# 298: In the Cow Case

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2019-08-09
- Length: 1h 27m
- Episode: 298
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/298-in-the-cow-case

## Summary

Eric Brunning, an Associate Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas Tech University, and John Leeman, founder of Leeman Geophysical, discuss the reality of field science, which often relies on 'field bodges'—improvised solutions using tape, buckets, and zip ties. They recount specific failures, such as a lightning mapping instrument chain spontaneously disassembling during a balloon launch and the challenges of maintaining vintage GPS seismometers affected by the Y2K-era epoch rollover. The conversation highlights how low-budget, high-impact engineering decisions are driven by grant constraints and the need for rapid iteration in harsh environments.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=6) Introduction and Field Bodges
- [3:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=219) Tape, Foil, and Improvised Shielding
- [9:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=585) PhD Thesis Bodges: Ziploc Bags and Buckets
- [19:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=1153) Vehicle-Mounted Sensors and Weight Distribution
- [28:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=1695) The Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly of a Balloon Payload
- [35:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=2138) Maintaining Vintage Instruments and GPS Epoch Rollover
- [52:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=3172) Ultrasonic Anemometers and Cow Jaw Sensors
- [1:05:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case#t=3925) Fun Paper Friday: Curved-Crease Origami and Geology

## Topics

- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, established companies

## Mentioned

- Leeman Geophysical (company)
- Texas Tech University (company)
- National Severe Storms Laboratory (company)
- Geostationary Lightning Mapper (product)
- 3M (company)
- Home Depot (company)
- Walmart (company)
- Fitbit (company)
- Penn State (company)
- Amazon (company)
- Z80 (chip)
- Apple IIe (chip)
- V22 Osprey (product)
- NOAA (company)
- Henny Seggerman (other)
- Erik Demaine (other)
- David Huffman (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 310: Thank you, Brain!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-06-11-episode-310-thank-you-brain) (Making It)
- [Hard Earned Lessons Learned with Wayne Frick of ChirpSounds - Part 1](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-06-11-hard-earned-lessons-learned-with-wayne-frick-of-chirpsounds-part-1) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [Ep 186: Weighing Cats, Slamming VU Meters, Slimmer Skimmers, and Clean Air on the Cheap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-09-23-ep-186-weighing-cats-slamming-vu-meters-slimmer-skimmers-and-clean-air-on-the-ch) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [486: If I Had $300, I Could Do That Too](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-06-16-486-if-i-had-300-i-could-do-that-too) (Making It)
- [New Year Education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-01-01-new-year-education) (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/2019-08-09-298-in-the-cow-case. 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.