# Ep064: The COBOL Cabal, the Demoscene Bytes, and the BTLE Cure

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2020-04-24
- Length: 1h 04m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure
- Listen: https://hackaday.libsyn.com/ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure

## Summary

Hackaday editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams discuss the Apple/Google Bluetooth LE contact tracing API, analyzing its privacy-preserving design, adoption challenges, and potential for abuse. They review several hardware hacks, including Oliver Matson's broken inductor bike chain sensor, Marcus Young's ESPHome home automation setup, and a rapid prototyping system for iron-on e-textiles. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the 'COBOL crisis,' exploring the language's enduring role in critical infrastructure and the difficulties of maintaining legacy systems.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure#t=1) Introduction: The COBOL Cabal, the Demoscene Bytes, and the BTLE Cure
- [0:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure#t=30) Apple/Google BTLE Contact Tracing API Analysis
- [13:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure#t=810) 256-Byte Demo Scene Entry and AM Radio Tower Safety
- [22:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure#t=1322) ESPHome Home Automation and Iron-on E-Textiles
- [33:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure#t=2006) Broken Inductor Bike Sensor and Parabolic Basketball Hack
- [39:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure#t=2365) Cyberdecks, Vertigo Device, and Right to Repair
- [48:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-04-24-ep064-the-cobol-cabal-the-demoscene-bytes-and-the-btle-cure#t=2897) The Data Hand Keyboard and the COBOL Crisis

## Topics

- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Apple (company)
- Google (company)
- ESPHome (tool)
- ESP8266 (chip)
- ESP32 (chip)
- Robert Koch Institute (company)
- Chaos Computer Club (company)
- John Deere (company)
- Purdue Medical Innovation Networking and Design (company)
- Data Hand (product)
- LAL Board (product)
- COBOL (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [62: Costs a Penny to Go to the Bathroom (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-10-19-62-costs-a-penny-to-go-to-the-bathroom-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [117: In as Much as Which](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-09-09-117-in-as-much-as-which) (Embedded.fm)
- [62: Costs a Penny to Go to the Bathroom](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-08-06-62-costs-a-penny-to-go-to-the-bathroom) (Embedded.fm)
- [Simulating doors falling off](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-04-04-simulating-doors-falling-off) (The Amp Hour)
- [#001: The future of Bluetooth connectivity with Blecon Founder, Simon Ford](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2024-11-27-001-the-future-of-bluetooth-connectivity-with-blecon-founder-simon-ford) (Coredump Sessions)

## Citing this page

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