Shows
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#443: Conductive CuisineIn this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating and somewhat humorous topic of hot dog conductivity. They explore an in-depth study conducted by Seth Jenkins, Neil LaTourette, and Brendan Liverman on how boiling time affects hot dog conductivity. The hosts also discuss the historical Presto Hot Dogger, community experiments involving hot dogs, and various methods of cooking hot dogs, all while interspersing their own anecdotes and insights. This episode is a blend of scientific curiosity and light-hearted banter, making for an entertaining listen.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to hot...2024-08-0946 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#442: Wanting To Be A Wizard - Matt BrownIn this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Matt Brown, an inventive engineer and YouTube content creator renowned for his electrifying DIY projects and creative automotive builds. The trio delves into the concept of "good enough engineering," where Matt shares insights from his career, including his experiences working at Tesla and on various personal projects like the land speed car and the off-road Viper. The discussion also covers the challenges of engineering in unpredictable environments, the balance between planning and improvisation, and the joy of creating new things.Key Discussion Points:2024-08-0256 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#441: Exploring the Arctic Through Art and Technology with Cy KeenerIn this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig chat with Cy Keener, an interdisciplinary artist who merges art and technology to document and visualize the natural world. Cy discusses his journey from architecture to creating custom instruments and sensors for scientific research in the Arctic. He explains how his work helps visualize complex phenomena like sea ice and ocean waves, and shares insights into his collaboration with scientists. Cy also delves into the engineering challenges of building durable sensors for extreme environments and the artistic process of transforming raw data into compelling visual art.Key Discussion Points:2024-07-261h 04
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#440: HMLV - High Mix Low VolumeIn this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive deep into the concept of HMLV (High Mix Low Volume) PCB manufacturing. They discuss the challenges and advantages of HMLV, contrasting it with high volume manufacturing methods used by giants like Apple and Foxconn. They also share personal project updates, including Parker's PWM fan controller and Stephen's work on LED matrix driving. The episode wraps up with insights into MacroFab's latest platform updates and the creation of an ultimate glossary of electronics and PCBA terms.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to HMLV: What does High...2024-07-191h 23
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#439: The Nuts and Bolts of Quantum Computing - Rick AltherrIn this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Rick Altherr, a full stack engineer, to discuss the intricacies of quantum computing. Rick shares insights into the working of quantum processors, particularly the trapped ion approach used by IonQ, and delves into the technical challenges and potential future applications of quantum computing. The conversation covers the practicalities of building quantum computers, the nature of quantum algorithms, and the current limitations that keep quantum computing in the R&D phase.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to Rick Altherr and his background in quantum...2024-07-121h 08
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#438: Solder SlugsIn this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive into the nuances of working with contract manufacturers, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of both the designer and the manufacturer. They discuss critical topics such as reflow profiles, solder specifications, parts washing, and the benefits of allowing your CM to handle PCB panelization. Parker also shares updates on his personal project, the PropFan controller, detailing its features and the challenges faced during its development.Key Discussion Points:What information can you assume your CM will handle?Reflow profile considerationsSolder specifications and BGAsParts washing...2024-07-051h 00
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#437: Embarrassingly Parallel Computing - Steve FurberIn this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig interview Steve Furber, Professor Emeritus of Computer Engineering at the University of Manchester. They discuss his early career at Acorn Computers, the development of the BBC Micro and the ARM processor, and his work on the SpiNNaker project, which models brain functions using a million ARM processors. Furber shares insights into the challenges and successes of these projects and provides advice for aspiring engineers.Key Discussion Points:Steve Furber's early career at Acorn ComputersDevelopment of the BBC MicrocomputerChallenges faced in early computer developmentDesign philosophy...2024-06-2852 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#436: International Women in Engineering Day with Kaylan Smith and Laura ManleyIn this special episode celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Kaylan Smith, Lead Software Developer for Supply Chain and Finance at MacroFab, and Laura Manley, Product Manager for Marketplace & Factory Experience at MacroFab. They discuss their journeys into engineering, challenges faced, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the field. The episode highlights personal stories, experiences, and insights into how they navigated their careers and the future of women in engineering.News/Announcements:June 23rd is International Women in Engineering Day.Kaylan and Laura share their...2024-06-211h 04
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#435: Prioritize to learn to Prioritize - Engineering Career PathsIn this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig, along with special guests Chris Gammell and James Lewis, discuss various aspects of engineering career paths. They delve into how they chose engineering, their first jobs, reasons for changing jobs, and what being an engineer means at different career stages. They also reflect on what they wish they had known earlier in their careers and share some personal anecdotes about non-engineering jobs they've held. The discussion is rich with insights and advice for both new and experienced engineers.Key Discussion Points:How the hosts and...2024-06-141h 08
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#433: Building LibrePCB - Urban Bruhin's Journey in Open Source EDAIn this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Urban Bruhin, the creator of LibrePCB, an open-source EDA tool. Urban shares his journey from being an electrical engineer to developing LibrePCB, driven by his dissatisfaction with existing EDA tools like Eagle. The discussion covers the unique features of LibrePCB, the challenges faced during its development, and the design philosophy behind its advanced library concept. Urban also discusses the future of LibrePCB and how the community can contribute to its growth.Key Discussion PointsUrban Bruhin's background and inspiration for creating LibrePCB.The challenges...2024-05-3154 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#432: Remote OwnershipIn this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the recent increase in semiconductor tariffs and its impact on the electronics industry. Parker shares insights from his latest article analyzing how these tariffs affect bill of materials costs. The hosts also dive into a compelling news story about ASML and TSMC's ability to disable chip machines remotely in the event of geopolitical conflicts, particularly if China invades Taiwan. They explore the ethical implications and security concerns surrounding this capability. Personal project updates include Parker's work on Python scripting to automate data extraction from invoices....2024-05-2459 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#431: Timing Tariff ModulationsSummaryIn this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating world of time modulation, discussing recent advancements in capacitor technology. They explore a new dielectric structure made from barium titanate and its potential impact on energy density and efficiency. The hosts also discuss the implications of new tariffs on semiconductors and other goods from China. Additionally, they touch on new developments from the Raspberry Pi Foundation and share updates on Parker's personal projects, including his work on a 1965 Checker Marathon engine.News/AnnouncementsNew tariffs announced by the U.S. government: 50...2024-05-1753 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#430: The Toilet Mountain of Social MediaSummary:In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the hefty topic of U.S. funding for 'digital twin' chips research under the CHIPS Act, comparing its budget to other big expenditures like Boeing's Starliner and military budgets. They also discuss EDA tool pricing, breaking down costs from freeware to industry heavyweights, and the implications for small vs. large businesses. Additionally, Parker shares his personal project update on his first KiCad PCB.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to the topic of U.S. funding for 'digital twin' chips research and its comparison to...2024-05-101h 08
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#428: Repairing the Retro FutureThis week we dive into the fascinating world of vintage tech repair, focusing on efforts to preserve General Motors' futuristic '80s digital displays. Hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the resilience and repair techniques of the Visual Information Center (VIC) screens, introduced in the late '80s. They also highlight MacroFab's new inventory management features that streamline the process for electronic components, ensuring efficient project management and system updates.Discussion Highlights: Launch of MacroFab's enhanced inventory management system, improving component tracking and project management.The survival and repair techniques of GM's '80s digital d...2024-04-2655 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#417: Cloud of DisksJoin Parker and Stephen as they delve into Japan's decision to phase out floppy disks and CD-ROMs for government submissions. From reminiscing about nostalgic tech quirks to analyzing the challenges and benefits of this transition, they explore the implications for industries and digital competitiveness. Discussing Japan's slow tech evolution, resistance to cloud systems, and the enduring use of floppy disks in various sectors, they ponder the future of outdated tech and its impact on global standings. Tune in to gain insights into the end of an era and what it signifies for technology and society.2024-02-1341 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastWelcome to Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastPrepare to plug into the world of electrical engineering on Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast. Join two adventurous engineers, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig, as they dissect the latest tech innovations, break down industry news, navigate the challenges of DIY projects and engage in compelling conversations with industry experts. Their real-world practical experience fuels their infectious passion and serves as the driving force behind a show that delves into both theoretical concepts and practical issues engineers face. Parker and Stephen speak with fellow engineers, makers, hackers, and business leaders, creating a dynamic space f...2024-01-2401 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#413: The Gray Zone with Kent JohnsonThis week Parker and Stephen welcome Kent Johnson to the show to discuss ethics in engineering. It’s a topic that has been alluded to over the course of Circuit Break, but this is the first time Parker and Stephen have delved into it with a real expert on the matter. Yes, most companies have standards and regulations and a moral code that guide them but, as Kent suggests, there are more ethical gray areas in the realm of engineering than we might realize. Topics covered here include:Discovering something isn’t being done properly at your new jobA...2024-01-1657 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#411: Entropy rules everything with James LewisThis week Parker and Stephen welcome James Lewis back to the show after a rather long absence! The occasion stems from James chiming in on a Circuit Break Community thread that Stephen started, asking all about component aging effects. Stephen posed questions like, “What happens to resistors over 5 years? How about 20 years? Are there rules of thumb or better yet, calculations for aging?” And helpful engineer that he is, James got in there and tried to provide some answers before agreeing to appear on the show to elaborate. Other topics covered here include:How no one is completely sure...2024-01-021h 01
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#385: Mislabeled levels of HellIn the spirit of summer, we kick off this week with a timely discussion of whether you can cook food on the engine of your car; how hot would your exhaust pipes even need to be? Stephen shares the current challenges he’s facing with his CNC (computer numerical control) project; avoiding messy wiring, dos and don’ts of using electrical tape and when to upgrade to a bigger 3D printing. We also discuss the special place in Hell for the person at the hardware store who puts the wrong screw in the wrong drawer. 😈Manifol...2023-07-1045 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#378: Crawfish ConundrumMEP EP#378: Crawfish ConundrumCooking crawfish a mile above sea level? How will the crawfish cook differently? On this episode of the MacroFab Engineering Podcast, Parker and Stephen discuss the different seasoning, boil and soak times, and building an inexpensive boil pot from materials and supplies Stephen already has. Parker also makes the Box Truk an official project on the podcast even though it has nothing to do with electrical engineering. The last topic is on 3D printing and what is the state of Parker’s and Stephen’s machines and what they use the 3D printers for...2023-05-121h 06
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#368: The Thermal Hum of the UniverseNewsMay 4th, Bringing back the MacroFab meetup.Stephen Kraig looking for a job. Email stephen.l.kraig@gmail.comAnother thought on ground planesFinally tried an honest to god ground plane on an amp and the results are what you would expect.RealizationsComponent placement matters as much if not more than trace routingPool analogyUnderstanding current is keyTrade offsMakes ground easier while making signaling harderIt is possible to have too much groundVenting of Sealed (washable) Relays (that have vents provided)TE Connectivity application note about sealed relays Unless specifically advised otherwise by T...2023-03-0257 min
Wayne's Comics PodcastInterview with Kraig RasmussenKraig Rasmussen from Odds & Ends: Books I and II is the guest this week in Episode #573! Kraig is a lifelong devotee to the sci-fi genre, He is the writer/artist of “Sojourners,” “Technopolis,” “Furthest Reaches,” and “Epoch,” all self-published under his label Monkeygong. Odds & Ends is now available here on zoop.gg and is described this way: “It’s an overstuffed collection of nearly 20 short stories, compiled from over a decade of experimental science fiction stories, film & TV pitch comics, and unseen personal works.” We discuss how these volumes came to be, what’s included in these books, and what...2023-01-2958 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#313: Another Tool for Your ToolboxMEP EP#313: Another Tool for Your Toolbox3d Printing - Is It Time To Get Into It?
Types of printers at the personal hobbyist level
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stephen's Hopes and Dreams
Budget $400 to $600
Biggest print surface
0.001” (0.0254mm) accuracy
Requires only setup/calibration/maintenance
No mods just to get it to work
What does Stephen mean by "work"
What to use the 3D printer for
Jigs and fixtures
Wire harnesses
Complex Air manifold
Testing adjustments to injection molded parts
Calibration
What is needed
How often?
Software
Own vs su...2022-01-281h 10
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#299: Operation Scope CreepMEP EP#299: Operation Scope Creep8 Layer Design
Stephen is working on a 12 pcb design
11 pcbs done 1 left
6 nets left to go out of 963
How to attack an 8 layer design?
Part placement
Stackup prep
Multi Gauge Progress / Prop_Fan
Screen and navigation
CFA635-TFK-KL
Temperature
LTC2983
Thermistors
5V analog active sensors
Level shifter
TXB0104DR
Shift between the 3.3V MCU and the 5V LTC2986
Power filtering
Comprehensive Power Supply System Designs for Harsh Automotive Environments
LT8672
LT8614
Air Quality
HPMA115C0-003
PM2.5 Particle Sensor
Sensirion SGP40
VOC...2021-10-2157 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#296: IdeaFab - Does This Podcast Change The World?MEP EP#296: IdeaFab - Does This Podcast Change The World?The IdeaTank Podcast
Scott Hansen and Eric Benzenhoefer are idea men who, not humbly, seek to change the world through sharing their million dollar ideas, and humbly, seek to make a podcast talking about their ideas.
Previous Episodes With the IdeaTank Podcast
MEP EP#77: The IdeaFab Podcast
MEP EP#223: The Inverted Success Funnel – IdeaFab
The Ideas
Eric Benzenhoefer
5 Stars to a better tomorrow…
Going to perfect feedback!
Scott Hans...2021-09-301h 24
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#288: We have clearance, ClarenceMEP EP#288: We have clearance, ClarencePCB design rules for clearances
Stephen's favorite calculator
Clearance and creepage
According to the IEC (international electrotechnical commission) a global standards organization
Clearance - The shortest path between two conductive parts, or between a conductive part and the bounding surface of the equipment, measured through air
Creepage - The shortest path between two conductive parts, or between a conductive part and the bounding surface of the equipment, measured along the surface of the insulation
IEC/UL 60950-1 Safety standards...2021-08-0554 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#285: Let The Robots Do It
MEP EP#285: Let The Robots Do ItFinally real engineering… follow up
What is the most computational intensive work you have had to do on the job?
Mixed Integer Non Linear Optimization problem
Apopt solver
Pyomo
SK -2d polynomial matrix...thing
Email from a listener!
Our “assessment that it is uncommon for engineers to need this is quite biased since both of you work in manufacturing”
Clarification of point
Most of Stephen's time has been split manufacturing and design
Theory classes do reinforce your “gut check” and “rules of thumbs”
Python SCPI...2021-07-1559 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#250: Artisan Sudo ToastersMEP EP#250: Artisan Sudo ToastersParker
EXTRALIFE charity update
How Biden may handle China and the electronics trade
CHIPS Act
Creating Helpful Incentives for Producing Semiconductors
Incentives for the construction of semiconductor manufacturing facilities and equipment
Calls for $300 billion in new funding over four years for R&D and breakthrough technologies like AI and quantum computing.
“aggressive trade enforcement actions against China”
Drawing wiring harness diagrams for contract manufacturing
Stephen
Adventures in Rpi 4
Microcenter trip
15 watts of power - no more no less
Stephen isn't a linux guy…...2020-11-1144 min
Repeat ViewingStephen King's The Dead Zone - David Cronenberg SpotlightWe get spooky just in time for Halloween with a David Cronenberg spotlight double-feature. This time we look at Cronenberg's efforts to adapt Stephen King's the Dead Zone, and compare it to the rest of their respective film libraries, as well as the typical stylistic earmarks of both. Plus we talk acting, both big and small, as we tackle talkin' Walken and Martin Sheen. Stay tuned for a second Cronenberg-Halloween episode with "the Brood", just 48 hours after this one. Subscribe to Repeat Viewing wherever you listen, please rate, review & share! Please support us patreon.com...2020-10-2949 minRepeat ViewingThe Running Man - the film & the book by Stephen KingOur Science-Fiction-Social-Commentary exploration continues with the inescapable 80's action entry, the Running Man, loosely based on the book by Richard Bachman aka Stephen King. We discuss the world building and execution of both formats, along with the 1980s world that spawned both, and the super stark, startling reflections of our own world today. You may know this movie, but you may not know the story, or the powerful meaning behind it, and we share a fascinating talk about all the hidden and overt elements, in another deep episode! Subscribe to Repeat Viewing wherever you listen, please rate...2020-08-081h 16
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#229: Get Cute This WeekendMEP EP#229: Get Cute This WeekendParker
Brewery Lives!
Test boil and Process
Issues with the current iteration of the brewery
What is next
Take Inventory of Brew Equipment
Spare parts
Storage on cart
Clean and Fire up Fermentation chamber
Clean the brewery
Ingredients
BREW
Future?
Motorized valves to simplify the fluid transfer process
Drains at bottom of vessels?
Better way to change set points on the PID controllers?
A/C window unit Wine Chiller
Parker Kool 2800
Issues and gotchas for future
Stephen
My (Stephen's) Jelly Project
...2020-06-1757 min
Tracks To SuccessPat McGannSend us a textHe’s a comedian who chuckles at his unexpected journey to notoriety.Pat McGann sold packaging. As he describes it, “not very well.” So he tried something else and his natural gift has turned into a second career that started at age 31 and shows no signs of a slowdown.Host Kraig Kann puts McGann’s story center stage - including his Chicago roots, his childhood ambition and the feeling of nerves and energy they comes with being on a stage working for the laughs and loud applause.McGann’s c...2020-06-0859 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#213: My CNC Will Melt In Your MouthMEP EP#213: My CNC Will Melt In Your MouthParker
Going to be doing Webinars for MacroFab.
How MFs tools make you a better electrical engineer and supply chain manager
Learning AutoDesk Fusion360
Getting pretty good
Learning from Youtube and Stephen
Can be almost as fast and proficient as Parker was in Sketchup
Braze it 420
Learning to braze brass radiators and steel gas tanks
Make sure there is no gas fumes!
Stephen
CNC
Trying to buck the standard
Jointer/Planer -> table -> electrical work -> table...2020-02-2658 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastMEP EP#178: Little Shop of Transformer HorrorMEP EP#178: Little Shop of Transformer HorrorJosh Rozier
Transformer Shop Story
What is different between a power transformer and an output transformer?
Parker
DOOM SAO
EEPROM interface working for single read and write bytes
Functionality of the base firmware for the Screen functionality
Shows the normal Face.
GPIO 1 on the SAO connector toggles where the Face looks
EEPROM address locations for “damage” and “anger”
Github still needs to be cleaned up before public
Stephen
MacroAmp
Enclosure and other parts arrive tomorrow
Thank you to M...2019-06-271h 35
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#137: Vector Simulations for Samsung CapacitorsBefore we get started I would like to thank everyone that entered into the MacroFab Design Contest: Blink an LED Sponsored by Mouser Electronics. The judges are going through the entries this week and we will announce the winners on the blog and typical social media locations on September 17th, 2018. Stephen and Parker will announce the winners of the MacroFab Engineering Podcast Favorite on the next episode 138.StephenBoth Introduction and Design Posts for the uTracer are live on AnalogEng.comVectrexModding the internals to display synthesizer "sounds"Vectrex Service ManualParkerSoftware Defined Radio update Python on the Raspberry Pi talking t...2018-09-1350 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#136: Classy NASCAR BadgelifeParkerWagon Chime Module Experimented with brake clean and that seemed to not remove the finishAny other suggestions?Wagon Powered Mirror Module Schematic complete and Board laid outUsed DRV8872 motor drives SOIC-8 style package instead of SO-36 of the BTM7742GJust another project to work on Raspberry Pi - RTL SDR radioWood front panelTube preamp that runs off of 12VTouch VFD?StephenuTracer blog post by the DesignerNew blog: Analogeng.comHickok 5055 power supplyRFOHow we built a connected custom PCB badge for the Kentucky DerbyStephen's Counterfeit Capacitor ProblemCapacitance Multiplier VideoStephen used this technique beforeBrandon Drury asks “What do we think of engineering paper that i...2018-09-0656 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#135: The Hamster That ChirpsParkerWagon Chime module Two ICS MC14001BMC14069Interesting metal can for a speaker moduleTwo transistors in a push pull configurationReplaced electrolytic caps and it kinda functionsPowered Mirror Circuit RKJXT1F42001BTM7752GStephenuTracer complete! Cleaner signals?Lessons learnedThings Stephen would do different if he couldRFOCraig Rettew askes: “Cost comparison between 2 layer and 4 layer boards. Are 2 layer much cheaper? Would a 4 layer board allow for a smaller board area vs 2 layer to make up for cost?”Tags: BTM7752G, Chime Module, electronics podcast, MacroFab, macrofab engineering podcast, MC14001B, MC14069, MEP, RKJXT1F42001, uTracer, Wagon2018-08-3052 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#110: Dangling TransformersStephenRibbon Microphone Turn it into a Hackaday.io project?Make a USB microphone from scratch? PCM2912ATalked about this IC on a previous episode of the MEPDatasheetStephen will be in Denver next week Contact InfoParkerTest results of the PCM5122 Audio DACsCovered in a previous episode of the MEPCeramic caps sound better? Sound is subjectivePinHeck REV8 Update PCM5122Running I2C and I2S on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module Have to run them on alternate pinsLooking into the source code for the dtoverlays to figure out how to pass the correct overrides dtoverlay=i2c1-bcm2708,sda1_pin=44,scl1_pin=45,pin_fun...2018-03-0738 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#104: Apples and AstronautsStephenPCB Design - Hexa Precision Converts MIDI codes to constant voltageWhat about using constant current to control functions and signals?Teensy 3.6Pro-Level BreadboardParkerPCM5122 I2S Audio DAC Prototyped with a PiFi DAC+ v2.0SMT film caps are hard to find for lead free reflow tempsECH-U1C222JX53 Different Versions Cost difference of $5 per unit in QTYWima capacitorsPinHeck REV8 Prototypes being builtFuture of the Pinheck Platform?Rapid Fire Opinion (R.F.O.)PT8A2514AToaster ControllerHas Defrost, Reheat and BAGEL functionIf you could have a chip that does a specific function what would you pick? Stephen: “Nothing super magical, like a bagel f...2018-01-2449 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#102: 8 Bit Rupee WalletsStephenAlternative uses for assembly layers Assembly, document, and mechanical layers“It’s a way for us electrical engineers to feel like a mechanical engineer”ParkerHackADay IO talkFriday, January 12, 2018 12:00 pm PST“The moment they invent smell-o-vision, this podcast would be done”MEP101 DSO138 Update STM32F103Widely clonedIf your cocktail of silicone is a little off, you’ll be okaySilicon actually change as the year goes around (according to a professor of stephen) “The chip just decides only to run on saturdays”Legit STM32F103's are $2.36 in QTY Can get “questionably sourced “ units for under $1OctoPrintUse a Raspberry Pi to control your 3D printerY...2018-01-1049 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#101: Playing the New DoomStephenDSO138 OscilloscopeComes as a kit (just through hole) but can be purchased assembledThe "true" version can be had for ~$30 Counterfeit versions exist for $4Open Source Firmware!Analog bandwidth: 0 - 200KHzSampling rate: 1Msps maxSensitivity: 10mV/Div - 5V/DivSensitivity error: < >Tags: Apple Says Sorry, donut transformers, DSO138, eagle autodesk, electronics podcast, MacroFab, macrofab engineering podcast, MC1466, MCU Pullups, MEP, miller capacitance, PinHeck REV8, Podcast, pull-up resistors, TAS5755M 2018-01-0434 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#98: Second Annual MacroFab Star Wars Christmas Special: Jar Jar on a HarleyTaylor SmithWorks at MacroFab as the Production Account ManagerManage all of our large customers as they go through prototyping to full productionGraduated from Texas A&M last fallJoined the MacroFam early this yearFavorite Star Wars Character?Organic Taylor: Loves the locks on Qui-Gon JinnStephen: BosskParker: Storm Trooper #38 Robotic Taylor: R2D2 even though he slept through Rogue OneStephen: IG-88Parker: Not K-2SOThrawn BooksTech that stood out in Rogue OneData Storage Devices Three different storage methods USB Flash Drive: small amount of data.Data Tape: looks like an external hard drive. Contains Death Star plans. 8-track tapes styleSome sort of other...2017-12-131h 25
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#97: The Internet of MothersAgustin PelaezElectrical engineer from UPB/FH MünsterHelped engineer a remote monitoring solution for Airbus GermanyFounded the IoT Application Enablement platform Ubidots.comCameron KlotzJoined Ubidots as the Director of OperationsGraduate of UC BerkeleyPreviously worked in Operations and Project Management at Getaround Inc. and UBS Financial ServicesAlways focusing on efficient team/client dynamics and quality assuranceAbout UbidotsDifference between their IoT platform and othersLong tail solution - through app development for engineersWhat can Ubidots do for me?How to get started in IoTOverview of what IoT actually is DevicesConnection protocolCloudApplication developmentWhat makes a device IoT? Convergence of digital to physicalEmbedded designWhat is an...2017-12-0747 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#93: Glue A Penny On ItEpisode 100 is coming up! It’ll be a Q&A session - so send in your questions to podcast@macrofab.com2nd Annual Star Wars Xmas Special Engineering Podcast. Check out the video from last year!Parker Update on the Jeep Electronics LM22678TJ-5.0/NOPB5V switcher regulator with 5A capacityUsed Ti Webench to design itADP3338AKCZ-3.3-RL3.3V LDO Linear Regulator with 1A capacityCU40045-UW1J40 x 4 VFDPropeller code for driving this displayKeep Tabs on this project on github!Decent cheap toggle switches on AmazonStephen Science Museum UpdateVideo screen that plays animation - in house engineer setting it up and b...2017-11-081h 04
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#92: Through Hole on Cruise ControlParker Jeep Cruise Control update Ordered a late model TJ wiring harnessSpeed Control Servo: 4669979Cable: 4854156Vacuum Line: 52109525ADJeep Electrical Control Have wiring diagram doneBussmann 15303-5-2-4Stephen Science Museum Almost commission dayLast minute preparations and it is working greatAdding counterweightGif!Rapid Fire Opinion (RFO) Beverage Coaster Reference Design - Intersil The beverage coaster reference design lights up, plays music, and indicates beverage drinkability!Plays the Chicken Dance when a drink rests on it Thoughts on high-volume through-hole wire soldering - Reddit ECE Stephen has some thoughts about thisTags: Beverage Coaster Reference Design, electronics podcast, High volume PTH, Houston M...2017-11-0259 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#91: An Ampersand Made Me A HeroKaylan SmithHouston native, rice owl , UX designer, artist, die hard Astros fan, and MacroFaber since July 2016One of the strange breeds that went from being an artist to software developmentAttended a talk that Stephen Kraig gave about MacroFab at her school where she was learning to become a developerMike Williams Fascinated with computers since 7th grade, when he first got to use a TRS-80 model 1Seen the software development industry advance from MSDOS to smart phones and cloud computingWritten and designed software for flying cameras, high speed trains, and lots of business appsJoined MacroFab about 2 years ago and moved to H...2017-10-2747 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#89: Randomly DeterminedParker Tom Anderson Long time listener just launched his own podcast called Function.It is a podcast that is about Art and Engineering and where those two meet.Jeep Factory Cruse Control Most of the parts have not arrived.Mopar part 05013979AB Connector for the speed controller that pulls the throttle cableStephen iSpindel Does it work?!Made a bucket full of prison wine, and measuring with a fancy hydrometerDiatomaceous Transformation aka shifting dirtStephen and Patrick Renner have an installation coming up, Nov 10 in Plainview, TX8x8 grid, Can access any point on grid and drop any rodPick Of the Week (POW) In...2017-10-1335 min
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#88: TLDR; LifeStephen iSpindel - First time on the MEP: Introduce a tropic and finish it in 2 episodes!Parker Next Jeep Project: Factory Cruise Control RetroFit Currently missing the wiring to go to the PCM (Power Control Module) of the JeepBuy a used harness for connector pins and modify the current harnessPinHeck REV8 EOTL Update Inner layers are 0.5oz copper. Watch out for that.RPI3 CM will have its own power rails to keep the power cleanRapid Fire Opinion (RFO) Google Clips is a new $249 smart camera that you can wear - TechCrunchPassive use camera3hr battery lifeGrabs “Motion Photos”. Its 1910's all over...2017-10-061h 01
Circuit Break - A MacroFab PodcastEP#87: Liquid Hot “Magma”Parker PinHeck update! Rev8 EOTLAdding RPI3 CM module to the board.Reorganized the Schematic after 5 years of hacks and additionsPrinted a new HAKKO keyNew key costs $15!3D printed one in 17 minutesStephen Making an iSpindel - A budget version of the Tilt hydrometer Floats in liquid and by how the device tilts it measures the density and temperature of the fermenting beerGY-521 Gyro & Acceleration Sensor on a breakoutDS18B20 Temperature SensorLipo charger TP4056POW 100W Watercooled LED LightUsing a Corsair Hydro Water CPU coolerParker wants to make a ruggedized versionOverkill Solar Battery USB ChargerSimulation Vs RealityParker's Pro tip: if you do this...2017-09-2746 min