# 320: Why Isn't This Working?

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2020-02-14
- Length: 1h 18m
- Episode: 320
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/320-why-isnt-this-working

## Summary

Chris Gammell, founder of Contextual Electronics and host of The Amp Hour, discusses his journey learning embedded firmware as a hardware consultant. He details his personal project using an STM32F030 and an EFM8 microcontroller, the challenges of debugging with GDB and Vim, and the value of hiring tutors and using books like 'Making Embedded Systems' to build confidence and technical depth.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=6) Introduction: Chris Gammell and Contextual Electronics
- [0:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=45) Consulting Income and the Need for Firmware Skills
- [4:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=295) Personal Project: STM32, RF, and Low-Cost Parts
- [7:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=454) Learning Firmware: GDB, Vim, and the '2 AM Problem'
- [12:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=761) The Value of Paid Tutoring and Mentorship
- [27:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=1655) Debugging Frustrations: Mislabelled Boards and Broken Cables
- [36:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=2217) Microcontroller Choices: STM32 vs. EFM8
- [41:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=2467) Christopher's MIDI Project and Peripheral Challenges
- [54:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=3272) Debugging Techniques: Journaling and Rubber Ducking
- [1:02:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working#t=3779) Learning Strategies: Books, KiCon, and Active Reading

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Contextual Electronics (company)
- The Amp Hour (product)
- STM32F030 (chip)
- EFM8 (chip)
- nRF52 (chip)
- GDB (tool)
- Vim (tool)
- KiCad (tool)
- Adafruit (company)
- JLCPCB (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)
- [Just Add Salt](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-12-09-just-add-salt) (The Amp Hour)
- [Rubber Ducking](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-09-30-rubber-ducking) (The Amp Hour)
- [Blogging Electronics with Pallav Aggarwal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-03-11-blogging-electronics-with-pallav-aggarwal) (The Amp Hour)
- [Reunion Impedance Matching and 2023 Predictions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-01-09-reunion-impedance-matching-and-2023-predictions) (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/2020-02-14-320-why-isnt-this-working. 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.