# The Spark Gap - Episode 28

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2015-03-11
- Length: 1h 00m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-28

## Summary

Andrew Retallack of Crash Bang Prototype discusses his journey from software to hardware, focusing on his T-board and Toadstool projects designed to move developers away from Arduino abstraction. He details the technical benefits of using Atmel microcontrollers directly, including faster analog reads and register-level control, while comparing the MSP430 and ATmega platforms. Retallack also covers his manufacturing challenges in South Africa, his use of KiCad and Blender for design, and his plans for crowdfunding.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=0) Introduction: Andrew Retallack and Crash Bang Prototype
- [1:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=114) Retallack's Background and Entry into Electronics
- [5:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=351) The T-board: Moving Away from Arduino Abstraction
- [10:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=657) Performance: Raw Registers vs. Arduino Library Overhead
- [14:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=846) Comparing ATmega and MSP430 Microcontrollers
- [22:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=1348) Publishing in Print Magazines and Structuring Knowledge
- [30:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=1857) The Toadstool Project and Modular Caps
- [35:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=2131) Manufacturing Challenges and Sourcing in South Africa
- [44:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=2688) Crowdfunding Options and US Tax Considerations
- [50:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-11-the-spark-gap-episode-28#t=3011) Design Tools: KiCad, Blender, and Workflow

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Open-source hardware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/open-source-hardware)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch

## Mentioned

- Crash Bang Prototype (company)
- T-board (product)
- Toadstool (product)
- Arduino (product)
- ATmega328P (chip)
- MSP430 (chip)
- KiCad (tool)
- Blender (tool)
- Eagle (tool)
- Seeed Studio (company)
- Oshpark (company)
- RS Electronics (company)
- SparkFun (company)
- DigiKey (company)
- Mouser (company)
- Kickstarter (other)
- Indiegogo (other)
- Crowd Supply (company)
- Dragon Innovation (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Dave Vandenbout - Xceptional XESS Xenagogue](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-01-22-an-interview-with-dave-vandenbout-xceptional-xess-xenagogue) (The Amp Hour)
- [372: The Motivation of Creativity](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-05-06-372-the-motivation-of-creativity) (Embedded.fm)
- [90: Stick It in a Pumpkin](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-02-26-90-stick-it-in-a-pumpkin) (Embedded.fm)
- [Arduino, IndiGoGo and Hack-a-Day - Doodad Dealer Dancing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-07-17-arduino-indigogo-and-hack-a-day-doodad-dealer-dancing) (The Amp Hour)
- [181: Work on It for Ten Years](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-12-30-181-work-on-it-for-ten-years) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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