Cone of Silence?
51 views
Skip to first unread message
Michael Cheng
Nov 14, 2012, 5:54:41 AM11/14/12
to HackerspaceSG
Hi,
Just an observation (since i was hanging out at the space earlier today)...
Might we have a use for a more comprehensive "cone of silence" where folks can engage in group discussions and conference calls with more privacy in the Hackerspace?
I remember some folks used the Library for this, but it might affect people working in the zone. And the main area mightn't be a conducive place either... Any thoughts?
PS: I'm ok with the noise level as i'll zone out with my ear plugs anways...
Regards,
Michael Cheng CM
Mobile: +65 9185 5166
LinkedIn: http://sg.linkedin.com/in/miccheng
Luther Goh Lu Feng
Nov 15, 2012, 1:22:09 AM11/15/12
to HackerspaceSG
I agree. Excessive volume for extended periods of time are
distracting.
What I personally do is that I make my prolonged phone calls in the
dishwasher area. If I need to skype, I do it downstairs. But I do make
my calls in an empty section in the space if it isn't crowded.. or if
it takes only 30 secs and I try to remember to speak in hushed tones.
distracting.
What I personally do is that I make my prolonged phone calls in the
dishwasher area. If I need to skype, I do it downstairs. But I do make
my calls in an empty section in the space if it isn't crowded.. or if
it takes only 30 secs and I try to remember to speak in hushed tones.
ChrisChong
Nov 15, 2012, 1:45:32 AM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
I suppose you're talking about me :P
Sorry about that - I understand it can be quite distracting and I really try not to carry those calls for a long time. The reason why I do it in the main area itself is because:
1) As Michael mentioned, the library is meant to be a "no talking zone", so I'm not sure if I can use it
1) As Michael mentioned, the library is meant to be a "no talking zone", so I'm not sure if I can use it
2) The dishwasher area has exceptionally bad reception for me. I've no idea why, but I keep getting cut off when I use it there
3) I need my laptop lots of the time, so the dishwasher area also isn't idea
4) The reception downstairs is terrible, both for WiFi and cellular (again maybe this is just me)
5) When I do call downstairs, my boss/clients complain of hearing Indian music from next door
Soooo.. as you can see, it's kinda a dilemma. And I don't make calls that often, but it is starting to increase in frequency due to my shift in job post, so... any suggestions?
/Chris
Michael Cheng
Nov 15, 2012, 2:00:17 AM11/15/12
to HackerspaceSG
Perhaps we can put a heavy curtain between the library and the zone? That way, can maintain some noise cancellation. :D
Stephan February
Nov 15, 2012, 2:08:38 AM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
Or we build "actual" cones of silence! We can use old hair salon driers :) I suspect they quite effectively muffle sound if your head is inside.
Cheers
Stephan
Meng Weng Wong
Nov 15, 2012, 2:56:11 AM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com, HackerspaceSG
Where can we find bulk acoustic foam?
James Rivett-Carnac
Nov 15, 2012, 3:28:08 AM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
active sound dampening speakers?
Justin Lee
Nov 15, 2012, 3:43:08 AM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
There's actually this interesting actual cone that I saw that magnifies audio when you're in it and dampens it on the outside. It's portable and hangs from the ceiling. Regards,
Justin Lee
Software Development Consultant,
Tech-Schizo, Deputy Editor in Chief of Tech65
blog: www.justinlee.sg
twitter: @triplez82
Justin Lee
Software Development Consultant,
Tech-Schizo, Deputy Editor in Chief of Tech65
blog: www.justinlee.sg
twitter: @triplez82
ntt
Nov 15, 2012, 12:50:46 PM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
@Justin That's more like a "spotlight loudspeaker" concept. Won't work if someone is talking..
@James Really hard to do active in this case because of the range of frequencies involved and the fact that there is no single direction of propagation.
Having an corner covered by acoustics foam would be the best bet. Maybe having a curtain make a "4th wall" to help even more. And ofcourse making the person speak towards the corner. I can check with my friend about bulk sources of acoustics foam and get back to you guys.
Njoy,
-Chinmay
Patrick Haller
Nov 15, 2012, 7:07:16 PM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
On 2012-11-15 09:50, ntt wrote:
> Having an corner covered by acoustics foam would be the best bet. Maybe
> having a curtain make a "4th wall" to help even more. And ofcourse making
> the person speak towards the corner. I can check with my friend about bulk
> sources of acoustics foam and get back to you guys.
Things that might be operant:
> Having an corner covered by acoustics foam would be the best bet. Maybe
> having a curtain make a "4th wall" to help even more. And ofcourse making
> the person speak towards the corner. I can check with my friend about bulk
> sources of acoustics foam and get back to you guys.
1] Humans talk loudly when they can't hear well
2] Cellphone microphones are generally pretty good
So try using earbuds / jawbone with a phone, and practice speaking
quietly (perhaps towards wall or into hand)?
James Rivett-Carnac
Nov 15, 2012, 10:59:42 PM11/15/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
Chinmay - nothing awesome is ever easy :)
ntt
Nov 16, 2012, 1:33:54 AM11/16/12
to hacker...@googlegroups.com
@Meng.
I got the contact of these guys for getting acoustic foam in bulk.
The Polyurethane foam should be good enough for this case.
-Chinmay
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages