# 396: Untangle the Mess

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2021-12-17
- Length: 1h 10m
- Episode: 396
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/396

## Summary

Uri Shaked, creator of Wokwi, explains how he built a browser-based simulator for microcontrollers like the AVR, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) using TypeScript. He details the technical challenges of implementing processor cores and peripherals from scratch to ensure full ecosystem compatibility with Arduino libraries, rather than relying on existing emulators like QEMU. Shaked also discusses his unique monetization strategy, where users vote for new features using 'vote powers,' and shares insights on his open-source projects like the Salsa Beat Machine and his educational courses on Hackaday.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=6) Introduction and Lightning Round
- [4:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=286) The Origin Story of Wokwi
- [10:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=613) Simulating AVR and the Arduino Ecosystem
- [21:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=1278) Building the Raspberry Pi Pico Simulator
- [28:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=1736) Emulation vs. Simulation and GDB Integration
- [37:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=2263) Monetization and Prioritization via Voting
- [41:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=2501) The Salsa Beat Machine and Open Source Contributions
- [52:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess#t=3140) Educational Use and Future Directions

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Open-source hardware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/open-source-hardware)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Wokwi (product)
- Arduino (product)
- Raspberry Pi Pico (product)
- ESP32 (product)
- TypeScript (tool)
- GDB (tool)
- QEMU (tool)
- Salsa Beat Machine (product)
- Hackaday (company)
- CircuitPython (product)
- MicroPython (product)
- ESP-IDF (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Uri Shaked (Wokwi.com)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-08-15-an-interview-with-uri-shaked-wokwi-com) (The Amp Hour)
- [Simulating Embedded Hardware with Michael Gielda](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-11-30-simulating-embedded-hardware-with-michael-gielda) (The Amp Hour)
- [Barilla Embraces Open Source, Tinycircuits Kickstarter, Pi Pico Iron Man, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2022-10-28-barilla-embraces-open-source-tinycircuits-kickstarter-pi-pico-iron-man-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [1 Inch HDMI Second Screen, Retro Wall Art, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2022-04-06-1-inch-hdmi-second-screen-retro-wall-art-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Ep 353: Fantastic Peripherals, Fake or Not Fake Picos, and Everything on the Steam Deck](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-16-ep-353-fantastic-peripherals-fake-or-not-fake-picos-and-everything-on-the-steam) (Hackaday Podcast)

## 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/2021-12-17-396-untangle-the-mess. 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.