Grumpy Collaboration

The Amp Hour · 25 Oct 2021 · 1h 03m · Episode 563

What this episode covers

Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, highlighting the engineering trade-offs of using eMMC flash over SD cards and the significant time penalties for in-situ programming and validation. They critique the commercialization of Raspberry Pi, specifically the move to a .com domain and the opening of a physical store in Cambridge, viewing it as unnecessary marketing 'wankery' for a technical product. The hosts also express skepticism about the recent SPAC merger of Tempo Automation with Advanced Circuits, questioning the $920 million valuation of an assembly house, and dismiss online collaborative design tools like Flux as solving a non-existent problem for hardware engineers who fundamentally work alone.

Mentioned

Companies
Tempo Automation, Advanced Circuits, Circuit Hub
Products
Raspberry Pi, Compute Module 4
Chips
That Corporation
Tools
KiCad, Flux, Altium, Upverter
Also
Hirose

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Spark Gap · 43m

    The Spark Gap - Episode 15

    Speakers Carl and Corey discuss the history and technical evolution of the Raspberry Pi, focusing on the original Model B's hardware flaws and the foundation's educational mission. They analyze specific engineering failures, including the lack of mounting holes, inefficient LDO power regulation, and flaky USB ports, which forced users to rely on powered hubs. The conversation contrasts the early 'minimum viable product' approach with later revisions like the B Plus and Compute Module, while debating the value of open-source hardware versus proprietary control in the single-board computer market.

  • Hackaday Podcast · 56m

    EP014: Keeping Raspberry's SD Card Alive, We Love MRRF, and How Hot Are Flip Chips?

    Elliot Williams and Mike Szczys review weekly hacks, including a delay pedal by Electro Smash using the PT 2399 chip and a project by Tegwin Jolly Roger Twom Fat using AI to identify garden slugs. They discuss extending Raspberry Pi SD card life via log-to-RAM scripts and explore the complexities of metal 3D printing and flip chip technology. The episode features an interview with Scotty Allen of Strange Parts, who walks through the Shenzhen electronics markets, explaining how specialized small businesses network to manufacture products.

  • The Electromaker Show · 1h 08m

    Documentation as Code: A chat with Alasdair Allan from Raspberry Pi

    Alasdair Allan, Head of Documentation at Raspberry Pi, explains the 'Documentation as Code' philosophy used for the RP2040 and Pico W, emphasizing narrative and accessibility. He discusses the challenges of documenting custom ASICs, the pricing strategy behind the $4 Pico, and the importance of bridging the gap between expert engineers and generalist makers. Allan also shares personal project ideas, including a Wi-Fi mesh cannon and a personal time zone clock, while critiquing the friction in modern smart home technology.

  • The Electromaker Show · 28m

    Electromaker Interview: Eben Upton - Raspberry Pi creator!

    Eben Upton, creator and CEO of Raspberry Pi, discusses the strategic success of the RP2040 microcontroller and the recent launch of the Pi Pico W and Pi Pico H. He explains how the chip shortage created an opportunity for Raspberry Pi to provide supply stability to OEMs and hobbyists, leading to the rapid adoption of the Compute Module 4 and the Pi 400. Upton details the company's shift from sales generation to supply chain management and qualification of alternate parts during the crisis. He also highlights the Raspberry Pi Foundation's educational initiatives, such as PiDrop, which address the digital divide by providing hardware to disadvantaged students.

  • Hackaday Podcast · 1h 23m

    Ep 375: Rebuilding Tech on Our Terms and the Hero Nerd

    Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the shutdown of the RPiLocator.com tool, a nostalgic time capsule from the chip shortage era. They review listener hacks including a fake bike counter, a graphics upgrade for the Nintendo Entertainment System using a second Picture Processing Unit, and building dynamic RAM from discrete components. The episode also covers a drop-in replacement PCB for the Casio G-Shock watch, DIY robot actuators, and the evolution of the 'hero nerd' archetype in film.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Amp Hour. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.