Comments for The Amp Hour http://www.theamphour.com An off-the-cuff radio show and podcast for electronics enthusiasts and professionals Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:21:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Jana http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9077 Jana Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:21:07 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9077 Remembering a relatively simple equation after not having used it for more than 15 years once earned me a big bonus. Overall I always thought of the stuff learned at uni as basics, popular stuff, and arbitrary stuff, selected to cut your teeth at. All that to get a ticket to enter the industry and continue learning while being paid. Remembering a relatively simple equation after not having used it for more than 15 years once earned me a big bonus.

Overall I always thought of the stuff learned at uni as basics, popular stuff, and arbitrary stuff, selected to cut your teeth at. All that to get a ticket to enter the industry and continue learning while being paid.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Jana http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9076 Jana Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:56:47 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9076 Instead of having the candy in your hand, there is your Pointer Mummy showing you where the candy is in the drawer. Instead of having the candy in your hand, there is your Pointer Mummy showing you where the candy is in the drawer.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Mike http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9073 Mike Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:14:54 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9073 Chris asked what would happen if China went tits-up overnight. I'll tell you what would happen. Innovation. We are engineers, it is what we do! Maybe it is just a British thing, but I don't think so. Heck, getting out there and doing it is what the USA was founded on! Small businesses would spring up within 48 hours and fill a lot of the gaps, whether it be stripping old PCBs or making new components in innovative ways. Chris asked what would happen if China went tits-up overnight. I’ll tell you what would happen. Innovation. We are engineers, it is what we do! Maybe it is just a British thing, but I don’t think so. Heck, getting out there and doing it is what the USA was founded on! Small businesses would spring up within 48 hours and fill a lot of the gaps, whether it be stripping old PCBs or making new components in innovative ways.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by John Dowdell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9066 John Dowdell Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:59:52 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9066 I think the problem with pointers in C is that the syntax sux. It confused me once upon a time, then i got into assembly coding and when I returned to C it was like "oh its just like using the index/offset register in assembly" I think the problem with pointers in C is that the syntax sux. It confused me once upon a time, then i got into assembly coding and when I returned to C it was like “oh its just like using the index/offset register in assembly”

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Chris Gammell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9065 Chris Gammell Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:38:22 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9065 Pointers. Explain it like I'm five. Because even though I've learned it before and have used them in projects before, it always makes me feel like I'm five. Pointers. Explain it like I’m five. Because even though I’ve learned it before and have used them in projects before, it always makes me feel like I’m five.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by robert http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9063 robert Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:07:50 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9063 Dave, you said that you didin;t use a lot of the stuff you learnt at uni (college). I have to agree that for 99% of the time I just use some basic engieering formulas. BUT there has been times when I have solved some real world problems with the stuff I learmt at uni that I did not use most of the time. I got a reputation as being a good problem solver just becuase I remembered and could apply what I had learnt at uni. Having said that, I do enjoy the hands on aspects of engineering Dave, you said that you didin;t use a lot of the stuff you learnt at uni (college). I have to agree that for 99% of the time I just use some basic engieering formulas.
BUT there has been times when I have solved some real world problems with the stuff I learmt at uni that I did not use most of the time. I got a reputation as being a good problem solver just becuase I remembered and could apply what I had learnt at uni.
Having said that, I do enjoy the hands on aspects of engineering

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by robert http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9062 robert Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:04:20 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9062 Guys move to Australia. Join Dave and I. It seems that any insurance in the USA is expensive. Why is that so in the most prosperous country in the world? In Australia we get free health care for every one. If I want to have the doctor of my choice and cover dental and other things I pay about $2500 per YEAR for the top cover. Guys move to Australia. Join Dave and I.
It seems that any insurance in the USA is expensive. Why is that so in the most prosperous country in the world?
In Australia we get free health care for every one. If I want to have the doctor of my choice and cover dental and other things I pay about $2500 per YEAR for the top cover.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by robert http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9058 robert Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:31:39 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9058 If you want to play with kicad projects, you can have a look at mine. Pretty simple stuff though. https://github.com/madworm/ If you want to play with kicad projects, you can have a look at mine. Pretty simple stuff though.

https://github.com/madworm/

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Jeremy Veleber http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-9056 Jeremy Veleber Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:54 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-9056 I should offer my own DIY free energy kit. I love how he fails to mention the energy it takes to move the magnet. http://www.rense.com/general67/Blister.gif I should offer my own DIY free energy kit.
I love how he fails to mention the energy it takes to move the magnet. http://www.rense.com/general67/Blister.gif

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Olaf from Bruehl http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9054 Olaf from Bruehl Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:27:35 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9054 About shared workplaces: I know lots of consultants/software developers/project managers who work on their customer's premises. So they don't see their own office often (if they have one). I think it's mostly based on the customers' inability to express what they expect in detail from their software or project. So it's more efficient to have the sw developer near the customer. About shared workplaces: I know lots of consultants/software developers/project managers who work on their customer’s premises. So they don’t see their own office often (if they have one). I think it’s mostly based on the customers’ inability to express what they expect in detail from their software or project. So it’s more efficient to have the sw developer near the customer.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by D-Rock http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9049 D-Rock Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:59:10 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9049 Chris or Dave, do you have any specific CS topics that you'd like to see a tutorial on? Chris or Dave, do you have any specific CS topics that you’d like to see a tutorial on?

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Timothy Hobbs http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-9042 Timothy Hobbs Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:38:14 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-9042 This gave me a few laughs: http://www.fuellesspower.com/ (the "free energy receiver" is just a capacitor wrapped in foil that is charged by the coil through that diode) This gave me a few laughs:
http://www.fuellesspower.com/
(the “free energy receiver” is just a capacitor wrapped in foil that is charged by the coil through that diode)

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Daniel http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9039 Daniel Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:32:05 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9039 Chris I don't know what insurance you are looking at or for, but I pay blue cross blue shield $90 a month for a $1000 deductible for $5,000,000 worth of coverage. I can pay the $200 for the doctor visits and the $5 to $90 for medication. Maybe my view is different because I am single and don't get sick every other month. I have insurance to pay for something I can't pay for, insurance is gambling. Chris I don’t know what insurance you are looking at or for, but I pay blue cross blue shield $90 a month for a $1000 deductible for $5,000,000 worth of coverage. I can pay the $200 for the doctor visits and the $5 to $90 for medication. Maybe my view is different because I am single and don’t get sick every other month. I have insurance to pay for something I can’t pay for, insurance is gambling.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by Fred http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-9035 Fred Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:04:40 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-9035 Stream processors VS FPGA. Will Stream processing be more popular? Will FPGA vendors morph towards it or it will not get there? Stream processors VS FPGA.
Will Stream processing be more popular?
Will FPGA vendors morph towards it or it will not get there?

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Chris Gammell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9034 Chris Gammell Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:05:24 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9034 Membership dues went up and he wasn't sure it was worth the increased cost, but I'll remind him to talk about it the next time he's on. Cost/benefit and all that. Catch him on twitter if you want more details, http://twitter.com/mightyohm. Don't think it was clashes of personality or anything. Membership dues went up and he wasn’t sure it was worth the increased cost, but I’ll remind him to talk about it the next time he’s on. Cost/benefit and all that. Catch him on twitter if you want more details, http://twitter.com/mightyohm. Don’t think it was clashes of personality or anything.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Rasz http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9033 Rasz Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:51:25 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9033 >Jeff let us know he stepped away from the Austin space. Any mention why? >Jeff let us know he stepped away from the Austin space.

Any mention why?

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Jana http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9032 Jana Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:36:34 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9032 I think Dave will have a big shock when moving from Altium to KiCad. And I think there should be a new entry on the bingo card, Dave ranting about software development to cover up his own inability. I think Dave will have a big shock when moving from Altium to KiCad.
And I think there should be a new entry on the bingo card, Dave ranting about software development to cover up his own inability.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Yi Yao http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9029 Yi Yao Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:22:48 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9029 Speaking of KiCad, does anyone know of any open source projects done in KiCad? Anything like a high density board? I want to play with the tool and I was wondering if there are any projects done in KiCad already that I could play with. Speaking of KiCad, does anyone know of any open source projects done in KiCad? Anything like a high density board? I want to play with the tool and I was wondering if there are any projects done in KiCad already that I could play with.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Charles J Gervasi http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9027 Charles J Gervasi Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:14:39 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9027 I take issue with Chris' comments on buying insurance against illness being difficult. This seems to be a myth that makes an insurance contract through a large org seem to be worth more than it is. My family ages 38, 36, 3, and 1 a contract with WPS w/ a $7k/$9k deductible/MooP for $390/mo. I'm an ave American who could stand to lose 20lbs[9kg]. When I was buying through an employer group, which had to take employees who may already be sick, the premium was $750. It's a myth that large orgs get a huge break. If you can't scrape together insurance premiums, you probably struggle w/ groceries and all other basic needs. (An exception to this is people who got sick while on a group plan and now can't leave it and people who got sick while uninsured.) I agree that the social situation of working alone is huge. I agree that working on your own means no guarantee of the next project, but working for a large org is the same thing. The large org hides it from the employees, so as not to lose them, whereas if you run your own practice/business you can see the risk for what they are. I agree Scotch should be enjoyed not invested in, unless you're talking about investing in a distillery. The scenario of China shutting its doors is not much more likely than the American South seceeding and shutting its doors. If you start a junkyard, your show will be like Sanford and Son. You should have a small paid section of the show where you give honest endorsements and commentary about paid sponsors products or services. You would disclose all large supporters, so there would be no question of which part of the show involved paid comments. You would only endorse things you could put your names behind. I take issue with Chris’ comments on buying insurance against illness being difficult. This seems to be a myth that makes an insurance contract through a large org seem to be worth more than it is. My family ages 38, 36, 3, and 1 a contract with WPS w/ a $7k/$9k deductible/MooP for $390/mo. I’m an ave American who could stand to lose 20lbs[9kg]. When I was buying through an employer group, which had to take employees who may already be sick, the premium was $750. It’s a myth that large orgs get a huge break. If you can’t scrape together insurance premiums, you probably struggle w/ groceries and all other basic needs. (An exception to this is people who got sick while on a group plan and now can’t leave it and people who got sick while uninsured.)

I agree that the social situation of working alone is huge. I agree that working on your own means no guarantee of the next project, but working for a large org is the same thing. The large org hides it from the employees, so as not to lose them, whereas if you run your own practice/business you can see the risk for what they are.

I agree Scotch should be enjoyed not invested in, unless you’re talking about investing in a distillery.

The scenario of China shutting its doors is not much more likely than the American South seceeding and shutting its doors.

If you start a junkyard, your show will be like Sanford and Son.

You should have a small paid section of the show where you give honest endorsements and commentary about paid sponsors products or services. You would disclose all large supporters, so there would be no question of which part of the show involved paid comments. You would only endorse things you could put your names behind.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by FreeThinker http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9025 FreeThinker Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:10:24 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9025 Seems quiet here today! Every one must be watching Dave assemble his makerbot (now complete) and ready for calibration and first test print, and he still has most of his hair left ... Just. Seems quiet here today! Every one must be watching Dave assemble his makerbot (now complete) and ready for calibration and first test print, and he still has most of his hair left … Just.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage by Alex http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/19/the-amp-hour-83-aggravating-agersia-agiotage/#comment-9018 Alex Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:55:25 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1358#comment-9018 Re: "Where do you work best?" It's not for work-work, but today I came in to my university campus despite there being no class (for anyone) today. Why? A nice quiet place to work :) I happen to be making today a day of KiCad shenanigans... and the labs here are nice distraction-free places to work. Re: “Where do you work best?”

It’s not for work-work, but today I came in to my university campus despite there being no class (for anyone) today. Why? A nice quiet place to work :)

I happen to be making today a day of KiCad shenanigans… and the labs here are nice distraction-free places to work.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by David Kronstein http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-9017 David Kronstein Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:52:22 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-9017 If I understand correctly how it works, it actually doesn't decrypt the HDMI video (at any point, even in the FPGA), but encrypts the overlay to match the HDMI encryption and substitutes HDMI video with the overlay as needed. If I understand correctly how it works, it actually doesn’t decrypt the HDMI video (at any point, even in the FPGA), but encrypts the overlay to match the HDMI encryption and substitutes HDMI video with the overlay as needed.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage | The Amp Hour http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8999 The Amp Hour #83 — Aggravating Agersia Agiotage | The Amp Hour Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:18:37 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8999 [...] Next week, Bunnie Huang will be on the show! (for real this time) Get your questions in now! [...] [...] Next week, Bunnie Huang will be on the show! (for real this time) Get your questions in now! [...]

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #60 — Pancyclopaedic Prototyping Polymath by Vecordious Vacation Variorum | The Amp Hour http://www.theamphour.com/2011/09/12/the-amp-hour-60-pancyclopaedic-prototyping-polymath/#comment-8998 Vecordious Vacation Variorum | The Amp Hour Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:24:38 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1023#comment-8998 [...] We are reluctant to mention a new reality TV show called Top Engineer. Before auditioning, be sure to check out Joe Grand’s experience with a Discovery Channel reality TV show. [...] [...] We are reluctant to mention a new reality TV show called Top Engineer. Before auditioning, be sure to check out Joe Grand’s experience with a Discovery Channel reality TV show. [...]

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by Classic Amp Hour Move — Not Looking At The Calendar | The Amp Hour http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8987 Classic Amp Hour Move — Not Looking At The Calendar | The Amp Hour Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:58:02 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8987 [...] week I asked for your questions for Bunnie Huang. Good news! You get another [...] [...] week I asked for your questions for Bunnie Huang. Good news! You get another [...]

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Timothy Hobbs http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8977 Timothy Hobbs Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:31:40 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8977 Something interesting you might want to link to. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_open_source_hardware_projects Its useful for inspiration and to see whats been done. (or to contribute to one) Something interesting you might want to link to.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_open_source_hardware_projects

Its useful for inspiration and to see whats been done. (or to contribute to one)

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by Rasz http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8974 Rasz Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:54:27 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8974 David Kronstein probably the same reason he chose Marvell for Chumby. Now why did he choose Marvell for chumpy is interesting :) My question - What makes you think NeTV is legal? You do decrypt video stream (at least in some buffer in fpga). David Kronstein probably the same reason he chose Marvell for Chumby. Now why did he choose Marvell for chumpy is interesting :)

My question – What makes you think NeTV is legal? You do decrypt video stream (at least in some buffer in fpga).

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by David Kronstein http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8955 David Kronstein Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:56:23 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8955 A few questions/requests for Bunnie: 1. How long did the hardware and firmware for the NeTV take to design and debug? How many respins were required? 2. Please talk a little about developing the HDMI/HDCP overlay insertion core: Architecture, development/debugging challenges, etc. Was it particularly challenging to get working? 3. For an open project like the NeTV, why did you choose a Marvell SOC which requires signing an NDA to get documentation? Why not a similar part from TI (for example), which has freely available datasheets and user manuals? Another project with the same problem is the Raspberry Pi. A few questions/requests for Bunnie:

1. How long did the hardware and firmware for the NeTV take to design and debug? How many respins were required?

2. Please talk a little about developing the HDMI/HDCP overlay insertion core: Architecture, development/debugging challenges, etc. Was it particularly challenging to get working?

3. For an open project like the NeTV, why did you choose a Marvell SOC which requires signing an NDA to get documentation? Why not a similar part from TI (for example), which has freely available datasheets and user manuals? Another project with the same problem is the Raspberry Pi.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by heksodokem http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8954 heksodokem Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:42:59 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8954 Can you please describe the process you go through when you design the HDL for a large-scale FPGA application? The preparation necessary, diagrams, tools used, debugging, time-frames, rituals, etc. Can you please describe the process you go through when you design the HDL for a large-scale FPGA application? The preparation necessary, diagrams, tools used, debugging, time-frames, rituals, etc.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Anton http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8951 Anton Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:26:01 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8951 To clarify, by throat clearing sounds I meant quiet, soft sounds, not loud transients like coughs. To deal with coughs you need mute switches. Sorry I cannot better describe what I mean with my limited English vocabulary. Take a listen to episode 077 around 5 min mark. I do hope that the amp hour guys will correct this issue for their next podcast with Bunnie Huang. To clarify, by throat clearing sounds I meant quiet, soft sounds, not loud transients like coughs. To deal with coughs you need mute switches. Sorry I cannot better describe what I mean with my limited English vocabulary. Take a listen to episode 077 around 5 min mark. I do hope that the amp hour guys will correct this issue for their next podcast with Bunnie Huang.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Jeremy Veleber http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8942 Jeremy Veleber Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:25:56 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8942 I enjoy thesignalpath videos as well. Dr. Shahramian would be a great guest to have on the show, I think. I enjoy thesignalpath videos as well. Dr. Shahramian would be a great guest to have on the show, I think.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Jeremy Veleber http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8941 Jeremy Veleber Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:24:17 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8941 Adding a gate in post would probably be good enough. It doesn't have to be a hard gate. One that would drop enough volume that you don't notice the breathing. It would also need a pretty low open threshold so you don't get syllables cut off at the beginning of a sentence. I don't think the throat clearing/coughing sounds would be handled by this. That is a matter of mic technique [basically moving your mouth away from the mic or muting, as discussed earlier on this show]. Good call Anton. Adding a gate in post would probably be good enough. It doesn’t have to be a hard gate. One that would drop enough volume that you don’t notice the breathing. It would also need a pretty low open threshold so you don’t get syllables cut off at the beginning of a sentence.

I don’t think the throat clearing/coughing sounds would be handled by this. That is a matter of mic technique [basically moving your mouth away from the mic or muting, as discussed earlier on this show].

Good call Anton.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by Mark http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8937 Mark Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:40:23 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8937 hi. I am really really sorry for this not-so-smart question but I am having trouble understanding what NeTV does. could this be used to overlay treadmill controls or information display from a treadmill or other cardio product over the top of or underneath a video program? That could be useful for people who run or bike indoors and watch TV while doing so. Congratulations on your success so far, Bunny! and thanks for being a guest on my favorite web radio show. PS (I am a mechanical guy and new to EE and not super into electronic gadgets, hence the beginner level question) hi. I am really really sorry for this not-so-smart question but I am having trouble understanding what NeTV does.

could this be used to overlay treadmill controls or information display from a treadmill or other cardio product over the top of or underneath a video program? That could be useful for people who run or bike indoors and watch TV while doing so.

Congratulations on your success so far, Bunny! and thanks for being a guest on my favorite web radio show.

PS
(I am a mechanical guy and new to EE and not super into electronic gadgets, hence the beginner level question)

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Mark http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8936 Mark Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:35:00 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8936 Love the show - long time listener. I agree with the Kyle that smt doesn't necessarily mean it cannot be a kit. However I noticed that this design is fairly large and probably would take too long to solder even though I think I could do it. My vote - fully assembled board unless I can save lots of money. I am a mechanical engineer just learning electronics in part to stay relevant. Truly I think I was meant to be an EE as I am enjoying it a lot. It has been really helpful to me in my learning. I sure hope you guys know what you are talking about! cuz I wouldn't know the difference. ha ha. oh - also about 3D printers. I think they are only really good for prototypes. We have had an FDM machine at work for a number of years and use this for first samples as a supplement to what the model shop can build. I don't see much use for them in so-called real life yet. The main problem is strength and resolution. Love the show – long time listener.

I agree with the Kyle that smt doesn’t necessarily mean it cannot be a kit. However I noticed that this design is fairly large and probably would take too long to solder even though I think I could do it. My vote – fully assembled board unless I can save lots of money.

I am a mechanical engineer just learning electronics in part to stay relevant. Truly I think I was meant to be an EE as I am enjoying it a lot. It has been really helpful to me in my learning. I sure hope you guys know what you are talking about! cuz I wouldn’t know the difference. ha ha.

oh – also about 3D printers.
I think they are only really good for prototypes. We have had an FDM machine at work for a number of years and use this for first samples as a supplement to what the model shop can build. I don’t see much use for them in so-called real life yet. The main problem is strength and resolution.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Todd Harrison http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8917 Todd Harrison Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:37:24 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8917 I'm not sure you take shout-out suggestion but I really like "The Signal Path" YouTube content by Dr. Shahriar Shahramian. He gives amazing video tutorials that starts off simple and then takes you down the rabbit hole without getting lost or boring. I sure wish the university instructors I once had could have been as good. He went a while without posting a new video but, WOW, his video posted yesterday on filters was just GREAT! http://thesignalpath.com/blogs/ I’m not sure you take shout-out suggestion but I really like “The Signal Path” YouTube content by Dr. Shahriar Shahramian. He gives amazing video tutorials that starts off simple and then takes you down the rabbit hole without getting lost or boring. I sure wish the university instructors I once had could have been as good. He went a while without posting a new video but, WOW, his video posted yesterday on filters was just GREAT!
http://thesignalpath.com/blogs/

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Anton http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8915 Anton Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:28:28 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8915 Hi guys, I really like your show. I have been listening for about one year now. I like the content, topics about the electronics industry, chip of the week, Dave's rants, and great guest interviews (Howard Johnson). But one thing has been bothering me about your show for a while and I finally decided to write you about this. Its the dynamics compression of your recording. You seem to set the threshold really low and it brings up breathing, throat clearing sounds etc. making them clearly audible, annoying and quite awkward. For example, in an episode with Howard Johnson, when he was not talking, his background noises were greatly amplified, which made his breathing, nose and throat sounds very noticeable and uncomfortable to hear. Now I am listening to episode 082 and can't help but notice Chris breathing in the background. You could use gate or downward expander before compressor stage to attenuate these low level sounds. Or not compress your recordings so much. If you want, I can help you with your audio setup. I am a radio broadcasting engineer and on my free time I make audio equipment such as compressors, mixers, level meters, etc. Email me if you are interested. Thanks and keep up the good work you do making this show. Hi guys, I really like your show. I have been listening for about one year now. I like the content, topics about the electronics industry, chip of the week, Dave’s rants, and great guest interviews (Howard Johnson). But one thing has been bothering me about your show for a while and I finally decided to write you about this.

Its the dynamics compression of your recording. You seem to set the threshold really low and it brings up breathing, throat clearing sounds etc. making them clearly audible, annoying and quite awkward. For example, in an episode with Howard Johnson, when he was not talking, his background noises were greatly amplified, which made his breathing, nose and throat sounds very noticeable and uncomfortable to hear. Now I am listening to episode 082 and can’t help but notice Chris breathing in the background.

You could use gate or downward expander before compressor stage to attenuate these low level sounds. Or not compress your recordings so much. If you want, I can help you with your audio setup. I am a radio broadcasting engineer and on my free time I make audio equipment such as compressors, mixers, level meters, etc. Email me if you are interested. Thanks and keep up the good work you do making this show.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Kyle Butt http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8902 Kyle Butt Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:58:49 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8902 Software also requires long periods of uninterrupted time to do well. Did you know you had software people listening? Also why can't you have smt components on a kit? 0805s and soics arent bad at all. QFP and BGA are probably out though. Software also requires long periods of uninterrupted time to do well. Did you know you had software people listening?

Also why can’t you have smt components on a kit? 0805s and soics arent bad at all. QFP and BGA are probably out though.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by David McIntosh http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8896 David McIntosh Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:09:33 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8896 as a basic new student , I would be interested .. A project I would like to learn and do is a charge controller for a battery bank; such as a home solar charged bank. as a basic new student , I would be interested .. A project I would like to learn and do is a charge controller for a battery bank; such as a home solar charged bank.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Timothy Hobbs http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8890 Timothy Hobbs Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:33:12 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8890 Here's a link to the company printed on the side of the can in the video. http://www.chamtechops.com/home.html There is no pricing or any info at all for that matter. All fake. Here’s a link to the company printed on the side of the can in the video.
http://www.chamtechops.com/home.html
There is no pricing or any info at all for that matter.
All fake.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by John Dowdell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8888 John Dowdell Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:52:22 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8888 I do a lot of over the phone debugging of electronics too. The most interesting NASA live feed I saw was dudes on the ground getting the 'nauts to test bus cable signals and power rails while they pointed the camera at the scope. I think this was during the time when one of the Russian modules had some hiccups. I do a lot of over the phone debugging of electronics too. The most interesting NASA live feed I saw was dudes on the ground getting the ‘nauts to test bus cable signals and power rails while they pointed the camera at the scope. I think this was during the time when one of the Russian modules had some hiccups.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by John Dowdell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8885 John Dowdell Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:35:59 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8885 Does Bunnie consider PCB layout a mostly creative right brain activity? Does he listen to podcasts or audio books while doing PCB layout or does he find that distracting and instead maybe prefers silence or classical music or something. Does Bunnie consider PCB layout a mostly creative right brain activity? Does he listen to podcasts or audio books while doing PCB layout or does he find that distracting and instead maybe prefers silence or classical music or something.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by off-by-one http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8880 off-by-one Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:08:43 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8880 I hope you are going to talk about todays closed systems and vendor lock in. Here's some pondering on the subject. I'd like to hear Bunnies take on the matter: How open systems (services and devices using open formats, protocols etc.) could become the standard? Big companies obviously don't want to make anything open, because they would lose the advantage of vendor lock in. And while there are open alternatives, they usually don't gather that critical mass of users to become popular. The basic internet services (web, email, IRC...) are open, but the new ones are proprietary (skype, facebook, twitter...). Same with devices. Is it possible to make open systems and devices while having a profitable business around them? How could companies benefit from making open systems or using some already made open system instead of creating their proprietary one? I hope you are going to talk about todays closed systems and vendor lock in. Here’s some pondering on the subject. I’d like to hear Bunnies take on the matter:

How open systems (services and devices using open formats, protocols etc.) could become the standard? Big companies obviously don’t want to make anything open, because they would lose the advantage of vendor lock in. And while there are open alternatives, they usually don’t gather that critical mass of users to become popular.

The basic internet services (web, email, IRC…) are open, but the new ones are proprietary (skype, facebook, twitter…). Same with devices.

Is it possible to make open systems and devices while having a profitable business around them?
How could companies benefit from making open systems or using some already made open system instead of creating their proprietary one?

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Henrik Sandaker Palm http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8872 Henrik Sandaker Palm Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:07:49 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8872 Kits are fun when they are educating and easy to build. When kits was first introduced (way before my time) as black/white circuit graphic in a magazine (which you photocopied and so on) and you sourced the parts either from the magazine or another distributor, then it was YOUR project and you learned so much more. Today, kits are mostly practice for soldering. I don't think many kit-buyers today really makes an effort to understand the circuit they're building. They just want to see it done, so why not deliver it pre-assembled. Kits are fun when they are educating and easy to build. When kits was first introduced (way before my time) as black/white circuit graphic in a magazine (which you photocopied and so on) and you sourced the parts either from the magazine or another distributor, then it was YOUR project and you learned so much more. Today, kits are mostly practice for soldering. I don’t think many kit-buyers today really makes an effort to understand the circuit they’re building. They just want to see it done, so why not deliver it pre-assembled.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Jeremy Veleber http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8870 Jeremy Veleber Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:23:38 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8870 http://blog.makezine.com/2012/02/14/pcb-sprayer-machine-helps-you-etch-your-own/ :) http://blog.makezine.com/2012/02/14/pcb-sprayer-machine-helps-you-etch-your-own/ :)

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by Nabil http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8862 Nabil Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:36:39 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8862 I second @jpwack's questions especially #1.1 and add 1. I understand you are the sole designer of the neTV. How did you learned to layout/design these complicated PCBs with lots of high speed signals? 2. How do you debug high speed PCBs? 3. Is it possible to learn the skills you have without getting a graduate degree in EE? If so what are some resources? Thanks, I'm a huge fan. I second @jpwack’s questions especially #1.1 and add
1. I understand you are the sole designer of the neTV. How did you learned to layout/design these complicated PCBs with lots of high speed signals?
2. How do you debug high speed PCBs?
3. Is it possible to learn the skills you have without getting a graduate degree in EE? If so what are some resources?

Thanks, I’m a huge fan.

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by Pixel_K http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8860 Pixel_K Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:30:27 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8860 Bunie wrote an entire book about his hacking of the xbox if you're interested : "Hacking the Xbox: An Introduction to Reverse Engineering" ISBN-10: 1593270291 ISBN-13: 978-1593270292 Bunie wrote an entire book about his hacking of the xbox if you’re interested :
“Hacking the Xbox: An Introduction to Reverse Engineering”
ISBN-10: 1593270291
ISBN-13: 978-1593270292

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by @jpwack http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8854 @jpwack Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:46:13 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8854 WOAH!... I mean, I have some questions too: 1) Chumby: 1.1) what's to consider when jumping from bare PCBs or kits to consumer products? 1.2) comment on your development cycle: concept, product design, system design, firmware? 1.3) do you piggybacked on any standard platform 2) financing and start-up: how did you find the money? 3) neTV: looks cool, that warm fuzzy feeling of "why didn't I think this before" great show! WOAH!… I mean, I have some questions too:

1) Chumby:
1.1) what’s to consider when jumping from bare PCBs or kits to consumer products?
1.2) comment on your development cycle: concept, product design, system design, firmware?
1.3) do you piggybacked on any standard platform
2) financing and start-up: how did you find the money?
3) neTV: looks cool, that warm fuzzy feeling of “why didn’t I think this before”

great show!

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by nedos http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8851 nedos Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:12:08 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8851 Xilinx or Alterra? Do any of them have an avr-gcc like open source toolchains? Recommendations for devboards for beginners? Explain how you used the FPGA to sniff the memory in the XBOX. Recommendations for logic analyzers. Thanks guys! Dmitry Xilinx or Alterra?
Do any of them have an avr-gcc like open source toolchains?
Recommendations for devboards for beginners?
Explain how you used the FPGA to sniff the memory in the XBOX.
Recommendations for logic analyzers.

Thanks guys!

Dmitry

]]> Comment on Get Your Questions In For Bunnie Huang! by Vecordious Vacation Variorum | The Amp Hour http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/14/get-your-questions-in-for-bunnie-huang/#comment-8845 Vecordious Vacation Variorum | The Amp Hour Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:26:37 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1348#comment-8845 [...] week on the show, we’ll have special guest Bunnie Huang! Get your questions in for him ASAP! ... other posts by Dave [...] [...] week on the show, we’ll have special guest Bunnie Huang! Get your questions in for him ASAP! … other posts by Dave [...]

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Chris Gammell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8844 Chris Gammell Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:52:07 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8844 I thought I remember hearing about the simplicity of the instruction set as well. I was screaming that at my mp3 player, but apparently that only works if you have a microphone in front of you. Who knew? I thought I remember hearing about the simplicity of the instruction set as well. I was screaming that at my mp3 player, but apparently that only works if you have a microphone in front of you. Who knew?

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Jac Goudsmit http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8842 Jac Goudsmit Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:41:38 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8842 Jeff, in answer to your question about why someone would use the 6502 (besides nostalgia): If I understand correctly it's still used in automotive technology and medical systems. According to WDC (http://www.westerndesigncenter.com/wdc/) they are still produced at rates of up to 100 million a year so I'm sure it's not all hobbyists that buy them to re-create 1980s computers :-). On the other hand, this number probably also includes the 65816 which is the 16-bit version of the 6502 which can address a lot more memory, has more registers and runs faster. Also, a big part of their business is to license the design so others can incorporate a 6502 into a ASICs and FPGAs. I bet many hardware and software engineers know it so well because they grew up with it, so it just ends up being an easy choice. I guess for companies that have to design a medical device like a heart defibrillator or a car computer that controls a combustion engine, it's important that they can keep using the same CPU that's well-known in every way. In fields like that, you can't simply change to the latest CoreWhatever CPU all the time: more complicated chips mean more things can go wrong so more things need to be tested. Over the years, the requirements for high-reliability devices don't change very much, so it makes sense for companies to just get a license from WDC to produce chips that are based on the tried-and-true 6502. Jeff, in answer to your question about why someone would use the 6502 (besides nostalgia): If I understand correctly it’s still used in automotive technology and medical systems. According to WDC (http://www.westerndesigncenter.com/wdc/) they are still produced at rates of up to 100 million a year so I’m sure it’s not all hobbyists that buy them to re-create 1980s computers :-) . On the other hand, this number probably also includes the 65816 which is the 16-bit version of the 6502 which can address a lot more memory, has more registers and runs faster. Also, a big part of their business is to license the design so others can incorporate a 6502 into a ASICs and FPGAs. I bet many hardware and software engineers know it so well because they grew up with it, so it just ends up being an easy choice.

I guess for companies that have to design a medical device like a heart defibrillator or a car computer that controls a combustion engine, it’s important that they can keep using the same CPU that’s well-known in every way. In fields like that, you can’t simply change to the latest CoreWhatever CPU all the time: more complicated chips mean more things can go wrong so more things need to be tested. Over the years, the requirements for high-reliability devices don’t change very much, so it makes sense for companies to just get a license from WDC to produce chips that are based on the tried-and-true 6502.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Charles J Gervasi http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8840 Charles J Gervasi Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:32:46 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8840 I like Chris' idea of a tech sabbatical. It's like how <a href="http://fusmadison.org/" rel="nofollow">my UU congregation</a> sends its ministers on sabbatical to do things like write books. I don't think it should be seen as charity; it's more internal entrepreneurship. You have to sell them on the business plan. If they don't want to fund it, maybe someone else does. Doesn't the spray-on antenna guy call in to your show sometimes from Oklahoma? I only listened to the first minute. Troubleshooting by e-mail is hard. I once worked on a project where the SW team was in India and did not own a scope. We did scope by phone in the early morning (Central) late evening (India). They would send me code and I would send them screenshots of what the certain lines did. I like Chris’ idea of a tech sabbatical. It’s like how my UU congregation sends its ministers on sabbatical to do things like write books. I don’t think it should be seen as charity; it’s more internal entrepreneurship. You have to sell them on the business plan. If they don’t want to fund it, maybe someone else does.

Doesn’t the spray-on antenna guy call in to your show sometimes from Oklahoma? I only listened to the first minute.

Troubleshooting by e-mail is hard. I once worked on a project where the SW team was in India and did not own a scope. We did scope by phone in the early morning (Central) late evening (India). They would send me code and I would send them screenshots of what the certain lines did.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Jeremy Veleber http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8839 Jeremy Veleber Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:15:36 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8839 @Dave fyi: Kindle book prices are usually dictated by publishers and not by Amazon. btw: I'm from Seattle. If there is anything interesting going on here that I don't know about...well...I'd like to know. @Dave fyi: Kindle book prices are usually dictated by publishers and not by Amazon.

btw: I’m from Seattle. If there is anything interesting going on here that I don’t know about…well…I’d like to know.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Jana http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8838 Jana Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:04:04 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8838 Imagine an engineering TV show like the following: Jim Williams, Bob Pease and Robert Widlar form a jury and in an American Idol style engineers have to audition and present their design. Williams, Pease and Widlar then rip them another one, dismissing those without talent. Yes I know, they are dead, but I would so like to watch such a show. Imagine an engineering TV show like the following:

Jim Williams, Bob Pease and Robert Widlar form a jury and in an American Idol style engineers have to audition and present their design. Williams, Pease and Widlar then rip them another one, dismissing those without talent.

Yes I know, they are dead, but I would so like to watch such a show.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by rockethacker http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8836 rockethacker Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:18:09 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8836 Please look into this spray on antenna. it turns anything into an antenna! (i.e. trees...) http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-02/video-spray-antenna-material-turns-just-about-anything-signal-array Please look into this spray on antenna. it turns anything into an antenna! (i.e. trees…)

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-02/video-spray-antenna-material-turns-just-about-anything-signal-array

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by FreeThinker http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8834 FreeThinker Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:28:25 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8834 Well I dosen't come as a big suprise that Dave is (probably) going to abandon the self assembly pcb.The poor performance of the Dac's and other issues is slowly forcing him down that road. A great example of your wish list being compromised by reality. Check out http://www.eevblog.com/forum/suggestions/supply-bench-kit-for-selling/msg85141/#msg85141 where members discussed just this. Well I dosen’t come as a big suprise that Dave is (probably) going to abandon the self assembly pcb.The poor performance of the Dac’s and other issues is slowly forcing him down that road. A great example of your wish list being compromised by reality. Check out http://www.eevblog.com/forum/suggestions/supply-bench-kit-for-selling/msg85141/#msg85141 where members discussed just this.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Mike http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8833 Mike Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:27:48 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8833 Junk yard wars came after Scrap Heap Challenge, and was a direct copy with a more American name. Scrap Heap Challenge was made in the UK and was the original. Scrap heap and Junk yard then would meet up for a combined challenge once a year. The girl host from Scrap heap moved to Junk yard, to keep parts of the two programmes the same. Mike. Junk yard wars came after Scrap Heap Challenge, and was a direct copy with a more American name. Scrap Heap Challenge was made in the UK and was the original. Scrap heap and Junk yard then would meet up for a combined challenge once a year. The girl host from Scrap heap moved to Junk yard, to keep parts of the two programmes the same.

Mike.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by robrenz http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8830 robrenz Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:36:59 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8830 On Dave's power supply kit, just the surface mount stuff assembled on the board. all the rest kit form. "Theres something nostalgic about doing a kit. On Dave’s power supply kit, just the surface mount stuff assembled on the board. all the rest kit form. “Theres something nostalgic about doing a kit.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Phil http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8829 Phil Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:35:49 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8829 Episode #82. Hearing Chris's stuffed-up head mouthbreathing noises during the quieter passages.\ was pretty creepy. Especially with earphones. Yuk. Episode #82. Hearing Chris’s stuffed-up head mouthbreathing noises during the quieter passages.\ was pretty creepy. Especially with earphones. Yuk.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Marty http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8828 Marty Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:49:53 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8828 On kits - using a pick and place machine to create a component kit and using a PCB for packaging with parts held in place by solder is just a no-brainer as soon as you are doing a few tens or more. For the PSU kit I suggest supplying a board assembled with all surface mount parts and optionally kit the through hole parts. On kits – using a pick and place machine to create a component kit and using a PCB for packaging with parts held in place by solder is just a no-brainer as soon as you are doing a few tens or more.

For the PSU kit I suggest supplying a board assembled with all surface mount parts and optionally kit the through hole parts.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Chris W. http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8826 Chris W. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:57:14 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8826 I really believe these web based development environment for microcontrollers are out there so that companies can easily push out cross platform development kits, which are closed and controlled. It is in direct opposition of releasing your compilers and what not as being open source... It is the exact opposite of an open source dev environment. I really believe these web based development environment for microcontrollers are out there so that companies can easily push out cross platform development kits, which are closed and controlled. It is in direct opposition of releasing your compilers and what not as being open source… It is the exact opposite of an open source dev environment.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Alvaro http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8823 Alvaro Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:10:36 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8823 I don't know about other places, but TI has the Kilby labs for those 'internal sabaticals' Chris was talking about. (http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/innovation/innovationlabs.shtml) I don’t know about other places, but TI has the Kilby labs for those ‘internal sabaticals’ Chris was talking about. (http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/innovation/innovationlabs.shtml)

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by JoannaK http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8822 JoannaK Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:53:24 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8822 Neat idea on Cube's 3D printer are those preloaded cardridges.. They have managed to find a way to make money on consumables. Reminds me of 2D printer manufacturers and the prices of Ink. Neat idea on Cube’s 3D printer are those preloaded cardridges.. They have managed to find a way to make money on consumables. Reminds me of 2D printer manufacturers and the prices of Ink.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Chris Gammell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8819 Chris Gammell Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:25:37 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8819 I looked and it was posted on EDN, see here: http://bit.ly/A4hCsE I looked and it was posted on EDN, see here: http://bit.ly/A4hCsE

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Justin http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8817 Justin Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:21:20 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8817 Hey Dave, I've actually been working on a version of your power supply based on SMD components. The Plan was to make it modular so I can have multiple supplies in one enclosure. In my opinion the biggest value of your supply is the fact that its open hardware so anyone can see the design and learn from it. Whether you sell kits or pre-assembled units is really not an issue, since if you decide to only sell it pre-assembled someone else can come and sell a kit. Anyway great show. Hey Dave,

I’ve actually been working on a version of your power supply based on SMD components. The Plan was to make it modular so I can have multiple supplies in one enclosure.

In my opinion the biggest value of your supply is the fact that its open hardware so anyone can see the design and learn from it. Whether you sell kits or pre-assembled units is really not an issue, since if you decide to only sell it pre-assembled someone else can come and sell a kit.

Anyway great show.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by AntiProtonBoy http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8816 AntiProtonBoy Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:59:11 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8816 Love the Cranky track at the end. Love the Cranky track at the end.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Yi Yao http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8811 Yi Yao Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:25:51 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8811 Hey Chris, you mentioned the Analog Aficionado party with Paul Rako. Do you have any more info on this? Hey Chris, you mentioned the Analog Aficionado party with Paul Rako. Do you have any more info on this?

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Rasz http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8809 Rasz Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:13:45 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8809 1 Daves GPS adventure in Havai - maybe the US navy had maneuvers nearby? They like to do funny stuff with GPS jamming and blanking waves with high powered radar signals (opening all the garage doors in the neighborhood)? 2 DRM on printed objects - popular computer game Mass Effect has a world where everything is assembled using omnitools (makerbots you wear on your hand). You get real gems in a world like this : http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/ML-77_Missile_Launcher "Protected by Fabrication Rights Management (FRM) technology, this weapon is nearly impossible to reproduce and is prohibitively expensive." You also get a lot of items that are trivial to replicate, but all the magic is in the software that cant be copied over. 3 Cube 3D Printer - if the hardware is good people will hack in support for makerbot software 4 great show like always, left me with a big smile 1 Daves GPS adventure in Havai – maybe the US navy had maneuvers nearby? They like to do funny stuff with GPS jamming and blanking waves with high powered radar signals (opening all the garage doors in the neighborhood)?

2 DRM on printed objects – popular computer game Mass Effect has a world where everything is assembled using omnitools (makerbots you wear on your hand). You get real gems in a world like this :
http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/ML-77_Missile_Launcher

“Protected by Fabrication Rights Management (FRM) technology, this weapon is nearly impossible to reproduce and is prohibitively expensive.”
You also get a lot of items that are trivial to replicate, but all the magic is in the software that cant be copied over.

3 Cube 3D Printer – if the hardware is good people will hack in support for makerbot software

4 great show like always, left me with a big smile

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by John Dowdell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8806 John Dowdell Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:37:49 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8806 wow. that little known song brings back memories. On power supplies and kits - one of the first things I was commissioned to do when I started my first job was to build a Dick Smith bench power supply kit for my bench. I'm sure Dave and other Aussies know the one. It may have in fact been an EA or SC kit but bought from Dick Smith. Not the worlds greatest, most stable or precise power supply but it worked for what I needed it for and I suspect it mostly served as a soldering and assembly skill test. No modules. All simple thru hole stuff. I beleive it was also cheaper than just buying one. wow. that little known song brings back memories. On power supplies and kits – one of the first things I was commissioned to do when I started my first job was to build a Dick Smith bench power supply kit for my bench. I’m sure Dave and other Aussies know the one. It may have in fact been an EA or SC kit but bought from Dick Smith. Not the worlds greatest, most stable or precise power supply but it worked for what I needed it for and I suspect it mostly served as a soldering and assembly skill test. No modules. All simple thru hole stuff. I beleive it was also cheaper than just buying one.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #82 — Vecordious Vacation Variorum by Mike http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/13/theamphour-82-vecordious-vacation-variorum/#comment-8805 Mike Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:23:35 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1338#comment-8805 Welcome back Chris! Junkyard Wars was based on the UK show Scrapheap Challenge, which started in 1998. It was itself based on a 1970s/80s low budget show called The Great Egg Race. Inevitably there is only so much you can do with a junk yard and welding gear. The peak was probably the century of flight special http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pH09RkvuFw Regarding the kit-vs-premade debate. I think it depends on what your motives are, and how much money you want to make. the easiest way would probably be just so sell PCBs with a component list. Maybe have a deal with various suppliers to provide a set of parts. Leave debugging and support responsibilities to a forum. Welcome back Chris!

Junkyard Wars was based on the UK show Scrapheap Challenge, which started in 1998. It was itself based on a 1970s/80s low budget show called The Great Egg Race. Inevitably there is only so much you can do with a junk yard and welding gear. The peak was probably the century of flight special http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pH09RkvuFw

Regarding the kit-vs-premade debate. I think it depends on what your motives are, and how much money you want to make. the easiest way would probably be just so sell PCBs with a component list. Maybe have a deal with various suppliers to provide a set of parts. Leave debugging and support responsibilities to a forum.

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Jeff http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8803 Jeff Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:23:37 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8803 Rob, Feedback received - it's not that I am not conscious of this, I'm just not that good at preventing it. But I'll make a conscious effort to let Dave get a word in next time. :-) Rob,

Feedback received – it’s not that I am not conscious of this, I’m just not that good at preventing it. But I’ll make a conscious effort to let Dave get a word in next time. :-)

]]> Comment on Suggestions by Rob http://www.theamphour.com/suggestions/#comment-8802 Rob Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:29:51 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/#comment-8802 Note to Jeff Keyzer: It's great when guests such as yourself appear on the show, and some of your contributions are interesting. But WOW! You really filibuster the WHOLE show. Go back and listen to your past appearances (especially episode 81). It's just you yacking on and on about yourself. Believe me you're not THAT interesting. Tone it down a little and you'll be a much better guest. Note to Jeff Keyzer: It’s great when guests such as yourself appear on the show, and some of your contributions are interesting. But WOW! You really filibuster the WHOLE show. Go back and listen to your past appearances (especially episode 81). It’s just you yacking on and on about yourself. Believe me you’re not THAT interesting. Tone it down a little and you’ll be a much better guest.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #77 — Winsome Waveform Wizardry by John http://www.theamphour.com/2012/01/10/the-amp-hour-77-winsome-waveform-wizardry/#comment-8795 John Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:47:54 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1274#comment-8795 A signal trace is a transmission line. It's characteristic impedance is sqrt(L/C) where L and C are inductance and capacitance per metre. So both are equally important. L, caused by energy stored in the magnetic field (and hence current) may not change at a corner but C will due to the effect Howard described. So there is the impedance mismatch that causes reflections. Usual rule of thumb is keep such geometric irregularities much smaller than a wavelength at the switching speads you need. So a millimetre irregularity corresponds to a few pico-seconds, becoming significant at a few hundred GHz. Here in laid back Oz, very few of my designs go that fast... John A signal trace is a transmission line. It’s characteristic impedance is sqrt(L/C) where L and C are inductance and capacitance per metre. So both are equally important. L, caused by energy stored in the magnetic field (and hence current) may not change at a corner but C will due to the effect Howard described. So there is the impedance mismatch that causes reflections.

Usual rule of thumb is keep such geometric irregularities much smaller than a wavelength at the switching speads you need. So a millimetre irregularity corresponds to a few pico-seconds, becoming significant at a few hundred GHz. Here in laid back Oz, very few of my designs go that fast…

John

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Dan http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8724 Dan Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:59:06 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8724 I'm sitting here chuckling to myself about the blue smoke. I know exactly what you mean..! I’m sitting here chuckling to myself about the blue smoke. I know exactly what you mean..!

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by FreeThinker http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8716 FreeThinker Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:59:51 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8716 Hmm! I Don't think the Operating system can affect the robustness of the hardware otherwise PC's would spontaniously combust. Lol Hmm! I Don’t think the Operating system can affect the robustness of the hardware otherwise PC’s would spontaniously combust. Lol

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by FreeThinker http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8715 FreeThinker Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:56:33 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8715 Hi Dave, That Bang may have been external (ie outside) as both you and you wife heard it.It's not unknown for an external upstream fault you trip downstream earth leakage breakers. Hi Dave, That Bang may have been external (ie outside) as both you and you wife heard it.It’s not unknown for an external upstream fault you trip downstream earth leakage breakers.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Henrik Sandaker Palm http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8704 Henrik Sandaker Palm Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:41:13 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8704 The the Make podcast is called Make: Talk It was almost impossible to find, but I recommend listening. iTunes podcast link http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-the-makers/id495584000 RSS feed link http://makers.libsyn.com/rss Here you can download them as single MP3's http://makers.libsyn.com/webpage The the Make podcast is called Make: Talk
It was almost impossible to find, but I recommend listening.

iTunes podcast link
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-the-makers/id495584000

RSS feed link
http://makers.libsyn.com/rss

Here you can download them as single MP3′s
http://makers.libsyn.com/webpage

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by labour hire sydney http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8695 labour hire sydney Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:18:03 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8695 great issues altogether, you simply won a logo new reader. What might you suggest about your put up that you made a few days in the past? Any sure? great issues altogether, you simply won a logo new reader. What might you suggest about your put up that you made a few days in the past? Any sure?

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #77 — Winsome Waveform Wizardry by definitionofis http://www.theamphour.com/2012/01/10/the-amp-hour-77-winsome-waveform-wizardry/#comment-8693 definitionofis Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:36 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1274#comment-8693 He talked about capacitance and not inductance of right angle traces. I wonder if the inductance is significant. It is identical for different trace widths. It is probably small or he would have mentioned it, I guess. He talked about capacitance and not inductance of right angle traces. I wonder if the inductance is significant. It is identical for different trace widths. It is probably small or he would have mentioned it, I guess.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Henrik Sandaker Palm http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8688 Henrik Sandaker Palm Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:59:21 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8688 The IDE's that exist for almost any micro are ridiculously large in size and bloated. They sometimes come in downloads of several GB's. I'm sure you know all that Mike. The only better alternative to a simple online editor is a simple offline editor. Who is working on micros while at the train, bus or in the car on a 3G network? You don't loose your internet connection at home or work, do you? It's a fine solution or for evaluating the MSP430 platform, or writing small programs. Maybe the community thing could be a plus, so you could easily get example code while working on your project... The IDE’s that exist for almost any micro are ridiculously large in size and bloated. They sometimes come in downloads of several GB’s. I’m sure you know all that Mike. The only better alternative to a simple online editor is a simple offline editor.

Who is working on micros while at the train, bus or in the car on a 3G network? You don’t loose your internet connection at home or work, do you? It’s a fine solution or for evaluating the MSP430 platform, or writing small programs. Maybe the community thing could be a plus, so you could easily get example code while working on your project…

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #76 — Fremescent Floccose Fortification by definitionofis http://www.theamphour.com/2012/01/02/the-amp-hour-76-fremescent-floccose-fortification/#comment-8684 definitionofis Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:05:12 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1230#comment-8684 I had a lightning surge blow out the traces at the sharp corners of my DC to AC inverter. I guess they would have melted somewhere else if none where sharp. I had a lightning surge blow out the traces at the sharp corners of my DC to AC inverter. I guess they would have melted somewhere else if none where sharp.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Jeff http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8683 Jeff Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:22:48 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8683 Thanks, there went 5 minutes of my life. :-) Thanks, there went 5 minutes of my life. :-)

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Jeff http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8682 Jeff Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:22:00 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8682 Yes, it was the mbed. Thanks for posting, even after the show I could not remember the name of that board - it still pops up in projects from time to time. Yes, it was the mbed. Thanks for posting, even after the show I could not remember the name of that board – it still pops up in projects from time to time.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by John Dowdell http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8670 John Dowdell Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:29:18 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8670 I think the unabomber - Ted Kaczynski was really an antigeek. I recall his opposition to technology was a motive for some bombings. Amongst his targets were a materials engineer and a comp sci professor. I think the unabomber – Ted Kaczynski was really an antigeek. I recall his opposition to technology was a motive for some bombings. Amongst his targets were a materials engineer and a comp sci professor.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Charlie http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8661 Charlie Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:28:31 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8661 Both my Apple laptops and some old IBM ThinkPads at work are indestructible. Apple laptops have greater longevity on the usability aspect too, I think because of the OS. Both my Apple laptops and some old IBM ThinkPads at work are indestructible. Apple laptops have greater longevity on the usability aspect too, I think because of the OS.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by J_Jwalrus http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8655 J_Jwalrus Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:40:13 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8655 Its by inventortown.com. Done as a proof of concept, works ok. Still needs a small app do load the .hex file to the board, as well as a programmer. I see the value for educational usage, seeing there is a community built in, make code example swapping dead simple. I would not trust it at all for something long term. I could see it taking off if they did it for Arduino, but I don't see them supporting 2 platforms types (web vs install). Still, considering its Java based... Its by inventortown.com. Done as a proof of concept, works ok. Still needs a small app do load the .hex file to the board, as well as a programmer. I see the value for educational usage, seeing there is a community built in, make code example swapping dead simple.

I would not trust it at all for something long term. I could see it taking off if they did it for Arduino, but I don’t see them supporting 2 platforms types (web vs install). Still, considering its Java based…

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Eric Arers http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8652 Eric Arers Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:42:53 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8652 Jeff was maybe thinking of the mbed with an NXP LPC1768 ARM Cortex-M3 and a C++ online development environment. They did that online stuff some years ago. I am not sure if they were the first, but one of the first. And I agree it is pointless. It is another attempt at a hype. Some people follow it, because it is new, modern and on the web, THE WEB! So it must be good. Gime venture capital, dammit! 3G on the other hand works very nicely in the densely inhabited areas of Europe, because the network operators invested a lot of money into the networks, because they ran out of ideas how else to waste the heaps of money they make. Australia and the US have the problem that they are huge and the last thing network operators would do is to invest more than absolutely necessary into networks. Jeff was maybe thinking of the mbed with an NXP LPC1768 ARM Cortex-M3 and a C++ online development environment. They did that online stuff some years ago. I am not sure if they were the first, but one of the first.
And I agree it is pointless. It is another attempt at a hype. Some people follow it, because it is new, modern and on the web, THE WEB! So it must be good. Gime venture capital, dammit!
3G on the other hand works very nicely in the densely inhabited areas of Europe, because the network operators invested a lot of money into the networks, because they ran out of ideas how else to waste the heaps of money they make.
Australia and the US have the problem that they are huge and the last thing network operators would do is to invest more than absolutely necessary into networks.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Jeff http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8651 Jeff Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:23:27 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8651 I have used Thinkpads at various companies over the past few years. They are pretty sturdy - I dropped one while waiting in the airport security line and noticed no ill effects or damage at all. When I was shopping for a laptop last year, I was very concerned about price and weight, which led me to the Toshiba I have now. In retrospect, I should have spent the extra money for a Thinkpad or a Macbook. I have used Thinkpads at various companies over the past few years. They are pretty sturdy – I dropped one while waiting in the airport security line and noticed no ill effects or damage at all.

When I was shopping for a laptop last year, I was very concerned about price and weight, which led me to the Toshiba I have now. In retrospect, I should have spent the extra money for a Thinkpad or a Macbook.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by firewalker http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8650 firewalker Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:21:54 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8650 Raspberry-Pi is in production of the 35 USD version board only as a first spin. They have ordered 10.000 boards if I can recall correctly. Alexander. Raspberry-Pi is in production of the 35 USD version board only as a first spin. They have ordered 10.000 boards if I can recall correctly.

Alexander.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Jorge Garcia http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8649 Jorge Garcia Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:56:04 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8649 Additionally, The raspberry pi has two models neither of which was ever slated to sell for $20. The model A will retail for $25.00 and the more powerful model B for $35.00 Additionally,

The raspberry pi has two models neither of which was ever slated to sell for $20. The model A will retail for $25.00 and the more powerful model B for $35.00

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Jorge Garcia http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8648 Jorge Garcia Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:54:42 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8648 This web tool is not developed by TI, it's actually a user created service. This web tool is not developed by TI, it’s actually a user created service.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by nardev http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8647 nardev Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:48:13 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8647 IMHO ThinkPad is the best and most durable laptop. Can't compare any other to it unless it's intentionally made to be indestructible. IMHO ThinkPad is the best and most durable laptop. Can’t compare any other to it unless it’s intentionally made to be indestructible.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Russ http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8644 Russ Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:53:08 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8644 Just to update you guys on the RaspberryPi project they've already done their prototype run of 10 boards, those are the ones they auctioned off on Ebay to help fund the foundation. They claim the first production batch is 10k (http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/509). Just to update you guys on the RaspberryPi project they’ve already done their prototype run of 10 boards, those are the ones they auctioned off on Ebay to help fund the foundation.
They claim the first production batch is 10k (http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/509).

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Timothy Hobbs http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8641 Timothy Hobbs Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:47:11 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8641 This is totally unrelated to electronics but so fun I had to post it! http://onemorelevel.com/game/the_red_button This is totally unrelated to electronics but so fun I had to post it!

http://onemorelevel.com/game/the_red_button

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by mikeselectricstuff http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8639 mikeselectricstuff Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:23 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8639 Totally agree about that TI Web dev thing - you lose a connection and you are totally screwed. It WILL be too slow - howevre fast your connection is the latency will still make it too slow. Complete waste of time & resources, which would be better spent making a PC-hosted dev environment better. Totally agree about that TI Web dev thing – you lose a connection and you are totally screwed.
It WILL be too slow – howevre fast your connection is the latency will still make it too slow.
Complete waste of time & resources, which would be better spent making a PC-hosted dev environment better.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by Jeff http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8634 Jeff Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:46:44 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8634 The surplus store wiki I mentioned on the show is at: http://mightyohm.com/wiki/resources:surplus If any of our listeners know of more places to buy cool "electronics junk", please add them to the wiki page (you'll need to create an account first). The surplus store wiki I mentioned on the show is at: http://mightyohm.com/wiki/resources:surplus

If any of our listeners know of more places to buy cool “electronics junk”, please add them to the wiki page (you’ll need to create an account first).

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by SeanB http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8632 SeanB Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:45:27 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8632 That was a Rockwell modem chipset. Still around in older modems, or at least those that still use a DIP part for the modem firmware. That was a Rockwell modem chipset. Still around in older modems, or at least those that still use a DIP part for the modem firmware.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #81 — Jersey Jeff Jactitation by JoannaK http://www.theamphour.com/2012/02/06/the-amp-hour-81-jersey-jeff-jactitation/#comment-8630 JoannaK Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:59:29 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1333#comment-8630 Last time I met embedded 6502 core it was at some 28k or 33k dialup modem chipset.. But that was years ago, so I tend to doubt they do those much any more. Or do they still sell those? Of course there is still some market for Commodore C64 turbo modules. I have seen some people use those at old-computer party. Last time I met embedded 6502 core it was at some 28k or 33k dialup modem chipset.. But that was years ago, so I tend to doubt they do those much any more. Or do they still sell those?

Of course there is still some market for Commodore C64 turbo modules. I have seen some people use those at old-computer party.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #80 — Otiose Ontocyclic Opiniasters by Adam Ward http://www.theamphour.com/2012/01/29/the-amp-hour-80-otiose-ontocyclic-opiniasters/#comment-8626 Adam Ward Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:06:25 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1317#comment-8626 I don't think your code is bad. I never said that. But bad code does exist in the world and I was referring to that. I will however STFU from now on. I don’t think your code is bad. I never said that. But bad code does exist in the world and I was referring to that.

I will however STFU from now on.

]]> Comment on The Amp Hour #80 — Otiose Ontocyclic Opiniasters by Alex http://www.theamphour.com/2012/01/29/the-amp-hour-80-otiose-ontocyclic-opiniasters/#comment-8625 Alex Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:53:27 +0000 http://www.theamphour.com/?p=1317#comment-8625 The loop thing is not about number of bytes it takes. It's about a reflex against repeated code. I'd say most software folks have a *strong* reflex about that for the following reason: Because the more times a piece of code is repeated, the more chances there are for a mistake/typo to be made, espescially when the code is being changed later. I think it's NOT a problem in this piece of code because of how simple/understandable each repeated segment is. Unfortunately, it still sets off that reflex with some people. The loop thing is not about number of bytes it takes. It’s about a reflex against repeated code. I’d say most software folks have a *strong* reflex about that for the following reason: Because the more times a piece of code is repeated, the more chances there are for a mistake/typo to be made, espescially when the code is being changed later.

I think it’s NOT a problem in this piece of code because of how simple/understandable each repeated segment is. Unfortunately, it still sets off that reflex with some people.

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