Researchers and instructors at NYU built a simple electronic instrument from discarded vape cartridges. David Rios, Kari S. Love and Shuang Cai salvaged a low-pressure sensor, a lithium battery and the mouthpiece, and they combined these parts into a crude ocarina-like synth.
The instrument produces a high, squeaky sound when a player inhales through the mouthpiece and presses buttons on the cartridge. Its design detects air pressure from sucking, which is roughly the opposite of a standard wind instrument that works when a player blows.
The team documented their process and published open-source instructions for hobbyists and DIY makers. By repurposing circuits and batteries, they aim to keep parts out of landfills and reduce the environmental impact of disposable devices.
Difficult words
- discard — thrown away because not wanted anymorediscarded
- salvage — save useful parts from something damagedsalvaged
- sensor — device that measures a physical quantitylow-pressure sensor
- detect — notice or find the presence of somethingdetects
- repurpose — use something for a different purposerepurposing
- landfill — a place where people bury or store wastelandfills
- disposable — designed to be used once and thrown away
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think people should try to repair or repurpose small electronic devices instead of throwing them away? Why or why not?
- Would you be interested in building a simple instrument from recycled parts? What would be easy or difficult for you?
- Besides keeping parts out of landfills, what other benefits might come from repurposing circuits and batteries?
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