Embedded Development

Embedded Development is the process of creating a computing system that is encapsulated within a self contained object. This object may or may not be part of a larger system. In it’s own right it is an Embedded System. So how do you go about creating an Embedded System?

Lance Harvie of People 4 Embedded and a LinkedIn connection of mine has wanted do do a series of interviews with Embedded Developers to go over issues, tips and career advice from those of us who have been in the industry for a while. For our first attempt we decided to try a Skype video call and record it. But Skype was not working well. So then we thought we would try out a Google Hangout and video record the interview.

First tip: never try a process that isn’t fully debugged when it has to work first time.

Second tip: have a backup plan.

From that you might be able to tell that both the Skype and Google Hangout processes didn’t go to plan.

Third tip: don’t rely on debugging during a live demo.

Those who don’t regularly read this blog won’t know that I got into electronics because I was the electric lead guitarist that thought it would be cool to be able to design and build my own amplifiers, racks and effects. I have a post covering my background in Music Electronics.

So I had an audio recorder with me and recorded the audio from the speakers of my laptop. I know there are other ways to do this but I hadn’t expected this to end up being the only thing that worked on the night and I had to make it work right then and there. So the audio you hear is Lance from my speakers sounding a little thin and far away and me in the room. This is also why the video is static but it does have our contact details on it.

Fourth tip: have a fall-back position you know will work.

There will be a transcript soon but you can check out the conversation above. If you want to get a copy of the transcript then either subscribe to the blog or leave a comment.

Successful Endeavours specialise in Electronics Design and Embedded Software Development. Ray Keefe has developed market leading electronics products in Australia for nearly 30 years. This post is Copyright © 2013 Successful Endeavours Pty Ltd.