Ep 316: Soft Robots, Linux the Hard Way, Cellphones into SBCs, and the Circuit Graver
Apr 11, 2025
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The hosts dive into the excitement of the Vintage Computer Festival East and the Philadelphia Maker Faire, celebrating the charm of vintage tech. They discuss innovative soft robotics, including a remarkable salamander robot, and a minimalist approach to running Linux on just three 8-pin ICs. Enhancing ESP32 performance with antenna hacks and repurposing old cellphones into single-board computers are explored, showcasing creative recycling. The podcast wraps up with insights into the shifting web browser landscape and the remarkable accuracy of a new circuit board engraving machine.
Attending vintage computer festivals and local maker fairs fosters community engagement, showcasing the evolution of technology through hands-on experiences and knowledge sharing.
The rapidly advancing field of soft robotics emphasizes the creation of adaptable machines that can safely interact with humans, democratizing access through home fabrication techniques.
Innovative projects demonstrate the potential of repurposing old smartphones into single-board computers, promoting sustainability while creating affordable computing solutions with humble beginnings.
Deep dives
Exploring Vintage Technology Events
Attending vintage computer festivals offers an immersive experience that highlights the origins of modern technology. These events attract enthusiasts eager to share knowledge about historical computing devices, allowing visitors to appreciate advancements in technology, like how modern phones operate at vastly improved speeds. Localized maker fairs, which have risen following the decline of large, singular events, create unique opportunities for community engagement and showcase creative projects within a close-knit environment. The engaging atmosphere and diverse exhibits encourage attendees, even those unfamiliar with vintage computing, to explore and understand technological evolution.
Innovations in Soft Robotics
A deep dive into soft robotics reveals its growing importance in creating adaptive machines that can safely interact with human environments. New designs incorporate materials like silicone to create flexible actuators, allowing robots to perform tasks with delicacy and precision. The development of home fabrication techniques for these robots promises to democratize access to advanced robotics, enabling hobbyists to create complex designs with relative ease. This field is gaining traction as it demonstrates practical applications beyond mere experimentation, emphasizing its potential in real-world scenarios.
Minimalist Linux Computer Kit
A unique project showcases the ability to run Linux on an exceptionally minimalistic setup using just three 8-pin ICs. This endeavor aims to create a beginner-friendly kit that anyone, regardless of soldering skill, can assemble to explore the fundamentals of computing. While performance may not match modern standards, the project successfully demonstrates a functioning computer that allows interaction with basic programming. Furthermore, it emphasizes the creativity and potential for educational experiences even in highly constrained hardware environments.
Improving ESP32 Wi-Fi Performance
A simple yet effective hack enhances the Wi-Fi capabilities of cheap ESP32-based boards by adding a custom antenna. This modification addresses the widespread issue of poor onboard antennas often found in low-cost devices, resulting in significant improvements in signal strength and connection quality. The method involves soldering a small component onto the existing antenna, effectively transforming its performance without significant financial investment or technical expertise. This straightforward approach exemplifies the importance of practical modifications to optimize device functionality in everyday applications.
Transforming Old Cell Phones into SBCs
A new initiative focuses on repurposing old smartphones into single-board computers (SBCs), allowing for creative reuses of devices that would otherwise become obsolete. By stripping down phones like the Fairphone 2 and connecting their components to a custom PCB, users can flash a lightweight Linux operating system to create functional computing devices. This environmentally conscious project not only reduces electronic waste but also opens avenues for accessible, low-cost computing solutions. The idea highlights the potential for innovation in utilizing existing technology to foster new projects without the need for entirely new hardware.
Join Hackaday Editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi as they talk about the best stories and hacks of the week. This episode starts off with a discussion of the Vintage Computer Festival East and Philadelphia Maker Faire -- two incredible events that just so happened to be scheduled for the same weekend. From there the discussion moves on to the latest developments in DIY soft robotics, the challenge of running Linux on 8-pin ICs, hardware mods to improve WiFi reception on cheap ESP32 development boards, and what's keeping old smartphones from being reused as general purpose computers.
You'll also hear about Command and Conquer: Red Alert running on the Pi Pico 2, highly suspect USB-C splitters, and producing professional looking PCBs at home with a fiber laser. Stick around to the end to hear about the current state of non-Google web browsers, and a unique new machine that can engrave circuit boards with remarkable accuracy.
Check out the links over on Hackaday if you want to follow along, and as always, tell us what you think about this episode in the comments!
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