# 392: It Was C++ the Whole Time!

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2021-11-04
- Length: 1h 00m
- Episode: 392
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-04-392-it-was-c-the-whole-time
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/392

## Summary

Debra Ansell, founder of Bright Wearables and creator of Geek Mom Projects, discusses her journey from a physics background to building LED wearables and educational products. She details the design of modular, light-up backpacks using the micro:bit platform, explaining how she learned PCB design in EAGLE to create a system where electronics snap into bags. Ansell also covers her experience patenting these inventions, the challenges of marketing an educational tool, and her philosophy on rapid prototyping with laser cutters and Cricuts.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-04-392-it-was-c-the-whole-time#t=6) Introduction and Background
- [24:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-04-392-it-was-c-the-whole-time#t=1476) Prototyping with Laser Cutters and Cricuts
- [33:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-04-392-it-was-c-the-whole-time#t=2020) Designing Modular PCBs in EAGLE
- [37:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-04-392-it-was-c-the-whole-time#t=2249) Micro:bit for Education and Coding
- [44:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-04-392-it-was-c-the-whole-time#t=2659) Patenting and Intellectual Property
- [50:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-04-392-it-was-c-the-whole-time#t=3003) Physics Background and Career Path

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Intellectual property](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/intellectual-property)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Bright Wearables (company)
- Geek Mom Projects (company)
- micro:bit (chip)
- EAGLE (tool)
- Arduino (chip)
- Cricut (tool)
- Instructables (other)
- Hackaday (other)
- Hackster (other)
- SparkFun (company)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- Alpenglow (company)
- Evil Genius Labs (company)
- Remoticon (other)
- Classpert (other)

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- [429: The Fabric of Your Lungs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-02-09-429-the-fabric-of-your-lungs) (Making It)
- [069 - Canned Cheese and Onion Rings](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-04-17-069-canned-cheese-and-onion-rings) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
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## Citing this page

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