Hardware Podcasts

Episode 216: A love letter to MAKER FAIRE

Making It · 14 Jun 2019 · 1h 02m

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the recent shutdown of Maker Media, including the layoff of 22 staff members and the suspension of Maker Faire events, while debating how the maker community can sustain local fairs without the central infrastructure. The hosts critique the previous execution of Maker Faire, citing issues with YouTube channel curation, vendor integration, and audio quality, while proposing new formats like a 'Maker Con' or brick-and-mortar 'Maker Con Shop' to replace the event model. They also share current projects, including Diresta’s rush-built Guinness beer table using V-carving techniques, Picciuto’s world’s fanciest trash can, and Clagett’s axe-throwing build for kids.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Maker Media
Products
Maker Faire, Tested, Essential Joinery, No Weld Forge

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 16m

    470: Upping the Chaos Level

    Helen Leigh, Head of Community at Crowd Supply, discusses organizing the Teardown 2024 conference in Portland and her role in vetting indie hardware projects for the platform. She details the logistical challenges of hosting the event in a semi-abandoned mall, the criteria for accepting campaigns (requiring functional prototypes and open documentation), and common pitfalls for creators, such as underpricing and ignoring tariffs. The conversation also covers her personal journey of learning KiCad 7 and the RP2040 microcontroller for a sequencer project, while highlighting the importance of real-life community building over social media.

    Crowdfunding & preordersValidation & product-market fit
    7 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 10m

    The 2014 Maker Faire Show - Traveling Technology Trangam

    Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics and Dave Jones of EEV Blog discuss the 2014 Maker Faire, highlighting projects like the Cast AR by Jerry, Bunny's Novena, and various tools including VoltSet, MushiMeter, and the Nomad mill. Gammell details his portable lab build, featuring an ATX power supply and anti-static mat, while Jones outlines his new live streaming setup using YouTube Live and Wirecast. The conversation covers the trade-offs of high-end versus low-cost test equipment, the utility of tablet-connected multimeters, and the rapid evolution of maker culture and digital media.

    Test & measurementFabrication & craft
    9 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 26m

    The 10 Most Memorable Moments from the First 100 Episodes of Manufacturing Happy Hour

    Host Chris Luecke recounts the 10 most memorable moments from the first 100 episodes of Manufacturing Happy Hour, reflecting on the show's evolution from a DIY video series to a global community platform. He highlights key milestones including the launch of the podcast in 2019, the pivot to virtual events during the pandemic, and the successful return to live events at major industry conferences like Automate. Luecke emphasizes the importance of human connection, citing specific guests such as Steve Parkhill, Vinod Anandarajah, and Jeff Burnstein, and shares anecdotes about the show's early beer-fueled recordings and unexpected live event interruptions.

    Marketing & brandCreator business
    9 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 03m

    Travel Recaps and Altium Announcements - Artisinal Aussie Assemblage

    Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the upcoming free version of Altium Designer, which Jones claims was influenced by his previous feedback on the software's complexity. They recount their experiences at Maker Faire Sydney and the Powerhouse Museum, noting the scale differences between official Maker Faires and local mini-fairs. The conversation shifts to the challenges of using KiCad on macOS, the stability of its builds, and the need for a dedicated community forum. Finally, they analyze the IoT landscape, highlighting Electric Imp's $15 million funding from Foxconn and the broader implications of IP version 6 adoption for connected devices.

    EDA & CAD toolsConnected products & IoT
    6 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 16m

    Worktrips and Workspaces - Junket Jactation Jiltedness

    Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics discusses his experience at the Electronica trade show, noting the high costs of exhibitor booths and the industry's reliance on face-to-face deal-making, while Dave Jones of EEVblog details his plans to acquire a low-cost, underground storage space dubbed the 'EEV bunker' for his workshop. The hosts analyze the failure of the Mu Thermal Camera crowdfunding campaign, attributing it to a lack of genuine innovation compared to competitors like Seek Thermal and FLIR, and Chris introduces parts.io, a new component search tool. They also touch on the logistics of large-scale events, the challenges of modular hardware platforms like the Raspberry Pi Com Plus, and the broader business realities of hardware startups.

    Crowdfunding & preordersRetail, wholesale & distribution
    8 chapters

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