# 54: Oh! The Hugh Manatee

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Length: 1h 11m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-54mp3

## Summary

Elizabeth Brenner and Amelia White discuss their 'Are You OK' widget, a Wi-Fi-enabled stuffed animal designed to alert caregivers if an elderly person hasn't interacted with it for 24 hours. They detail the hardware choices, including the Electric Imp module and LiPo batteries, and the software architecture involving device code, agent code, and cloud modules. The conversation also covers the challenges of soldering for non-hardware engineers, the use of Mailgun for notifications, and the potential application of Fitbit data via IFTTT for similar monitoring.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee#t=6) Introduction: The Problem and the Manatee Solution
- [5:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee#t=315) Sewing Patterns and Stuffed Animal Construction
- [10:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee#t=617) Soldering Barriers and Alternative Connections
- [30:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee#t=1812) Electric Imp Architecture and Module Management
- [47:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee#t=2862) Power Consumption and Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
- [53:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee#t=3223) Notifications, Mailgun, and Fitbit Integration
- [1:01:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-06-05-54-oh-the-hugh-manatee#t=3699) Naming Controversy and SparkFun Contest

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Electric Imp (chip)
- SparkFun (company)
- Kinematics (company)
- Chibtronics (company)
- Fitbit (product)
- Mailgun (other)
- Twilio (other)
- Lockitron (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview With Brandon Harris - Impish Internet Iamatology](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-06-11-an-interview-with-brandon-harris-impish-internet-iamatology) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep062: Tripping Batteries, Ventilator Design, Stinky Prints, and Simon Says Servos](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-10-ep062-tripping-batteries-ventilator-design-stinky-prints-and-simon-says-servos) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 355: Person Detectors, Walkie Talkies, Open Smartphones, and a WiFi Traffic Light](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-30-ep-355-person-detectors-walkie-talkies-open-smartphones-and-a-wifi-traffic-light) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [An Interview with Jeff Rowberg - Mini Module Master](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-07-24-an-interview-with-jeff-rowberg-mini-module-master) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep021: Chasing Rockets, Tripping on Synthesizers, an IoT Security Fail, and Alzheimer's Detection](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-05-31-ep021-chasing-rockets-tripping-on-synthesizers-an-iot-security-fail-and-alzheime) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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