Hackaday Podcast

Hackaday
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Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 3min

Ep 337: Homebrew Inductors, Teletypes in the Bedroom, and Action!

Dive into the thrilling world of space exploration as the hosts discuss the final pushes for the ISS and tantalizing hints of life on Mars. Get hands-on with homebrew inductors, where crafting your own is easier than you think! Explore the nostalgia of retro computing, including the fascinating history of IRC and the quirky language Action. Plus, hear about the challenges and triumphs of constructing a scratch-built ultralight helicopter. It's a mix of innovation, creativity, and a dash of humor!
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Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 3min

Ep 336: DIY Datasette, Egg Cracking Machine, and Screwing 3D Prints

Thunderstorms were raging across southern Germany as Elliot Williams was joined by Jenny List for this week's podcast. The deluge outside didn't stop the hacks coming though, and we've got a healthy smorgasbord for you to snack from. There's the cutest ever data cassette recorder taking a tiny Olympus dictation machine and re-engineering it with a beautiful case for the Commodore 64, a vastly overcomplex machine for perfectly cracking an egg, the best lightning talk timer Hackaday has ever seen, and a demoscene challenge that eschews a CPU. Then in Quick Hacks we've got a QWERTY slider phone, and a self-rowing canoe that comes straight out of Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice sequence. For a long time we've had a Field guide series covering tech in infrastructure and other public plain sight, and this week's one dealt with pivot irrigation. A new subject for Jenny who grew up on a farm in a wet country. Then both editors are for once in agreement, over using self-tapping screws to assemble 3D-printed structures. Sit back and enjoy the show!  
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Aug 29, 2025 • 57min

Ep 335: Beer, Toast, and Pi

Join the hosts as they dive into the intriguing world of brewing, with a focus on automating the mashing process for homemade beer. They tackle lightning protection with an innovative system developed for rural Arkansas. Discover solutions for reviving dead Ryobi batteries and unravel the nuances of consumer technology, including evolving business models. Plus, they discuss the challenges of coding with the RP2040 microcontroller and the complexities of measuring liquids in outer space. It's a delightful mix of tech and creativity!
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Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 22min

Ep 334: Radioactive Shrimp Clocks, Funky Filaments, Owning the Hardware

Dive into the bizarre world of potentially radioactive shrimp hitting grocery stores! Explore the quirky results of the One Hertz Challenge featuring atomic clocks and timekeeping secrets. Discover tips for creating clear digital schematics, while also delving into innovative 3D printing materials. Learn how old smartphones can double as low-power servers and the sustainable future of circuitry. Plus, uncover the power of open-source firmware, allowing you to tweak your hardware and make it truly yours!
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Aug 15, 2025 • 49min

Ep 333: Nightmare Whiffletrees, 18650 Safety, and a Telephone Twofer

Join the hosts as they dive into fascinating innovations in robotics, showcasing a talking robot that uses typewriter tech. Discover the challenges of bringing retro computers like the PDP-1 back to life, alongside safety discussions on battery usage. Get creative with unique projects like fluid simulation business cards and striking DIY designs. Plus, explore the limitations of smartphones and the intriguing history of early telephone broadcasting that laid the groundwork for today's podcasts. Don't miss this eclectic mix of tech and creativity!
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Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 9min

Ep 332: 5 Axes are Better than 3, Hacking Your Behavior, and the Man Who Made Models

A new 5-axis 3D printer makes waves with its non-planar printing capabilities, eliminating overhangs. The hosts dive into the quirks of budget vs. premium digital microscopes, revealing surprising insights about their performance. They also tackle naming challenges in tech, shedding light on systemic issues for those with unique names. Plus, there's a nostalgic nod to model making and a reminder of lightning safety in aviation. And don't forget about the upcoming sci-fi Halloween party at Supercon—it's going to be a blast!
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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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