# The Spark Gap - Episode 9

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2014-08-12
- Length: 48m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-9
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-9

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-9#t=0) Introduction: The Tektronix EPROM Hack
- [4:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-9#t=242) Is Unlocking Features Theft? The Business Model Argument
- [11:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-9#t=704) Agilent 2000 Series and Rigel Firmware Hacks
- [20:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-9#t=1219) Open Source Alternatives: Bus Pirate and Logic Sniffer
- [29:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-9#t=1774) Commercial Solutions: Saleae and Embedded Artists
- [36:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-9#t=2215) Function Generators and Standalone Test Equipment

## Topics

- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Open-source hardware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/open-source-hardware)
- [Intellectual property](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/intellectual-property)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Tektronix (company)
- Agilent (company)
- Rigel (company)
- Bus Pirate (product)
- Logic Sniffer (product)
- Saleae (company)
- Total Phase (company)
- Digilent (company)
- GW Instek (company)
- BK Precision (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Reputable Radio Reification](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-03-05-reputable-radio-reification) (The Amp Hour)
- [Hardware, Surveys and Giveaways - Radular Rental Ranting](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-03-13-hardware-surveys-and-giveaways-radular-rental-ranting) (The Amp Hour)
- [Don't Turn It On, Don't Take It Apart](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-13-dont-turn-it-on-dont-take-it-apart) (The Amp Hour)
- [Analog Components, First Person Flying and Idea Ownership](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-11-02-analog-components-first-person-flying-and-idea-ownership) (The Amp Hour)
- [009 - T0015! Part 0x2: All Ur sigs R belong to uS.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-04-15-009-t0015-part-0x2-all-ur-sigs-r-belong-to-us) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)

## Citing this page

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