Apophenia: Hunting for the Ghost in the Machine

Presented at HOPE X (2014), July 18, 2014, 2 p.m. (60 minutes).

This discussion will look at the practice of exposing anomalies in network communications and computer processes in order to find evidence of interference (or intentional communication) from beyond the grave. Known as Instrumental Trans-Communication (ITC), the practice has roots as far back as the 1930s and has survived into the digital era. We will look at how these same methods are now being applied to Wi-Fi networks, custom software development, remotely networked sensors, and digital spectrogram systems designed to capture images of the spirits of the deceased.(The discussion will be accompanied by a basic circuit workshop where participants can build a simple device with accompanied software to collect data and test the methods discussed in the presentation.)


Presenters:

  • Wil Lindsay
    Wil Lindsay is a hardware hacker, media artist, and educator living in central Pennsylvania. Much of his work revolves around the development of unconventional open-source production tools, used internationally by artists and musicians. Publicly released projects include: oneString, an open-source USB synth controller; the Bliptronome, an open-source port of the Monome controller to a $50 toy; and the YM_MINI, a DIY MIDI synthesizer based on the sound chip from the Atari ST. Information on his exhibitions, performances, and project releases can be found at www.straytechnologies.com.

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