An Interview with Mike Harrison - X-ray Examining Xenogogue

The Amp Hour · 5 Mar 2013 · 1h 38m · Episode 135

What this episode covers

Mike Harrison, founder of Mike's Electric Stuff, discusses his transition from freelance electronics consulting to large-scale LED art installations and architectural lighting. He details the engineering challenges of projects like the Halo 4 launch structure and high-voltage Mark generators, emphasizing the importance of custom hardware design, such as his 48-channel DMX dimmer and low-cost PIC-based LED controllers. Harrison also shares insights on managing one-off production runs, sourcing components during shortages, and navigating the regulatory grey areas of experimental art installations.

Mentioned

Companies
Mike's Electric Stuff, Jason Bruges Studio, Microchip, Faros, Technology Will Save Us
Products
Bright Eyes LED glasses, Lumiphone, Halo 4 UFO, Mark generator, Tesla coil, X-ray machine, 48 channel dimmer
Chips
PIC 10F322, Scilabs radio receiver chip
Tools
PCAD

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 04m

    294: Ludicrous Numbers of LEDs (Repeat)

    Mike Harrison, founder of White Wing Logic and host of the YouTube channel Mike's Electric Stuff, discusses his work designing large-scale architectural lighting installations using Microchip PIC microcontrollers and Texas Instruments TLC5971 LED drivers. He explains why he prefers white LEDs and RS485 daisy-chained architectures over NeoPixels for permanent, high-reliability projects, citing issues with reliability and color mixing. Harrison also details the logistical advantages of the PIC ecosystem, including Microchip's pre-programming services and the integrated MPLAB toolchain, which simplify production for his consultancy. The conversation covers his transition from general electronics consultancy to a niche in lighting design, his approach to managing power and voltage drops in large arrays, and his hobby of teardowns on obsolete scientific equipment like DNA analyzers.

  • Embedded.fm · 50m

    499: This Is Your Problem

    Janet Hansen, an LED artist and founder of Enlighted, discusses her 25-year career creating illuminated costumes for major entertainment clients like Daft Punk, the Rockettes, and Coldplay. She details the technical challenges of integrating electronics into wearable fabrics, including managing RF interference with DMX systems, selecting appropriate microcontrollers like the Teensy 4.1, and using the MSGEQ7 chip for audio-reactive effects. Hansen also explains her design philosophy on strain relief, battery placement, and the shift from custom commissions to selling her own art pieces like the 'Kaleidoscopic Comfort' installation.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 04m

    294: Ludicrous Numbers of LEDs

    Mike Harrison, an electronics consultant specializing in large-scale lighting installations for artists and architects, joins the show to defend the PIC microcontroller and discuss his work with 'ludicrous numbers of LEDs.' He explains why he prefers the TI TLC5971 LED driver over NeoPixels for permanent installations due to reliability and grayscale depth, and details his preference for white LEDs and 24V systems to manage power and voltage drop. Harrison also shares insights into his consultancy business model, his self-taught engineering background, and the logistical advantages of Microchip's pre-programming services for low-volume production.

  • Embedded.fm · 48m

    44: Light Up Strikes Back

    Josh Chan and Tarun Pondicherry, founders of Lightup, discuss the journey of their electronics education kit from a Kickstarter campaign to shipping the MiniKit. They detail technical hurdles including PCB redesigns due to battery supplier changes and supply chain delays for the Mel 32 U4 microcontroller. The founders also explain their strategy for securing retail partnerships with Makershed and their plans to expand the product line with microcontroller blocks for programming education.

  • Making It · 1h 20m

    429: The Fabric of Your Lungs

    Jaco, Jimmy Diresta's daughter and founder of the brand Giaco, discusses the development of her Kickstarter product, the Darkfade flashlight, explaining how trusting an external electronics engineer initially caused significant delays and stress due to a mismatch in design philosophy. She details the solution: partnering with a specialized LED expert to refine the device's unique 45-degree head and gesture-controlled brightness interface. Meanwhile, Bob Clagett shares a lesson on laser maintenance involving a melted lens, and David Picciuto discusses his strategy of slowing down production on a record player stand to prioritize detail over speed.

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.