EP#61: Internet of Teddies

In this episode of Circuit Break, we wrap up the Food Device Design Derby. We celebrate the innovation and creativity of contest entries like the JavAqua, Pizza Pouch, and the winner, BarBuddy, a personal robotic bartender. Notable discussions include a look at podcast statistics, with an impressive 86% of listeners tuning in for entire episodes. We also introduced a new email notification system for podcast releases, moving from Tuesday to Friday releases, and encouraged listeners to engage with reviews. There is also a brief discussion about if PCB assembly drawings are still relevant.Discussion Highlights:Introduction of "Breakers" as a nickname for the podcast listeners.Discussion of the podcast's high listener engagement stats.Introduction of an email notification system for new podcast episodes.Results and highlights from the Food Device Design DerbyThird place: Pizza PouchSecond place: JavAquaFirst place: BarBuddyCircuit Break Favorite: h0t_d0gThe importance and challenges of creating accurate assembly and fabrication drawings for PCBs and PCAs.Discussion on potential improvements in EDA tools for automating assembly and fabrication drawings.Relevant Links:h0t_d0g Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-h0t-d0g/218JavAqua Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-design-derby-challenge-javaqua/225Pizza Pouch Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-pizza-pouch-the-keeper-for-your-to-go-pizza/224BarBuddy Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-barbuddy/216PocketFryer Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/fdd-challenge-pocketfryer/196Community Questions:What new innovations or devices would you like to see in future contests?Have you ever had a DIY project that you turned into a functional everyday tool? Tell us about it!What are your thoughts on the need for more automation in EDA tools for producing assembly and fabrication drawings?

19 Apr 202450min

Today, we're tackling a topic that's a gold mine for any designer: crucial features you might not have considered for your prototype. From debug headers to "Swapperoo" resistors and heartbeat indicator LEDs, we're covering it all. Tune in as we share insights, anecdotes, and maybe a few confessions from our own prototyping adventures. Plus, we dive into the importance of making your prototype testing-friendly and discuss a poll that could solve a common UART connection dilemma. This is episode 426 – your prototype's new best friend!Discussion Highlights: Debug Headers: Taking inspiration from James Lewis’s Apple Mega 2 project, we discuss the importance of embedding debug headers directly onto the PCB. We also highlight the Tag Connect's footprint as a space-saving, connector-free debugging interface. Test Pads for Production Testing: Crucial for measuring signals ensuring that potential circuit issues are not overlooked. This measure is crucial for validating the prototype’s performance. Jumper Headers in Series on Power Rails: This method allows for the quick disconnection of subsystems for individual testing, enhancing the diagnostic process without the need for circuit alterations.Easy ways to hook up test equipment: By integrating connectors and test points specifically designed for easy attachment of debugging and testing tools, such as multimeters or oscilloscopes, engineers can streamline the troubleshooting process. Signal Integrity Testing Points: To monitor and adjust signal quality proactively, supporting the prototype’s overall integrity.Thermal Management: Managing component temperatures is a critical aspect often overlooked in the early stages of prototyping. The discussion includes practical strategies for thermal management, even in challenging environments like aerospace.Prioritizing Function Over Form: Make the prototype whatever shape it needs to be to be accessible for testing and debugging, even if it means starting with a larger form factor.Early Inclusion of Fiducials and Mounting Holes: The significance of adding fiducials and mechanical mounting holes at the onset of the design process aids in component placement, assembly, and effective heat dissipation.Adding Pass-Through Holes: For unforeseen modifications or component additions post-design, showcasing the flexibility this can provide to a prototype.Poll Discussion: When connecting two chips, each with their own TX and RX lines, should TX be connected to TX, or does TX connect to RX? Relevant links:EP#420: The Mega IIe: A Vintage Computing Adventure with James LewisMacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.We Want to Hear From You!Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

12 Apr 202438min

This week, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Craig are joined by Kyle McLeod, the OE Project Manager, and Nicholas Lundgard, the OE Team Lead at MacroFab. They delve into recent software releases enhancing the ordering experience on the MacroFab platform, including ITAR compliance, improvements in design file uploads, and the introduction of customer-furnished material options. They discuss the importance of seamless user interactions for uploading PCBs, placing orders, and how MacroFab's platform facilitates these processes. The episode provides insights into MacroFab's efforts to make PCB manufacturing more accessible and efficient for their customers.Discussion Highlights:Introduction of ITAR compliance and its significance for MacroFab's platform and users.Enhancements in PCB design file uploads, including support for additional file types and improved user interface.The role and benefits of customer-furnished material options in the ordering process.Discussions on intelligent overage logic for parts ordering and the impact on manufacturing efficiency.The introduction of completed board photo updates for quality assurance and customer verification.Preview of upcoming features and improvements, focusing on user interface enhancements, bomb management tools, and expanded quoting capabilities.Relevant Links:MacroFab Platform UpdateCommunity Questions:Have you used MacroFab's platform for your PCB manufacturing needs? Share your experiences and any features you'd love to see in the future.What challenges have you faced in PCB design and ordering, and how do you think platforms like MacroFab can solve them?How important is ITAR compliance for your projects, and what has been your experience dealing with ITAR-compliant manufacturers?What features would you like to see added to the MacroFab platform to improve your experience?About MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. We Want to Hear From You! Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

9 Apr 202459min

This week, delve into the fascinating world of Batman's utility belt. We begin by tracing the evolution of this iconic accessory from its humble origins to its current complex design. The belt features a diverse array of gadgets, tools, and essentials utilized by the Dark Knight. Our discussion covers a wide range of items, from lockpicking tools to unique additions like crayons and lollipops. We examine the practicality and innovative engineering behind Batman's assortment of tools and contemplate what items electrical engineers might include in their own specialized utility belts. Join us for an insightful exploration of superhero gadgetry and its parallels in real-world engineering.Batman and Engineering: Could Batman be seen as an engineer? Relies on technology and intellect rather than superhuman abilities. Utility Belt Evolution: The history and evolution of Batman's iconic utility belt, from its initial simplistic design and its evolution into a more complex, gadget-laden accessory.Batarang: The Batarang, one of Batman's signature tools, is hypothesized to function similarly to modern drone technology. Sonic Devastator: A non-lethal weapon that uses sounds where different frequencies have different effects on the human body.Identity Disk: Fail-safe for revealing his identity posthumously, ensuring that Batman's persona cannot be assumed by others after his death.Batman's Lockpicking Skills: Less emphasized in recent portrayals, highlighting a shift from stealth to brute force in his character's evolution.Is the Lockpicking Lawyer Batman?: Could the popular YouTuber, the LockPickingLawyer, be Batman, given his skill set and the mystery surrounding his identity?Unusual Utility Belt Items: Quirky and unconventional items found in Batman's utility belt include crayons and lollipops, showcasing Batman's preparedness for diverse situations.The Significance of Batman's Logo: The ubiquity of the Batman logo on his gadgets and tools. Does he get stickers made? Engineering a EE Utility Belt: What would comprise an electrical engineer's version of Batman's utility belt? Could include a handheld oscilloscope, wire, heat shrink, and even fantasy items like aerosolized Kapton tape.Utility Belt as an Interview Strategy: A light-hearted suggestion that job applicants show up to interviews wearing a utility belt filled with engineering tools to stand out. What Would Be in Your Utility Belt?: Tell us on our forums at forum.macrofab.com! Relevant links:Batman's Utility Belt Wikipedia What do y'all think Batman's standard utility belt loadout isWould Batman Use Onshape?10 Best Bat-Gadgets Hidden In Batman’s Utility BeltUniversal ToolSonic Weapon About MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. We Want to Hear From You! Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

2 Apr 202447min

We’re joined by Alexander Vartanov, an electrical engineering student with a knack for hands-on projects. He discusses his journey from early soldering mishaps to his behind-the-scenes role in creative YouTube projects. We delve into his experiences with rapid prototyping for YouTube, his favorite solder, and shopping for surplus aerospace materials. Additionally, we explore his unique projects, including transforming ordinary alarm clocks into machines that shred money or douse sleepers with water. Tune in for a mix of engineering insights, student life, and tales of creative projects.🚨Contest Announcement 🚨: Introducing a new Circuit Break contest! This contest is themed around building food-related electronic projects. We’re offering over $5,000 in cash prizes, themed trophies, and free prototyping from MacroFab. The deadline to submit is March 31st, 2024. Thanks to Mouser Electronics for sponsoring the contest prizes! Discussion Highlights: Educational Journey: Alexander shares his experiences transitioning from high school to community college, emphasizing the shift in student and teacher mentalities, and his plans to transfer to California State Northridge for electrical engineering.Choosing Electrical Engineering: Discussion on why Alexander chose electrical engineering despite its challenges and the conversation extends to the hosts’ own educational paths and changes in majors.YouTube Projects and Experiences: Alexander talks about his involvement in YouTube projects, including some unique alarm clocks and LED installations on vehicles. Childhood Inspiration: Alexander's initial fascination with electronics was sparked by his father giving him LED lights to experiment with. Early Soldering Experiences: Alexander shares childhood memories of learning to solder, emphasizing the hands-on approach and learning from mistakes, like burning himself while reaching for wire.Impact of YouTube Projects: Discusses how rapid prototyping and pacing for YouTube projects have refined his engineering approach, teaching him to achieve functional results quickly.Favorite Solder and Surplus Stores: Alexander expresses his preference for Kester 60/40 solder and shares experiences sourcing materials from Apex Electronics, a surplus store with historical aerospace inventory.Advice for Aspiring Engineers: Alexander encourages finding passion outside of work and pursuing it professionally, ensuring a balance between enjoyment and responsibility.Relevant links:I Tested Banned Alarm Clocks from Tyler Blanchard The World’s Most Distracting Car (30,000 LED’s on a LAMBO) from Alex ChoiLouis Weiszhttps://www.apexjr.com/ About MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. We Want to Hear From You! Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

26 Mars 202451min

Our hosts discuss Parker’s recent transition from Eagle to KiCad, facing challenges with library management and device layer integration. They discuss the new MacroFab Quote Wizard and our first entry to the MacroFab Food Device Design Derby Challenge! This leads to a discussion of comparing air fryers to convection ovens for fried food fun. The episode delves into adopting LibrePCB as an alternative EDA tool and the integration of Eagle into Fusion 360. Join us for an exploration of the evolving EDA tool landscape and practical design tips.🚨Contest Announcement 🚨: Introducing a new Circuit Break contest! This contest is themed around building food-related electronic projects. We’re offering over $5,000 in cash prizes, themed trophies, and free prototyping from MacroFab. The deadline to submit is March 31st, 2024. Thanks to Mouser Electronics for sponsoring the contest prizes! Discussion Highlights: MacroFab Quote Wizard Release: The new MacroFab Quote Wizard assists in early project planning and cost estimation even without complete data.Dutch Fried Foods: We’ve received our first food contest submission! Victor Koppen from the Netherlands has submitted a pocket air fryer! Convection Ovens vs. Air Fryers: The technical and culinary differences between convection ovens and air fryers.Transitioning from Eagle to KiCad: Parker discussed the challenges and lessons learned transitioning from Eagle to KiCad for PCB design.Creating Libraries in KiCad: Addressed the difficulties in mapping multiple pads to a single pin in KiCad's library system.Integration of Eagle into Fusion 360: The implications of merging Eagle with Fusion 360 for design file sharing and collaboration.Multiple Package Limitations in KiCad: Challenges discussed include dealing with multiple packages for a single symbol in KiCad, compared to Eagle.Library Management in EDA Tools: Challenges associated with large libraries and symbol-footprint associations.Adopting SQL Databases in KiCad: Debating the efficiency and practicality of using SQL databases for device layer management in KiCad.Exploring LibrePCB as an Alternative EDA Tool: The episode evaluated LibrePCB's features and library management in comparison to KiCad.Community Poll: We want to hear from you, our listeners, what is your view on designing your own parts?  Head over to forum.macrofab.com for a poll on trusting footprints or designing your own library. Relevant links:CI/CD with KiCad automationA couple weeks ago we had Brenden Duncombe on to talk about CI/CD8 *Must-Try* features in KiCad 8 from James LewisAbout MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. We Want to Hear From You! Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

19 Mars 202456min

Sergiy Nestorenko, founder of Quilter and former SpaceX engineer, discusses revolutionizing PCB design automation. He shares his journey from aerospace to starting Quilter, aiming to transform PCB design into a streamlined, AI-driven process. We delve into the technical hurdles, the fusion of engineering and advanced software, and the vision behind making circuit board design more efficient and intuitive. Sergiy also addresses the potential educational impacts and the future of hardware engineering in an AI-augmented world. Join us for a dive into the evolving landscape of PCB design and engineering innovation.🚨Contest Announcement 🚨: Introducing a new Circuit Break contest! This contest is themed around building food-related electronic projects. We’re offering over $5,000 in cash prizes, themed trophies, and free prototyping from MacroFab. The deadline to submit is March 31st, 2024. Thanks to Mouser Electronics for sponsoring the contest prizes! Discussion Highlights: Transition to Quilter: Sergi discusses his first experience with PCB layout at SpaceX and the realization that led him to question and eventually automate the process.Autorouters and their Limitations: Exploration of the limitations of current autorouting solutions in PCB design software and why they fail. Quilter's Vision: Sergi outlines the long-term goal for Quilter to become the compiler for hardware, enabling engineers to focus on design creativity rather than manual layout tasks.Organic and Unconventional PCB Designs: Discussion on how AI and automation could lead to more optimal yet unconventional PCB designs, moving beyond traditional shapes and layouts.Aesthetics of Earliest PCBs: Questioning the assumptions of traces leads to a discussion about the designs of the earliest PCBs in history. Simulation Integration and FCC Compliance: Sergi emphasizes the importance of incorporating comprehensive simulations, including electromagnetic and thermal, into the PCB design process for ensuring compliance and performance.Feedback and Learning from AI: The discussion reveals how AI, like Quilter, can introduce designers to considerations they hadn't encountered, fostering a learning environment while automating tedious tasks.Exploring Design Variations: Sergi envisions Quilter enabling engineers to explore thousands of design variations, including different stack-ups and materials, to optimize board designs beyond traditional constraints, enhancing innovation and performance.Neural Network Integration: The conversation delves into how Quilter utilizes neural networks not for direct layout generation but for guiding classical algorithms in decision-making. Feedback Mechanisms: Quilter encourages user feedback through various channels to refine its algorithms and user experience.Future of Hardware Engineering: Reflecting on the future, Sergi and the hosts discuss the potential shift in hardware engineering roles with increased AI integration. Relevant links:Sergiy LinkedIn Quilter WebsiteSergiy TwitterQuilter's AI design service nabs $10M to make circuit board design easierAbout MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. We Want to Hear From You! Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

12 Mars 202454min

We dive into the intricate world of vintage computing with James Lewis, aka the Bald Engineer, who takes us through the journey of constructing a functional computer based on the Apple II GS's Mega II chip. He shares his nostalgic connection to the Apple II series, revered for its open design and pioneering hardware engineering. Our conversation spans the detailed architecture and challenges of his Mega IIe project, from initial concepts to the complexities of integrating modern microcontrollers like the RP2040 during pandemic component shortages. Tune in for a fascinating journey from the past to the future, bridging vintage computing with modern technology! 🚨Contest Announcement 🚨: Introducing a new Circuit Break contest! This contest is themed around building food-related electronic projects. We’re offering over $5,000 in cash prizes, themed trophies, and free prototyping from MacroFab. The deadline to submit is March 31st, 2024. Thanks to Mouser Electronics for sponsoring the contest prizes! Discussion Highlights: The Mega IIe Project: James built a functional computer around the Mega II chip from the Apple II GS, containing the logic of previous generations of Apple II computers.Nostalgia for the Apple II: James shares his personal connection to the Apple II, and explains why the Apple II is revered in the vintage computing space, particularly for its open design and hardware engineering aspects.Technical Deep Dive into the Apple II and Mega IIe: James dives into how Apple II's open design compares to other computers of its era such as the Commodore. Bit Preserve Project: His GitHub project, Bit Preserve, is where people can contribute redrawn vintage computer schematics in KiCad.  Architecture and Development of the Mega IIe: James outlines the evolution of the Mega IIe project from a simple breakout board idea to a complex design involving multiple boards, fly wires, and the use of modern microcontrollers like the RP2040 due to component shortages during the lockdown period.Debugging Challenges: Difficulties encountered when integrating components and understanding undocumented features, such as the keyboard signals and slot communications. Design Approach (Rev 2): A backplane system where individual blocks of the Apple II design were isolated into separate cards, allowing systematic troubleshooting and incremental progress, which significantly facilitated debugging.Video Signal Processing: Explored the challenges and solutions in handling video output, particularly transitioning from composite video to digital video using the Mega II chip's RGB output. Rev 3 Development: The transition from a modular backplane system (Rev 2) to a single board computer (Rev 3), consolidating all functions and addressing issues like power supply design. Future Directions and Learning: Reflects on the initial underestimation of the project's complexity and duration and discusses potential next steps, including the possibility of a shift in  focus towards modern technology areas like machine learning for edge devices. Relevant links: Bit Preserve (Vintage Schematics in KiCad)1st Video: Mega II video: Getting it to bootKansasFest 2022 Talk (before Rev 3 worked)2nd Video: Getting to the first doneMega IIe GithubMega IIe Twitch Archive (hundreds of hours of content!)Circuit Break #411: Entropy rules everything with James LewisReliability and component aging effects Circuit Break #222: Turning It On - New Design Checklists with James LewisTesting and validating PCB assembly designCircuit Break #141: James joins us to talk about ceramic capacitors About MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. We Want to Hear From You! Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

5 Mars 202453min