532: It's Still Real Fire
Summary
Elisio and Christopher White interview Kevin Santo Caputo, founder of Arctuthus Flux, about his Jumperless breadboard. This device replaces physical jumper wires with software-controlled analog crossbar switches and 445 LEDs to visualize connections. They discuss its use for prototyping, educational benefits for dyslexic users, and scripting capabilities via MicroPython. Caputo also previews the upcoming Barnacle Board, a modular system allowing seamless transitions from breadboarding to permanent PCBs.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest Kevin Santo Caputo
What is Jumperless and how it works
Lightning round: squid, wire wrap, and projects
Hackaday Prize entry and real fire incidents
Excel interface and crossbar electronics
Tool vs. toy and professional use cases
Explaining Jumperless to non-engineers
Hardware vs. software simulation limitations
V5 launch video and marketing style
The probe feature and standalone operation
Scriptable circuits and MicroPython integration
Audio applications and switched capacitors
Guitar pedals, impedance, and synth ideas
Accessibility for dyslexic users
Evolvable hardware and AI/LLM assistance
Brute force electronics and current limits
Resistance, parallel paths, and charge pumps
Crossbar switch history and networking
Moving from Jumperless to schematics
Component identification and user demographics
One-person operation and support workflow
Luxury breadboard and perf board features
Barnacle module and card edge connector
Soldering verification and aesthetic design
Barnacle release, cost, and open source
Breadboard durability and tube circuits
Open source adoption and community goals
Getting started with 555 timer projects
MicroPython, RP2350, and GPIO access
Arduino Nano header and web flashing
Workflow from emulation to hardware pedal
FM synthesis and oscillator modulation
Multi-module synth experimentation
Old breadboards and nostalgic hardware
Documentation depth and visual nature
Hackaday Prize win and Supercon proposals
Lenticular silkscreen shirts and puff ink
Coupon code and final sensitive magnetometer
Lightning round: squid facts and opinions
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