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...
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episode 417: EP#417: Cloud of Disks
Join Parker and Stephen as they delve into Japan's decision to phase out floppy disks and CD-ROMs for government submissions. From reminiscing about nostalgic tech quirks to analyzing the challenges and benefits of this transition, they explore the implications for industries and digital competitiveness. Discussing Japan's slow tech evolution, resistance to cloud systems, and the enduring use of floppy disks in various sectors, they ponder the future of outdated tech and its impact on global standings. Tune in to gain insights into the end of an era and what it signifies for technology and society.
????Contest Announcement ????: Introducing a new Circuit Break contest! This contest is themed around building food-related electronic projects. We’re offering over $5,000 in cash prizes, themed trophies, and free prototyping from MacroFab. The deadline to submit is March 31st, 2024. Thanks to Mouser Electronics for sponsoring the contest prizes!
Discussion Highlights:
- War on Floppy Disks ????: Discussing Japan's decision to end the use of floppy disks in government operations.
- Implications of Technological Obsolescence: Speculating on the challenges of transitioning from physical media to digital storage.
- Comparisons to Government Processes: Stephen shares his experience with outdated military specifications and discusses the reliability of military-grade components.
- Automotive and Military Testing: Comparison of testing standards for automotive, military, and space applications, highlighting similarities and differences.
- What does this mean for Parker’s FD5? ????: The implications for Parker's FD5 camera and its reliance on floppy disks, is this a ticking time bomb?
- Nostalgia vs. Modern Replication: Discussion on replicating vintage aesthetics with modern tech, including Parker's use of a disposable camera lens on a mirrorless camera.
- Grease Weasel: Explanation of the grease weasel device and its role in preserving data from old floppy disks.
- Floppy Disk Bombs: Stephen shares a fun and dangerous way of combining matches with floppy disks. Don’t try this at home kids ????.
- Digital Competitiveness: Japan ranks 32 in digital competitiveness. What are the factors that affect a country's technological advancement?
- Industrial Use of Floppy Disks: Some industries still use floppy disks, including automotive, medical devices and avionics. Chuck E. Cheese used them until at least 2023.
- Secure. Contain. Protect. (SCP): Tangent about SCP, a copypasta site about different creatures in an organization called Secure. Contain. Protect.
- Predictions for Technological Obsolescence: Speculation on the last industrial or commercial use of floppy disks and potential next tech equivalents.
- We want to hear from you, so head over to our discourse to let us know:
- What industries that you work in are still using floppy disks?
- What will be the next tech equivalent of a dinosaur?
Relevant links:
- Japan government accepts it’s no longer the ’90s, stops requiring floppy disks
- Our last design contest: EP188 Design Contest - Useless Machines Wrap Up
- Parker’s FD5 Camera: EP379 Taking Pictures With Magnetic Flux
- SCP Foundation
- Chuck E. Cheese still uses floppy disks in 2023, but not for long
Thank you for listening to the MacroFab Engineering Podcast! We’d love to hear what you think of the show so please tweet at us @MacroFab and join our Circuit Break Community for discussions or email us at podcast@macrofab.com.