This unit was designed and constructed to operate as a mobile audio player that can accumulate and share homemade or unusual CDs as it travels to different locations. It is designed to be as small and lightweight as possible for maximum portability. It can store several hundred unique CDs. Other audio sources such as a laptop can plug into the line input jack. A 4-watt transmitter is built into the unit for FM broadcasting. Average broadcast coverage is several city blocks. The Audio Relay runs off the power of a 12 volt car battery, which can be charged using the solar panels provided. It can also be powered by plugging into any international AC electricity.
There are two Audio Relays. The original was built in 2002 and has been used by Radio Chiguiro in Lafayette Indiana (http://chiguiro.org/) for the past several years. The second Audio Relay was built with a new design in 2005. This has been traveling with ‘Beyond Green, Toward a Sustainable Art’ which was originally at the Smart Museum and is now an iCI exhibit. It’s now back in Chicago for a check-up before heading off to new locations.
The Audio Relay was developed collaboratively with Temporary Services. They maintain the library and coordinate the itineraries. If you'd like to inquire about hosting the AR or view their other work please visit the link below.
