materials and electronics.
• Lightweight
  • The installation is light and compact to transport, minimizing transport and setup costs.
• Open source
  • I plan to document and share this project to enable other artists to use this concept for their own goals.

Technical Details

• 20 disposable cameras are modified to enable repeated flashes when power is provided.
• 4 groups of 5 disposable cameras are connected to a dedicated controller.
• The controller switches the 4 groups on and of in a predetermined sequence.

Material list

• 20 disposable cameras.
• 20 K2400G SIDACs.
• IRLZ44N N-Channel Power MOSFETs
• AC100-240V To DC12V 10A Power Supply Adapter DC5V.
• Connectors XT30U, male and female.
• Espressif ESP32-C3 microcontroller SuperMini Development Board.
• Prototyping printed circuit boards.
• Electric components like resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.
• Solder.
• Electric wire.
• Several electric interconnection materials.
• A frame build from a metal grid.
• Photography lamp stand tripod.
• 3D-printed enclosure.
• 3D-printed connection clips and supports.