MEP EP#56: Gotta Look Pro

Podcast Notes

• Cheers to all of our fellow engineers on National Engineers Week!
• We would love to hear from our listeners. Tell us what you think, your current projects, any topics you would like us to cover, or just say “hello”. To reach us follow us on Twitter @MacroFab or send us an email at podcast@macrofab.com.
• Scott wrote in earlier in the week. Gives the podcast two thumbs up. Thanks, Scott!
• Stephen talks about how he got started in Audio Amplifiers and how it led to him becoming an electrical engineer.
  • Built his first Tube Amplifier 12 years ago and it still works. See Figure 1.
  • Dilbert – The Knack
• Parker
  • The greatest resistor in the world doesn’t fit inside the My200 Pick and Place. Will be remade with 0201 10K resistors.
  • The Jeep Radio Hack made it to Hack A Day. Check it out!
•  Rapid-Fire Opinion (RFO)
  • Down and Dirty with Contact Cleaners – on Hack a Day
    • Emmett wrote in and mentioned his volume knob on his NAD Series 20 stereo system is scratchy.
    • Stephen likes MG Chemicals Nu-Trol Control Cleaner.
    • For penetrating fluid Parker likes Kano Kroil.
  • TI HDC1080 temperature/humidity sensor
    • Steve wrote in to let us know about this neat chip.
    • Relative Humidity Accuracy ±2%
    • Temperature Accuracy ±0.2°C
    • What sets this device apart from other humidity/temperature sensors is there are no analog readings involved.  The output of the device is an I2C interface.
  • Is owning a 3D printer worth it?
    • Parker: If you know CAD, Yes. You treat it like another tool in your toolbox.
    • Stephen: Making just silly plastic toys is not worth the expense of a 3D printer.