The Amp Hour · 25 Jun 2018 · 31m
Jeff Keyzer of MightyOhm.com and Michael Ossmann of Great Scott Gadgets join host Chris Gaddis at ToorCamp to discuss their current projects and philosophies on learning electronics. Keyzer details his work supplying Geiger counter kits and his non-electronic hobby of restoring a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, while Ossmann describes his team's large-scale creme brulee project and the design of a 'Jar of Fireflies' badge to reduce waste. The conversation explores teaching strategies, contrasting the 'start with a working system' approach of Arduino with the reverse-engineering mindset of software hackers, and highlights the upcoming release of the GreatFET hacking tool.
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Hosts Chris White and Elecia White discuss recent projects and gift ideas, including Elecia's work on the Fitbit Surge and Chris's 'Wordy' wearable ring. They also cover Chris's custom hardware controller for the game Kerbal Space Program, the Chiptronics educational kit, and the broader maker movement, addressing misconceptions about its impact on professional engineering.
Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics joins the hosts of Embedded.fm and The Amp Hour for a crossover holiday episode discussing expertise, prototyping tools, and industry trends. The conversation covers the limitations of MicroPython on custom hardware, the value of analog circuit design, and the importance of writing to clarify technical thinking. They also share personal updates on learning calculus, using VR for exercise, and the future of solar energy and automation.
Simone Giertz, an inventor and YouTuber known for building 'shitty robots,' discusses her process of creating humorous, often dangerous devices like a vegetable chopping machine and a wake-up alarm that hits her with a rubber arm. She explains that her non-engineering background allows her to learn through enthusiastic, idea-driven prototyping using Arduino, embracing failure as a key part of the process. Giertz also touches on her experience working at Punch Through, the challenges of filming and editing solo content, and how she uses comedy to make electronics accessible to a broader audience.
Chris Gammell, co-host of The Amp Hour podcast and employee at a large industrial electronics company, discusses his new online course, Contextual Electronics, which bridges the gap between academic theory and practical hardware design. He explains the course's structure, which targets advanced Arduino users by teaching them to design, source parts for, and build a 'Bench Buddy' project using KiCad and open-source tools. Gammell details the logistical challenges of running a remote hardware class, including managing global time zones, version control via GitHub, and optimizing for low-cost, low-quantity component sourcing.
Micah Elizabeth Scott, an 'art engineer' and creator of FadeCandy, discusses her transition from engineering to full-time art, detailing her reverse engineering of CD burners for the Coastermelt project using IDA and Photoshop. She describes building a large interactive LED installation for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in collaboration with Ryerson University, explaining the use of color sensors for position tracking and the challenges of remote fabrication. The conversation also covers her efforts to bridge the gap between artists and engineers through teaching and tool development, as well as her personal struggles with depression and the importance of community support.
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