Of my roughly 40 year career in IT, the past decade has been spent in the world of embedded systems cross compiling via Multi-Arch packages. Some systems require building inside of Docker containers which is not that good but allows more of the never-went-to-college crowd into embedded systems as low wage workers. I’ve done a lot of Debian (and some RPM) packaging over the years. There was a time when all of the SOM/SOC vendors … That Debian Multi-Arch Packaging ThingRead more
embedded systems
Posted inExperience / Investing / Thank You Sir May I Have Another
We’re All Contractors Now
Recruiters seem shocked that we are all contractors now, but that is the way it goes for tech workers, especially those in the medical device/embedded systems world. Honestly, that’s the way it is going for many job sectors. I’ve been meaning to write something about this Paul Solman story on PBS News Hour so I guess I will merge it in with this. They both stem from much the same place. I’ve written about unemployment … We’re All Contractors NowRead more
Posted inExperience / Information Technology
So You Can’t Find Yocto People
I have been somewhat hounded since February, perhaps as late as March about a project that needs yocto skills. Like most embedded systems people who are professionals, I dabble in yocto when a project requires it. I don’t do “kernel mods” and I don’t write device drivers but I will work on recipes to change out device trees and add our custom software. Some of the newer tools from Toradex make yocto builds a bit … So You Can’t Find Yocto PeopleRead more
Posted inInformation Technology
This is why I like working on medical devices
People always ask why don’t write apps for idiot phones. The simple answer is I don’t like killing people, I like helping save them. At some point your app is going to distract someone. They will walk out in traffic, fall through an open manhole, mow down a woman carrying a baby in the crosswalk, or some other horrible thing all because your app was on their phone and distracting them. Yeah, the early days … This is why I like working on medical devicesRead more
Posted inInformation Technology / Raspberry Pi / Thank You Sir May I Have Another
Raspberry Qt – Part 12 – QML Blows Big Stinky Chunks
Given all of the rah-rah about QML and all of the calls I get about it I think it is time for a level headed appraisal. Unless you are developing only for a platform which already has to drag around the fully loaded 18 wheeler known as a javascript engine and it is actually able to do it, there is no reason to be using QML. You don’t give your battery powered contraption which has … Raspberry Qt – Part 12 – QML Blows Big Stinky ChunksRead more