ACFCPlanningOutline

Planning Outline for the Analog Color Field Computer

Video Generation
	- VGA circuit
		- research to determine approaches 
			- ancient chip that's difficult to find and use
			- some examples using microcontrollers	
		- fallback position - use computers 		
			- test fallback using PD (a few hours)
				- result: not a good fallback measure 
						- this makes prototyping VGA circuit priority level 1 


Sound Generation
	 - sine wave generator research
		- various chips - try using easiest/cheapest to obtain
		- fallback use computers
			- test fallback 
				- very simple to test using PD
				- less than ideal solution
				- this makes prototyping the sound generation priority level 2


Articulation (making the video and audio pulse in sync)
	- absolutely critical to the project
		- can't be prototyped until video and sound circuit prototypes are complete
		- research and determining a theoretical approaches become priority level 1
	- can reuse success with sine wave generator circuit
	- identified theoretical solutions 
		- how to modulate sound	
			- VCA chip
		- how to modulate video
			- custom transistor circuit	
			- custom op-amp circuit
		- this allows project to move forward


Interface
	- determine control elements
		- control knobs (potentiometers) by original design/conception 
		- proof of concept with trim pots on circuit board
	- determine interface layout
		- prototype with tupperware and cheap/available parts
		- user test
		- reconcile with enclosure effort

Enclosure	 
	- determine general constraints 
		- based on size of circuitry 
		- and ideal interface layout
	- research off-the-shelf options
	- determine necessary level of customization 
	- adjust circuitry and/or components to accomodate enclosure decisions