The Amp Hour Electronics Podcast

[https://theamphour.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/696.jpg] * Dave found a wrist mounted DMM that looks…inadvisable [https://www.reddit.com/r/TheAmpHour/comments/1l7lzqj/useless_product_of_the_day_award_winner/] * We’ll discuss the survey results next time! * Florin Cocos of VoltLog [https://theamphour.com/568-youtube-to-consulting-with-florin-of-voltlog/] * Great Scott [https://theamphour.com/284-an-interview-with-great-scott/] * Sam Aldaher on the show last week [https://theamphour.com/695-making-the-invisible-visible-with-sam-aldahar/] * Gerald Undone [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC09qASY4ixFS-KXIH6Nw0rg] did a studio tour with Captain Disillusionment * Short videos * Dave using a go-pro on a bike [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMeVqfeVxFQ] * Separate gyro file to stabilize * D-y hybrid inverter [https://www.deyeinverter.com/product/hybrid-inverter-1/] * Chart * Remote shell * Cline [https://cline.bot/] * Chris is finally getting solar * open energy monitor [https://openenergymonitor.org/] * Emporia vue [https://shop.emporiaenergy.com/products/emporia-vue-3?variant=46067941966079&country=US¤cy=USD&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21417046681&gbraid=0AAAAACwD-Kx_epCi5lhC7ZdkUy448VZkL&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__04fXG_33IP2BRgyCYcB3XPjtA6WbYfqMl305RodyW7Hn5Qy5fWxXFBoCj8gQAvD_BwE] * Sense [https://sense.com/] * We talked with Joe Bamberg when he worked there [https://theamphour.com/371-an-interview-with-joe-bamberg/] * Driving back from canberra * Ben Krasnow makin’ magnets! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6XIgdS1rzs] * Bluetooth videos [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chrisgammell_soi-created-a-bluetooth-drill-not-only-activity-7330699360378224640-VrUv/]

[https://theamphour.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/695-SamAldhaher.png] Welcome Sam Aldhaher [https://www.youtube.com/@samerps], power engineer and 3D graphic artist! * Sam has always been interested in art…and power engineering * He primarily works in Blender [https://www.blender.org/] and has been for 5-6 years * Inputs and outputs * Starting from Altium / KiCad for eCAD * Blender doesn’t accept step files, it works with meshes like STL * KiCad -> Blender is a good flow [https://hackaday.com/2024/01/03/from-kicad-to-blender-for-a-stunning-render/], as there are add-ons to import KiCad * Making a good visulalization is all about lighting, materials * Building library of models * Modeling magnetic fields * Research in wireless power * openEMS vtk format [https://docs.openems.de/intro.html] * The marjority of tooling is glued together with python * ElectroMag Nodes – Sam‘s tool – $1 [https://superhivemarket.com/products/electromag-nodes] * Right hand rule [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-hand_rule] * Developing intuition * Elmer finite element solver [https://www.elmerfem.org/blog/] * Past guest Katerina Galitskaya [https://theamphour.com/678-all-about-antennas-with-katerina-galitskaya/] also visualized RF and talked about the differences of testingi n a chamber vs building a visualization * FastHenry is inductance tool that was created in 80s at MIT for wirebonds. Didn’t have a visualization front end, like SPICE * 3D whiteboard * Using Blender to prototype and then taking it to other tools (CST [https://www.3ds.com/products/simulia/cst-studio-suite], Ansys [https://www.ansys.com/]) * Validating on the bench with an impedance analyzer * Simulating power loss is difficult * Quality factor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductor#:~:text=The%20quality%20factor%20(or%20Q,behavior%20of%20an%20ideal%20inductor.] * “CAD is too perfect” * Adding surface imperfections * Node system [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8Udi1AkdGY] is similar to simulink, adding blocks (Chris also thought this sounded like the effects in Davinci Resolve) * Lighting * Making the background dark means you don’t need to have far field details * Tutorials * Blender Guru – how to make a donut [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4haAdmHqGOw&t=1s] * Sam’s video about how to draw components on a PCB in Blender [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsZKq3fd1ss] * Doing the same with Geometry nodes in Blender [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ztu_p2DAko&pp=0gcJCYsJAYcqIYzv] * Ability to create things procedurally * How to create ICs in Blender [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiqSYN8NVA0] * Using LLMs for python glue code * What is a shader? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXbdF4KjNOc] * HardOps tool, simplifies workflow (shuffle button) * Visualizing an Inverted F antenna in Blender [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEsg63MOl70] * Remembering that videos are just still frames in order * Electric fields propagating on the antenna itself * Radiated electric fields (red and blue and black) * OpenEMS generates GBs of data * Blender geomtry goes out to OpenEMS so it’s geometrically linked * What if it was a ceramic antenna instead of a metal inverted F? * Simulating 60 GHz from a radar chipset [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2D5naRuFbg] * Meshing – sample points in space * simulating points in time * Impacts of stubs / squares on microwaves * Human Hand Interaction with 60GHz Electromagnetic waves [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zIOM-M6-vQ] * SAR simulations – how much heat do you generate * Simulating motor windings on a PCB [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCj0x0dTKiQ] * The above was a collaboration with past guest Carl Bugeja [https://theamphour.com/663-motors-on-pcbs-with-carl-bugeja/] * When to switch from near field (electro) vs far field (openEMS) * Calculating values with inductance calculator [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuvkuTRB0js] * FastHenry tool on Github [https://github.com/samerps/Blender-FastHenry/] * Sam’s work on artstation [https://www.artstation.com/high_voltage] * ZS smart watch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XminKEwY_Es] * Fast track if listeners want to get better at this art * Learn blender – donut * KiCad -> Blender reference * Play with geometries nodes (ElectroMag Nodes, Fast Henry) * Find Sam on social * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samerps/?originalSubdomain=uk] * Twitter/X [https://x.com/samerps] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@samerps/videos] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/blendercircuits/] * EEVblog forum [https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/electromagnetic-simulations-renders-with-openems-blender/]

[https://theamphour.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/694.png] We are doing a 2025 listener survey [https://forms.gle/16kKK8Zhykx39oJF6]! Answer the survey and put in your email to win one of three Jumperless OG units donated by Kevin Cappuccio (past guest of the show [https://theamphour.com/689-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio/]). Last day to input is June 1st. This episode was recorded Monday the 12th, which has implications on discussions. * Dave recently returned from Melbourne for Dave’s recent visit to Electronex [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhnhfhyt6Sk]. * Dave saw past guest Scott Williams there (he has been interviewed by both Dave [https://theamphour.com/624-design-manufacturing-consulting-with-scott-williams-from-xentronics/] and Chris [https://theamphour.com/645-moving-down-the-stack-with-scott-williams/]). Scott’s company Xentronics is also a Golioth partner * They discussed service providers in the electronics industry at including turnkey solutions (concept to production and marketing) versus services only (firmware, PCB layout, CAD). * The choice of show for a service provider might depend on the customer vertical (e.g., medical expo for medical device design). * Farmers are described as rough clients due to being cost-constrained, needing durable solutions for harsh environments, and being unforgiving of downtime. * The Australian Manufacturing Week [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyj-vaNwbho] was unexpectedly enormous, dwarfing the electronics show in scale and attendance, with lines up to 40 minutes long just to get in. * The manufacturing show featured “Heavy Metal” manufacturing, like laser cutters, sheet metal benders, and giant machines cutting thick steel, which Dave found more exciting than the electronics demos. * They discussed the scale of manufacturing equipment, comparing it to shows like IMTS in Chicago with multi-story machining centers and machines weighing hundreds of tons. * Australia manufactures things like steel, large steel structures (bridges), and large custom parts like excavator scoops. * Dave is conducting environmental air quality tests in his office [https://www.uradmonitor.com/tools/dashboard-04/?open=820000BE#], measuring formaldehyde, CO2, and other factors. He has to run his air conditioning for one of the test conditions. * The environmental monitor measures temperature, pressure, humidity, VOCs, noise, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, PM2.5 particulate matter, and radiation. The radiation sensor uses a tube requiring 381 volts. * XKCD graphic showing relative radiation [https://xkcd.com/radiation/] * Dave observes large formaldehyde spikes every time he opens his door, which go down within about 10 minutes. His CO2 levels are typically 800-900 ppm. * The AC unit cycling is visible in the humidity measurements. * Chris asks about the availability of affordable VOC sensors now. Dave believes his monitor uses a common sensor like the BME680. * Chris explains that the availability of affordable VOC sensors is linked to FEMA trailers after Hurricane Katrina, where high formaldehyde levels caused illness, leading to regulations and subsequently more affordable sensors. Modern VOC sensors often measure gas resistivity in ohms. * Some PM2.5 sensors use a fan and a laser to detect particles. * Dave saw small desktop lathes at the manufacturing show and was tempted to buy one for $800. * Chris explains the difference between a mill and a lathe. Potential uses for a lathe are discussed, including making knobs. * Chris advises against buying a personal machining tool like a lathe or mill unless you need parts immediately, suggesting using online services instead, as getting $800 of value from occasional use is difficult. * Dave jokingly suggests a lathe might be useful for “zombie apocalypse manufacturing”, or more darkly, for making gun barrels. * Chris mentions his past experience with a mill, which he traded for a 3D printer kit. He now prefers “it just works” solutions. * They discuss receiving free 3D resin printers and the difficulty of finding uses for them unless you are already skilled in 3D modeling. * Discussion shifts to the recent drop in tariffs between China and the US. Dave believes this will lead to lots of manufacturing coming back to the US, citing announcements from car companies and others (but providing no sources). Chris found this CBS article after the fact [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-manufacturing-domestic-tariffs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], but it’s light on details. * NPR covered how tariffs are impacting Digikey and Thief River Falls [https://www.npr.org/2025/04/24/nx-s1-5332209/digikey-tariff-small-minnesota-town-big-company] * Chris is skeptical that the tariff drops or initiatives like the CHIPS Act will cause significant, long-term shifts in the global supply chain, especially for components like capacitors or packaged semiconductors. * The complexities of building fabs and the long lead times are mentioned in relation to the CHIPS Act. * Chris recommends a YouTube channel about shipping and logistics [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52rgNekVCGU] and mentions MarineTraffic.com for tracking live global shipping data. * Dave mentions issues with Bluetooth data dropouts and incorrect values on a new Brymen BM787 multimeter. * Dave recently made a video about Test Controller, a free Java-based program that automates hundreds of test instruments (multimeters, power supplies, loads) via serial interfaces. It allows scripting and custom driver creation. * Dave considers using Test Controller and multiple instruments with his microscope PC for overlaying data on video. * Chris introduces the concept of “vibe coding,” which means letting AI do the coding. You act as a product manager providing requirements and feedback. * Dave has used AI for coding before and is interested in using it for his next project due to infrequent coding leading to needing to relearn tools. He suggests using it for a simple timer project, especially for annoying tasks like generating fonts. * Chris is using AI for a location-sharing web app prototype for a meetup. He describes the experience of watching the AI modify files and interact with tools as “trippy”. He uses “Claude credits” for this. * They discuss AI as a new tool. Chris expresses concern about how students learning to code today will develop troubleshooting skills if AI does much of the basic work. * Dave received a new piece of high-end test equipment: a Microtest Impedance Analyzer (model 6632). [https://www.microtest.com.tw/product_details.php?p_id=128] This is distinct from an LCR meter and can measure the entire frequency impedance sweep up to 10 MHz (for the model received). * The impedance analyzer can be used to characterize components like PCB inductors, assess bypass capacitor performance on boards, or measure materials like piezoelectric substrates. It can also show admittance circles and DC bias characteristics. * Chris mentioned that past guest Carl Bugeja [https://theamphour.com/663-motors-on-pcbs-with-carl-bugeja/] would benefit from a tool like the impedance analyzer * Dave notes the impedance analyzer is very specific and requires special fixturing. It supports open, short, and load compensation. * Dave also recently received a heavy GW Instek AC power source, which can be used for power line simulation (adding spikes, dropouts, etc.) to test products. Trying out generating show notes using NotebookLM from Google. We’d love your feedback in the comments.

[https://theamphour.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/693-ColinOFlynn-1024x1024.png] Welcome back Dr Colin O’Flynn of Dalhousie University and New AE tech! * Colin has been on the show twice before * Episode 239 in 2015 [https://theamphour.com/239-an-interview-with-colin-oflynn-aspirated-adamantine-attacks/] * Episode 552 in 2021 [https://theamphour.com/552-shouting-at-chips-with-colin-oflynn/] * Colin continues to publish/do research around side channel attacks * Now he’s targeting different ports / Jitter measurements * JTAGulator [https://grandideastudio.com/portfolio/security/jtagulator/] * RF Mixer * Side channel with power * Can you fix it on a chip? * Targeting an SD Card port because there’s a clock * Other clocked things like displays / RF * State of hardware security * RPi episode (RP2350) [https://theamphour.com/687-the-rp2350-with-the-raspberry-pi-team/] * OpenTitan  [https://opentitan.org/] * Root of Trust [https://cpl.thalesgroup.com/faq/hardware-security-modules/what-root-trust#:~:text=Root%20of%20Trust%20(RoT)%20is,include%20a%20hardened%20hardware%20module.] * Episode with Laura Abbott from Oxide [https://theamphour.com/590-finding-hardware-flaws-with-laura-abbott/] * Open vs closed about security * Guidelines for what to care about like in the ARM PSA [https://www.arm.com/architecture/security-features/platform-security] * UK gov’t * Lowrisc Sonata System [https://lowrisc.github.io/sonata-system/] * CHERI / CHERIot [https://riscv.org/blog/2024/08/cheriot-a-study-in-cheri/] * Secure / non-secure * Artix 7 FPGA * Mouser bonded area * Pick and place experiments * Charm High / Neoden * Failing on fast turn * Person running production * Recovering from Covid shortages * Airtag teardown [https://colinoflynn.com/2021/05/apple-airtag-teardown-test-point-mapping/] * ESP32 HCI supposed vulnerability (and response) [https://developer.espressif.com/blog/2025/03/esp32-bluetooth-clearing-the-air/] * Colin is writing a book about small scale production * Sign up to learn more about the book when its available [http://smallscaleelectronics.com/]! * Students “Kids these days” * ChatGPT in the classroom * Check out Colin’s blog for more info! [https://colinoflynn.com/]

[https://theamphour.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/692.png] We are doing a 2025 listener survey [https://forms.gle/16kKK8Zhykx39oJF6]! Answer the survey and put in your email to win one of three Jumperless OG units donated by Kevin Cappuccio (past guest of the show [https://theamphour.com/689-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio/]) Note: this was corrected from the original, these are not v5 units, they are the original Jumperless units. Apologies for the confusion ~CG * Chris signed on to get solar installed * He’ll be taking advantage of Duke Energy’s PowerPair [https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/powerpair], a program to get a bulk amount for the battery and ongoing payments to act as a virtual power plant. * Telsa Powerwall 3 Teardown [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VeX4j0gn3g] * Australian politicians are proposing money for batteries for everyone in Australia * Peter Walkinson batteries [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eldXifbNm2A] * CATL [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CATL] batteries * Back powering off a Chevy Bolt [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_j0NPZrH-c] * AC battery power * Peaker plant * Check out the rates for peak power in New South Wales (high!) [https://aemo.com.au/Energy-systems/Electricity/National-Electricity-Market-NEM/Data-NEM/Data-Dashboard-NEM] * Base load * Chris is working on a new series for tiny hardware [https://blog.golioth.io/designing-and-building-an-airtag-clone-a-new-series-from-golioth/] * nRF52840 [https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52840] * With careful planning, it’s possible to get a “0.4 mm pitch” (found out it’s actually 0.35 mm!) onto the JLC 6 layer process [https://m.jlcpcb.com/pages/topicPage/6-layer-pcb] because they now allow via in pad. * Jumperless v5 episode [https://theamphour.com/689-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio/] (though as a reminder, we’re giving away the OG versions, not the v5) * Dave review of Jumperless (mailbag video) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQhQ7yXogwo] * We are doing a 2025 listener survey [https://forms.gle/16kKK8Zhykx39oJF6] and added some new questions * Slow trigger  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfZcvvBwoj8] * R&S version  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuIBgQP5tAQ] * Laminated cheat sheet * Jeff Geerling Bosch video  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M_hmwBBPnc] * The Tariffs in the US are an absolute mess. Since recording they have been downgraded, but they are definitely still going to have some outsized influece on the electronics world. * Chris thinks that it makes more sense to race to the bottom of available parts (like the new $0.10 CH572 [https://www.cnx-software.com/2025/04/02/10-cents-wch-ch570-ch572-risc-v-mcu-features-2-4ghz-wireless-bluetooth-le-5-0-usb-2-0/] with Bluetooth), pay the tariff, and put in more time and effort on the software. Not that Chris is the intended audience, but also that it’s not going to have the effect that is * Ghostbusters song [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters_(song)]