# An Interview with Ben Krasnow - Sprauncy Saccadic Spintherism

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2011-12-27
- Length: 1h 04m
- Episode: 75
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/the-amp-hour-75-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism/

## Summary

Ben Krasnow, formerly of MagConceptDesign and now working at Valve Corporation, discusses his garage-based experimentation with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), scanning electron microscopes, and contact lens displays. He explains how he uses high-voltage air coils to stimulate his own brain and details the construction of a DIY electron microscope using surplus parts from eBay. Krasnow also describes his recent work with supercritical fluids for coffee decaffeination and his views on reforming higher education to focus more on practical, hands-on engineering skills rather than abstract theory.

## Chapters

- [0:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism#t=27) Introduction: Ben Krasnow and BKras333
- [4:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism#t=241) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Experiments
- [14:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism#t=884) DIY Scanning Electron Microscope Build
- [20:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism#t=1216) Contact Lens LED and Printable Electronics
- [27:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism#t=1673) Supercritical Fluids: Xenon Beer and Coffee Decaf
- [34:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism#t=2080) Shop Setup and Mechanical Engineering Background
- [38:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-12-27-an-interview-with-ben-krasnow-sprauncy-saccadic-spintherism#t=2286) Critique of Higher Education and Career Advice

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch

## Mentioned

- MagConceptDesign (company)
- Valve Corporation (company)
- No Starch Press (company)
- Noisebridge (other)
- MakerBot (product)
- TIG welding (tool)
- eBay (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [119: Do Your Neighbors Have Any Idea?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-09-24-119-do-your-neighbors-have-any-idea) (Embedded.fm)
- [184: Not Likely, Possible, or Safe](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-01-18-184-not-likely-possible-or-safe) (Embedded.fm)
- [124: Please Don't Light Yourself On Fire](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-11-05-124-please-dont-light-yourself-on-fire) (Embedded.fm)
- [Ep 204: Cesium, Colorful Cast Buttons, and CNC Pizza](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-02-03-ep-204-cesium-colorful-cast-buttons-and-cnc-pizza) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [124: Please Don't Light Yourself on Fire (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-29-124-please-dont-light-yourself-on-fire-repeat) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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