# Tronnort Software Rises Again!

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2018-09-24
- Length: 1h 20m
- Episode: 408
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/408-tronnort-software-rises-again/

## Summary

Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the evolution of electronic component libraries, contrasting local project storage with centralized databases like the Open Parts Library and DigiKey's KiCad integration, while highlighting the practical challenges of centroid referencing in CAD footprints. They analyze the shift in sourcing strategies from traditional distributors like DigiKey and Mouser to platforms like AliExpress and Tindie, noting the trade-offs in lead times, customs, and component availability. The conversation also covers specific hardware issues, including the Raspberry Pi PoE hat's USB overcurrent faults caused by power rail noise, and the historical context of IC testers like the Tronnort Software prototype.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=0) Introduction: Identity Theft and Hacker Movies
- [3:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=191) Conference Announcements and LED Flashers
- [6:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=365) Ceramic Super Caps and Blinking LEDs
- [11:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=683) DigiKey UI Changes and Sourcing Strategies
- [16:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=965) AliExpress, Tindie, and Supply Chain Logistics
- [32:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=1948) CAD Footprints: Centroid vs. Pin 1
- [44:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=2652) Library Management: Local vs. Global
- [47:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=2845) Tronnort Software and IC Testers
- [58:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=3538) Raspberry Pi PoE Hat USB Faults
- [1:04:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again#t=3842) SpaceX Lunar Mission and Conspiracy Theories

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- DigiKey (company)
- AliExpress (company)
- Tindie (company)
- Raspberry Pi (company)
- Open Parts Library (other)
- KiCad (tool)
- Altium (tool)
- Seeed Studio (company)
- Octopart (company)
- Nexperia (company)
- Mouser (company)
- Farnell (company)
- ESP32 (chip)
- 74HC00 (chip)
- Epcos (company)
- Taiko (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [360: Cats Love It!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-01-29-360-cats-love-it) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41) (The Spark Gap)
- [Solving PCB Library Issues: Expert Advice from Elizabeth Bustamante](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-04-19-solving-pcb-library-issues-expert-advice-from-elizabeth-bustamante) (OnTrack)
- [Solving PCB Library Nightmares with Kristen Aguiar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-04-21-solving-pcb-library-nightmares-with-kristen-aguiar) (OnTrack)
- [478: The Map Is Not the Territory](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-05-30-478-the-map-is-not-the-territory) (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/2018-09-24-tronnort-software-rises-again. 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.