Pragmatic

The Engineered Network•engineered.network

Pragmatic is a discussion show contemplating the practical application of technology. Exploring the real world trade offs we look at how great ideas are transformed into products and services that can change our lives. Nothing is as simple as it seems.

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Episodes

10: Passion Over Academic Proof

John and Ben discuss the problems that arise when we rely on qualifications alone to gauge a person's potential. Just how valuable are degrees, certifications and tests in evaluating someone's passion, work ethic or dynamism? With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. TechDistortion Companion Articles: Passion Over Academic Proof Nobody is Competent: We Are All Human Related Links: List of people claimed to possess an eidetic memory Support Pragmatic on Patreon...

Jan 26, 2014•1 hr

9: The Internet Makes It Even Better

John and Ben discuss the practical risks associated with connecting every single device we own to the internet. What happens when ore functionality is tied to a remote server and the company changes or closes? Timely in light of Nest Labs acquisition. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: 1080p is the final standard TV resolution | DerekMartin.ca Pragmatic - Dev With Imagination The Last Days of the Internet of Everything Peek (mobile Internet device) Belkin WeMo Support Pragmatic ...

Jan 18, 2014•53 min

8: A Nice Quiet Serene Environment

In this episode John and Ben talk about noise. Noise is a big problem. A lot of people tend to overlook it. A lot of people tend to shrug it off like its no big deal. But you only get one set of ears, and once they're wrecked you're out of luck. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Tinnitus Health effects from noise Road surface MotorCycle Noise (PDF) High-Frequency Hearing Loss Incurred by Exposure to Low-Frequency Noise (PDF) Sound Decibels Weighting filter Sound Pressur...

Jan 11, 2014•1 hr 8 min

7A: A Category Called General Follow-up 1

Follow up (Part A) to A Category Called General with some discussion about the expected lifespan of flash storage. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Flash/thumb drive gradual aging (PeterN) How long does a flash drive last? Support Pragmatic on Patreon...

Jan 11, 2014•8 min

2C: The Battery Problem Follow-up 3

Follow up (Part C) to The Battery Problem with a discussion of Germany's forward-thinking approach to renewable energy. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Fraunhofer Institute Electricity 2013 Hydro-Power Storage of Energy Transition German Renewable Energy Act Renewable energy in Germany Support Pragmatic on Patreon...

Jan 11, 2014•8 min

7: A Category Called General

John and Ben discuss the challenge of digital storage, filing, tagging and categorization as well as associated workflows and technology. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Listen To These | saw66 Pragmatic podcast – Marco.org Pragmatic Podcast | Flo’s Thoughts Organising Mail vs Search IBM Paper How Mac experts organize their files | Macworld xkcd: Home Organization NeoFinder Gentibus CD Optical Disc Recording Tech Ritek to start production of Blu-ray M-Disc in August - D...

Jan 04, 2014•1 hr 14 min

6: Design Reviews In Name Only

John and Ben discuss the importance of design reviews, personal experiences and suggestions for how to constructively approach a process often fraught with confusion and hidden danger. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. TechDistortion Companion Article: Design Reviews in Name Only Support Pragmatic on Patreon...

Dec 29, 2013•1 hr 8 min

5: The Next Ubiquitous Thing

John and Ben discuss the convergence of wireless communication from radio telegraphy to analog mobile phones, then from analog to digital, and handover-transition-unified devices and the importance long awaited jump to 100% IP-based telephony. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Andrew J Cast - Ep013: Walk On By Twitter / Watersini: @johnchidgey love the new… Guglielmo Marconi History of the Telephone History of mobile phones Telephone exchange iOS 7 becomes first commerci...

Dec 22, 2013•1 hr 13 min

4: The Morality Issue

John and Ben discuss the moral implications of an increasingly automated world. As we're living in the midst of the 4th industrial revolution, what can we learn from the past that will prepare us for the future? With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Industrial Revolution Luddite The 4th Industrial Revolution is Upon Us Support Pragmatic on Patreon...

Dec 14, 2013•31 min

3A: Turn The Damn Light Off Follow-up 1

Follow up (Part A) to Turn The Damn Light Off where we explore Multi-room Audio and Eco-home design as well as smart glass. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Home Automation: Follow-Up On Pragmatic’s Automation Discussion — OpTe.ch Multi-Room Audio: Jongo multi-room audio Sonos Wireless HiFi Music Systems Smart Glass & Eco Homes: Smart glass ECO’ HOME ESSAY Eco House Design Requirements Conceptual Issues in the Study of Innovation Home Automation Software List of home automati...

Dec 14, 2013•59 min

2B: The Battery Problem Follow-up 2

Follow up (Part B) to The Battery Problem where we explore the practicality and necessity of larger screens in relation to their power consumption. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Top 10 Screen Resolutions from Mar 2009 to Dec 2013 | StatCounter Global Stats IDC Monitors Computer Screens Getting Bigger Support Pragmatic on Patreon...

Dec 14, 2013•12 min

3: Turn The Damn Light Off

Today's show focuses on the history of industrial control and automation systems, and the growing potential of automation in the home. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Control engineering Relay Relay Logic Hydraulic cylinder Solenoid History of computing hardware Programmable logic controller Donohue W2A M Minkebige A PLC Overview for Non-IC Engineers.pdf Vanessa Albert-PLCDCS.pdf Distributed Control Systems IEC 61131 OLE for Process Control PLC Supplier Preferences X10 Su...

Dec 06, 2013•1 hr 22 min

2A: The Battery Problem Follow-up 1

Follow up (Part A) to The Battery Problem where we explore proported fire risks associated with Wind Farms, Geothermal and Wave Power and whether Thorium is everything it's cracked up to be. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. Related Links: Wind Farms And Fire Risk Geothermal Electricity Wave Power Stations Thorium-based Nuclear Power Nuclear Fission Fragments Thorium Fuel Cycle Support Pragmatic on Patreon...

Dec 06, 2013•20 min

2: The Battery Problem

John and Ben discuss the past, present and future of energy generation, distribution, storage and consumption. We explore the future of conventional and alternative energy sources as well as the changing nature of the grid and our relationship to it. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. TechDistortion Companion Article: Solar System Design High Voltage DC: High-voltage Direct Current Wind Power: Off-Grid Energy Australia - Wind Turbines Wind Turbines U.S. Geological Survey: Ecosystems Home Energ...

Nov 30, 2013•2 hr 15 min

1: Faraday's Cage

In Pragmatic's first episode, John and Ben explore the evolution of the iPhone's hardware from the original model to today. Looking at mechanical design tradeoffs and improvements in wireless John presents a realistic reading of the iPhone myth. With Ben Alexander and John Chidgey. TechDistortion Companion Article: iPhone Hardware Evolution: Trade-offs and Refinements iPhone 1st Generation Teardown - iFixit iPhone 1st Generation Display Assembly Replacement - iFixit AnandTech | Apple&rsq...

Nov 24, 2013•2 hr 46 min

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