--- title: "Introduction" type: Chapter slug: true front: false --- >> The real long-term future of computing consists of figuring out how to make the best possible use we can out of the literal millions of devices which already exist. (Solderpunk, 2020, Cited in de Valk, 2022) You're reading[^shortcut-print] *A Field Guide for Salvaging Sound Devices*. Here, we'll explore the practical side of salvage computing trough the making of noise boxes: is it possible to *live off* (create with) electronic components salvaged in the wild? And what would such a practice entail? Instead of using hardware to build even more computers, we'll focus on creating, dreamy sound devices. [^shortcut-print]: Ctrl + P to print this document Salvaging is the practice of using computational resources that already exist. Not freshly purchased hardware, but salvaged from landfills and hidden in storage boxes. The E-Waste Monitor shows that global e-waste production is growing rapidly, even doubling between 2010 and 2022.[@baldeGlobalEWasteMonitor2024] According to Jennifer Gabrys, salvage is not just about reusing materials; but also about confronting the systems that created the waste in the first place. Waste is not only your end-of-life Humane AI Pin[^AI-pin] but also the by-product of the entire production lifecycle of an electronic products; From the mining of minerals that make up the hardware to disposal site. These transitions happen in hazardous waste sites, causing long-term environmental and health problems, often in developing countries where technology consumption is much lower. [@gabrysSalvage2012]. [^AI-pin]: Humane Inc. Ai Pin closed their servers within one year after releasing their “Ai Pin”. Now, you can only ask this piece of hardware how many battery it has left. [@chokkattuWhatYourDefunct2025] However, the rate at which e-waste is collected and recycled isn't growing at the same pace, resulting in landfills that continue to grow, that will only go worse. The growing gap between recycling and production can be traced to several factors: increased consumption of technology, limited repair options, and a lacking e-waste infrastructure ## Buying DIY The preference for buying new is noticeable in the DIY synth community as well. When publishing about a project it's common to share a pre-filled webshop cart along with the schematics, or even sell as a pre-compiled kits[^KIT]. To me, this goes against the ethos of DIY, which is about making do with limited budget & resources [@hertzArtDIYElectronics2023]. Instead a whole new market is created consisting of lego-like kits. These kits often gloss over the actual challenges and difficulties of creating, preventing the development of much needed problem-solving skills, and not actually discovering anything new [@CooperativeExperimentalismSharing]. [^KIT]: ![Kit from Bastl Instruments](/assets/chapters/bastl_kit.webp) In this guide we are challenging the idea of buying new trough salvage computing. This is where my interpretation of salvage computing comes into play. Salvage computing believes that the end of a product's lifecycle should be a moment of celebration—not a time of death, but an opportunity to start something new. [@lulinvegaHolisticApproachComputing] zin loopt nog niet goed The guide is split up into five chapters, each focusing on a different stage of salvaging for sound devices: #### 1. Gathering hardware *We'll go trough which devices work for salvaging, where to find them. And talk about dealing with hidden waste streams and obsolescence.* #### 2. Dismantling devices *Hands on discovery of strategies that manufactures use to keep you out of their devices, and the right to repair. Hopefully not to much melted plastic.* #### 3. Components to salvage *An overview of parts to salvage, how to identify them and how to reuse them* #### 4. Recipes for making *strategies for making with salvaged parts, and ways to modify the devices.* #### 5. Storing parts *Cleaning up the inventory and looking back* ## Do It With Others (DIWO) Repair is often and historically organised as a social activity - opening up workplaces and sharing knowledge[@matternStepStepThinking2024]. expand more on the social. This notion a major part of the DIY Synth community [@richardsDIYElectronicMusic2013]. By being part of workshops and gatherings around DIY sound and repair I've noticed how empowering these exchanges can be [^exchange]. This guide itself is created during and around so-called *(un)repair nights[^unrepair-night]* at the klankschool[^about-klankschool]. I would really encourage you to do DIWO this guide too. The frustrating process that can be learning electronics is much better to manage when shared. [^exchange]: Especially during a [workshop in collaboration with the kunsthal](https://www.kunsthal.nl/nl/plan-je-bezoek/activiteiten/friday-night-live-operator/), where it was the first time making a circuit for many atendees. It was great to see how people without much electronics experience, figured out circuit making and playing, together. [^unrepair-night]: The (un)repair cafe is a by-weekly hangout at the Klankschool, where we modify, hack and repair devices. Check the [calendar](https://calendar.klank.school/) for the next event! [^about-klankschool]: Klankschool is a loose-knit group of sonic practitioners based in Rotterdam who share a common interest in performances, sound art, improvisation and noise. Everyone involved is a teacher, student, musician, janitor and more. On that note, I am by no means an expert in electronics. When I write about how things work, please take it with a grain of salt. This guide represents my personal understanding, which, no doubt, contains incorrect assumptions or oversimplifications. If you have suggestions for improvement, feel free to reach out or submit a pull request with your insights.