Kickstarter, Manufacturing, Open Hardware - Judging Jurisdictional Junctures

The Amp Hour · 24 Sept 2012 · 1h 12m · Episode 114

What this episode covers

Guest Jeff Kaiser, a hardware engineer at Valve, joins hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones to discuss the intersection of open hardware and crowdfunding. The group analyzes MakerBot's controversial decision to close-source parts of the Replicator 2, debating the legal implications of share-alike licenses and the role of venture capital in open-source hardware companies. They also examine Kickstarter's new rules requiring real prototypes and risk disclosures, using the LIFX smart bulb as a case study for vaporware and the challenges of manufacturing complex electronics.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Spark Gap · 39m

    The Spark Gap - Episode 2

    Corey, a hobbyist in embedded electronics, explains his decision to purchase a Solidoodle 2 3D printer after initially considering the 3D Systems Cube, citing the Solidoodle's open-source roots and lower cost. Karl and Corey discuss the evolution of the RepRap community, highlighting MakerBot's controversial shift from open-source hardware to closed-source patents and its acquisition by Stratasys. They analyze the crowdfunding boom in 3D printing, noting Formlabs' successful Kickstarter and the patent disputes with 3D Systems, while debating the ethics of proprietary filament locks in printers like the XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0.

  • Being an Engineer · 50m

    S2E37 Defied the odds: A Physical Product Development Firm That Focuses on Startups & Small Businesses, Mako Design + Invent –Kevin Mako

    Kevin Mako, Founder of Mako Design + Invent, explains how his firm supports hardware startups and small manufacturers by guiding products from initial concept to first production run. He details the financial journey for inventors, emphasizing the use of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo to bridge the gap between prototyping and manufacturing, while advising on the importance of a 'Smart Minimum Viable Product' (SMVP) to manage complexity and cost. Mako also discusses his company's strict ethical policy of never taking equity in client products to avoid conflicts of interest, and highlights the role of his podcast, The Product Startup, in educating the hardware community.

  • Making It · 59m

    Episode 068: Love Handles and Bald Spots

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including David's Ulu knife build and Bob's beehive house, while analyzing the significant delay in the Glowforge crowdfunding campaign. They explore the complexities of hardware manufacturing, the risks of relying on contract manufacturers, and the importance of quality over speed in delivering a prosumer laser cutter. The conversation also touches on the supportive nature of the YouTube maker community, contrasting it with traditional media competition, and offers advice on patents and everyday carry items.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 14m

    289: Stamping HORSE on Zebras

    Alicia Gibb, executive director of the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHW) and director of the Blow Things Up Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, discusses the legal and business frameworks of open source hardware. She explains how OSHW uses trademark certification to ensure quality and prevent misuse, contrasting this with the limitations of copyright and patent laws in the US. Gibb details her experience manufacturing Build Upons, light-up LEGO-compatible bricks, highlighting the extreme difficulty of sourcing manufacturers capable of meeting Lego's tight tolerances. She argues that open source hardware can coexist with profitable business models by leveraging brand trust, speed to market, and community-driven innovation rather than relying on IP monopolies.

  • Embedded.fm · 50m

    45: Yanking on a Cat's Tail Is the Only Way to Learn

    Dave Anders, who works for CircuitCo, the manufacturer of the BeagleBone Black and MinnowBoard, discusses the nuances of open source hardware, contrasting fully open designs with 'open source friendly' products like the Flyswatter 2. He explains how CircuitCo manages production scaling for the BeagleBone Black to meet OEM demand and details the transition of the MinnowBoard to a 100% open hardware model in partnership with Intel. Anders also covers the business models of open hardware, noting that while tools like the original Flyswatter were fully open, later iterations restrict fabrication files to prevent poor-quality clones while still allowing software development.

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