# 98: Figments of My Imagination

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-04-22
- Length: 1h 09m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep98mp3

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination#t=6) Introduction and Job Hunting Advice
- [8:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination#t=489) Learning Embedded Systems: Books vs. Practice
- [50:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination#t=3015) Microcontroller Landscape: MSP432 and Atmel SAM-L
- [54:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination#t=3285) Bluetooth Low Energy: Nordic nRF51822 and TI CC2640
- [45:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination#t=2702) SpaceX Landing and BB-8 Droid Engineering
- [32:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination#t=1948) Public Speaking and Show Housekeeping

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- MSP432 (chip)
- Atmel SAM-L (chip)
- nRF51822 (chip)
- BLE Nano (product)
- CC2640 (chip)
- mbed (tool)
- Keil (tool)
- Making Embedded Systems (product)
- BeagleBone Cookbook (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Simulating doors falling off](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-04-04-simulating-doors-falling-off) (The Amp Hour)
- [Setting Fire To The Tracks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-02-04-setting-fire-to-the-tracks) (The Amp Hour)
- [Why isn't this working?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-02-14-why-isnt-this-working) (The Amp Hour)
- [Microcontroller Showdown: Selecting the Best One for Your Project](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2023-01-04-microcontroller-showdown-selecting-the-best-one-for-your-project) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [Work on it for 10 years...](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-30-work-on-it-for-10-years) (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/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination. 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.