# 107: Until They Are Spaghetti

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-07-01
- Length: 58m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep107mp3

## Summary

Craig Cook, an IT systems administrator from New Zealand, discusses his experience completing the 'Embedded Systems' MOOC from the University of Texas via edX, which utilized Texas Instruments Tiva microcontrollers. He details the rigorous 15-week course, covering low-level C programming, interrupt handling, and finite state machines, while highlighting the challenges of transitioning from high-level scripting to hardware-specific coding. Cook is now planning to build an open-source alarm clock with Wi-Fi and FM radio capabilities, exploring hardware options like the ESP8266, Particle Photon, and Electric Imp to balance cost, functionality, and manufacturability.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=7) Introduction: Craig Cook and Embedded Systems Background
- [1:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=98) The University of Texas Embedded Systems MOOC on edX
- [5:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=326) Low-Level C Programming and Hardware Interaction
- [10:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=646) Finite State Machines and the Traffic Light Lab
- [16:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=998) Planning an Open Source Alarm Clock Project
- [21:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=1286) Course Structure, Grading, and Motivation
- [30:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=1858) Critique of MOOCs and Desire for Local Interaction
- [43:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-01-107-until-they-are-spaghetti#t=2637) Hardware Selection: ESP8266, Photon, and Electric Imp

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

founders before launch

## Mentioned

- edX (other)
- University of Texas (other)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- Tiva (chip)
- Raspberry Pi (product)
- ESP8266 (chip)
- Particle Photon (product)
- Electric Imp (product)
- SparkFun (company)
- Adafruit (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Why isn't this working?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-02-14-why-isnt-this-working) (The Amp Hour)
- [Embedded Linux with Jay Carlson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-11-02-embedded-linux-with-jay-carlson) (The Amp Hour)
- [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)
- [Ep017: Are Cheap Microcontrollers Worth It? Android on Your Bike. Plus Food Printers and Coffee Bots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-05-03-ep017-are-cheap-microcontrollers-worth-it-android-on-your-bike-plus-food-printer) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Hipster Fodder](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-08-25-hipster-fodder) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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