# 236: The Concept of Delayed Gratification (Repeat)

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2020-08-20
- Length: 1h 10m
- Episode: 236
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat

## Summary

Roger Linn, founder of Roger Linn Design, discusses the engineering behind the LinnStrument, an expressive electronic instrument featuring 200 3D-sensing pads that measure pressure, pitch, and timbre. He explains how he uses force-sensing resistors (FSRs) printed on Mylar sheets and a key matrix scanning technique to achieve low-latency, polyphonic control, while managing the N-key rollover limitation through software. Linn also details his business model as a solo founder, his use of Raspberry Pi Compute Modules for cost-effective embedded systems, and his advice for hardware entrepreneurs to prototype using existing low-cost components rather than commissioning expensive custom builds.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=6) Introduction: Roger Linn and Roger Linn Design
- [3:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=203) The LinnStrument: 3D Sensing and Expressive Control
- [12:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=723) Sensor Engineering: FSRs, Mylar Printing, and Matrix Scanning
- [17:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=1057) Solving N-Key Rollover and Latency/Jitter Constraints
- [30:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=1818) Target Audience and Accessibility for Musicians
- [44:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=2668) Solo Founder Business Model and Outsourcing
- [51:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=3082) Embedded Hardware: Raspberry Pi Compute Modules and Linux
- [1:04:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat#t=3864) Accessibility, OHMI Trust, and Future Expressive Instruments

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Roger Linn Design (company)
- LinnStrument (product)
- Adrenaline (product)
- Tempest (product)
- OHMI Trust (other)
- Roli Seaboard (product)
- Haken Continuum (product)
- Madrona Labs Soundplane (product)
- Eigenharp (product)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- Arduino Due (chip)
- Max MSP (tool)
- Pure Data (tool)
- Korg nano keyboards (product)
- Keith McMillan (other)
- Tangio (company)
- Lima Electronics (company)
- Digi-Key (other)
- Mouser (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Jeff Rowberg - Mini Module Master](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-07-24-an-interview-with-jeff-rowberg-mini-module-master) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 208: Hallucinating Robots, Floppy Cartridges, and a Flexure Synth French Horn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-03-03-ep-208-hallucinating-robots-floppy-cartridges-and-a-flexure-synth-french-horn) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 211: Pocket Sundial, Origami Llama, PCB Spacemouse](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-03-24-ep-211-pocket-sundial-origami-llama-pcb-spacemouse) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 238: Vibrating Bowl Feeders, Open Sourcery, Learning to Love Layer Lines](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-09-29-ep-238-vibrating-bowl-feeders-open-sourcery-learning-to-love-layer-lines) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 231: Harnessing Sparks, Hacking Food, and Leaving Breadcrumbs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-08-11-ep-231-harnessing-sparks-hacking-food-and-leaving-breadcrumbs) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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