# 83: The First Time I Was Electrocuted

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-01-07
- Length: 1h 03m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep83mp3-0

## Summary

Mark Johnson, the anonymous creator of the open-source Raman Pi spectrometer, discusses building a low-cost Raman spectroscopy device using a Raspberry Pi, 3D printed parts, and off-the-shelf components. He details the technical challenges of aligning optics, selecting a linear CCD over the Raspberry Pi camera module, and managing the intense documentation and video production required for the Hackaday Prize. Johnson also shares his background in electronics surplus and his fascination with high-voltage hobbyist projects like fusors.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=6) Introduction and Guest Background
- [3:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=220) Raman Spectroscopy Principles and Motivation
- [12:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=749) Hardware Design: Lasers, Optics, and CCDs
- [24:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=1463) 3D Printing vs. Optical Benches
- [31:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=1885) Hackaday Prize Experience and Documentation
- [42:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=2545) Embedded Systems: Raspberry Pi and Nucleo Boards
- [43:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=2629) Calibration, Future Kits, and Community
- [48:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-07-83-the-first-time-i-was-electrocuted#t=2906) High Voltage Hobby: Fusors and Safety

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Raman Pi (product)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- Nucleo (chip)
- ST Micro (company)
- Hackaday (company)
- Weird Stuff (company)
- OpenSCAD (tool)
- Toshiba (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep 240: An Amazing 3D Printer, A Look Inside Raspberry Pi 5, and Cameras, Both Film and Digital](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-10-13-ep-240-an-amazing-3d-printer-a-look-inside-raspberry-pi-5-and-cameras-both-film) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Hacked E-Paper Price Tags, Raspberry Pi MCU Dev HAT, Arduino Robot Arm, and More!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-01-18-hacked-e-paper-price-tags-raspberry-pi-mcu-dev-hat-arduino-robot-arm-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Ep 375: Rebuilding Tech on Our Terms and the Hero Nerd](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep116: Three DIY Lab Instruments, Two Tickers, and a MicroCar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-04-30-ep116-three-diy-lab-instruments-two-tickers-and-a-microcar) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 204: Cesium, Colorful Cast Buttons, and CNC Pizza](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-02-03-ep-204-cesium-colorful-cast-buttons-and-cnc-pizza) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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