Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

• EP#443: Conductive Cuisine

  In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating and somewhat humorous topic of hot dog conductivity. They explore an in-depth study conducted by Seth Jenkins, Neil LaTourette, and Brendan Liverman on how boiling time affects hot dog conductivity. The hosts also discuss the historical Presto Hot Dogger, community experiments involving hot dogs, and various methods of cooking hot dogs, all while interspersing their own anecdotes and insights. This episode is a blend of scientific curiosity and light-hearted banter, making for an entertaining listen.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to hot dog conductivity and its surprising properties.Shout out to Seth Jenkins, Neil LaTourette, and Brendan Liverman for their 2007 study on hot dog conductivity.Historical gadget: The Presto Hot Dogger and its mechanism.BigCliveDotCom's high-voltage experiment with the Presto Hot Dogger.The Thought Emporium's thermite-based "Instant Hot Dog" device.Methodology of Jenkins, LaTourette, and Liverman's experiment on hot dog conductivity.Scientific explanation of why boiled hot dogs conduct electricity.Results and observations: Boiling time and its effect on conductivity.Engineering curiosities and implications for food safety and electrical experimentation.Personal anecdotes and nostalgia related to hot dog preparation.Various methods of cooking hot dogs: boiling, grilling, pan-frying, and the Presto Hot Dogger.Community debate on the best way to cook hot dogs.Relevant Links:Conductivity of Hot Dogs ExperimentBigCliveDotCom's High-Voltage Presto Hot Dogger ExperimentThe Thought Emporium’s Instant Hot Dog VideoInstructables: What's the Cost to Cook a Hot Dog?National Hot Dog and Sausage CouncilCommunity Questions:What is your favorite method of cooking hot dogs and why?Have you ever experimented with unconventional ways of cooking food? Share your experiences!What are your thoughts on using hot dogs as conductors in electrical experiments?MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing, and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.We Want to Hear From You!Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

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• EP#442: Wanting To Be A Wizard - Matt Brown

  In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Matt Brown, an inventive engineer and YouTube content creator renowned for his electrifying DIY projects and creative automotive builds. The trio delves into the concept of "good enough engineering," where Matt shares insights from his career, including his experiences working at Tesla and on various personal projects like the land speed car and the off-road Viper. The discussion also covers the challenges of engineering in unpredictable environments, the balance between planning and improvisation, and the joy of creating new things.Key Discussion Points:Introduction of Matt Brown and his YouTube channel SuperfastMattThe concept of "good enough engineering" and its applicationMatt's background in engineering and his career journeyExamples of "good enough engineering" in Matt's projectsThe importance of intuition and experience in engineering decisionsThe challenges of off-road vehicle engineering compared to aerospaceBalancing multiple large projects and knowing when a project is "done"The appeal of starting new projects versus finishing existing onesMatt's thoughts on building an airplane and the associated challengesDiscussion on CNC machines and 3D printers in DIY projectsThe difference between real engineering and good enough engineeringThe importance of planning and iterative testing in engineeringThe role of community and feedback in the engineering processRelevant Links:SuperfastMatt YouTube ChannelMatt Brown on InstagramCommunity Questions:What are your thoughts on the concept of "good enough engineering"?How do you balance planning and improvisation in your projects?Have you ever started a project and found it challenging to finish? How did you handle it?MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.We Want to Hear From You!Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

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• EP#441: Exploring the Arctic Through Art and Technology with Cy Keener

  In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig chat with Cy Keener, an interdisciplinary artist who merges art and technology to document and visualize the natural world. Cy discusses his journey from architecture to creating custom instruments and sensors for scientific research in the Arctic. He explains how his work helps visualize complex phenomena like sea ice and ocean waves, and shares insights into his collaboration with scientists. Cy also delves into the engineering challenges of building durable sensors for extreme environments and the artistic process of transforming raw data into compelling visual art.Key Discussion Points:Cy Keener's background in architecture and transition to art and technology.The process of designing custom instruments and sensors for Arctic research.Challenges of creating durable electronics for extreme environments.Collaboration with scientists to document and visualize sea ice and icebergs.The artistic process of transforming scientific data into visual art.The significance of art in making scientific data accessible and engaging.The role of broader impacts in National Science Foundation funding.The evolution of Cy's sensor designs from Arduino-based prototypes to advanced devices.The use of different materials and technologies for creating resilient enclosures.Insights into the conservation of electronic art for future generations.Examples of Cy's art installations and exhibitions showcasing Arctic data.The importance of merging empirical data with experiential art.Relevant Links:Cy Keener's portfolio: cykeener.comNational Science Foundation: nsf.govMake Magazine article on Arduino and Iridium satellite modem: Make MagazineParticle devices: Particle.ioCommunity Questions:What are your thoughts on the intersection of art and technology in scientific research?How do you think visual art can help make complex scientific data more accessible?What other natural phenomena would you like to see visualized through art and technology?MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing, and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.We Want to Hear From You!Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

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• EP#440: HMLV - High Mix Low Volume

  In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive deep into the concept of HMLV (High Mix Low Volume) PCB manufacturing. They discuss the challenges and advantages of HMLV, contrasting it with high volume manufacturing methods used by giants like Apple and Foxconn. They also share personal project updates, including Parker's PWM fan controller and Stephen's work on LED matrix driving. The episode wraps up with insights into MacroFab's latest platform updates and the creation of an ultimate glossary of electronics and PCBA terms.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to HMLV: What does High Mix Low Volume mean?Differences between HMLV and high volume manufacturing.Flexibility and specialized equipment required for HMLV.The importance of a skilled workforce in HMLV environments.Personal project updates: Cyclone Pulse Wrangler and LED Matrix driving.The significance of proper inventory management in HMLV.Insights into MacroFab’s platform updates and their new glossary of electronics terms.Real-world examples of companies utilizing HMLV in their manufacturing processes.The role of HMLV in prototyping and early design cycles.Discussion on the transition points between low volume and high volume production.Challenges faced with parts handling in HMLV.The necessity of adaptability in both workforce and equipment for HMLV.Parker’s PWM fan controller circuit review and schematic discussion.The impact of battery voltage on digital inputs in automotive systems.Analog inputs and thermistor readings for temperature measurements.Push-pull current drivers and the need for logic gates to prevent run-through situations.Relevant Links:MacroFab Platform UpdatesUltimate Glossary of Electronics & PCBA TermsCyclone Pulse WranglerCommunity Questions:What are your thoughts on HMLV manufacturing? Have you encountered any specific challenges or advantages in your projects?How do you manage inventory in a high mix low volume production environment?What strategies do you use to transition from low volume prototyping to higher volume manufacturing?Have you implemented any interesting circuits or solutions in your personal projects? Share your experiences!MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.We Want to Hear From You!Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

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• EP#439: The Nuts and Bolts of Quantum Computing - Rick Altherr

  In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Rick Altherr, a full stack engineer, to discuss the intricacies of quantum computing. Rick shares insights into the working of quantum processors, particularly the trapped ion approach used by IonQ, and delves into the technical challenges and potential future applications of quantum computing. The conversation covers the practicalities of building quantum computers, the nature of quantum algorithms, and the current limitations that keep quantum computing in the R&D phase.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to Rick Altherr and his background in quantum computing at IonQ.Explanation of the trapped ion approach and its components like RF, lasers, and cryostats.The process of capturing and manipulating qubits in a quantum computer.The role of control theory in regulating trapped ions and performing quantum operations.The coherence time and its impact on quantum computations.Challenges in scaling up quantum computers and achieving practical applications.Comparison between trapped ion and superconducting quantum computers.The importance of laser cooling in maintaining the stability of qubits.The current state of quantum algorithms and their limited practical use.The concept of quantum advantage and commercial viability.Future prospects and the timeline for quantum computing becoming mainstream.Rick's insights on working remotely on such advanced technology.The role of simulations and empirical data in quantum computer calibration.Relevant Links:Rick's Mastodon ProfileCalendly for Rick's Mentoring and Resume ReviewQuantum CountryBloch Sphere - WikipediaCommunity Questions:What are your thoughts on the potential of quantum computing in your field of work?How do you see the impact of quantum computing advancements in the next decade?What are some practical applications you envision for quantum computing in everyday life?MacroFab:This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing, and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.We Want to Hear From You!Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

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