# 76: Entropy Is for Wimps

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2014-11-12
- Length: 1h 08m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep76mp3

## Summary

Ron Sparks (AG5RS), a veteran electrical engineer and ham radio operator, discusses the convergence of the maker movement and amateur radio, highlighting projects like the South Texas Balloon Launch Team and the Pecan Pico. He details the technical challenges of building ultra-compact RF devices for high-altitude balloons and the importance of analog signals for digital tracking. Sparks also reflects on his career in safety management and troubleshooting, offering advice on navigating ageism in engineering and finding community in technical hobbies.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=6) Introduction and Career Background
- [7:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=424) Ageism in Engineering and Hiring
- [17:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=1025) Convergence of Makers and Ham Radio
- [22:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=1366) The 44 Net and Amateur Internet
- [31:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=1888) South Texas Balloon Launch Team and Pecan Pico
- [35:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=2112) Wi-Fi from the Edge of Space and Signal Challenges
- [40:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=2429) SatNOGS, WSPR, and Weak Signal Propagation
- [57:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps#t=3420) Troubleshooting, Safety Management, and Career Advice

## Topics

- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- AMPRNet (other)
- South Texas Balloon Launch Team (other)
- Pecan Pico (product)
- SatNOGS (other)
- WSPR (other)
- AMSAT (other)
- WRT54GL (product)
- APRS.fi (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An interview with Tony Long - Millimeter Microwave Magician](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-08-06-an-interview-with-tony-long-millimeter-microwave-magician) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep032: Meteorite Snow Globes, Radioactive Ramjet Rockets, Autonomous Water Boxes, and Ball Reversers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-08-23-ep032-meteorite-snow-globes-radioactive-ramjet-rockets-autonomous-water-boxes-an) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Space Difficulties and Lost Heroes - Wanzing Workshop Whemmle](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-11-06-space-difficulties-and-lost-heroes-wanzing-workshop-whemmle) (The Amp Hour)
- [Pedantic or Andrantic](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-01-03-pedantic-or-andrantic) (The Amp Hour)
- [Aussie Bound!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-08-19-aussie-bound) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-12-76-entropy-is-for-wimps. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.