Hackaday Podcast

Hackaday
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Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 6min

Ep 341: Qualcomm Owns Arduino, Steppers Still Dominate 3D Printing, and Google Controls Your Apps

Qualcomm's acquisition of Arduino raises questions about the future of the platform. Google introduces developer restrictions on Android sideloading, impacting user rights and open-source projects. The hosts explore the dominance of stepper motors in 3D printing and delve into innovative hacks like a mechanical LEGO DVD logo. They also discuss custom LCD projects, algorithmic art, and tiny RV conversions, showcasing creativity in technology. Plus, insights on voltage standards in logic circuits provide a fascinating historical context.
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Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 12min

Ep 340: The Best Programming Language, Space Surgery, and Hacking Two 3D Printers into One

Elliot and Al delve into what the IEEE considers the best programming languages of 2025, discussing Python's dominance and the impact of AI on programming jobs. They explore a quirky robot bartending hack, and a minimalist analog drum machine design. Excitingly, they investigate cannibalizing two 3D printers to create a more advanced one, and the fascinating challenge of performing surgery in space. Plus, a peek into a Fortran flight simulator being ported to Unity adds to the tech thrills. Don't miss their take on various innovative projects!
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Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 19min

Ep 339: The Vape Episode, a Flying DeLorean, and DIY Science

Explore the high-tech world of vapes that can run Doom and host web servers. Discover the ambitious project of a flying DeLorean and hear about a DIY method to detect heartbeats using Wi-Fi. Dive into backyard astronomy with low-cost radio telescopes and a smart camera eyepiece. Learn about innovative hacks like a 3D-printed speaker and a quick box assembly tool. Finally, discuss the implications of wearable smart glasses and the importance of safety regulations for home battery installations.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 55min

Ep 338: Smoothing 3D Prints, Reading CNC Joints, and Detecting Spicy Shrimp

Dive into the latest tech innovations, from smoothing 3D prints with heated ball probes to fascinating retro AI projects. Discover the art of using typefaces as CNC joinery and the intricate history of email protocols. Learn about the quirky detection of spicy shrimp and why American Science & Surplus is scaling back. Plus, a nostalgic twist with the reveal of the Beakman's World theme. Packed with community hacks and a new contest, this episode celebrates creativity in tech!
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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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