# 444: It Is If You Do It Wrong

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2023-03-03
- Length: 57m
- Episode: 444
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/444

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong#t=6) Introduction and Background
- [1:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong#t=67) Lightning Round and Personal Interests
- [10:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong#t=634) Building Operant Boxes for Neuroscience Research
- [18:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong#t=1086) Mechanical Design and 3D Printing Challenges
- [28:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong#t=1700) Software Stack: Arduino and CircuitPython
- [31:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong#t=1882) Business Model and Drop-Shipping Strategy
- [49:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong#t=2991) Salvaged Parts and Component Discovery

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch

## Mentioned

- Slalom (company)
- Arduino (product)
- SolidWorks (tool)
- Tinkercad (tool)
- CircuitPython (product)
- Maker Muse (other)
- Prusa i3 MK3S+ (product)
- STM32CubeIDE (tool)
- Hot Seat (product)
- Adafruit (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep010: XKCD Graphs, Turing Complete Meta Computers, False Finger Printing 3D Printers, and Jargon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-03-15-ep010-xkcd-graphs-turing-complete-meta-computers-false-finger-printing-3d-printe) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [486: If I Had $300, I Could Do That Too](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-06-16-486-if-i-had-300-i-could-do-that-too) (Making It)
- [Ep111: 3D Graphics are Ultrasonic, Lobotomizing Alexa, 3D-Printing Leaky Rockets, and Gaming the Font System](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-03-26-ep111-3d-graphics-are-ultrasonic-lobotomizing-alexa-3d-printing-leaky-rockets-an) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [469: It’s My Fault, But Also Your Fault](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-01-31-469-its-my-fault-but-also-your-fault) (Making It)
- [Emolumental Evaluation Emporetics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-03-12-emolumental-evaluation-emporetics) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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