# Interview with Michael Ossmann - Gifted Grimgribber Grokker

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2013-09-04
- Length: 1h 36m
- Episode: 161
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/the-amp-hour-161-gifted-grimgribber-grokker/

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=0) Introduction: Michael Ossmann and Great Scott Gadgets
- [3:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=230) Background: From Software Security to Wireless Research
- [18:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=1138) Ubertooth Project: Learning Electronics and Bluetooth Monitoring
- [29:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=1744) Kickstarter Success and Manufacturing in China
- [36:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=2188) HackRF Kickstarter and Software-Defined Radio Accessibility
- [49:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=2967) HackRF Hardware Design: LPC, CPLD, and Enclosure
- [1:04:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=3858) Open Source Tools: KiCad, GitHub, and Daisho Project
- [1:11:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=4309) Lessons from Unsuccessful Crowdfunding: Firefly Cap
- [1:26:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker#t=5180) Technical Deep Dive: HackRF Tuning Speeds and Frequency Hopping

## Topics

- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Great Scott Gadgets (company)
- Ubertooth (product)
- HackRF (product)
- Jawbreaker (product)
- Daisho (product)
- Firefly Cap (product)
- KiCad (tool)
- Eagle (tool)
- GNU Radio (tool)
- LPC 4300 (chip)
- CPLD (chip)
- Realtek TV tuner dongles (product)
- SDR Sharp (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [057 - I Did Not Expect Sharks!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-05-09-057-i-did-not-expect-sharks) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [293: Skateboard Tricks (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-23-293-skateboard-tricks-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [140: Physics Is the Same Everywhere](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-02-25-140-physics-is-the-same-everywhere) (Embedded.fm)
- [078 - Séance Mode - An Interview with Michael Ossmann](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [293: Skateboard Tricks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-06-27-293-skateboard-tricks) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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