Behind the Scenes: How the Blue Lights Work

For those who have inquired about how the Not A Cornfield blue phase lighting system operates, the project blog asked Scott Froschauer, lighting coordinator, for some further information and hi-tech specificiations. Froschauer's reply follows:

"These lights are controlled by a computer in the center of the field that responds to changing conditions around the field, trains passing by, temperature changes, rain, etc.

"At the heart of the system is a Mac Mini that is tied into an X10 communications network. The computer is also tied into the internet via a wireless connection that covers over half a mile. At the transmission end Radiolabs PA24-18, 19 dB antenna and at the receiving end is a Quickertek XVR Pro, 27 dB transceiver. Using the connection to the internet the system can respond to outside information such as emailed commands or rss feeds."

The Not A Cornfield blue phase continues through December 26, 2005. The field and surrounding landmarks and buildings will be lit, nightly.

More photos.

City Hall Lit as Part of Blue Phase Ceremony

As part of the occasion, Los Angeles City Hall was bathed in blue lights. This particularly ephermal installation endured only that one evening.

The rest of the blue phase lighting, however, will last until Decemember 26. The cornfield is now home to blue lights on tall poles -- think, emblematic stalks -- each representating stars in the constellations of the winter solstice night sky.

Additionally, landmarks and buildings that surround Not A Cornfield will continue to be lit blue, nightly, until the 26th.

Also on December 3rd, City Councilmember Ed Reyes stopped by the ceremony to present a proclamation saluting the Not A Cornfield project and all who have visited the grounds.


Photos by (top) Scott Froschauer & (bottom) NAC/Steve Rowell

Get Well Soon, Friend & Colleague

The entire Not A Cornfield team would like to send out a great big GET WELL SOON! to our injured friend and colleague. We missed you terribly last weekend; and we join a long crowd of well-wishers across oceans and continents in urging you on and assisting you in any ways we can towards a fast and complete recovery.