Hackaday Podcast

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.

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?  

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Discover the secrets of 3D printing with tips to enhance your projects, including how to optimize shell strength and hole placements. Explore the clever transformation of Chromeboxes into energy-efficient PCs. Dive into nostalgic tech with a DIY holochess table inspired by Star Wars and discussions on upgrading classic ThinkPads. Uncover innovative communication technologies that utilize meteor reflections for signals and debate on the ethics surrounding open-source licensing controversies. It's a whirlwind of creativity and tech exploration!

This week, Hackaday's Elliot Williams and Kristina Panos met up across the universe to bring you the latest news, mystery sound, and of course, a big bunch of hacks from the previous week. In Hackaday news, the 2025 Pet Hacks Contest rolls on. You have until June 10th to show us what you've got, so head over to Hackaday.IO and get started today! On What's That Sound, Kristina actually got it this time, although she couldn't quite muster the correct name for it, however at Hackaday we'll be calling it the "glassophone" from now on. Congratulations to [disaster_recovered] who fared better and wins a limited edition Hackaday Podcast t-shirt! After that, it's on to the hacks and such, beginning with a complete and completely-documented wireless USB autopsy. We take a look at a lovely 3D-printed downspout, some DIY penicillin, and a jellybean iMac that's hiding a modern PC. Finally, we explore a really cool 3D printing technology, and ask what happened to typing 'www.'. Check out the links below if you want to follow along, and as always, tell us what you think about this episode in the comments!

Dive into the fascinating world of virtual keyboards designed for alternate realities, and discover projects blending oscilloscope music with innovative synth technology. Journey back to the origins of precision machining and see how ancient techniques still inspire modern creativity, featuring unique builds like 3D-printed typewriters and pneumatic grippers. Reflect on the challenges of open-source software while mourning the loss of beloved electronics magazines, all while exploring how DIY craftsmanship continues to evolve.