# The Nerd Calendar

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2016-06-03
- Length: 1h 07m
- Episode: 301
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/301-the-nerd-calendar/

## Summary

Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics and Dave Jones of the EEV Blog discuss the Narrative wearable camera, highlighting its low-power engineering challenges involving GPS, Wi-Fi, and battery life. They analyze the difficulty of measuring wide dynamic range currents in DC power analysis, noting that specialized equipment like the Keysight DC Power Analyzer is prohibitively expensive for general use. The conversation also covers the collapse of Theranos, the IEEE's acquisition of GlobalSpec, and practical advice for engineers regarding data sheets, jellybean components, and RF design.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=0) Introduction: The Nerd Calendar and Narrative Camera
- [8:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=507) Narrative Camera: Low Power Design and Battery Life
- [11:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=688) GPS History: Selective Availability and Geocaching
- [13:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=781) Mailbag: Boldport Club and Shenzhen Guide
- [17:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=1021) Lunar Rover and FPGA Compiler
- [24:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=1465) DC Power Analysis: Dynamic Range and Measurement Challenges
- [33:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=1982) Theranos Collapse and IEEE/GlobalSpec Acquisition
- [45:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=2701) Data Sheets, Jellybean Components, and Rules of Thumb
- [59:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar#t=3572) Antenna Design and Engineering Mindset

## Topics

- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Test & measurement](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/test-and-measurement)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Narrative (product)
- Boldport (company)
- Keysight (company)
- Theranos (company)
- IEEE (company)
- GlobalSpec (company)
- 2N3904 (chip)
- KiCad (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [278: Bricks' Batteries Last Forever (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [278: Bricks' Batteries Last Forever](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-02-15-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever) (Embedded.fm)
- [170: Electron Gnomes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-10-04-170-electron-gnomes) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42) (The Spark Gap)
- [181: Work on It for Ten Years](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-12-30-181-work-on-it-for-ten-years) (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/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar. 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.