The Motordrones project uses stepper motors as sound source. A stepper motor is a DC motor that divides a full rotation into a number of discrete steps. The motor uses phases which are multiple coils that are organized in groups. By sequentially energizing each phase the stepper rotates one step at a time.
The motors are controlled by Arduino and Supercollider. The motors produce a unique variety of noise and drone sounds which are amplified by contact microphones. Mirror balls are attached to the motors and are illuminated with a spotlight.
The light reflections let the audience perceive the motor movement which corresponds to the sound they produce. The spotlight is also controlled by Supercollider via DMX.
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