98: Figments of My Imagination

Embedded.fm · 22 Apr 2015 · 1h 09m

What this episode covers

Hosts Elecia Weyman and Christopher White discuss learning strategies for embedded engineers, emphasizing that 'learning by doing' and modifying existing code are more effective than reading technical books alone. They analyze the competitive landscape of low-power microcontrollers, comparing the TI MSP432, Atmel SAM-L series, and Nordic nRF51822, while highlighting the utility of the BLE Nano dev board and TI's CC2640 for Bluetooth Low Energy projects. The conversation also touches on the challenges of public speaking, the mechanics of the SpaceX rocket landing attempt, and the engineering behind the BB-8 droid.

Mentioned

Products
BLE Nano, Making Embedded Systems, BeagleBone Cookbook
Chips
MSP432, Atmel SAM-L, nRF51822, CC2640
Tools
mbed, Keil

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 03m

    Simulating doors falling off

    Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss a wide range of hardware topics, starting with Chris's preparation for Embedded World using FreeCAD and KeyCAD. They delve into Bluetooth Low Energy history and standards, then analyze the industry shift toward plug-in hybrids, citing Toyota's strategy. The conversation covers new silicon from Espressif, the TinyTapeOut project by Bitlooney, and Pete Bevilacqua's PowerMole Kickstarter, before concluding with a look at BeagleBoard.org's new Raspberry Pi-compatible board and a discussion on popular hobbyist components.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 09m

    Setting Fire To The Tracks

    Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the challenges of getting started with development boards, specifically a painful experience where Gammell struggled with an nRF52832 board because it was mislabeled in the packaging. They analyze the cost-benefit of using microcontrollers with internal EEPROM versus external chips, highlighting that an external EEPROM is cheaper than upgrading the MCU. The conversation shifts to Gammell's experience with a Neoden pick-and-place machine, detailing setup errors and the economics of automation versus hand assembly. Finally, they explore the rise of low-cost AI-capable dev boards like the CIPED and ESP32-CAM, debating the practical applications of edge machine learning and the importance of sensor data collection.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 18m

    Why isn't this working?

    Chris Gammell, founder of Contextual Electronics, explains his transition from hardware consulting to learning embedded firmware to stabilize his income. He details his personal project involving an STM32F030 and a 433MHz transmitter, highlighting the steep learning curve of moving from Arduino to bare-metal C development. Gammell and guests Elecia White and Dave Jones discuss the importance of hiring tutors, using build logs for debugging, and the specific frustrations of dealing with obscure Chinese components and complex microcontroller peripherals like SPI displays and I2S audio.

  • Predictable Designs Podcast · 18m

    Microcontroller Showdown: Selecting the Best One for Your Project

    Host John Teel explains how to select the right microcontroller for electronic products, warning against mid-project changes and emphasizing the need for 'room to grow' in GPIO and performance. He categorizes microcontrollers into 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit families, detailing specific architectures like the 8051, PIC, AVR, MSP430, STM32, and ESP32. Teel compares their costs, peripherals, and development ecosystems, noting that 32-bit chips like the STM32 and ESP32 have become cost-competitive with 8-bit options while offering superior features.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 42m

    Work on it for 10 years...

    Eliseo White and Chris White of Embedded.fm join Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics to discuss skill improvement, the importance of deliberate practice, and the challenges of learning electronics and programming. They debate the best ways to teach engineering fundamentals, the limitations of prototyping platforms like MicroPython and Arduino, and the transition from hobbyist projects to manufacturable products. The conversation also covers their personal interests, including 3D printing, VR, and solar energy, while highlighting the gap between building a prototype and shipping a reliable product.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Embedded.fm. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.