Type-0《零式》

Inspired greatly by the shape of a Katana (Japanese sword), alongside the traditional and pop cultures surrounding it, Type-0《零式》 is created in collaboration with Nathalie Gebert, Sangbong Lee and Shawn Pakhin Tang as a multimedia instrument for audiovisual performance. It was created initially for the performance Aiii_v1.966875695106328∅, but later used also for other solo and collaborative projects, including the tour in 2024 with Studio Zyklos. 

Technical details: 

• 4 piezo pickups are installed throughout the blade and are connected to a TRS socket for stereo audio output

• 21 RGB LEDs are installed in between the V-shaped blade with additional reflective film in between

• 2 batteries are installed inside the handle for powering the LEDs and controller boards 

• The Tsuba (sword guard) is made of a stack of 3 custom-made PCB designed by Sangbong Lee. It functions as an interface to control the LEDs from any computer program using Art-Net through wifi while supplying electricity from the batteries.

• An additional circuit board M5StickC PLUS with integrated 6-Axis IMU and button units and an external joystick unit is mounted on and powered by the Tsuba. It sends out constant stream of motion tracking and controller data through OSC for any software controlling purpose. 

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Materials:

• Blade: Steel

• Handle: Wood

• Sheath: Wood

• Handle Length: 28cm 

• Blade Length: 93cm 

• Overall Length: 110cm  

• Weight: 1255g

• Weight (with sheath): 1845g