Hardware Podcasts

217: 10000 Pounds of Pressure

Embedded.fm · 29 Sept 2017 · 55m · Episode 217

What this episode covers

Bob Skala, president and co-owner of Interactive Instruments, discusses his company's history of building desktop wind tunnels and high-precision materials testers that use large servo motors to apply up to 10,000 pounds of force. He explains the technical differences between stepper motors and AC servos, detailing commutation, feedback loops, and the shift from 8051 microcontrollers to STM32 processors for reliability and ease of use. Skala also shares his personal journey from working on Smith Corona typewriters to founding his own small business, and his recent engagement with ham radio and the WSPR protocol.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Interactive Instruments, Smith Corona, Teknic
Products
Maple Mini, Clearpath Brushless DC Servo Motors
Chips
STM32, 8051
Also
WSPR, FT8

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