Open Source Hardware Explained - EEVblog #195

Open your mind to Open Source Hardware.
Dave gives you the low-down on what Open Source Hardware (OSHW) is, how it works, and some benefits of using it for your own projects.
LINKS:
http://freedomdefined.org/OSHW
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_hardware
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
http://www.ohwr.org/cernohl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGPL
http://www.tapr.org/ohl.html

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• open
• source
• hardware
• oshw
• arduino
• creative
• commons
• gpl
• copy
• left
• tutorial
• how
• do
• diy
• pcb
• schematic
• gerber
• cad
• altium
• eagle
• geda
• kicad
• pic32
• chipkit
• license
• cern
• software
• technology
• computer
• manufacture
• share-alike
• non-commercial
• money
• patent

[twistedsymphony]

Good video but I think one of the more important aspects that you neglected is that Open Source products in general will reach a much much larger audience than they would if they were closed source. An example used in software is that if your closed source product sells 100 copies at $10 for $1000 total profit, as open source you might have 10,000 downloads with 2% of down-loaders donating an average of $10 for $2000 total profit. It can work similarly with hardware due to increase word of mouth

[EEVblog]

@twistedsymphony Yes, forgot to mention that important aspect. People love to spread the word about open source projects, so that can help a lot.

[rampike74]

When you slip into philosophy things get a bit fuzzy.

[EEVblog]

@rampike74 Indeed they do! OSHW is very much a philosophical thing.

[spuzzdawg]

Dave, you probably should have discussed the shortcomings of open-source licenses for hardware. Open-source licences on hardware are not enforceable, whilst you can place an open license on the files explaining how to make a product, but this licence does not transfer to the physical hardware once made. Nothing stops a company making a copy of an open-source product and then patenting it for themselves and preventing you from making your own product.

[EEVblog]

@spuzzdawg I believe that's what the new hardware specific licences are for. And they will evolve with time to truly cover things. But even if they are iron clad legally, that doesn't stop those who want to copy something, especially in another country. Just like getting a patent does not actually stop anyone copying your patented design.

[Afrotechmods]

The irony of this video is that some asshole from Lucasfilm will claim copyright infringement on the Indy theme.

[EEVblog]

@egokick Try to learn that some people speak like this naturally. Not everyone speaks the same, there is no such thing as "normal". It's called a High Rising Terminal. Google it and learn.

[Pagweb]

@raindogred I was thinking of that first, but the USB to Serial IC is not available is dip package. So, no go on that... Anyway, I ended up buying an original Arduino at radio shack.

[raindogred]

@Pagweb you want cheap-just breadboard one. tons of info out there on how to do that

[brianfindsall]

(CONTINUED) I,m Looking for some better pots for volume control. ie, The ones im using dont turn down enough And also they go to high (LOUD). I was woundering dave you being a real pro, If you could help me out with some advice mate (PLEASE) so i can get my project back on the skids Im using a very basic diagram, it works but there are no values on the parts it,s a bit of a guessing game They are going to have a mono stereo switch + volume on both cups. Right bact to your vids mate. regards Bri

[brianfindsall]

hello from the UK dave, I,v just started a little project trying to make some old style hi fi over the ear headphones. Never having solderd or done any electronics, I thought i would turn to utube, And very glad i did to i stumbbled on your vids mate and boy are they intresting. I have already learned from you how to do basic soldering and im loving it, Im even learning how to use a multimeter (Brilliant) Anyway im woundering if you can help me mate. (TO BE CONTINUED)

[iStalkApple]

Wow. I am just beginning to really get into hardware and absolutely love it. You really inspire me to make a contribution. I would not care if I received a flood of emails or a corporation used my hardware for money. I just love the fact that I know I made it and people use it for the better of things.

[Pagweb]

Even though the Arduino is open source, I couldn't find a cheap Chinese make. I think I'm going to have to buy the one made in Italy.

[DingofromOz]

That has to be the Amiga version of the Indiana Jones song, am I right?

[spuzzdawg]

@elchippe The exact laws may vary according to region, however, it is possible to restrict permissions on a design from public use even if that design was originally publicly available. This is the reason for the share-alike clause in most open-source software licences. The complicating factor here is that, for reasons best explained by a lawyer, open-source software licences can apply to the software design but do not apply to the hardware created from it.

[elchippe]

@spuzzdawg you cannot patent something that is first available to the public like in the case of open source.