Hardware Podcasts

The Spark Gap - Episode 9

The Spark Gap · 12 Aug 2014 · 48m

What this episode covers

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the industry practice of manufacturers like Tektronix and Agilent disabling hardware features via software locks, arguing that unlocking them is not theft because the hardware already exists. They contrast Tektronix's aggressive legal stance with Rigel's acceptance of firmware hacks, which helped the company gain market share among hobbyists. The hosts recommend open-source alternatives like the Bus Pirate and Logic Sniffer, as well as commercial tools from Saleae and Total Phase, as cost-effective substitutes for expensive scope add-ons.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Tektronix, Agilent, Rigel, Saleae, Total Phase, Digilent, GW Instek, BK Precision
Products
Bus Pirate, Logic Sniffer

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