Hackaday Podcast

Hackaday
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Aug 1, 2025 • 49min

Ep 331: Clever Machine Tools, Storing Data in Birds, and the Ultimate Cyberdeck

Another week, another Hackaday podcast, and for this one Elliot is joined by Jenny List, fresh from the BornHack hacker camp in Denmark. There's a definite metal working flavour to this week's picks, with new and exciting CNC techniques and a selective electroplater that can transfer bitmaps to metal. But worry not, there's plenty more to tease the ear, with one of the nicest cyberdecks we've ever seen, and a bird that can store images in its song. Standout quick hacks are a synth that makes sounds from Ethernet packets, and the revelation that the original PlayStation is now old enough to need replacement motherboards. Finally we take a closer look at the huge effort that goes in to monitoring America's high voltage power infrastructure, and some concerning privacy news from the UK. Have a listen!
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Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 1min

Ep 330: Hover Turtles, Dull Designs, and K'nex Computers

Catch up on the wonders of vibe coding and a daring space repair near Jupiter! Discover innovative hacks like paste-extruded egg shells and a quirky 8-bit mechanical computer made from K'nex. Dive into the dull world of modern cell phone designs and learn how fresh fruit travels from farm to table in the winter. Plus, explore the fascinating complexities of the North American cold chain and the importance of reliable behind-the-scenes services that keep our lives running smoothly.
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Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 13min

Ep 329: AI Surgery, a Prison Camp Lathe, and a One Hertz Four-Fer

Dive into the world of groundbreaking AI-assisted surgery with innovative robots transforming the medical field. Explore the fascinating realm of fusion reactors making strides in energy production. Discover quirky projects from the One Hertz Challenge, showcasing the community’s creativity. Unearth a remarkable story of ingenuity during WWII, where prisoners crafted prosthetic limbs in a clandestine shop. Plus, a look at the rise and fall of Blu-ray amid the streaming era – all packed into a treasure trove of technology and tales!
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Jul 11, 2025 • 44min

Ep 328: Benchies, Beanies, and Back to the Future

The hosts dive into the thrilling One Hertz Challenge, encouraging listeners to get involved. They explore innovative 3D printing hacks, including a speedy Benchy and a realistic cowbell, sharing the humorous challenges faced along the way. A nostalgic look at tech from 'Back to the Future' is woven in alongside discussions of the unique Chisanbop math tool. Fun facts about the video game Half-Life lead to an engaging guessing game, promising a mix of creativity, nostalgia, and tech insights.
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Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 9min

Ep 327: A Ploopy Knob, Rube-Goldberg Book Scanner, Hard Drives And Power Grids Oscillating Out Of Control

It's Independence Day here in the USA, but if you're not a fan of fireworks and hot dogs, Elliot and Dan's rundown of the best hacks of the week is certainly something to celebrate. Rest easy, because nothing exploded, not even the pneumatic standing desk that [Matthias] tore into, nor the electroplated 3D prints that [H3NDRIK] took a blowtorch to. We both really loved the Ploopiest knob you've ever seen, which would be even Ploopier in anodized aluminum, as well as an automatic book scanner that takes its job very seriously. We looked into the mysteries of the Smith chart, another couple of fantastic student projects out of Cornell, the pros and cons of service loops, and what happened when the lights went out in Spain last Spring. And what does Janet Jackson have against laptops anyway?  
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Jun 27, 2025 • 54min

Ep 326: A DIY Pockel Cell, Funny Materials to 3D Print With, and Pwning a Nissan Leaf

This week dives into impressive DIY projects, including a home-made Pockels cell light valve. Explore the fascinating world of 3D printing with innovative materials, and get insights into vulnerabilities in the Nissan Leaf’s cybersecurity. The hosts celebrate quirky winners from a recent pet hacks contest and introduce a new challenge that encourages creativity. Other topics include a look at the history of satellite phones and engaging with automotive sound quizzes, all while battling summer heat and noisy fans!
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4 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 59min

Ep 325: The Laugh Track Machine, DIY USB-C Power Cables, and Plastic Punches

This week, the hosts dive into fascinating projects like DIY USB cables and innovative 3D printed clocks with interactive features. They discuss the intriguing roles of ham radio operators during WWII and the cultural impact of laugh tracks in comedy. Highlights include the legacy of NOAA's polar satellites, the evolution of manufacturing through 3D printing, and dreams of moon bases from the Cold War era. Plus, get insights into unique magnetic material designs and the latest in circuit board creativity.
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Jun 7, 2025 • 43min

Ep 324: Ribbon Microphone From A Gumstick, Texture From a Virtual Log, and a Robot Arm From PVC

Discover the latest breakthroughs in adaptive optics, capturing stunning images of the sun. Uncover the ingenious Raspberry Pi hack that keeps mischievous cats from bringing home live prey. Explore a DIY ribbon microphone crafted from everyday items, and delve into advanced 3D printing techniques that enhance the strength and customization of designs. Plus, learn about a 6-DOF robotic arm project and the decline of Blackberry keyboards. Join in on the fun with a sound guessing game that tests listeners' sonar tech knowledge!
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May 30, 2025 • 58min

Ep 323: Impossible CRT Surgery, Fuel Cells, Stream Gages, and a Love Letter to Microcontrollers

Our choice of hacks included a fond look at embedded systems and the classic fashion sense of Cornell's Bruce Land, risky open CRT surgery, a very strange but very cool way to make music, and the ultimate backyard astronomer's observatory. We talked about Stamp collecting for SMD prototyping, crushing aluminum with a boatload of current, a PC that heats your seat, and bringing HDMI to the Commodore 64. We also took a look at flight tracking IRL, a Flipper-based POV, the ultimate internet toaster, and printing SVGs for fun and profit. Finally, we wrapped things up with a look at the tech behind real-time river flow tracking and a peek inside the surprisingly energetic world of fuel cells. Check out all the links over at Hackaday!
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May 23, 2025 • 56min

Ep 322: Fake Hackaday Writers, New Retro Computers, and a Web Rant

This week, the hosts pay tribute to Ed Smylie, who ingeniously helped save the Apollo 13 astronauts. They unveil exciting open-source projects, including a high-speed Ethernet switch and the revival of Doom on an Atari ST. A minimalist programming language from the '70s, Mouse, is explored alongside hacks like a Raspberry Pi image processor. The discussion also critiques modern web design challenges and the pitfalls of tech company dominance, while humorously pondering AI's attempt at emulating human creativity. Tune in for a mix of nostalgia and innovation!

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