# 493: Put the Peeps in the Chili Pot

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2025-01-24
- Length: 1h 20m
- Episode: 493
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/493

## Summary

Elecia White and Christopher White discuss how embedded developers can distinguish themselves by mastering systems thinking and firmware integration rather than just reading datasheets. Christopher details his current project building a high-precision GPS data logger for an RC airplane using MicroPython, an ESP32 board from SparkFun, and a ZWO Seestar S50 telescope for astrophotography. They also debate the philosophy of writing effective unit tests, with Elecia sharing her experience using CFFI to drive Python-based tests for C code, and Christopher emphasizing the importance of testing core algorithms like Kalman filters.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot#t=6) Introduction: Elecia White and Christopher White
- [2:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot#t=172) Christopher White on burnout and tech industry disillusionment
- [17:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot#t=1064) Distinguishing embedded developers through systems thinking
- [28:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot#t=1701) Building a high-precision GPS data logger with MicroPython and ESP32
- [35:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot#t=2132) Forensic troubleshooting of returned IoT devices
- [45:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot#t=2726) Philosophy of unit testing and using CFFI with Python
- [58:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot#t=3504) Astrophotography with the ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Founder wellbeing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/founder-wellbeing)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Nordic Semiconductor (company)
- ZWO (company)
- Seestar S50 (product)
- Seestar S30 (product)
- SparkFun (company)
- ESP32 (chip)
- STM32 (chip)
- Pyboard (product)
- CFFI (tool)
- Garmin (product)
- Zephyr (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [MicroPython with Matt Trentini](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Ep 387: Superhuman Clocks, CAN in USB-C, and the Joys of Bare Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-09-18-ep-387-superhuman-clocks-can-in-usb-c-and-the-joys-of-bare-metal) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [It Works With Option Number 5](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-06-19-it-works-with-option-number-5) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep029: Your Face in Silver Sand, Tires of the Future, ESP32 all the CNC Things, and Sub in a Jug](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-08-02-ep029-your-face-in-silver-sand-tires-of-the-future-esp32-all-the-cnc-things-and) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Why isn't this working?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-02-14-why-isnt-this-working) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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