Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

MEP EP#276: Skippy DocumentationFake LM338 Voltage Regulators?

X-RAY results
Should we Xray legit LM137 and see if the XRAY matches?

SCPI or Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments

IEEE 488.2-1987
Send command strings over serial to configure and get results from test equipment
Test equipment mostly adhere to this with some weird gotchas

COM port snooper / sniffer?

Is there good software out there that can sniff the buffers / communication string between Windows and a hardware device?

Is bad documentation worse than no documentation?

“With no documentation you know immediately you're fucked.”

Bringing back the Tasty Chips segment - E-Z Hook Insulation Piercing Wire Clamp - 8507

Spring loaded clamp that has teeth
When you insert a wire the teeth slice into the insulation making contact
Datasheet specifications are interesting to say the least!
Max Current 1 AMP
Max Voltage 0 V ?!?

Covering the Amplifier

Update on Parker’s Amp “refinishing” project

Adventures in plastic molding

Getting custom actuator parts injection molded
First prototype parts got shot this week
What to expect

Provide model to company
Initial review
DFM report
Release for prototype

5 to 6 weeks for the initial mold to be cut
Prototype units are shot and sent for approval
Second round of mold adjustments are cut - 2 weeks
Second prototype units are shot and sent for approval
Mold is sent to US
Production is run

Mold cost ~12k

Half up front
Remainder at time of delivery
Includes all DFM and both prototypes

Previous solution was about $35/unit

New solution with dome snap switches and injection molded plastic is about $23 to $27/unit

Show Notes

MEP EP#276: Skippy Documentation

  • Fake LM338 Voltage Regulators?
    • X-RAY results
    • Should we Xray legit LM137 and see if the XRAY matches?
  • SCPI or Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
    • IEEE 488.2-1987
    • Send command strings over serial to configure and get results from test equipment
    • Test equipment mostly adhere to this with some weird gotchas
  • COM port snooper / sniffer?
    • Is there good software out there that can sniff the buffers / communication string between Windows and a hardware device?
  • Is bad documentation worse than no documentation?
    • “With no documentation you know immediately you're fucked.”
  • Bringing back the Tasty Chips segment - E-Z Hook Insulation Piercing Wire Clamp - 8507
    • Spring loaded clamp that has teeth
    • When you insert a wire the teeth slice into the insulation making contact
    • Datasheet specifications are interesting to say the least!
    • Max Current 1 AMP
    • Max Voltage 0 V ?!?
  • Covering the Amplifier
    • Update on Parker’s Amp “refinishing” project
  • Adventures in plastic molding
    • Getting custom actuator parts injection molded
    • First prototype parts got shot this week
    • What to expect
      • Provide model to company
      • Initial review
      • DFM report
      • Release for prototype
        • 5 to 6 weeks for the initial mold to be cut
        • Prototype units are shot and sent for approval
        • Second round of mold adjustments are cut - 2 weeks
        • Second prototype units are shot and sent for approval
        • Mold is sent to US
        • Production is run
      • Mold cost ~12k
        • Half up front
        • Remainder at time of delivery
        • Includes all DFM and both prototypes
    • Previous solution was about $35/unit
      • New solution with dome snap switches and injection molded plastic is about $23 to $27/unit

Creators & Guests

Host
Parker Dillmann
A Founder @MacroFab.Builds Electronics, Cars, & Jeeps.
Host
Stephen Kraig
EE
Producer
Chris Martin

What is Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast?

Dive into the electrifying world of electrical engineering with Circuit Break, a MacroFab podcast hosted by Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig. This dynamic duo, armed with practical experience and a palpable passion for tech, explores the latest innovations, industry news, and practical challenges in the field. From DIY project hurdles to deep dives with industry experts, Parker and Stephen's real-world insights provide an engaging learning experience that bridges theory and practice for engineers at any stage of their career.

Whether you're a student eager to grasp what the job market seeks, or an engineer keen to stay ahead in the fast-paced tech world, Circuit Break is your go-to. The hosts, alongside a vibrant community of engineers, makers, and leaders, dissect product evolutions, demystify the journey of tech from lab to market, and reverse engineer the processes behind groundbreaking advancements. Their candid discussions not only enlighten but also inspire listeners to explore the limitless possibilities within electrical engineering.

Presented by MacroFab, a leader in electronics manufacturing services, Circuit Break connects listeners directly to the forefront of PCB design, assembly, and innovation. MacroFab's platform exemplifies the seamless integration of design and manufacturing, catering to a broad audience from hobbyists to professionals.

About the hosts: Parker, an expert in Embedded System Design and DSP, and Stephen, an aficionado of audio electronics and brewing tech, bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the show. Their backgrounds in engineering and hands-on projects make each episode a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and practical advice.

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