388 lines
18 KiB
Markdown
388 lines
18 KiB
Markdown
# Cybersyn Chair Recreation Project
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A modern recreation of the iconic Cybersyn Operations Room chairs from Chile's Project Cybersyn (1971-1973), with integrated Raspberry Pi electronics for smart home/office control.
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## Project Goals
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1. **Faithful Recreation**: Reproduce the aesthetic of Gui Bonsiepe's original fiberglass swivel chairs
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2. **Modern Electronics**: Integrate Raspberry Pi with customizable armrest controls
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3. **Modular Design**: Create swappable armrest modules for different use cases
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4. **Open Source**: Publish all CAD files, electronics schematics, and software
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---
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## Historical Background
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### The Original Cybersyn Project (1971-1973)
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Project Cybersyn was Chile's pioneering experiment in real-time economic management under President Salvador Allende. The Operations Room (Opsroom) was the nerve center - a hexagonal 72m² space containing 7 fiberglass swivel chairs arranged in a circle.
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**Design Team:**
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- **Gui Bonsiepe** (Lead Designer, German industrial designer)
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- Fernando Shultz
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- Rodrigo Walker
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- Pepa Foncea
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- Industrial Design Area of INTEC (Chilean State Technology Institute)
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### Original Chair Specifications
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| Feature | Description |
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|---------|-------------|
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| **Material** | Fiberglass shell with orange upholstery |
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| **Style** | Tulip/pedestal base (similar to Saarinen, but custom) |
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| **Seating** | 7 chairs in inward-facing circle |
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| **Swivel** | Full 360° rotation (considered optimal for creativity) |
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| **Armrests** | Integrated control panels, ashtrays, drink holders |
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### Armrest Control Layout
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The original buttons were deliberately large ("big hand" design) for users without keyboard experience:
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```
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┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
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│ ORIGINAL BUTTON LAYOUT │
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├─────────────────────────────────────┤
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│ │
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│ TOP ROW (3 square buttons): │
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│ [■] [■] [■] │
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│ │ │ │ │
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│ └───┴───┴── Select data screens │
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│ │
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│ MIDDLE ROW (5 buttons): │
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│ [○] [○] [○] [○] [○] │
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│ │ │
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│ └── Navigate subdirectories │
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│ (hypertext-like navigation) │
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│ │
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│ BOTTOM ROW (1 large rectangular): │
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│ [████████████████████] │
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│ │ │
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│ └── Index/Home screen │
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│ │
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└─────────────────────────────────────┘
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```
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The buttons connected via wires through the floor to slide carousels that displayed pre-made data visualization slides.
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### Design Philosophy
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- **No tables**: Intentionally omitted to prevent paper shuffling and encourage democratic discussion
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- **Odd number (7)**: Ensures tie-breaking votes
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- **Swivel chairs**: Maximizes creative interaction
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- **No keyboards**: Large buttons for accessibility
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- **No Star Trek influence**: Despite visual similarities, designers claimed no sci-fi inspiration
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---
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## Existing Resources & References
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### Reconstructions
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| Location | Year | Notes |
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|----------|------|-------|
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| FabLab Santiago, Chile | 2016 | Recreation supervised by original designers |
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| Disseny Hub Barcelona, Spain | 2023 | First *functional* reconstruction, 72m² hexagonal room |
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### Primary Sources
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- **Eden Medina, *Cybernetic Revolutionaries* (MIT Press, 2011)** - Definitive historical account with design details
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- **Stafford Beer Collection** - Liverpool John Moores University archives
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- **INTEC Publication**: "Diseño de una sala de operaciones," INTEC, no. 4 (1973), pp. 19–28
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- **Gui Bonsiepe Archive** - Original sketches
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### Available 3D Models (Starting Points)
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| Model | Source | Format | Notes |
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|-------|--------|--------|-------|
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| Tulip Chair | [GrabCAD](https://grabcad.com/library/tulip-chair-1) | Various | Saarinen-style, needs armrest mods |
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| Saarinen Tulip | [Sketchfab](https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/saarinen-tulip-chair-bc48eb1d27794a7baa8b2009aff5590e) | Free | Good base geometry |
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| Knoll Tulip | [FaceQuad](https://facequad.com/products/knoll-tulip-chair-and-armchair-3d-model) | OBJ, FBX | Armchair variant |
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| Eames Shell | [Herman Miller](https://www.hermanmiller.com/resources/3d-models-and-planning-tools/product-models/individual/eames-molded-fiberglass-side-chair-dowel-base-nonupholstered/) | Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD | Fiberglass shell reference |
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### Reference Images
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- [Google Arts & Culture - FabLab Recreation](https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-counterculture-room-cybersyn-chair-gui-bonsiepe-recreated-by-fablab-santiago-in-2016/vQHnhWYDvfxj6Q)
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- [Artsy - Original Opsroom Photos](https://www.artsy.net/artwork/gui-bonsiepe-cybersyn-operations-room-datafeed-with-chairs)
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- [99% Invisible Episode](https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/project-cybersyn/) - Includes photos and context
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---
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## Manufacturing Approaches
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### Option 1: Fiberglass Hand Lay-Up (Recommended for Authenticity)
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**Estimated Cost**: $800-2,000/chair + mold
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**Tooling Cost**: $1,000-5,000 for plug and mold
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**Process:**
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1. Create positive plug from CNC-milled foam or MDF
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2. Apply release agent and gel coat
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3. Lay fiberglass mat + polyester/epoxy resin
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4. Cure under controlled conditions
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5. Demold and finish
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**Resources:**
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- [Instructables: Fiberglass Shell Chair](https://www.instructables.com/DEVELOPING-FORM-Fabricating-Organic-Fiberglass-For/)
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- [Hand Lay-Up Process Guide](https://www.deloachindustries.com/blog/fiberglass-process-hand-lay-up-contact-molding-)
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### Option 2: Rotational Molding (Best for Small Batches)
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**Estimated Cost**: $50-150/chair at 50+ units
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**Tooling Cost**: $3,000-10,000 for aluminum mold
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**Advantages:**
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- Tooling costs 1/5th of injection molding
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- Creates seamless hollow shells (perfect for hiding electronics)
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- Ideal for 50-500 unit production runs
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**Resources:**
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- [Rotomolding vs Injection Molding Comparison](https://rotodynamics.com/injection-molding-advantages-disadvantages-and-the-appeal-of-rotational-molding/)
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### Option 3: Hybrid Approach
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| Component | Method | Material |
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|-----------|--------|----------|
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| Shell/seat | Fiberglass hand lay-up OR rotomolding | Fiberglass or LLDPE |
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| Armrests | 3D printed master → silicone mold → cast | Polyurethane resin |
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| Base/pedestal | CNC machined or cast | Aluminum or steel |
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| Electronics bay | 3D printed inserts | PETG/ABS |
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---
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## Electronics Integration
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### Architecture Overview
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```
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┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
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│ ARMREST MODULE │
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├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
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│ │
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│ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
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│ │ BUTTON PANEL (Top Surface) │ │
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│ │ │ │
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│ │ [DATA 1] [DATA 2] [DATA 3] ← Screen selection │ │
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│ │ │ │
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│ │ [NAV 1] [NAV 2] [NAV 3] [NAV 4] [NAV 5] │ │
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│ │ ↑ │ │
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│ │ Navigation/subdirectory buttons │ │
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│ │ │ │
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│ │ [═══════════ INDEX/HOME ═══════════] │ │
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│ │ ↑ │ │
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│ │ Large "big hand" button │ │
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│ │ │ │
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│ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
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│ │ │
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│ ┌────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┐ │
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│ │ ELECTRONICS CAVITY │ │
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│ │ │ │
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│ │ ┌─────────────┐ ┌────────────────────────────┐ │ │
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│ │ │ Raspberry │ │ GPIO Breakout Board │ │ │
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│ │ │ Pi Zero 2 W │────│ + Button Matrix Driver │ │ │
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│ │ │ │ │ + Status LEDs │ │ │
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│ │ └──────┬──────┘ └─────────────┬──────────────┘ │ │
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│ │ │ │ │ │
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│ │ ┌──────┴─────────────────────────┴──────────────┐ │ │
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│ │ │ USB-C Power + Data (through pedestal) │ │ │
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│ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
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│ │ │ │
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│ │ MODULAR EXPANSION BAYS (snap-in): │ │
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│ │ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ │ │
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│ │ │ NFC │ │ OLED │ │ Haptic │ │ USB │ │ │
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│ │ │ Reader │ │ Display │ │ Motors │ │ Ports │ │ │
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│ │ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ │ │
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│ │ │ │
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│ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
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│ │
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└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
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```
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### Recommended Hardware
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| Component | Model | Dimensions | Cost | Notes |
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|-----------|-------|------------|------|-------|
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| **Main Board** | Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | 65 × 30 mm | ~$15 | WiFi/BT, sufficient GPIO |
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| **Alternative** | Raspberry Pi Pico W | 51 × 21 mm | ~$6 | Even smaller, pure button I/O |
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| **Buttons** | Cherry MX mechanical | 15.6 × 15.6 mm | ~$1 ea | Satisfying tactile feel |
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| **Alt Buttons** | Silicone dome pads | Custom | ~$20/set | Authentic "big hand" style |
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| **Display** | 1.3" SH1106 OLED | 35 × 33 mm | ~$8 | Optional status display |
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| **NFC** | RC522 RFID module | 40 × 60 mm | ~$5 | User identification |
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| **Haptic** | DRV2605L + LRA motor | 10 × 10 mm | ~$8 | Button feedback |
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### Software Stack
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```
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┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
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│ SOFTWARE LAYERS │
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├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
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│ │
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│ APPLICATION LAYER │
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│ ├── Home Assistant integration (MQTT) │
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│ ├── Custom Cybersyn dashboard (web UI) │
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│ └── Multi-chair coordination (WebSocket) │
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│ │
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│ MIDDLEWARE │
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│ ├── Python asyncio event loop │
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│ ├── Button debouncing & state machine │
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│ └── Module hot-plug detection │
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│ │
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│ HARDWARE ABSTRACTION │
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│ ├── gpiozero (button/LED control) │
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│ ├── smbus2 (I2C modules) │
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│ └── spidev (SPI displays) │
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│ │
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│ OS: Raspberry Pi OS Lite (headless) │
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│ │
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└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
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```
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### Communication Protocol
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**MQTT Topics:**
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```
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cybersyn/chair/{chair_id}/button/{button_name} → pressed/released
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cybersyn/chair/{chair_id}/module/{module_type} → module data
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cybersyn/chair/{chair_id}/status → online/offline
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cybersyn/display/{screen_id}/show → screen control
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```
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---
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## Project Phases
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### Phase 1: Research & Design (Current)
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- [x] Historical research on original design
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- [x] Identify existing CAD resources
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- [x] Document manufacturing options
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- [ ] Obtain high-resolution reference photos
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- [ ] Contact FabLab Santiago / Disseny Hub Barcelona for specs
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- [ ] Create initial CAD model
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### Phase 2: Prototype Electronics
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- [ ] Build button matrix on breadboard
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- [ ] Write Pi Zero control software
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- [ ] Test MQTT integration with Home Assistant
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- [ ] Design modular bay connector system
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- [ ] 3D print armrest electronics enclosure
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### Phase 3: Physical Prototype
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- [ ] Modify existing tulip chair CAD for armrest cavity
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- [ ] 3D print 1:4 scale model for review
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- [ ] Create foam/MDF plug for fiberglass testing
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- [ ] Make test fiberglass section
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- [ ] Integrate electronics into armrest
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### Phase 4: Production
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- [ ] Finalize CAD for manufacturing
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- [ ] Create production mold (fiberglass or rotomold)
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- [ ] Produce first complete chair
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- [ ] Document build process
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- [ ] Publish open-source files
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### Phase 5: Multi-Chair System
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- [ ] Build 7-chair Opsroom configuration
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- [ ] Create central display system
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- [ ] Implement cross-chair coordination
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- [ ] Add data visualization dashboard
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---
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## Directory Structure
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```
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cybersyn-chair/
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├── README.md # This file
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├── docs/
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│ ├── history.md # Detailed historical background
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│ ├── references.md # Links to sources and archives
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│ └── manufacturing.md # Detailed manufacturing guides
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├── cad/
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│ ├── chair-shell/ # Main chair body CAD files
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│ ├── armrest/ # Armrest with electronics cavity
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│ ├── pedestal-base/ # Swivel base design
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│ └── modules/ # Snap-in module designs
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├── electronics/
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│ ├── schematics/ # KiCad circuit designs
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│ ├── pcb/ # Custom PCB layouts
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│ └── bom/ # Bill of materials
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├── software/
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│ ├── firmware/ # Pi Zero control code
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│ ├── server/ # Central coordination server
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│ └── dashboard/ # Web-based control panel
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├── manufacturing/
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│ ├── mold-designs/ # Fiberglass mold CAD
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│ └── assembly-guides/ # Step-by-step build docs
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└── media/
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├── reference-photos/ # Historical images
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└── renders/ # 3D renders of design
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```
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---
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## Cost Estimates
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### Single Chair (DIY/Maker)
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| Item | Estimated Cost |
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|------|----------------|
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| Fiberglass materials + mold (amortized over 7) | $200-400 |
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| Metal pedestal base (fabricated) | $200-400 |
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| Upholstery (orange fabric + foam) | $100-200 |
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| Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | $15 |
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| Electronics (buttons, wiring, modules) | $50-100 |
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| 3D printed components | $20-50 |
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| **Total per chair** | **$585-1,165** |
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### 7-Chair Opsroom Setup
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| Item | Estimated Cost |
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|------|----------------|
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| 7 chairs (at $800 avg) | $5,600 |
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| Central server (Pi 4 + display) | $150 |
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| Network infrastructure | $100 |
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| Display screens (7× monitors) | $1,400 |
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| Room setup (hexagonal layout, wiring) | $500 |
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| **Total Opsroom** | **$7,750** |
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---
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## Contributing
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This is an open-source project. Contributions welcome:
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1. **CAD Design**: Help model the chair shell, armrest, and base
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2. **Electronics**: Design PCBs, write firmware
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3. **Manufacturing**: Share fabrication experience
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4. **Historical Research**: Locate original specifications and drawings
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5. **Documentation**: Improve guides and tutorials
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---
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## License
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- **Hardware designs**: CERN Open Hardware License v2
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- **Software**: MIT License
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- **Documentation**: CC BY-SA 4.0
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---
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## Acknowledgments
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- **Gui Bonsiepe** and the original INTEC design team
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- **Stafford Beer** for the Cybersyn vision
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- **Eden Medina** for preserving this history in *Cybernetic Revolutionaries*
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- **FabLab Santiago** for the 2016 recreation
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- **Disseny Hub Barcelona** for the functional reconstruction
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---
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## Contact
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For questions, collaboration, or access to original specifications:
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- Open an issue on this repository
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- Email: [your-email]
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- Disseny Hub Barcelona: [Documentation Center](https://www.dissenyhub.barcelona/en/centredoc/services/information-and-requests)
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