The Spark Gap - podcast cover

The Spark Gap

The Spark Gapthesparkgap.libsyn.com
Karl and Corey talk about various aspects of embedded electronics, from nuts and bolts design to high-level discussions and debates. We also talk about some of our hobbies surrounding electronics (3D Printing and CNC Routers). New episodes are released Wednesdays.

Episodes

The Spark Gap - Episode 23

Karl and Corey discuss projects they've left unfinished and wonder why this seems to happen so often.

Dec 10, 201438 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 22

Karl and Corey finish their talk about PCB layout. This part talks about signal layout and some manufacturing details. Part 2 of 2.

Dec 03, 201447 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 21

Karl and Corey talk about PCB layout and some tips for hobbyists. In this part, component placement and power layout. Part 1 of 2.

Nov 26, 201443 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 19

Corey and Karl discuss the benefits of controlling your embedded product with smart software and simple firmware.

Oct 22, 201434 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 18

Corey and Karl talk about the popular Serial Communications - Uart, SPI, I2C, and CAN.

Oct 15, 201448 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 17

Karl and Corey talk about the fascinating topic of In-Circuit Programmers and Debuggers.

Oct 08, 201443 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 15

Corey and Karl discuss the origins and the future of the Raspberry Pi. They explore how a product with an imperfect beginning can still become a huge success.

Sep 24, 201443 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 12

Karl and Corey talk about the advantages and challenges of adding Ethernet capability to an embedded system.

Sep 02, 201437 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 10

Karl and Corey wax poetic about the aspects of embedded electronic engineering that can can worsen your mood and waste your time.

Aug 20, 201444 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 9

Karl and Corey discuss the practice of Manufacturers charging money to unlock built-in features of Test Equipment. They give their opinion on whether unlocking those features by means of “hacking” your equipment is actually stealing. Alternatives to paying exhorbant sums of cash to unlock existing features are considered.

Aug 12, 201448 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 8

Karl and Corey welcome guest Jacob Rosenthal to explain the Internet of Things.

Aug 05, 201446 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 7

Corey and Karl welcome their first guest Rodney McGee to talk about his research in electric vehicles and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology.

Jul 30, 201457 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 6

Corey and Karl explain the different ways to implement USB connectivity on an embedded device, from the physical layer to application layer.

Jul 20, 201448 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 5

Corey inquires about Karl's hobby, CNC Machining. Karl discusses his CNC Router and the decision that went into it.

Jul 14, 201444 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 4

Corey and Karl start off their first episode of "The Great Debates!" Corey takes the position that RTOSes for the most part don't belong in single core embeeded systems. Karl takes the position that the advantages of using an RTOS ,even in single core microcontrollers, far exceed their disadvantages.

Jul 06, 201426 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 3

Karl and Corey discuss the basics of how to power your electronic circuits. Linear Regulators, LDOs, and Switch Mode Power Supplies are explained. Traps for new engineers and hobbyist working with power supplies are lamented.

Jun 30, 201442 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 2

In this episode Karl and Corey talk about Corey's newest hobby, 3D Printing. Also, Karl gets the outcome of the 3D Systems vs. Form Labs lawsuit wrong.

Jun 23, 201439 min

The Spark Gap - Episode 1

In this episode Karl and Corey talk about the heart of many embedded electronics projects: The Microcontroller. They discuss their evolving feelings for the maker communities darling, the Arduino. They also give an overview of other potential candidates for a microcontroller.

Jun 16, 201436 min