# 458: Fiddling, DIY, and Cursing

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2023-08-31
- Length: 1h 11m
- Episode: 458
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/458

## Summary

Trond Snekvik, Staff Software Engineer at Nordic Semiconductor, explains how he transitioned from the Bluetooth Mesh team to leading the VSCode extensions team to reduce 'fiddling, DIY, and cursing' for developers. He details the architecture of Bluetooth Mesh, noting its suitability for lighting control and its use of advertising packets, while contrasting it with Thread and Zigbee. Snekvik also describes Nordic's strategic shift to the Zephyr-based nRF Connect SDK and the development of VSCode extensions for DeviceTree and Kconfig to improve the embedded developer experience.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=6) Introduction: Trond Snekvik and Nordic Semiconductor
- [1:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=105) Lightning Round: Trondheim, Trolls, and Bluetooth Mesh
- [5:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=349) Bluetooth Mesh Architecture and Use Cases
- [16:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=1005) Creating VSCode Extensions for Zephyr and Nordic SDKs
- [27:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=1659) Technical Deep Dive: DeviceTree, Kconfig, and Pin Control
- [37:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=2261) Nordic's Shift to Zephyr and the nRF Connect SDK
- [43:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=2591) Prioritizing Internal vs. Customer Tooling Needs
- [53:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=3198) Challenges with SDK Samples and Integration
- [1:01:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-08-31-458-fiddling-diy-and-cursing#t=3704) Consultant Development Environments and VMs

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Nordic Semiconductor (company)
- VSCode (tool)
- Bluetooth Mesh (other)
- Zephyr (other)
- nRF Connect SDK (other)
- nRF52832 (chip)
- nRF52840 (chip)
- nRF53 (chip)
- nRF91 (chip)
- Thread (other)
- Zigbee (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [#011: Memfault Joins Nordic Semiconductor: What This Means for the Future of Connected Product Development](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-07-01-011-memfault-joins-nordic-semiconductor-what-this-means-for-the-future-of-connec) (Coredump Sessions)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 8](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-05-the-spark-gap-episode-8) (The Spark Gap)
- [Ep. 9 | Mesh Networking for IoT Smart Homes with ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-09-11-ep-9-mesh-networking-for-iot-smart-homes-with-zigbee-z-wave-and-bluetooth) (Moore's Lobby)
- [#001: The future of Bluetooth connectivity with Blecon Founder, Simon Ford](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2024-11-27-001-the-future-of-bluetooth-connectivity-with-blecon-founder-simon-ford) (Coredump Sessions)
- [Simulating doors falling off](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-04-04-simulating-doors-falling-off) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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