What you can do on LiveWires
There are loads of different activities on LiveWires - some with music and video, some projects using computers (programming and computer graphics), and a wide range of electronics projects (soldering and testing a real electronic device).
You'll have time to do two or three activities on the holiday - we'll contact you before the holiday to ask for your choices. We try very hard to give you what you ask for, but because some of the group sizes are limited and some of the activities run at the same time during the week, it's occasionally not possible. For that reason we'll normally ask you for at least four activity choices, so we know what your back-up choices are. Pretty much any combination is ok, except that you can't do more than one of the activites labelled "long", because they each take more than half of the holiday.
With all our activities, you can keep the finished product to impress your friends afterwards - electronics projects you'll take home at the end of the holiday, and all the electronic content we'll either give you on DVD or show you where to download it once you get home.
Electronics
We offer many electronics projects, from fairly simple ones which take a few sessions up to quite complex projects which take most of the holiday. All the projects require some soldering, and some also involve making circuit boards and cases from scratch - but don't worry, we have all the equipment, and we'll show you how to do everything. At the end of the holiday you can take your new project home.
Because the cost of the components for electronics projects varies, there is a small extra cost for these activities, depending which one you chose. We'll tell you the prices (most projects are about £5-£30) beforehand, and ask you to pay this at the start of the holiday. Each project has two difficulty ratings: one for the electrical work (soldering and wiring) and one for mechanical building (PCB, drilling, filing, nuts and bolts etc.) They're both scores out of 10 (where 1 is easiest).
Dual dice
With a press of a button, this dual dice will give you a roll! LEDs light to show your number. Approximately £10-£15 [electrical 6, mechanical 1]
Parrot
This little creature repeats your words… but in it's own voice! Complete with microphone, loudspeaker and case (or you can add your own case). Approximately £15-£20 [electrical 6, mechanical 4]
Light beam alarm
Contained in a small, easily concealed box. When an intruder passes by, it emits a piercing whistle, letting you know they’re there. Approximately £10-£15 [electrical 5, mechanical 4]
LCD scrolling message display
Display your own scrolling message! Using the on board buttons you can program this device to display a scrolling text string on its LCD screen. This project uses a readymade circuit board making it ideal if you're new to electronics. Approximately £15-£20 [electrical 3, no mechanical work]
Classic arcade game
Build your own arcade machine! Using the built in buttons you can play the classic Pong computer game on your TV. This project uses a readymade circuit board making it ideal if you're new to electronics. Approximately £10-£15 [electrical 3, no mechanical work]
Scrolling clock
Displays the current date and time in lights as scrolling text string on its 7×5 LED matrix. This project uses a ready-made circuit board. Approximately £15-£20 [electrical 3, no mechanical work]
Electronics light bug
This little critter is looking for the light! Driven by two miniature motors it can direct itself to where it detects the most light. This project uses a ready made circuit board making it ideal if you're new to electronics. Approximately £10-£15 [electrical 3, mechanical 1]
Bike alarm (long)
A very loud deterrent, with vibration and tilt sensors, a key switch, and optional tamper alarm. Approximately £20-£25 [electrical 6, mechanical 5]
Theremin (long)
The only instrument you can play without touching it! Create weird and wonderful music by waving your hands! Approximately £20-£25 [electrical 6, mechanical 4]
Guitar headphone amp (long)
Rock in the comfort of your own headphones with this battery powered box. It's a DI box too, so you can plug into a mixer if you want everyone to hear. Approximately £35-£40 [electrical 7, mechanical 7]
Computer animation and programming
Computer animation
Want to create amazing 3D scenes and animations? With professional software and tools, it's great fun to produce some fantastic looking landscapes and worlds.
Advanced computer animation
Would you love to learn how to create the next Shrek? If that sounds cool, come and have a go at creating 3D CGI using the tools and techniques the professionals use! Take the next step along in our advanced Computer Animation tech. Using state of the art modelling and animation software, you can create, texture and animate your own 3D objects.
Python programming
Whether you've never programmed a computer before, or you don't let a day go by without hacking some code - this is your chance to learn, and have fun refining your skills! We'll guide you through the first steps of programming, using the popular free programming language Python. For those with more experience of programming, the games worksheets will help you create a strategy game, an exciting shoot-’em-up, or something entirely different. You can do this activity as a complete beginner, but some of the more advanced worksheets will be best for those with some previous experience of Python. You'll usually work in pairs in this activity.
Web design
If you want to learn how to create a great website, learn about what works on a website and what doesn't, and design your own website, then Web Design's the place. You'll find out the dos and don'ts of design, how to design a good-looking website and about the HTML and CSS behind websites.
Sound and video
Video creation
You'll be creating a video, from the initial ideas, through filming, and editing to create a finished product. No experience needed.
Advanced video production techniques (long)
Like video, you'll take a video from script ideas to final edit, but you'll spend more time learning about how to storyboard, shoot and edit the perfect video. You'll get a chance to try out different roles, both in front and behind the camera. Some experience useful, but not essential.
Stop motion animation
Ever wanted to make your own stop motion animation? Put your own short film together frame-by-frame using models and a computer-controlled camera. No experience or acting required, but you'll create the video from ideas and scripting through to finishing.
Music recording
Learn how to create musical masterpieces using a combination of computer sequencing, live recording of instruments and singers, and special effects, all in our fully-equipped studio. Download the resulting tracks as MP3s to listen to at home or on the move! Composers, musicians, singers, and studio engineers are all required – but no experience needed.
Please note: due to limited resources, we may not be able to offer Music recording as an activity in 2013.
