Hello, world! is an interesting take on long- and short-lived data
storage media. It consists of a computer, a loudspeaker, 246 metres of
copper pipes, a microphone and a codified auditory signal that circulates
in a closed (feedback) system. Through the acoustic delay in the pipe
system, it is possible to store data. The longer the system of pipes, the
greater the time delay, and this means greater memory capacity. With 246
metres of pipes, the delay is approximately 0.8 seconds. This is the
equivalent of 1 Kilobit memory capacity.
But there is some instability in the system. If you go up to the sculpture
you can hear the sounds (every sign of the ASCII code has its own sine wave
frequency thus translating it in an acoustic signal) travelling through the
copper piping. But a loud noise in the exhibition space or a vibrational
disturbance from passing traffic or low frequency rumble effects the
lettering on the screen and the text and "Hello, World!" starts to tremble
as the quality of the signal degenerates and recovers.
