Hardware Podcasts

Ep005: Undead Lightbulbs, Home Chemistry, and the Strength of 3D Printing

Hackaday Podcast · 8 Feb 2019 · 47m

What this episode covers

Hackaday editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams discuss a range of hardware hacks, including an ESP32-based VGA display by Bitlooney and open-source LiDAR by Laser Developer. They analyze the decline in LED bulb lifespans, citing Ted Yapo's article on driver failures, and explore strengthening 3D prints via finite element analysis and non-planar layering by Moritz Walters. The episode also covers home chemistry for phosphorescent materials, blacksmithing, and the history of the V2 rocket.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Products
Chromecast, V2 rocket
Chips
ESP32, Blue Pill, STM32
Tools
ST-Link, K40, Fusion 360
Also
Bitlooney, Ted Yapo, Laser Developer, Moritz Walters

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 08m

    220: Cascading Waterfall of Lights

    Ben Hencke, founder of ElectroMage, discusses his Pixelblaze WiFi LED controller, which is based on the ESP8266 microcontroller and drives DotStar (APA102) LEDs. He explains how he reduced the iteration cycle for LED programming by using a web-based expression parser that compiles math into a stack machine executed on the chip. Hencke details the transition from hobbyist projects like a Wi-Fi hat and the Synthia synthesizer to selling hardware on Tindie, covering challenges in sourcing components, international shipping, and pricing. He also describes his nightlight project using laser-cut acrylic and 3D printed brackets, highlighting the benefits of APA102 global brightness for subtle lighting effects.

    Embedded firmwareMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    8 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 11m

    Gnomic Gazumping Gobemouche

    Hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss the upcoming episode with Øyvind Janbu of Energy Micro, the challenges of 3D printing with a MakerBot, and the technical details of relays and MEMS devices. They also cover Intel's semiconductor process node advancements, the collapse of Silverbrook Research, and the physics behind LED manufacturing. The conversation highlights the risks of hardware startups, the importance of documentation, and the evolution of component selection from mechanical relays to silicon-based switches.

    Debugging & failure analysisMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    9 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 14m

    Pneumatic Tubes, Straight To The Home

    Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss recent tech hype, including debunking viral claims about the 'Water Cube' dehumidifier and beta-voltaic 'nuclear diamond' batteries. They cover the merger of Evil Mad Scientist and Bantam Tools, a side-channel security vulnerability affecting ESP32 microcontrollers, and the acquisition of a used TVM pick-and-place machine. The conversation also touches on power grid issues, CAD software choices like Fusion 360 and Onshape, and the failure of solar roadways.

    Debugging & failure analysisMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    8 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 28m

    3 Cent Micros And 1000s of LEDs

    Mike Harrison of Mike's Electric Stuff discusses the engineering challenges of large-scale LED art installations, including the need for gamma correction, RGBW configurations, and managing failure rates through conservative driving. He highlights the discovery of ultra-low-cost components from LCSC, such as 3-cent microcontrollers and embedded DC-DC converters, and details a specific failure caused by a non-keyed connector allowing reverse insertion. The conversation also covers his workshop setup, the use of pick-and-place machines, and new tools like an Ethernet decoding board for oscilloscopes.

    Industrial & consumer product designSourcing & supply chain
    7 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 59m

    350: The State of the Empire Is Good

    Ben Hencke, founder of ElectroMage, discusses the evolution of his Pixelblaze LED controller business from hand-soldered hobbyist projects to a scaled operation using a desktop pick-and-place machine. He details the technical transition from the ESP8266 to the ESP32 microcontroller for the upcoming Pixelblaze V3, highlighting the challenges of multi-core firmware development and race conditions. Hencke also explains his decision to launch V3 via CrowdSupply for its rigorous vetting and fulfillment support, and shares practical advice on solder paste selection and safety.

    Scaling productionMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    6 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Hackaday Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.