Hardware Podcasts

Interview with Michael Ossmann - Gifted Grimgribber Grokker

The Amp Hour · 4 Sept 2013 · 1h 36m · Episode 161

What this episode covers

Michael Ossmann, founder of Great Scott Gadgets, details his transition from software security to hardware engineering, explaining how he designed the open-source Ubertooth and HackRF devices to probe wireless vulnerabilities. He discusses the success of his Kickstarter campaigns, which raised over $600k, and his decision to manufacture in China through referrals while managing small-batch production. Ossmann also shares insights on using KiCad for complex designs, the technical trade-offs of the HackRF's LPC microcontroller and CPLD, and his philosophy of open-source hardware development.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Great Scott Gadgets
Products
Ubertooth, HackRF, Jawbreaker, Daisho, Firefly Cap, Realtek TV tuner dongles, SDR Sharp
Chips
LPC 4300, CPLD
Tools
KiCad, Eagle, GNU Radio

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast · 1h 37m

    057 - I Did Not Expect Sharks!

    Michael Ossmann, founder and CTO of Great Scott Gadgets, discusses the creation of open-source hardware tools like HackRF One and Ubertooth One, which emerged from his background in wireless security research. He explains how his work on public safety protocols like APCO P25 and the NSA's ANT catalog led to the development of accessible RF tools and a passion for education through his SDR video series. Ossmann also shares anecdotes about unexpected uses of his hardware, such as studying shark behavior, and the importance of open-source software like GNU Radio Companion in lowering the barrier to entry for digital signal processing.

    Open-source hardwareWireless & RF
    8 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 43m

    293: Skateboard Tricks (Repeat)

    Limor Fried, founder of Adafruit, discusses the company's 13-year history of manufacturing open-source hardware in New York, highlighting recent products like the PyGamer and PyBadge. She explains the engineering philosophy behind TinyUSB, an open-source USB stack developed by engineer Hathach to replace proprietary vendor stacks, and details the business model of supporting a community of 4,000 products. Fried emphasizes that while hardware design is easy, the value lies in firmware, documentation, and tutorials, which she balances with business operations and education.

    PCB design & layoutEmbedded firmware
    13 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 17m

    140: Physics Is the Same Everywhere

    Andrew 'Bunnie' Huang, creator of the Novena open source laptop and author of Hacking the Xbox, discusses his new book, The Essential Guide to Electronics in Shenzhen, which he funded via Crowd Supply. He explains the cultural and economic differences between prototyping in China versus the US, noting that Chinese factories use manual assembly with higher defect rates but lower upfront costs. Huang also reflects on the value of open hardware for privacy, the challenges of self-publishing physical books with unique features, and his desire to use his engineering skills to help society.

    Crowdfunding & preordersManufacturing partners & offshoring
    8 chapters

  • Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast · 1h 32m

    078 - Séance Mode - An Interview with Michael Ossmann

    Michael Ossmann of Great Scott Gadgets discusses the release of the HackRF Pro, a complete redesign of the original HackRF1, and the Cynthion, a high-speed USB analyzer and emulator. He explains how Cynthion’s Python-based FaceDancer framework enables 'seance mode' reverse engineering by emulating missing USB devices, and details the HackRF Pro’s ability to receive signals down to 100 kHz using non-direct sampling techniques. The conversation also covers the company’s strategic rejection of LLM-generated code contributions, their reactive approach to global regulatory compliance, and the severe impact of recent chip shortages on their product roadmaps.

    PCB design & layoutMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    8 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 43m

    293: Skateboard Tricks

    Limor Fried, founder and lead engineer of Adafruit, discusses the evolution of her Manhattan-based company from dorm-room kits to a manufacturing operation with 100 employees and 4,000 products. She details the development of the PyGamer and PyBadge, the strategic importance of the open-source TinyUSB stack by engineer Hathach, and the critical role of documentation in making hardware accessible to makers and the assistive tech community. Fried also reflects on the healthy competition within the open-source hardware ecosystem, the challenges of scaling product lines, and the long-term sustainability of assistive technology through open standards.

    Open-source hardwareScaling production
    9 chapters

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.