# Don't Turn It On, Don't Take It Apart

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2016-05-13
- Length: 1h 13m
- Episode: 298
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/298-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart/

## Summary

Dave Jones of EEV Blog and Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics discuss the complexities of open-source hardware, specifically regarding Jones's new professional test equipment product and the tension between community expectations and manufacturer concerns. They analyze why engineers join startups like Ubeam despite knowing the technology is flawed, citing the allure of working with smart people and cool tech. The conversation also covers the practical challenges of using modules versus building from scratch, the pitfalls of CAD software ecosystems like KiCad and Altium, and the importance of complexity as a defensive moat against cloning.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart#t=0) Introduction and Windows 10 Troubles
- [7:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart#t=468) CAD Software Ecosystems and Open Source Fragmentation
- [14:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart#t=877) Managing Design House Relationships and Engineering Constraints
- [25:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart#t=1533) The Open Source Hardware Debate for Test Equipment
- [42:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart#t=2528) Modules, Ego, and the Maker Mindset
- [49:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart#t=2949) Ubeam Collapse and Why Engineers Join Failed Startups
- [1:06:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart#t=3987) Crowdfunding Failures and Industry Commentary

## Topics

- [Open-source hardware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/open-source-hardware)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- KiCad (tool)
- Altium (tool)
- Eagle (tool)
- Ubeam (company)
- SparkFun (company)
- Arduino (product)
- PIC-16 (chip)
- PIC-32 (chip)
- MeowCad (tool)
- Fritzing (tool)
- Upverter (tool)
- JBC (product)
- TechCrunch (company)
- IEEE Spectrum (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [353: Red for the Ones That Might Blow Up](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up) (Embedded.fm)
- [293: Skateboard Tricks (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-12-23-293-skateboard-tricks-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [45: Yanking on a Cat's Tail Is the Only Way to Learn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-04-02-45-yanking-on-a-cats-tail-is-the-only-way-to-learn) (Embedded.fm)
- [Ep. 16 - Open Hardware with Thea Flowers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-03-14-ep-16-open-hardware-with-thea-flowers) (Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast)
- [317: What Do You Mean by Disintegrated?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-01-17-317-what-do-you-mean-by-disintegrated) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Amp Hour.