# 90: Stick It in a Pumpkin

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-02-26
- Length: 1h 07m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep90mp3

## Summary

Todd Kurt, co-founder of ThingM, discusses the evolution of his company's smart LED products, specifically the I2C-based BlinkM and the USB-based Blink(1). He explains the technical trade-offs between using ATtiny microcontrollers for I2C communication and Microchip PIC processors for native USB support, highlighting the firmware and timing challenges with WS2812 (NeoPixel) and APA102 (DotStar) LEDs. Kurt details the business strategy behind using Kickstarter for market validation and PR, while recounting specific manufacturing pain points in China, including firmware bugs, PCB layout issues, and CNC machining errors. He also touches on the complexities of managing a small hardware team, dealing with software contractors, and exploring future wireless product directions.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=6) Introduction: Todd Kurt and ThingM
- [1:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=112) BlinkM Use Cases and I2C Smart LEDs
- [5:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=322) Blink(1) Design: ATtiny vs. PIC Microcontrollers
- [16:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=978) Hackability and WS2812/NeoPixel Timing Issues
- [32:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=1961) Business Strategy and Manufacturing with Seeed Studio
- [42:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=2535) Kickstarter Troubles: Firmware, PCB, and CNC Errors
- [50:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=3006) Future Wireless Products and FCC Certification Costs
- [56:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin#t=3381) Art Installations: Crystal Monster and Cash Machine

## Topics

- [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)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ThingM (company)
- BlinkM (product)
- Blink(1) (product)
- ATtiny85 (chip)
- PIC16F1455 (chip)
- WS2812 (chip)
- Adafruit (company)
- NeoPixel (product)
- APA102 (chip)
- DotStar (product)
- BlinkMaxM (product)
- Seeed Studio (company)
- Highway One (company)
- Tindie (company)
- Crash Space (company)
- Crystal Monster (product)
- Cash Machine (product)
- Unchained Reaction (other)

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- [An Interview with Ken Burns](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-09-16-an-interview-with-ken-burns) (The Amp Hour)
- [429: The Fabric of Your Lungs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-02-09-429-the-fabric-of-your-lungs) (Making It)
- [The Synergy Bus](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-06-11-the-synergy-bus) (The Amp Hour)
- [A 2013 Recap - Year-end Yarn Yakking](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-12-31-a-2013-recap-year-end-yarn-yakking) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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