# 445: I Do Not Like Blinking

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2023-03-16
- Length: 1h 11m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/445

## Summary

Charlyn Gonda, a senior software engineer and maker, discusses her journey from coding to creating glowing hardware projects like an origami wall and a 1.5-inch LED cube. She details her use of CircuitPython, Adafruit QT Py boards, and NeoPixels, while reflecting on the 'chasm' between hobbyist prototyping and professional product scaling. The conversation also covers her struggles with imposter syndrome and her exploration of new materials like brass for circuit sculpture jewelry.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=6) Introduction and Lightning Round
- [5:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=333) Origami and LED Projects
- [10:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=656) Gateway to Hardware: The Sharknicorn Hat
- [17:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=1023) The Chasm Between Hobby and Production
- [36:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=2165) The 1.5-Inch LED Cube Project
- [40:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=2456) Imposter Syndrome and Teaching
- [54:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=3273) LEDs as a Creative Gateway
- [1:01:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-16-445-i-do-not-like-blinking#t=3704) Working with Brass and Metal

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Founder wellbeing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/founder-wellbeing)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Adafruit (company)
- NeoPixel Jewel (product)
- QT Py (product)
- ESP32-S3 (chip)
- Particle (company)
- Pixelblaze (product)
- Jason Koon (other)
- Adafruit IO (product)
- DotStar High Density 8x8 Grid (product)
- Glowforge (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [033 - All Over the Place](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2020-04-27-033-all-over-the-place) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [Can AI Design IoT Hardware? | Flux's Matthias Wagner | Internet of Things Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-04-14-can-ai-design-iot-hardware-fluxs-matthias-wagner-internet-of-things-podcast) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [030 - Supercon 2019](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2019-12-01-030-supercon-2019) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [An Interview with Bunnie Huang (2nd)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-02-17-an-interview-with-bunnie-huang-2nd) (The Amp Hour)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-10-the-spark-gap-episode-23) (The Spark Gap)

## Citing this page

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