# 353: Red for the Ones That Might Blow Up

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2020-11-26
- Length: 1h 15m
- Episode: 353
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up

## Summary

Seth Hillbrand, lead developer for KiCAD and founder of KiCAD Services Corporation, discusses the evolution of the open-source EDA tool from a physics experiment necessity to a professional-grade design suite. He details how commercial licensing restrictions at Zuken and SolidWorks forced his team to adopt KiCAD for the EBEX balloon experiment, leading to his contributions and eventual leadership role. Hillbrand explains how KiCAD Services provides paid support to professional engineers, creating a sustainable funding model that allows the core team to focus on development while maintaining a welcoming, inclusive community culture that actively moderates against toxic behavior.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=7) Introduction: Seth Hillbrand and KiCAD Pronunciation
- [1:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=119) Seth's Background: Physics PhD and KiCAD Services
- [6:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=363) From Public Policy to Physics: The Cold Fusion Scandal
- [15:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=927) Adopting KiCAD for the EBEX Balloon Experiment
- [24:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=1471) Contributing to KiCAD: From Bug Fixes to Junction Dots
- [34:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=2076) Building an Inclusive Community and Code of Conduct
- [46:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=2785) KiCAD Services: Professional Support and Business Model
- [57:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up#t=3466) Hobbyist vs. Professional Needs and Future Features

## Topics

- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- KiCAD (tool)
- Zuken (company)
- CADSTAR (tool)
- Eagle (tool)
- SolidWorks (tool)
- LTspice (tool)
- Linux (other)
- CERN (company)
- Autodesk (company)
- EBEX (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Motivational Speaker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-05-05-motivational-speaker) (The Amp Hour)
- [#440.1 - An Interview with the core KiCad development team](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-04-29-440-1-an-interview-with-the-core-kicad-development-team) (The Amp Hour)
- [Don't Turn It On, Don't Take It Apart](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Adam Wolf - Brick & Board Biuners](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-10-16-an-interview-with-adam-wolf-brick-board-biuners) (The Amp Hour)
- [Headless Units and Baseless Batteries - KiCad Kickoff Kopophobia](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-30-headless-units-and-baseless-batteries-kicad-kickoff-kopophobia) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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