Hardware Podcasts

294: Ludicrous Numbers of LEDs (Repeat)

Embedded.fm · 25 Aug 2022 · 1h 04m · Episode 294

What this episode covers

Mike Harrison, founder of White Wing Logic and host of the YouTube channel Mike's Electric Stuff, discusses his work designing large-scale architectural lighting installations using Microchip PIC microcontrollers and Texas Instruments TLC5971 LED drivers. He explains why he prefers white LEDs and RS485 daisy-chained architectures over NeoPixels for permanent, high-reliability projects, citing issues with reliability and color mixing. Harrison also details the logistical advantages of the PIC ecosystem, including Microchip's pre-programming services and the integrated MPLAB toolchain, which simplify production for his consultancy. The conversation covers his transition from general electronics consultancy to a niche in lighting design, his approach to managing power and voltage drops in large arrays, and his hobby of teardowns on obsolete scientific equipment like DNA analyzers.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
White Wing Logic, Microchip, Osram
Products
NeoPixel, Duris E 3, DNA analyzer
Chips
TI TLC5971, PIC
Tools
MPLAB
Also
Mike's Electric Stuff, Heathrow Airport, RS485

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 28m

    3 Cent Micros And 1000s of LEDs

    Mike Harrison of Mike's Electric Stuff discusses the engineering challenges of large-scale LED art installations, including the need for gamma correction, RGBW configurations, and managing failure rates through conservative driving. He highlights the discovery of ultra-low-cost components from LCSC, such as 3-cent microcontrollers and embedded DC-DC converters, and details a specific failure caused by a non-keyed connector allowing reverse insertion. The conversation also covers his workshop setup, the use of pick-and-place machines, and new tools like an Ethernet decoding board for oscilloscopes.

    Industrial & consumer product designSourcing & supply chain
    7 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 38m

    An Interview with Mike Harrison - X-ray Examining Xenogogue

    Mike Harrison, founder of Mike's Electric Stuff, discusses his transition from freelance electronics consulting to large-scale LED art installations and architectural lighting. He details the engineering challenges of projects like the Halo 4 launch structure and high-voltage Mark generators, emphasizing the importance of custom hardware design, such as his 48-channel DMX dimmer and low-cost PIC-based LED controllers. Harrison also shares insights on managing one-off production runs, sourcing components during shortages, and navigating the regulatory grey areas of experimental art installations.

    Industrial & consumer product designPCB design & layout
    10 chapters

  • Hackaday Podcast · 1h 11m

    Ep 377: Parallel Pixels, Wiggly Consoles, and Seven Segments

    Jenny List and Elliot Williams discuss [Bitluni]'s massive GPU project, which uses 8,192 CH570 microcontrollers to drive RGB LEDs, highlighting the extreme power consumption (2 kW) and manufacturing hurdles like PCB panelization limits and programming logistics. They also cover a home-made die casting machine using graphite molds, a DIY Raman spectrometer built with 3D printed parts, and an open-source Kei truck design by Andy Diderossi. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the history of 7-segment displays and a critique of engineering education regarding design for manufacturing, based on List's article.

    Embedded firmwareDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    10 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 07m

    Proof Of Blink

    Chris Gammell, founder of Analog Life LLC, discusses his transition from employment to independent consulting, detailing the financial and logistical challenges of a recent LED light installation project. Dave Jones and Gammell analyze the competitive landscape of PCB design software, specifically the shift from Eagle to KiCad and Altium's market positioning. The conversation also covers high-end test equipment like the Keysight 110 GHz oscilloscope, debugging pitfalls in power management ICs, and Gammell's upcoming Supercon badge project.

    Starting a product companyEDA & CAD tools
    7 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 36m

    Meracious Mike Manuduction

    Mike Harrison from Mike's Electric Stuff discusses his workflow for rapid-turnaround hardware projects, including using a Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter for stencils and a $300 pick-and-place machine. He details the design of a large 500mm circular LED display for Plessy, covering gamma correction, power management, and PCB layout challenges. The conversation also covers parts procurement strategies, the collapse of the Mu Thermal Imager project, and a class-action lawsuit regarding capacitor price-fixing.

    Prototyping & iterationPCB design & layout
    8 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Embedded.fm. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.