The Spark Gap · 11 Nov 2015 · 54m
Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the LTM2884 isolated USB transceiver and the MSGEQ7 audio spectrum analyzer chip, highlighting their specific technical applications. They then explore the 'burden of knowledge' experienced by electronics experts, using a poorly built $60 headphone amplifier as an example of deceptive product quality. The conversation shifts to a critique of crowdfunding scams, specifically analyzing the technical impossibility of the 'Leaf Hyperdrive' RAM expansion device and discussing the broader issues of trust and delivery in Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns.
makers and hobbyists
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Hosts Christopher and Elecia White discuss their recent experiences judging the Hackaday Prize, highlighting finalists like the Ramen Spectrometer and Chip Whisperer, and review the rapid success of Darma Kickstarter campaign. They also cover the logistics challenges faced by Light Up and the upcoming Peep camera project, while critiquing the technical accuracy of the TV show Scorpion versus the novel The Martian.
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Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the challenges of hardware development, including Chris's experience with a Texas Instruments high-voltage motor control kit that failed due to missing power factor correction, and a SparkFun MicroView firmware recall. They also analyze the economics of crowdfunding 3D printers, the triboelectric noise in cables, and recent industry acquisitions like Infineon buying International Rectifier.
Dave Jones of EEVBlog and Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics discuss the logistical nightmare of shipping 9,700 PCB rulers from a successful Possible campaign, including PayPal account freezes and optimizing postage. They analyze a reference PCB designed by Star Simpson and Sam from Octopart for component package comparison, debate the merits of local versus international hiring for digital work, and critique a University of Washington paper on RF backscatter communication. The episode concludes with news on the Ubuntu Edge crowdfunding failure, Samsung's design contest, and an FPGA-driven CRT vector monitor project by Todd Bailey.
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