BlinkenArea FAQ

Blinkenarea 22C3 Hotline: 2023

On this page we explained how to use services of the BlinkenArea. If anything is unclear, please ask us, we won't bite.

At the 21c3 it will all be a little more complicating than the years before, because we now have to distinguish roughly between 2 types of projects. These are the projects with 144 pixels (Blinkenlights format) and the projects with 520 pixels (Arcade format). There are 2 computers which provide these projects with films and handle the phone-calls, therefore there are now 2 phone-numbers which can be called. The computers are named blccc 144px and blccc 520px. Blccc stands for Blinkenlights Chaos Control Center. One blccc can control multiple projects. When you call the blccc 520px for example, the output can be viewed on all connected 520 pixel projects. Most projects will be set-up within the BlinkenArea, but some will be put up outside the BlinkenArea. At the POC for example you will find some projects, which you can use. A list, stating which project can be found where, will be posted here later.

What are the Phonenumbers?

• 2021 ~> blccc 520px (ArcadeMini, ArcadeMaxi, ArcadeMidi, ...)
• 2022 ~> blccc 144px (BlinkenMini, LittleLights, XmasLights, BlinkenLEDs, ...)

All other phonenumbers of the BlinkenArea you can find in the BlinkenArea Phonelist or in the 21C3 Phonebook

What do I need to play?

A DECT-phone which has been registered with the POC.

I don't have a DECT-phone. What now?

I you don't have a DECT-phone, there is no harm done, as there are 4 play-phones for everyone to use in the BlinkenArea.

Can I call from outside? (For example using a mobile phone)

Yes, you can call from any phone-line worldwide. All you have to do is prefix the 4-digit congress number with +49-30-????? (not possible yet) (that is 030-????? (not possible yet) from within Germany). This will cost as much as a normal call to a German fixed phoneline.

Why doesn't it work with my phone?

Don't panic. In 99% of all cases DTMF is not enabled on your phone. If you don't succeed in enabling this, ask in the BlinkenArea or call the BlinkenArea hotline.

How can I enable DTMF?

Dial the number and wait for the computer to pick-up (so the line must be open). Then dial *5. Most DECT-phones then display MVF (or similar) on their display. For some types of DECT-phones you additionally have to press the OK-key or the key with the green phone-handset on it. The acronym DTMF stands for Dual Tone Multi Frequency, which is a way of dialing. This means for each pressed key a different high-frequency-tone set will be sent to the phone-dispatch.

Why are the BlinkenArea computers calling me back?

You have called, but the computer did not receive any input from you (or you tried to press the keys but DTMF was not enabled). The phone-system is now thinking that you were trying to redirect a call to someone. As you hung up, and the call was not redirected anywhere the phone-system is trying to re-connect the call to you, therefore calling you. The phone-system will keep trying this as long as the call is rejected / not picked up. To end this, simply pick up the phone when it rings, then hang up normally.

What can I do with which project?

144 Pixel Projects	520 Pixel Projects
default Pong *0# Snake (Game) *1# Retris (Game) *2# XXO (Game) *3# Clock *4# Matrix (Screensaver) *5# Quix (Screensaver)	default Pong *0# Snake (Game) *1# Retris (Game) *2# XXO (Game) *3# Clock *4# Matrix (Screensaver) *5# Quix (Screensaver) *6# Pacman (Game) *7# Tetris (Game) *8# Breakout (Game)
To start a Movie on-demand: *[movienumber]#

How does Pong work?

Pong can be played on the 520 as well as on the 144 pixel projects. Dial 2021 or 2022 and wait for the computer to pick up (In case it isn't already enable DTMF). Pong will be started immediately. With number-key 5 the paddle can be moved up and number-key 8 moves the paddle downwards. If you are the first caller, you have the left paddle, the right panel being played by the computer. When another player calls while you are playing, he/she takes over the right paddle from the computer and you can play against each other. If one of the two players hangs up, his paddle is taken over by the computer. When both players have hung up the system will start playing movies from the playlist again. (There is a bug, which luckily only comes up very seldomly. Sometimes when 2 players are playing each other the ball disappears. If this happens, hang up and call again.)

How does Snake work?

Snake can be played on the 520 as well as on the 144 pixel projects. Dial 2021 or 2022 and wait for the computer to pick up (In case it isn't already enable DTMF). The default (Pong) will be started. Now dial * 0 # and Snake is started. The number keys 4, 2, 6 and 8 steer the snake. Eat the dots, but don't bump into the perimeter (or yourself). As soon as you hang up, the system will start playing movies from the playlist again.

How does Retris work?

Retris can be played on the 520 as well as on the 144 pixel projects. Dial 2021 or 2022 and wait for the computer to pick up (in case it isn't already enable DTMF). The default (Pong) will be started. Now dial * 1 # and Retris is started. Retris is just like Tetris turned sideways (from right to left instead of from up to down). With number keys 2, 6, 8 and 4 you can move the stones to the right direction, number key 5 turns the stone. As soon as you hang up, the system will start playing movies from the playlist again.