444: It Is If You Do It Wrong

Embedded.fm · 3 Mar 2023 · 57m · Episode 444

What this episode covers

Peter Griffin, a consultant at Slalom, discusses his journey into embedded systems and hardware design while building custom operant boxes and elevated zero mazes for his wife Gwen’s neuroscience lab. He details the mechanical engineering challenges of 3D printing, specifically dealing with tolerances and transitioning from Tinkercad to SolidWorks to ensure parts fit together reliably. Griffin also explains his strategy for making these devices accessible and reproducible through open-source designs and drop-shipping, while navigating the complexities of supply chain and manufacturing for non-standard components.

Mentioned

Companies
Slalom, Adafruit
Products
Arduino, CircuitPython, Prusa i3 MK3S+, Hot Seat
Tools
SolidWorks, Tinkercad, STM32CubeIDE
Also
Maker Muse

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Hackaday Podcast · 53m

    Ep010: XKCD Graphs, Turing Complete Meta Computers, False Finger Printing 3D Printers, and Jargon

    Hackaday editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams review the week's hacker projects, including a 12-channel LED spectrum mixer, an omni-wheeled pen plotter, and a Turing-complete system built from hospital nurse call devices. They analyze a paper claiming to fingerprint 3D printers, arguing the method is flawed because it ignores filament variability, and discuss NASA's engineering philosophy of over-specifying hardware for long mission lives, citing the Opportunity rover and Voyager probes. The episode also features a jargon quiz on 'astrictive robotic prehension' and a new '$50 Ham' column.

  • Making It · 1h 12m

    486: If I Had $300, I Could Do That Too

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Jimmy's giant boot go-kart, Bob's synchronized sliding doors, and David's Yellowstone photography trip. They also address a manufacturing error where one-inch dowels failed to fit into pre-drilled holes, debating solutions like using a lathe or CNC. The episode concludes with recommendations for Tom Sachs, Overland Projects, and a school donation by Printed Solid.

  • Hackaday Podcast · 49m

    Ep111: 3D Graphics are Ultrasonic, Lobotomizing Alexa, 3D-Printing Leaky Rockets, and Gaming the Font System

    Hackaday editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams discuss several hardware hacks, including Michael Moulet's creation of a playable 'choose your own adventure' video game embedded within an OpenType font file. They also cover Andre Henchel's project to replace Amazon Echo firmware with open-source software to process voice commands locally, and Dan Foyzy's use of 100 ultrasonic transducers and FPGAs to steer a Styrofoam bead in 3D space. Additionally, the episode highlights Adam Boxstrom's modification of hobby servos with custom position sensors for high-precision robotics and Integza's 3D-printed ceramic rocket nozzles.

  • Making It · 1h 09m

    469: It’s My Fault, But Also Your Fault

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Diresta’s accidental launch of a 3D-printed webcam mount, Clagett’s zinc casting of ‘steal apples’ and stained glass work, and Picciuto’s restoration of a Juno 106 synthesizer. The hosts also critique modern smart TVs, specifically LG models, for intrusive pop-ups and input switching, contrasting them with ‘dumb’ monitors. They explore the rapid iteration of small-batch manufacturing, from sourcing hardware to packaging, and share recommendations for YouTube channels like Veritasium and Dave’s Auto Center.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 12m

    Emolumental Evaluation Emporetics

    Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Gamel discuss the complexities of dealing with electronic component distributors, highlighting how sales incentives and volume commitments often override technical merit in chip selection. They detail the troubleshooting process for a MakerBot 3D printer, specifically focusing on belt tension and stepper motor skipping that caused layer offset errors. The conversation also covers emerging technologies, including printed electronics, IBM's terabit optical chips, and Analog Devices' ADM1266 power monitor, while reflecting on the evolving relationship between hobbyists and large manufacturers.

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.