# 164: Heatsink in a Shoebox (Repeat)

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2018-11-30
- Length: 1h 08m
- Episode: 164
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-11-30-164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat

## Summary

Elecia White and Christopher White discuss resurrecting an Apple ][+ and recovering old software written by Christopher and his brother Matthew White in the early 1980s. They detail the hardware repair process, including fixing bad RAM and using ADT Pro to transfer data via the cassette port, while reflecting on the educational value of understanding low-level 6502 architecture. The conversation also covers Matthew's experience with the Timex Sinclair 1000, his career path from software engineering to mathematics professor, and the importance of accessible, understandable hardware for learning embedded systems.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-11-30-164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat#t=6) Introduction and Matthew White's Background
- [7:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-11-30-164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat#t=420) Resurrecting the Apple ][+ and Fixing RAM
- [10:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-11-30-164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat#t=658) Early Software Development and Copy Protection
- [43:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-11-30-164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat#t=2635) The Timex Sinclair 1000 and Heat Sink Issues
- [52:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-11-30-164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat#t=3138) Learning Embedded Systems Through Vintage Hardware
- [58:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-11-30-164-heatsink-in-a-shoebox-repeat#t=3526) Matthew's Career Path and First Software Job

## Topics

- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Apple ][+ (product)
- ADT Pro (tool)
- Timex Sinclair 1000 (product)
- 6502 (chip)
- Z80 (chip)
- Raspberry Pi (product)
- Arduino (product)
- Castle Wolfenstein (product)
- Alien Rain (product)
- Lemonade Stand (product)
- Eye of Eternal Death (product)
- Monster 6502 (product)
- ZX 80 (product)
- ZX 81 (product)
- TRS-80 (product)
- Commodore 64 (product)
- Beagle Bone (product)
- MSP430 (chip)
- Memotech (company)
- Broderbund (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Ken Shirriff](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-09-25-an-interview-with-ken-shirriff) (The Amp Hour)
- [005 - Circuits That Go Nowhere](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2017-11-06-005-circuits-that-go-nowhere) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [Ep 322: Fake Hackaday Writers, New Retro Computers, and a Web Rant](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-05-23-ep-322-fake-hackaday-writers-new-retro-computers-and-a-web-rant) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [066 - Use Your Scope!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2023-12-09-066-use-your-scope) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [Ep094: Fake Sun, Hacked Super Mario, Minimum Viable Smart Glasses, and 3D Printers Can't Do That](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-11-20-ep094-fake-sun-hacked-super-mario-minimum-viable-smart-glasses-and-3d-printers-c) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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